A Letter from Fr. Paul - Sunday, November 8th

Our 2021 Pledge Drive is in full swing.  I ask you to be as generous as you can in supporting our community and its ministries.  PACT: Pius Parishioners Always Come Through!  Thank you.
 
About a month ago, our Gospel presented a man who was thrown out of a wedding celebration because he was not wearing a wedding garment, even though one was given to him at the door.  Our Gospel this weekend has a similar message with the 5 foolish virgins, who did not have the oil needed to perform their function at the wedding.  They had the means to get the oil, for they ran and got some, but they simply were not concerned enough to prepare for what they were supposed to do.  In these last weeks of the Church year leading up to the Solemnity of Christ the King and its Gospel of the Last Judgment, we are being urged to prepare for our encounter with Christ at the end of our lives.  Our first reading calls it “wisdom” and perhaps we can translate “wisdom” as being able to see things God’s way, not ours. For me, “God’s way” is summed up in the Beatitudes and the “Last Judgment.”
 
The “BE-attitudes,” presented to us at the beginning of Ordinary time, highlight the attitudes or approach to life that we need to have as disciples: poor in spirit, meek, merciful, etc.  The Last Judgment,” presented to us at the end of Ordinary time, highlights the actions that will flow from proper attitudes: we will take care of others, especially the most needy.  The Sundays in between show us how to do this, through Jesus’ words and example. 
 
Reflection for the week: How prepared am I to meet Christ?  What can I be doing better to live as a disciple who shows love of God through love of neighbor?  How can I better use the time, treasure, and talent the Lord has given me?
 
Hopefully, our desire to be more prepared to meet the Lord does not come from fear, but rather a desire to “be the best that we can be!”  Let us support each other both by prayer and example.  God bless.