FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK……

August 31, 2003

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

Just recently I assisted at the funeral of the mother of one of my sisters-in-law.  My sister-in-law's maiden name was Barbara Lukofnak.  The Lukofnak Family originally came to the United States from Austria.  During the funeral services, I had the opportunity to talk with Barbara's brother, Richard.  He recounted his memories as a small boy coming with his parents, Richard and Katerina, on a boat to the United States and seeing for the first time the Statue of Liberty as they approached Ellis Island.  He spoke of his excitement at seeing America's great emblem of freedom and its promise of hope for a new life as they arrived from war-torn Europe.  He also mentioned that several years later, his family had to return to Austria and how sad he felt as he watched the same Statue of Liberty fade into the distance as their boat left the harbor.  How fortunate we are to belong to a nation that inspires such hope and promise for a better life for all.

You and I by our baptism belong to yet another special nation.  Scripture tells us:  "YOU, HOWEVER, ARE A CHOSEN RACE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION…" (I Peter 2: 9)  Our First Reading for this 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, taken from the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy, invites us to enter more fully into the life of this "holy nation" by keeping God's commandments and witnessing to God's presence in our midst to others by our conduct.  Actions always speak louder than words.  That is why the Apostle James in today's Second Reading admonishes us to "...BE DOERS OF THE WORD AND NOT HEARERS ONLY…"  (James 1: 21b-22)  That was the meaning behind the lighted candle our godfather presented to us at our baptism.  In today's Gospel, Jesus instructs us to also put our hearts into it.  (See Mark 7: 1-23)  Otherwise all we do becomes hollow, empty, and meaningless.  Something to think about this coming week, wouldn't you agree?

Sincerely yours in Christ,


Rev. Raymond J. Tintle, OFM
Pastor