Pastor’s Pen
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. Augustine’s Catholic Church
Dear Church Family,
Yesterday The Church celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist and the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be six months from now. “Nativity” in this case, seems to have more meaning because it is a manifestation that leads to our being saved – our salvation. John announces the coming of the Messiah giving His message of dying for all human evil and sin and victoriously rising so that we can also rise with Him eternally.
I like to call John the Baptist, Jesus’ Advance Man. That’s an advertising term used to describe someone or something coming before the real person or event, announcing his way, agenda, talents, abilities, and in Jesus’ case, His saintliness and greatness. The gospel today encourages us to be Advance men and women when it says, “ …Speak in the light, not in the darkness; proclaim on the housetops, not whispered, and do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul:”. He assures us that the Father knows our every move and “you are worth more than many sparrows.” Then He reassures us of our efforts, “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” So let our whole life and all the little things we do announce the Kingdom. When we are evangelizing and giving witness, we are proclaiming what Jesus is all about.
So, reflect on any good characteristics that you have from cheerfulness, complimenting, gentleness, peacefulness, or any gift of the Holy Spirit that you use to make this a better world. Let us continue to be Jesus’ hands and feet as Advance People of the kingdom. Alleluia!
Love, Father Bob
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