Dear Parishioners,

The tax collector in this story is a stand-in for us all when he acknowledges, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” A reminder that we are all sinners and how important it is for us to humble ourselves before God.

We live in a society where all too often people seek out their fifteen minutes of fame, frequently at the expense of others. Our prayer life should always emphasize humbling ourselves before God and others. When we allow our lives to be lived in service to others, we are humbled by the mere act of placing their well-being before our own.

Parents know what this is all too well when they are raising children and let them live in their own way through their own accomplishments. Proud parents stand aside and let their youngsters have their many important moments on the way to adulthood.

I have personally seen with sadness what happens when parents live through the accomplishments of their children to make up for some lost childhood achievements. The same is true in our relationships with God. All we have and covet already belongs to God. We are only temporary stakeholders in this world and an attitude of thankfulness and humility should underscore our every prayer so that we are deserving of the last line of this gospel and then we will have true treasure in heaven—all who humble themselves will be exalted.

In Christ,

The parable this week is interesting. I would think many of us have questioned our faith from time to time. Is it strong enough to get me through these tough times? Have I lost faith because things didn’t turn out the way I wanted or expected? If I just had more faith, I wouldn’t have so many questions or doubts. Even the disciples questioned it; “Lord, increase our faith.”

Perhaps that is because in the scripture before this one, Jesus says, if someone wrongs you seven times in one day and says “I am sorry”, you should forgive him seven times. Is our faith “big” enough for that? I’m not sure the disciples thought so.

But faith is not measured in terms of size, but in quality. Even a small amount of faith, if genuine can accomplish great things.

Our 2nd graders begin their sacramental journey and are here this weekend to celebrate Christ on the Altar for the 1 st time. I’m hoping their faith will only be strengthened each time they join Fr. Mike “at the table”. We want them to know that their faith is not meant for personal achievement. It is not a thing we have or get. It is a personal relationship of trust and love.

So, the question isn’t, do I have enough faith? It should be, what am I doing with the faith I have? For me, for Christ, for the relationship we have.