Next Sunday: Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Celebrant: Fr. Tharp
Beacons of Light: Phase Two: “Envisioning”
This week my open question to you for consideration is: What if you could envision an outreach to some sector or group of the community that would be new or innovative; something that would address a need that isn’t even on our radar at present. This is pure speculative science. Your speculation must remain within the realm of harsh reality, so there are limitations. Nevertheless, do a bit of controlled day dreaming. The purpose as always is to cause people to “think outside the box.” In other words, “Not just how do we become more evangelical rather than simply maintaining our recent past? But genuinely what do we begin to do to ready ourselves for an uncertain future? What lines of communication do we need to create or maintain?”
Remember that envisioning seeks to identify a need (or excess) and then determine whether the parish can reach out to the broader community in this area of interest or concern. We want to be part of creating the future, not a victim of it!
DO NOT FALL FOR SCAMS!!!!
I keep running this article because there are new scams everyday
Remember I NEVER solicit funds, donations, favors, or any request of any kind over the telephone, text, email, carrier pigeon, drone, etc. NEVER! Do not allow yourself to be taken in by scammers. Even if they have my recorded voice, be assured it is computer generated fake! It is not me!!!
Reminder for volunteers who work with or around children
Please be aware that failure to register with and complete the requirements of Safe Parish will result in your inability to continue to work with or around children in any parish and/or school setting. We have been informed by the Archdiocese that there can be NO EXCEPTIONS.
Live Streaming for Precept Masses
Please remember to access the Sacred Heart / St. Ann Pastoral Region You Tube site by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVLLqbEY5hKWinwz069MVcg
Reflection on Scripture:
The unforgiveable sin! “A sin against the Holy Spirit can never be forgiven.” Isn’t that what today’s scripture says? This makes it sound like God is just waiting for us to say the wrong word or unwittingly mouth a heresy, and we are dead meat. The unforgivable sin in a football game means you are expelled from the game. You have to leave the field. In religion, it is the one way ticket to Hell! So why is blaspheming the Holy Spirit an unforgivable sin? Jesus is simply trying to point out the obvious. The Holy Spirit is the giver of all life, time, matter, and existence. If you cut yourself off from the giver of life, you have sentenced yourself to death. It is a bit like saying, “If I am living in a space capsule and I jettison all my air supply, I will suffocate!” A child might say, “Well that’s not fair! That’s mean.” It is not God’s fault. You jettisoned the air! It is actually pretty simple: If you jettison your air, you cannot breathe. If you can’t breathe, you will die. It is a matter of fact. And conversely, if you turn your back on the only source of life itself, your eternal soul will die. God does not do it. You do it to yourself.
“Atheism is suicidal!” Many in our society will say, “It is politically incorrect to say that! You have no right to tell the truth so harshly, even though it is the undeniable truth.” Jesus is deliberately blunt in speaking the truth. The truth may be the only logical conclusion, but it may be too harsh to be politically correct or acceptable. But the fact is that if you don’t breathe, you don’t live. And if you blaspheme the Holy Spirit, you cut yourself off from God and life. Harsh reality, but truth!
NEXT SUNDAY: Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ez 17:22-24
2 Cor 5:6-10
Mk 4:26-34
Theme: A parable makes you think!