Parish Announcements

Many of Jesus’ contemporary Pharisees despised lower class people and shunned sinners as unclean. They often deliberately condemned their behavior, to show their own perfection and faithfulness to God and His commandments as best as possible. Even today, Pharisees are symbol of proud and self-righteous people. Although they preached a teaching consistent with the Holy Scriptures, they did not live in harmony with it themselves. Therefore, Jesus clearly states that this type of behavior cannot be imitated. Moreover, He believes that His disciples should not call themselves teachers and fathers, because they are all a community of brothers whom He Himself gathers into one family. Therefore equality, solidarity, responsibility for one another, mutual care and a spirit of true service should prevail in our Christian communities. Hence, let us make an honest examination of conscience and a review of our own lives. Is it really with us and among us as Jesus asked? Let us remember a very important criterion of our authenticity: “In order to be someone, one must be able to be nobody.” Today let us ask Jesus not only to forgive all the manifestations of pride visible in us, but also to strengthen us with His grace so that we would love everyone we meet along the way. PAX,

Fr. Matthias – your Pastor