Fr. Denny's Reflections

Many people believe that Jesus created the commandment “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Today we are reminded that this love command predates Jesus and Christianity by ten centuries! It comes from the Old Testament Book of Leviticus (19:18), the third book of the Bible. The original setting referred to fellow citizens.

Jesus expands the term neighbor to include our enemies. It is easier to love neighbors who are family or friends. It is more challenging to love someone who is unpleasant or who has harmed us. We are to love not because it is nice to be nice. We are to embody this love because this is how God is and we are to be holy, perfect, like God. 

On this Sister Parish Sunday we think of the people of St. Rose of Lima parish in Gris Gris, Haiti, as our neighbors. We love them with our prayerful and financial support. 

As you hear the ancient love commandment anew, who is God calling you to love?

“Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” This is the refrain we sing for the psalm today. It is a beautiful faith-statement on our part and on the part in the figures in the Liturgy of the Word today. Isaiah, Paul, and John the Baptist all describe their sense of God’s will for them: to be a servant, to be an apostle, and to make Jesus known, respectively.

To do God’s will is the life-long ambition for all of us as we journey in faith. Doing God’s will might be summarized as striving to know, love, and serve God in our daily lives. This will be the theme weaving throughout our parish faith renewal event this coming September with Fr. Michael Joncas.

How do you feel about how well you are doing God’s will? Who and what helps you to know, love, and serve God?

Today is the last day in the Christmas season. Monday brings us into Ordinary Time again. Jesus’ baptism in the river Jordan is portrayed as a further manifestation of Jesus’ identity and mission. It is like another Epiphany.

Three things signal this divine manifestation: the opening of the heavens, the descending dove-like Spirit, and the heavenly voice acclaiming Jesus as the beloved Son of God. So this feast of the Baptism of the Lord expresses the extraordinarily rich identity of Jesus right before he begins his divine-sent mission and public ministry for the salvation of humankind.

The liturgy today draws us into this scene and the clear manifestation of who Jesus is. What has helped to clarify for you who Jesus Christ is? How does this realization help you to live differently?

PARISH FAITH RENEWAL – REVISITED

with Fr. Michael Joncas

Tuesday, September 20, 2016 from 6:30-9:00 p.m.

 

“Faith is a flame that grows stronger the more it is shared and passed on.” Pope Francis

Time to keep stirring the flames of our faith and put into action what we believe.  Fr. Joncas will be back to unpack Pope Francis’ thought on how to put faith into practice in this Jubilee Year of Mercy based on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

The evening includes a prayer service, Fr. Joncas’ presentation, break-out sessions for discussion, and, of course, refreshments.

The entire evening will be enhanced with music, PowerPoint, and art.  It will also be ASL interpreted, and child care will be available.

There is no fee for this event; no registration necessary.

Contact Marianne Brass, marianne.brass@risensavior.org, 952-698-1714, for questions regarding this faith renewal event.