My Dear Parish Family,
I still have a big grin on my face as I write this on Tuesday morning. School’s back in session and early this morning I caught sight of what looked to be a backpack with little legs and a shock of blond hair coming out of its top. Yes, it was one of our little ones making her way to her first day of classes. I love it! Here’s hoping and praying for a wonderful school year for all our little scholars.
Friday was a day of remembrance of that day 25 years ago that changed our world. September 11th would become that day when everyone could tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news of the airplanes crashing into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in DC and a field in Pennsylvania. The violence and hatred visited against our country and our people was horrible. And for the last 25 years we have lived our lives differently because of it. The questions I ask of myself and you, as well, are “How do I live my life today? Do I walk confidently and humbly with our God?” or “Do I walk in fear?” Our Lord calls us to Be not afraid.
In today’s first reading we hear the wise words of Sirach: Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. The vengeful will suffer the LORD’s vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail. God is good and he is and always will be our victor. May we live our lives allowing God to be our God and trusting in His goodness.
Today is our annual parish picnic. See you there! God bless you all and Oremus pro invicem.
Fr. Scott Shaffer