One of the reoccurring themes in our scripture readings is our obligation, as followers of Christ, to bring unity and peace to the world around us.  In the selection this weekend from his letter to the Ephesians, Paul is addressing the tension between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians, pounding it into their heads that Christ came to unite them as one.  Some of the words he uses are he is our peace, he who made both one; he broke down the dividing wall of enmity; that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace; reconcile both with God, in one body.
 
His point to the Ephesians is that they are the Body of Christ, all of them, and they need to live in unity and peace.  All the divisions and walls that we erect as human beings are wiped away by Christ, who came to save all people. 
 
Is there any message that is more important for our country to hear today?  The division and lack of willingness to work together for the common good, displayed in various levels of government, will ruin us.  Hateful speech from individual citizens right up through government leaders has no place with those who profess themselves to be Christians. 
 
Jesus has warned us: a house divided against itself cannot stand.  Paul is reminding us that Jesus came to bring unity among those with strong differences, such as the Jews and Gentiles had.  In various places we are told to be meek and humble of heart, which means to be respectful, to listen to the opinion of others, and to be willing to work together to arrive at a compromise for the good of all.
 
Peace and unity depend on each one of us.  Bringing them to the whole world is not our task: bringing them to our interactions with others in our daily lives is.  Let’s make sure we are doing it.  God bless.
 
Church sign: It’s easier to give excuses than to take responsibility.

​Our readings this week talk about bad shepherds and good shepherds.  In the first reading the Lord is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the evil leaders of Israel, who have scattered, driven away, and not cared for God’s sheep.  The leaders were supposed to keep the people safe, especially the most vulnerable.  God is very relational and possessive, talking about MY pasture, MY people and MY flock.  God promises to raise up one who will take care of His people.  And, of course, that one is Jesus. 
 
In the Gospel, Jesus wants to get away to rest, but he sees the vast expanse of people and His heart was moved with pity, for they were like sheep without a shepherd. It was pity that moved the Good Shepherd, that enabled Him to put the needs of the people above His own.
 
The point for us is this: through baptism we have accepted the responsibility of being shepherds, of allowing our hearts to be moved with pity for others.  We are to be their shepherds, helping them see the joy of living Gospel values, both by what we model and by what we say.  In other words: it is a commitment to be a disciple who brings the Good News to others.  It is more comfortable, sometimes, to think that the responsibility to be a good shepherd is just for religious and priests.  But it is the task of every Christian.
 
I invite us to reflect this week on our call to be a good shepherd to others.  Do I accept the call and do my best to fulfill it?  How can I do better?  And let us support each other in prayer.
 
Church sign:  Be a shepherd, not a wolf, to others!

In our Gospel this weekend, Jesus sends His disciples out on their first mission with very specific instructions.  These instructions seem weird: first, two by two.  No one goes alone. Then no food, no sack, no money, no extra clothing.  Doesn’t seem very practical, does it? Finally, if not accepted, they are simply to leave and “shake the dust” off their feet.  What is going on?
 
I think Jesus is making sure that they know it is God’s mission, not theirs.  If they had all the provisions they needed to survive, they could think they were in control.  With nothing, they knew that it was not about them and they were not in control.  It is the same with going two by two.  Alone, a person could get off track, allow their ego to get in the way.  When two are together, they can keep each other focused on the mission.  Finally, I think “shake the dust” is simply saying, “don’t let your ego get in the way, don’t take rejection personally.”  It is not about you: do your best and then move on.  Positive results are because of God’s grace, not your efforts.
 
All of that comes down to being an effective but dispassionate instrument in God’s hand: rely on Divine Providence for what is needed, listen to your companion, and move on once you have done your work.  Keep yourself and your ego out of the way.
 
This is good advice for us.  We also are sent into the world to bring God’s love to others.  It will not be done with money or things.  Success does not depend on us or our skills. We simply have to do our best to live the Gospel of love and let the rest up to the Lord.  Our participation in community and the Mass will help us keep our egos out of the way, as we struggle to be good disciples.
 
Let us thank God for including us in the plan of salvation and ask for the grace to be growing in our ability to live the Gospel of love.  God bless.
 
Church sign: Don't feel totally, personally, responsible for
everything. That's my job. Signed, God

I was struck by these words in our reading this weekend from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians: My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.
 
Power is made perfect in weakness? That seems ridiculous to us: our human way of thinking says that being the strongest makes you the most powerful.  If we want power, we have to overcome weakness.
 
St. Paul’s point is this: when we feel strong, when we feel on top of our game, we can be very much into ourselves.  We can feel that we are powerful and in control.  But that is an illusion.  Death can come at any time.  Forces beyond our control, like a tornado or fire, can turn our world upside down.  We are NEVER really in control and we are delusional, when we think we are.
 
But when we are weak, when we know we are vulnerable, we are more likely to be aware of God’s presence and our dependence on God.  We will not be so focused on ourselves as being the powerful one.  We will realize that we are weak, we are vulnerable, we need help: as a result, we are more open and receptive to God’s help. In other words; strength leads us to focus on ourselves; weakness opens us more to God’s presence and our dependence on God.
 
My personal life experience tells me that is true.  When things are going fairly smoothly, I can become more reliant on myself and my abilities and less reflective on God’s presence and support as I go through the day.  But when difficulties arise, I become more aware of my need for God’s help. Maybe it is like the need to exercise a muscle to make it strong: the difficulties and problems of life challenge me, causing me to use my faith and reliance on God more, making them stronger.
 
God is always with us, especially in the challenges of life. May we be able to say along with St. Paul: when I am weak, then I am strong.
 
Church sign: We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.