FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Dear Beloved St. Mary’s Parishioners,
If you have been keeping up with the news lately, you’re aware of the tragic situation unfolding in Israel as we speak. The suffering is unspeakable, almost unimaginable. The conflict seems poised to spread to other countries in the Middle East. All the while, war continues to rage in Ukraine. China sets its lustrous eyes on Taiwan. While back at home, many struggle to pay the bills. The problems of our daily lives still linger. Humanity seems determined to tear itself apart. Yet in the midst of these raging storms swirling around us like a tornado of tears, can you hear the voice of our Heavenly Father? It’s a tiny, calm whisper. If we’re not careful, we can easily miss it. Do you recognize it? Can you distinguish it from the cacophony of screams and cries of our brokenness?
“You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness.” St. Augustine masterfully wrote in his 4th century autobiography, The Confessions, after an encounter with Jesus Christ. “You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace.” This great saint heard the voice!
Well what does it say? It’s found in the Gospel reading this Sunday. Jesus gives us the parable of the King who desires to throw a wedding feast for his son. He tells his servants to go out and to call the invited guests to the reception. But sadly, they refuse to come. He then tells his servants to broaden the invitation by going out into the streets. The meaning of the story is absolutely clear. The “wedding feast” is none other than Heaven itself. The servants are his prophets and priests, who go out inviting all of humanity to attend. Yet they are distracted by other silly things of the world. They sadly do not recognize the voice.
At this very moment, Jesus is calling us. We must respond to his call. Do not focus on the storms. Rather, stop, pray and listen. God is talking to us.
A Slave of Jesus Christ,
Fr. Brian J. Soliven
