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November 6, 2020Our Lights in the Darkness Celebration last Sunday was a great experience for the 30some folks who attended. Ryan and Tasha’s music is always uplifting and the sense of community with everyone respecting each other’s space was wonderful. Afterwards, the field trip to the beach to watch the rising of the moon added to the fun. We plan to do it again on November 29th at 5pm in the Churchyard. So, mark your calendars so you can join in a great community event.
Wednesday, the “eleventh day of the eleventh month,” was chosen for the armistice that ended the Great War in 1918. Most European nations as well as Canada observe the day as a “Memorial Day” for those killed in war. In a way this day is an extension of our Catholic All Souls’ Day.
In our country we observe the day as Veterans Day. It is a day that invites us to remember the men and women who have put themselves in harm’s way to defend our way of life and the values we hold dear. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those killed in the line of duty, those still suffering from the effects of their generous response to the Nation’s call, and, of course, everyone who has retired from active duty.
Lately a good number of folks have been attending daily Mass – an average of 15 in the past week. It would be great if you joined us for the 8am Mass on Wednesday to honor our veterans. Let us remember those who have sacrificed so much to serve our Country. Let us keep them all in our prayers, on Veterans Day and always.
Dear Lord,
Today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect their country.
We pray that you will bless them for their unselfish service in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety, and our country’s heritage, for all of us.
Bless them abundantly for the hardships they faced, for the sacrifices they made for their many different contributions to America’s victories over tyranny and oppression. Amen!I want to acknowledge the fear and anger that so many of us on both sides of the political divide have experienced this week. On Wednesday, I think the folks in our School for Disciples were able to talk and pray about the fear and anger in a calm way that respected the fact that there are different perspectives on what is happening in our country and in our world. We agreed that our country is in moral decline. Moving forward, I would hope that we can talk about the complex reasons for that decline. I pray that our little faith community by our sense of peace and unity might shine a light of hope on our little portion of this world that God so loves. As believers may we trust that God is endlessly, if hiddenly, making all things new.
Taking the Gospel Home: Read Matthew 25: 1-13. As you reflect on how the five wise virgins were prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, consider what you can do to brighten the path to God’s kingdom.
Jesus’ parable is about being watchful and well prepared. What kinds of things would you do to make sure you were one of those “who were ready”? have compassion on the sick? the homeless? the planet? victims of prejudice? When you watch for God in your life do you sometimes become drowsy?
