Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time

10-30-2022From Fr. Antony's DeskFr. Antony Arockiadoss

Dear Family!

I thank you for coming out to support me at my installation. It was a joy to be with our Bishop and brother priests and deacons at mass. Bishop’s message will linger in my mind and heart for a long time when he said, “Priest is a person who believes in Jesus, so when you look for Fr. Antony, you don’t ‘believe in’ Fr. Antony, you ‘believe with’ Fr. Antony to believe in Jesus Christ.”

The readings focus on ‘justice’. Our human understanding of ‘justice’ results from logic - you worked for a month and you get your pay; you did this and you get this. To be fair is a balance between an act and a result (reward or punishment). ‘Justice’ in God’s language is rooted in love. God’s love is present while we are still sinners (St. Paul). To be just, to be fair in God’s language is to be in love. The First Reading reminds us that God’s almighty power includes his strength to be merciful.

The story of Zacchaeus is actually the story of God’s essence; the story of who God is. Once we learn as to who God is, this same story becomes our story. It becomes our story in three different ways: A) I feel God’s call to a holy way of life. I think of one thing that I could work on in my personal life to become a better person this week, this month, this year. B) I feel I need to love like Jesus despite the sins of others (my family, my friends etc) because God loves me that way. C) I feel God wants me to be generous with my love towards others.

While at the same time reflecting and praying with the readings, I urge into action the following: Before educating our children, educating parents need to be a priority. I strongly recommend the parents to be part of an initiative called - Faith Formation Parents Association. This will help the parents tremendously to formation and information on our Faith and Morals. Even if you have no children in Faith Formation, you could be a part of this. The objective behind this initiative is ‘Family Catechesis.’ Please call or talk to me or a deacon, Faith Formation office.

Jesus invited Zacchaeus and made him to feel God’s love. Our parish needs a ministry that shares the same sentiments - to invite people and share God’s love. A Welcoming Committee that invites people (like our Bishop and other parish initiatives). Please help your parish in these important ministries. I am always grateful to you! God bless you!

Now that I presented to you all the 8 committees, we approach the parish community to participate in various ministries of parish life so that we grow into one, strong family rooted in faith and service in keeping the commandments of love God and neighbor. I need your prayers, support and active participation in these ministries.

Fr. Antony

BACK TO LIST