who fear the Lord and walking his ways will be blessed and favored

Pastor’s Pen
St. Augustine Catholic Church
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Twenty-seventh Sunday of Ordinary Times

Dear Church Family,

In the first reading, (Genesis 2:18-24), God created the beautiful example that He put before us of a man and woman leaving parents and everyone else as they join themselves together becoming one flesh.  They totally belong to each other! That is the ideal example for the Christian family for in that atmosphere of love, children can be born and raised with a security of both parents loving them totally as they love each other. This theme is repeated in Psalm 128 where those “who fear the Lord and walking his ways will be blessed and favored” in spirit, mind, and body, in relationships, financially, and through the community.  It is even repeated again in the second reading, (Hebrews 2:9-11), that proclaims: We are Family!

Although Jesus is Lord, He came into the world to be one with us and He wants to share His life with us which often includes His suffering also. While that may be something we don’t want to do, it happens as we go through life. So, church, we need to embrace one another and support each other in bad times as well as the good. When bad things happen to us, it is good to know that there is a spirit of belonging among us. A spirit of seeking union with each other in love, concern, and compassion. We know that any outpouring of love will help us to conquer our loneliness, anxiety, and fears. So pray for the grace to build up your relationships with family, friends, and (going the extra mile) with foes! Love each other right where you are like Jesus loved us and make those relationships grow in every way. Alleluia!

Love,

Fr. Bob