What Difference Does it Make?

Our Bishop has described this time in the history of our diocese as an “historic” moment. The homily for today will have more to say about this. As you read this in the pew or at home, I encourage you to reflect more deeply on this description. It is historic, not just because of the amounts of money that we are trying to raise, but also because it is a moment of faith. In this “year of faith” we are being given another point of reflection to aid us in our consideration. A decision is wrapped into this act of faith. That is what we need to consider.

In the duration of my priesthood there have been too many times when I find myself fretting about the parish. Will we meet our goal? Is it even possible? It is not merely about an artificial or man-made finish line. It is about making a choice in favor of the Church and the work we do. Will we choose the Church? Will we choose help to take the church in a new direction?

Many times we have re-called this “new direction” and now our recollection brings us to this catharsis. Now we have to choose. Life is filled with these moments. The painful ones either have to do with our personal comfort or with money. But all choices should be motivated by the knowledge of God’s love for us. We make this choice, and basing it on love we most certainly have a better opportunity to be successful.

I suppose everyone has a favored Bible reading. I have a few. This is one that helped to guide me as I became Catholic.

Isaiah 2:1
This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 In days to come, The mountain of the LORD's house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it. 3 Many peoples shall come and say: "Come, let us go up to the LORD's mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths." For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and set terms for many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. 5 House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!

 Together let us build a new day, a new direction.