Dear Friends in Christ,

For the past several weeks, the Gospel readings have shown us a picture of Jesus who cares about the suffering of people and who is always willing to heal and expel the demons that afflict daily life. The coming of Jesus into this world signifies God's victory over death and suffering and further signifies the coming of His kingdom. In God's kingdom, there is no more suffering and death but only life eternal for those who put their trust and faith in Him.

Jesus gives us the gift of the Church to remind us and make available to us His real presence in the life of the Sacraments. Through the Church, we are given the strength to overcome our daily fears and also to overcome our ultimate fear of death. The gift to us of God's grace can help all believers in the midst of our greatest fears to conquer the "potential for despair and turning from God." Scripture tells us that many people in the time of Jesus recognized His willingness to relieve pain and suffering. St. Mark relays that "people kept coming to him from everywhere." My friends, blessed are they who realize that God is their only hope and salvation. There is no other savior than our Savior – Jesus.

Thus, knowing that our life in this world has a definite end sooner or later, how are we as believers to live out our daily lives? St. Paul, in the second reading for this weekend gives us clear formulae.

"Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (I Corinthians 10:31-11:1)

Therefore:

Do everything for the glory of God.
Avoid giving offense to anyone.
Strive to not seek your own benefit by caring for others.
Live by the example of those who truly follow Christ in word and deed.

As always, I invite you to pray with me for the desire to receive God's grace and put into greater practice the profound wisdom of Saint Paul. My friends, God is always willing to give us what we need to live out our lives successfully. However, we must be willing to receive what God is offering.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. James Tarantino,
Pastor