I am fortunate to have a great deal of diversity as a deacon and sacramental and hospitality director here at the Cathedral. I get to attend daily mass and receive the Eucharist. I work with many volunteers in service to the Lord. I work with couples seeking the sacraments of baptism and Holy matrimony. I get to walk with people in times of mourning through our funeral ministry. I get to serve in the sanctuary at mass. I do not do this alone, but with the support of Fr. J.J., the staff and volunteers; however, the credit really belongs to God. I cannot express enough gratitude to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is only through God that anything can happen. Our trust is in him.
We are contingent beings. We exist only because of God. This truth can sometimes be overlooked because Satan is busy. There is a 24×7 battle for our souls. The antidote to Satan’s temptations is prayer and participation in the plan of salvation that God has in store for us. Each one of us has a responsibility to help each other get to heaven. Are we actively living out this responsibility?
Earlier I mentioned that I have a great deal of diversity in my world, and this means that I talk to a great many people for several different reasons. It is not uncommon for someone to stop in and visit the Cathedral for the first time. Many of our visitors and attendees share that they find the Cathedral to be a place of welcome. One of our visitors shared that he has not been to mass in many years and that he prays and that his body is a temple. This is true, but it’s not sufficient. We need to hear the Word, praise God, and receive the Eucharist. Practicing our faith in communion with others helps all of us get to where we want to end up, with the Lord for all of eternity.
Please welcome the people around you at mass. The person next to you may be that person who has not been to mass in years. That’s why we’re encouraged to greet each other before mass.
Do not be discouraged. With the Archdiocesan restructuring, there have been sentiments that people may stop worshiping because a church is closing or “their” pastor is moving. Instead of looking at the restructuring as a plane that is crash-landing, think of it as the possibility for a seat upgrade. We love our church buildings, and we love our priests, but our alliance is to God. Don’t lose faith. It is our job to help each other get to heaven, so that we can be there together. The challenge is real.
This challenge is evident in today’s Gospel. “The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” (MT 13:49b-50) So, thank you in advance for all you do for me in helping get to the kingdom and I will do everything I can to help all of you too!
See you in church!
Deacon Chris