Pastor's Corner
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time W/E 10/24-10/25
The selection offered from Matthew’s Gospel for our celebration of the Mass this weekend takes its subject from the root and heart of both the Torah and the prophets and in fact borrows from both Deuteronomy and Leviticus to make its point. Once again Jesus finds Himself being tested by the Pharisees, and particularly by a scholar of the Law, who questions Him as to the greatest of the Commandments, comprised of ten legislative directives. Jesus knows that three of those Commandments have to do with the love of God and seven with the treatment of others. His answer, borrowed from the Hebrew Scripture, is succinct. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first Commandment. The second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus has answered with satisfaction and with knowledge of the Law, and in fact, emphasizes His point by ending His answer with “the whole Law and the prophets depend on these two commandments. He is the embodiment of the greatest Commandment in that He brings the love of God and His mission identifies the way of love of neighbor. The first reading selected from the Book of Exodus anticipates Jesus’ teaching with a proclamation from God Himself that He is compassionate and so expects compassion from His people in their treatment of one another. Love of God and love of neighbor are to be equated and so our faith lives of practice and belief are not to be separated from our lives lived in communities of love, friendship and responsibility. We are called to move from our private experience of the practice of the faith to an understanding that God sends us forth to offer goodness and sacrifice to others, especially those most in need. We have seen our community and others come alive with compassion and care in these burdensome days as people have turned in goodness to support individuals and small businesses in ways that can keep them thriving. Our local government and its structures have worked hard to make sure that no one is left behind even as those structures face burdens themselves. It is the message and mission of Jesus and it is embodied in the Greatest Commandment with which He teaches in this Matthean piece.
I offer a reminder of our much needed Grand Annual Collection and a grateful word to those who have and will make great sacrifices to give. Please be assured of my continued prayers for you and your families as we navigate what has been and continues to be a difficult year. The Online Giving option for both Regular Collection and Grand Annual is a quick and easy way to offer something for our support. If assistance is needed regarding set up of such, simply call the Parish Office during regular hours and you will be helped.
Our Religious Education program is in place to assist parents and families regarding reception of sacraments and education of children. Please contact our coordinator, Maureen Megnia at the Office Mon.-Fri. 10:00a.m. To 4:00p.m. (617-547-4880).
This year we are unable to conduct our annual Turkey Shoot or our Christmas Fair but we are planning on holding our $10,000 Drawing virtually sometime in January. Please look forward to more information coming forward. Next week we look forward to our annual Commemoration of All Who Have Died over the course of the last year and been buried from St. John’s. This Mass will take place on Saturday October 31st at 4:00p.m., which is our regularly scheduled Mass. Those who are next of kin of those who have had their funeral Mass take place at St. John’s during the year have been invited and the names of each of the deceased will be read and a memorial candle light in hope.
Thanks and have a great week! God Bless, Fr. Joe