For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
We are pulled in many different directions. Our hearts are restless with many different concerns, obligations, and uncertainties. Sometimes though, we are so consumed with the business at hand that we lack self-awareness. We move through life unprepared and unaware of what lies ahead. In the gospel today, our Lord is challenging us to live a life that is not overwhelmed or oblivious but instead, focused on what is most important.
Last weekend, Pope Leo celebrated Holy Mass with young people gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth. He challenged young people, and, therefore, all of us, to examine where our hearts are.
We are not made for a life where everything is taken for granted and static, but for an existence that is constantly renewed through gift of self, in love. This is why we continually aspire to something “more” that no created reality can give us; we feel a deep and burning thirst that no drink in this world can satisfy. Knowing this, let us not deceive our hearts by trying to satisfy them with cheap imitations! Let us rather listen to them! Let us turn this thirst into a step stool, like children who stand on tiptoe, in order to peer through the window of encounter with God. We will then find ourselves before him, who is waiting for us, knocking gently on the window of our soul (cf. Rev 3:20). It is truly beautiful, especially at a young age, to open wide your hearts, to allow him to enter, and to set out on this adventure with him toward eternity.
There is a burning question in our hearts, a need for truth that we cannot ignore, which leads us to ask ourselves: what is true happiness? What is the true meaning of life? What can free us from being trapped in meaninglessness, boredom and mediocrity?
We will soon be occupied and preoccupied with the tasks of ordinary life. Let us dedicate some time, therefore, to reflecting on the questions of what we treasure, where we seek happiness and meaning in life, and how we are called to open our hearts so as to not be trapped in meaninglessness, boredom, mediocrity, and that which doesn’t give life.
ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY – On Friday, August 15, we celebrate the Solemnity of our Blessed Mother’s Assumption into Heaven, body and soul. This solemnity is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be celebrated Thursday, August 14 at 4:00 pm, and Friday, August 15 at 7:30 and 9:00 am and 7:30 pm.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was declared a dogma of faith by Pope Pius XII who stated, “We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.” Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to believe in Mary’s share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him, body and soul in heaven.
FEAST OF SAINT ROSE OF LIMA – We will celebrate our parish’s patronal feast on Saturday, August 23. Following the 5:15 mass, we will enjoy a parking lot party with burgers, hot dogs and family fun. Camps R’ Us will be on hand with an inflatable for children to enjoy as well as information on enrollment for next summer. This will also be an opportunity for our parish community to welcome Fr. Michael, our new Associate Pastor. We hope to see you there.
Peace,
