June 1, 2008

"Be a living expression of God's kindness." --- Mother Teresa

This week's gospel comes from the end of the Sermon on the Mount, chapters 5-7 in Matthew. When Jesus saw crowds of people from all of Israel following him, he went up on a mountain, sat down and began teaching them. He started with the Beatitudes and then spoke about all phases of life. He was trying to tell them about a new way to live -- His way, and the new life it would give them. His way is still the only way people of the earth can live in peace. We haven't got there yet. We still have some growing to do.

One area he addressed was our motives for what we do. Do we do all the right things to be noticed and acclaimed or do we do them because this is what Jesus asks us to do? Also, sometimes I think we put the cart before the horse. If we say and do the good things thinking it will make God love us, we have it backwards.

We live the way Jesus says because he has told us Gold already loves us and wants us to have the best life possible. We believe in Jesus' words and respond out of gratitude. Many times the things Jesus asks us to do are difficult and challenging, but we live by faith in Him and the comfort and strength of the Spirit.

And that is what our community is about. In talking with Fr. Jerry this week, he said he has felt the goodness and support of our parish. He feels close to Mary and believes he was sent here to be with us at this time. We all profess faith in God and hopefully try to live as followers of Jesus, remembering always that Jesus preached with his words and his life.