September 15, 2024

Dear Parishioners,

When Jesus asks the disciples who people say he is, they respond “John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the other prophets.” This is quite the compliment. People could have said “Jehoiakim” (one of the terrible Israelite kings), “Hananiah” (one of the false prophets), or “Adam” (our disobedient ancestor). But, no, they say he’s one of the good guys.

            First, John the Baptist. John the Baptist was a fearless and courageous preacher. He rallied people and made them feel excited to be an Israelite again. Jesus had this quality in him. Second, Elijah. Elijah too was fearless and courageous, battling the false prophets and corrupt kings, but Elijah also was a mentor-figure. He anointed Elisha as his successor, giving him his cloak and a double-portion of his spirit. Jesus empowers us. He mentors us and sends us out to carry on his work. Third, one of the other prophets. The other prophets were men and women who spoke God’s word to the people. They could only do this because they first heard God’s word, and they heard God’s word because they were people of prayer. The prophets were individuals close to the heart of God. This is why people listened to them and followed them. Others saw this in Jesus. They saw a man close to and in union with God.
            Hopefully if someone on the street were to ask us about Jesus we would have something positive to say.
            After this scene in our Gospel Jesus goes on to say that if someone wants to be his disciple he must take up his cross and follow him. We’ve heard this before–how the cross is a part of our lives as Christians. We usually think of the “cross” in terms of how we suffer and have to deal with it or “offer it up.” And that’s true, but you might also consider the figures on the way of the cross and how you are called to be one of them.
            For instance, consider Simon of Cyrene, who helped Jesus carry the cross. When you are carrying the cross, there’s a Simon of Cyrene out there to help you. Perhaps it’s your spouse, your parent, your friend, or your priest. Do you let the Simons of Cyrene into your life?
           On the flip side, you’re called to be a Simon of Cyrene for someone carrying their cross. Don’t just stand back in the shadows watching the person suffer. Jump up there with them and shoulder the cross!
           Recognizing and becoming the characters of the cross (Mary, Veronica, Joseph of Arimathea, etc.) means we’ll build a sense of communion in the Body of Christ. It’s how we’ll be able to see the cross in our lives not as a curse, but as a blessing.

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We have another Family Mass this Sunday at 10:30am in the Holy Family Chapel. The special theme of this month’s Mass will be “Fall Athletes.” Students are encouraged to wear their team jerseys. And speaking of athletes, good luck to the SPC Football Teams in their games this Sunday afternoon. This is the first year St. Paul of the Cross School has had a football team and we are very excited.
          Our women’s spiritual group Walking With Purpose will begin on Wednesday, September 18 at 7pm. Our men’s spiritual group That Man Is You, is Mondays at 7:30pm. All are welcome to join. Thank you to the leaders of these groups.
          I’m pleased to include in the bulletin this week renderings of our capital campaign project: the new parish center annex off the main parking lot and the outdoor Stations of the Cross. The new parish center will be a beautiful addition to our campus and allow us to accommodate more of our parish groups, as well as school student activities during the day. The Stations of the Cross around the entire campus will allow us to take our prayer outside the church walls. Thank you to all those who have contributed to the capital campaign. We are hoping to have reached and surpassed our goal by the end of September, so please consider your donation if you haven’t already.
           In case you missed it last week, I am happy to introduce Seminarian Greg Wilk who is the new seminarian assigned to our parish. Welcome, Greg! Our prayers are with you.

Yours in Christ,
Fr. James Wallace