As we celebrate the 20th Sunday in the Ordinary Time of the Year this weekend, our Scripture readings remind us that being a disciple of Jesus comes at a cost. The road on which Jesus leads us won’t be easy. Divisions will come, even among our closest relationships. Division and controversy accompanies the proclamation of God’s Kingdom. They go hand in hand. The good news – living within the community of Jesus’ disciples assures us that we are not alone in our struggles and provides us the support of other disciples – each other.
Like most of us I receive newsy emails from some of the people I know. A friend of mine from my Drum & Bugle Corps days puts out a daily W.O.W. (Words of Wisdom) email. A recent W.O.W. contained some thoughts from the late Andy Rooney. His common, everyday wisdom contains some powerful thoughts and practical advice. I thought that I would share them with you here this weekend.
Some thoughts from Andy Rooney:
I’ve learned … that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I’ve learned … that when you’re in love, it shows.
I’ve learned … that just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day.
I’ve learned … that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I’ve learned … that being kind is more important than being right.
I’ve learned … that you should never say “no” to a gift from a child.
I’ve learned … that I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.
I’ve learned … that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I’ve learned … that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I’ve learned … that simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I’ve learned … that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I’ve learned … that we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.
I’ve learned … that money doesn’t buy class.
I’ve learned … that it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I’ve learned … that under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be held when it is a life threatening situation.
I’ve learned … that the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Hope you found these as insightful as I did.
Monday, August 15th, is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is a major feast day of our church and normally a Holy Day of Obligation. But when the feast of the Assumption falls on a Saturday or on a Monday (like this year), the obligation to attend Mass is suspended. We still celebrate the feast day, but without the obligation for all to participate in Mass. Masses for the feast of the Assumption will be celebrated in the church at 7:00am and at 12:05pm.
Thank you to all who are supporting the 2016 Joliet Diocesan Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal. Our pledges support the work of the diocese, our larger church. Thank you to the 1,031 households who have already paid $130,675 towards our parish goal of $171,242. Your generosity is deeply appreciated. If you haven’t had a chance to respond to the 2016 Joliet Diocesan Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal, please do so as soon as possible. We have additional commitment envelopes at the Parish Office and the Hospitality Desk in the Church.
Monday’s Feast of the Assumption usually signals the end of summer for me. Parish life dramatically picks up after this feast as we prepare for the beginning of the school year. Local High School fall sports officially began last Wednesday. I am celebrating Mass this morning with the St. Francis High School Girls’ Volleyball teams following their weekend camp. We’ve already had a Grade School Board meeting and new families were welcomed last Tuesday evening. Classes begin next week. We ask God’s continued blessings on all our parish education ministries.
There really are a few more days of summer. Let’s take advantage of them. May God continue to bless us with all that we need, and more.
Father Jim Murphy