September 1, 2024

Dear Parishioners,

The Pharisees attack Jesus and his disciples in today’s Gospel because Jesus and crew didn’t wash their hands before the meal. Was it that the Pharisees were clean freaks? Well, yes and no. Clean freaks not in the sense of sanitation like we would understand it today with germs and illnesses, but clean freaks in the sense of trying to maintain a pure soul.

            Jewish law held such that if one came in contact with something or someone unclean–a dead person, a Gentile, a piece of pork (pork was a staple food of pagan cultures, so the assumption was that coming in contact with pork meant you were coming in contact with a pagan person), a piece of furniture that had been made or touched by a pagan, and so forth–the Israelite became unclean. The Israelite had to ritually purify himself as a result. Well, over time, there were so many items that were considered unclean that it was just assumed the person had come in contact with something that made them unclean, hence the Israelite had to constantly purify himself, even if he was unaware of specifically having touched something. The Pharisees don’t see Jesus purifying himself, so they think he is breaking the law and is unclean.

             Jesus doesn’t become unclean by people or things. He makes them clean.

            That’s the quick lesson here. I’ve mentioned this before, but we often “sanitize” our prayer because we are either ashamed or think the material is unfit for Jesus. Jesus has heard and seen everything. He can handle what’s on your heart.

            Sometimes when I go over to a house for dinner or a pastoral visit the family will apologize because the house is a mess. Or I can tell they worked hard all day to clean the house before my appearance, as the house looks like something out of a magazine. I always tell the person, “don’t worry about it. I’ve seen everything.” I have. I don’t care that the house is dirty or whatever. When I go home to visit my parents or my siblings there are toys, clothes, and dishes from my nieces and nephews everywhere. I don’t judge my family or avoid going home. It’s life. So, I give you permission to have a dirty house. Just remove any Packers paraphernalia, otherwise you’re fine.

             Whatever is going on in your heart or mind is life, our Lord understands. In fact, I actually think he wants you to be dirty so he can exercise love and mercy. Don’t sweep your garbage under the rug.

              One final point. Isn’t it fascinating that the only people Jesus ever really “yells” at, if you can even call it yelling, are the Pharisees–those who are the most “religious” and follow the rules perfectly? I won’t say anymore, other than I know I need to pray about that and I imagine you do too. 

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               Happy Labor Day. Tomorrow, Monday, September 2nd, there will be only the 8:30am Mass. There will be no 6:25am and no confessions at 8am. I hope you enjoy the holiday and get some rest.

            Welcome back to our Religious Education families. Catechesis begins Tuesday, September 3rd and the following Sunday, September 8th. I am very grateful for and proud of our catechists who teach and pass on the faith to our children. Our church couldn’t survive without you. We are in need of more catechists, so if you feel a calling to serve the church in this way, please reach out to Mrs. Anna Mae Parkhill. Congratulations to Anna Mae who is entering her 26th year as director of Catechesis at St. Paul. We have a wonderful program that has served thousands of families over the years under Anna Mae’s leadership. God bless you, Anna Mae.

            Our parish picnic will be Sunday, September 8th following the noon Mass, which will be in the upper church. We’ll have food in the gym, an ice cream truck in the parking lot, and some light entertainment. All are welcome to join us. A special thank you to Siobhan Haugh and members of the Pastoral Council for organizing the event.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. James