From Our Pastor

07-09-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss, Pastor

Dear People of God,

Now I remember the words of our Mother Mary with a grateful heart: “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on Lowly servant” (Luke 1:46). Because The Inspired by the Spirit campaign of our triparishes is successful. I could see ‘God’s wonders’ through the sacrificial donations of my Tri- parishes’ People. So first of all, I express my sincere thanks to all those who have made a pledge towards this capital campaign. A big thank to all the Chair Persons, Co-chair Persons, Capital Committee Members, Council member, Office Assistant and PCCW of our Tri-Parishes. At present, since all our three parishes have reached the target set by our Diocese, our parishes will receive 80% of the money, if you pledge more hereafter. This money will be used to do the future projects of our parishes.

On this 14th Sunday, Jesus gives us three invitations through today’s Gospel.

1. Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.
   It is directed toward all those who live their religion as a heavy burden. They simply have been taught to have their sin always before them and they don’ know the joy of God as continuous forgiveness. If they meet Jesus, they will find themselves relieved. There are also Christians who are weary of living their religion as a worn-out tradition. If they personally meet Jesus, they will learn to be alive, trusting in God as Father. They will discover an inner joy that they do not know yet. They will follow Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of attraction.
2. Shoulder my yoke; it is easy, and my burden is light
   That is the second invitation. Living in the presence of Jesus doesn’t weigh anyone down. On the contrary, he frees up what’s best in us, since he proposes that we live our lives making them more human, worthy, whole. Itis not easy to find a more passionate way of living. Jesus frees us from fear and pressure, he doesn’t bring them in; he makes our liberty grow, not our slavery; he awakens in us trust, never sadness; he draws us to love, not toward laws and precepts. He invites us to live by doing good.
3. Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
   That is the third invitation. We need to learn from Jesus how to live like him. Jesus doesn’t complicate our life. He makes it clearer and simpler, more humble, more whole. He offers rest. He never puts onto his followers something that he hasn’t lived himself. He invites us to follow him on the same path that he has walked. That’s why he can without knowing at what door to knock. Surely Jesus would understand our difficulties and our struggles, he can forgive our faults, always encouraging us to get up again.

We need to focus our efforts to promote a more vital contact with Jesus in our communities that are so in need of courage, rest, and peace. Think about so many people who, both within and outside of the Church, live be good news for them. Have a Happy Sunday!

Yours in Jesus,

Fr. Doss