Dear St. Louis Parishioners,
“Are you envious because I am generous?” (Mt 20) This weekend’s Gospel parable challenges us. The envy of the grumbling laborers caused them to lose sight of the fact
that they were given what they were due. What is it that causes us to lose sight of the Lord’s faithfulness and of the abundance of the His bounty in our own lives? We have an image in our sanctuary (front cover, as usual) which also invites us to not forget the goodness of the Lord, as manifest in His many gifts. The plate, which previously served as the gate to the altar rail, depicts men bringing back the fruits of Canaan, after they were sent to reconnoiter the land (Numbers 13-14). The Lord had sent them to survey the land which He had promised to deliver to them. He wanted them to see with their own eyes the abundance of His gifts in this land flowing with milk and honey. Yet, He also wanted them to see the challenges they would face – He does not ask us to be ignorant to obstacles, but rather meets us in reality. Instead of focusing on the Lord’s goodness and trusting in His promise, they chose to give into fear, persuading Moses not to lead them into the land and even spreading fear amongst the people, causing them to break out into loud cries of lament through the night. This is the reason they did not receive the goodness the Lord had promised them. We are called to be voices of hope, not of fear. The Lord wants us to be realistic about our challenges. In those challenges, however, may we have the courage to recall His goodness and choose to trust Him, rather than giving into fear. Here’s to the hope of many good things to come!
In Christ through Mary, Fr. Gifford
St. Louis, pray for us!
Blessed Mary, Queen Mother of the King of Kings, pray for us!
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