Pastor's Column 5-22-2022
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May 22, 2022Dear Parishioners,
This past week our nation was gripped by news of a mass shooting. Our nation grieves at this news and any acts of violence against the innocent. Confronted by the problem of evil we naturally ask the question: why? The Gospel for this weekend, taken from John’s Gospel gives the answer. The words our Lord speaks are repeated at every Mass after the Our Father and before exchanging the sign of peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” These words cut through the grief, sadness, and despair that comes with such news. We learn at every Mass that the peace which Christ brings is unique. His peace does not mean the absence of war or violence. In fact, he says these words on Holy Thursday night; the day before his violent crucifixion. In a word, peace comes even amid violence.
What is the kind of peace that the Lord brings? He continues: “Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” Followers of Christ realize that the Lord’s peace and worldly peace are two quite different things. Jesus does not present a set of military options or diplomatic solutions. It is not to say that politics and economics do not matter. Military options and diplomatic solutions offer a piece of the puzzle. But, ultimately, peace doesn’t result simply from the absence of violent conflict. Christ promises a true and lasting peace which only He can give.
When Christians speak of peace, we mean the restoration of friendship between God and humanity. Christ accomplished that miracle on the cross. On Good Friday, we find every form of evil: betrayal, violence, deception, envy, greed, and so on. These sins against God and our fellow man separate us from each other. On Easter Sunday, Christ rises from the dead. He shows us that evil does not get the last word. His resurrection means that peace can exist even after tragedy. So, we pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died. We pray for the families and friends experiencing grief. We pray for the conversion and repentance of the perpetrator. Praying to Christ is the ultimate solution for peace.
In other news, this weekend we hosted our Annual Golf Tournament to raise funds for our sports program. I want to thank all those involved in organizing this herculean effort to help support our youth. I also want to thank the donors and players who participated in it. I also want to thank the Knights of Columbus and all those who donated to our Annual KOFC Baby Shower Breakfast. The funds and materials gathered will help support young families throughout the state. It is important to remember all the good that happens here at St. Teresa to give us hope when confronted by terrible news elsewhere.
This week we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. We remember that Jesus returns to his heavenly father so that he can send the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be held on Thursday, May 26th at 7:15am, 12:00pm and 7:00pm.
Finally, the Air Conditioners have been turned on (of course we could certainly hear them last weekend). One of the units was louder than usual. By the time we publish this bulletin I hope that the problem will have been fixed. I am certainly grateful to worship in a church with A/C!
In the Risen Christ!
Fr. Barrow
