Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law…Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.
Today’s second reading seems to re-emphasize the role of the Church as a true mother who gives us life in Christ and brings us into a common life with our brothers and sisters (Pope Francis 9/3/14).
The law of love is the radical message of the Christian faith. In the face of the fiercest enemies, the habitual liar, the dishonest thief in our midst, the racist and the race baiter, and those who terrorize — we owe love. Love is the only thing that breaks a circle of violence and its effects.
Loving is complicated, however, and understanding how to love requires personal discernment and prayer. How do we love in the face of terror, poverty, domestic violence, addiction, and dishonesty? I would be foolish and possibly even offensive to the victims if I attempted to offer a generalized answer. This is the kind of question that we must bring to prayer. The question does not have to do with the other but with who I am called to be. How do I respond to my afflictions without compromising my own Christian dignity and duty?
The Church, as mother, has a role that is so unique and necessary, showing us the way to pure love. Whether it be through speaking outwardly about an issue (respect life, religious freedom, social justice) or through example (care for the poor, hospitality to the homeless, ministering to the imprisoned), the life of the Church is one which helps us to experience and know love in its purest form—because the mission of the Church is to reveal Christ. We come to the Church, our mother, so that we may know what it is to actively live our faith and to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation, so that you may know and minister the love of Christ in our broken world.
LABOR DAY – In an address to labor consultants last December, Pope Leo stated, “At the center of any work dynamic, there should be neither capital, nor market laws nor profit, but the person, the family and their well-being to which everything else is functional.” As we mark the Labor Day holiday this weekend, let us be mindful of those who seek not only employment but a livable wage so that they and their families may live a dignified life. We also give thanks for all who labor for the common good, emergency workers, hospital workers, caregivers, municipal staff and service workers, that their work may receive proper gratitude.
25th ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11/2001 – It is hard to believe that a generation has passed since that horrific day that changed history and the lives of many who continue to mourn. In addition, that day still burdens the health and lives of all those who served in the recovery efforts. As this milestone anniversary approaches, we can reflect on the direction that St. Paul gives in his letter to the Romans, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” We pray that when evil and hatred feel overwhelming, we may have courage to choose kindness over bitterness, peace over division, and forgiveness over revenge. As we mark this terrible anniversary, we pray for the strength to not be overcome by the darkness of this world, but actively work to overcome evil with good.
Once again, we will honor those lost and those who still suffer by participating in the Towers of Freedom 9-11 Military Monument event in John Burns Park at 8:30 am on Friday, September 11, 2026. The annual Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 pm at the memorial. Please join our parish and greater community on this day of commemoration.
Peace!
