A Letter from Fr. Paul - December 17, 2017

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK: this weekend we are enjoying one of our wonderful pancake breakfasts sponsored by the Community Life Committee (CLC). Why not consider joining this committee? Any meetings are held between Masses on Sunday. In addition to the pancake breakfasts, CLC hosts the Grass Mass and other special events. For more information or to volunteer, contact Sarah Willmering at 414-345-7267 or e-mail at swillmering@robertsonryan.com.

The first week of Advent our readings called us to be conscious of preparing ourselves for meeting Christ at the end of our lives. We do that by living as Christ did: taking care of those in need. If we live for others, then we will be at peace when Christ says, when I was hungry, you gave me to eat…

Last week our readings added another dimension: when we live for others, we are giving an example that draws others to Christ: we become evangelizers, we become a voice crying in the wilderness, we make straight the crooked paths…in other words, we help others come to know Christ.

Our readings this week double down on the call for us to bring the Light of Christ to others. The first reading from Isaiah talks about being anointed and sent by the Lord. The Gospel presents John the Baptist as an example for us, a “voice crying in the wilderness, making straight the way of the Lord.” John came to give testimony to the Light. We are called to do the same.

A recent study showed that two-thirds of non-practicing Catholics who come back to the Faith do so because someone invited them back. In eight days we will celebrate the birth of our Savior. What would happen if each of us were to invite someone who normally does not go to church to accompany us to Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Could we be the instrument God uses to bring that person back to the practice of the Faith? Come, Lord Jesus, into my heart and help me bring others to your joy.