Weekend Wisdom, July 1-2

Jesus said to his apostles: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37-38

I love this picture of Jesus teaching this scripture reading to the Twelve Apostles. As I look at their hands on their heads, the look on their faces and their posture, I see thoughts of: “Oh dear, this isn’t going to be easy”. 

It took complete love on the Apostles part, love, trust, and bravery. I often think of this as I think of the Apostles, Saints, Theologians, Our Priests, and our ancestors-those who fought for our freedom to continue to live lives of faith especially this week as we celebrate July 4th.

When we love as Catholics, we realize that the only way to authentically love one’s mother or father, son, or daughter, is to: first love God with your whole heart, mind, soul, and strength-just as the Apostles did.  Love of one’s family and others flow from this pure and total love of God. God IS the love in your family relationships. The love that binds. The love that connects.

As we live and love to replicate God’s perfect love, the love of giving without receiving, the love of giving joyfully and serving while taking up our crosses, we will continue to grow our relationship with our own Dear Father in heaven.

God is love.

To St. Mary and St. Francis Volunteers: We thank you, for your dedication, your compassion and kindness toward others are an inspiration. We see the bravery it takes to step up to serve. We see many parishioners giving of their time and talents to make our churches beautiful, and a welcoming spiritual home. To our greeters, lectors, servers, ushers, music ministry, catechists, Eucharistic ministers, gardeners and lawn keepers, quilters, pray shawl ministers, pastoral care ministers, bakers, funeral dinner servers, board and council members, card ministers, picnic committee members, liturgical activity volunteers, pancake makers and booyah crew, donut servers, alter flower decorators, adoration schedulers, and script sales. When you serve you are being loving, trusting and brave in doing God’s work, you are serving in the place of God, you are God’s beautiful hands and heart shown by the love of loving God first. Thank you and bless you.

Have a wonderful week! Happy fourth of July!

Many Blessings,

Ellen Moore