Greetings from Fr. Dave

Each Fall we do a homily series after consulting with Pastoral Council and praying for guidance and direction. Beginning this week we will begin a series focusing on some really practical, everyday issues that challenge just about all of us.

The Good News of Jesus touches every part of our lives and brings hope and clarity. That is what we will be delving into in upcoming homilies. Jesus gives us sound and timeless input on universal topics: relationships, health, money, work, family, priorities, problems, suffering, dreams, decision making. In each of these areas, if we choose to “honor” God, we will find a deep peace in our lives.

So here we go into Week 1, and I will be talking about Seeing Wealth Through the Eyes of Jesus, starting with this topic because our Gospel this weekend speaks directly to it. Here are my main points:

• Everything we have ultimately is GIFT and all gifts are given to us with the purpose of flowing thru us to enrich others
• Dangers of riches: distraction, anxiety, greed, selfishness, false priorities, and false security
• Blessings of riches: opportunities to give, having choices, freedom from anxiety and the daily burden of barely surviving, and satisfaction of making a difference for others

In an openness to the Holy Spirit drawing us to the next level in our response to God, Matthew Kelly offers this prayer. Try it on!

Lord, here I am.
I trust that you have an incredible plan for me.
Transform me. Transform my life.
Everything is on the table.
Take what you want to take and give what you want to give.
I make myself 100 percent available to you today.
Transform me into the person you created me to be,
so I can live the life you envisioned for me at the beginning of time.
I hold nothing back.
Lead me, challenge me, encourage me, and open my eyes to all your possibilities.
Show me what it is you want me to do, and I will do it.
Amen.
 

And Bishop Robert Barron reminds us:

Your life is not about you; You are not in control; This is not your project. Rather you are part of God’s great design.

Last week, funeral services were held for Lisa Schmidt, daughter of Peg Wills. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.