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Will I let God reconcile me?

Writer's picture: stiparishorgstiparishorg

Updated: Oct 28, 2018

Farce is a funny word which refers to a situation so sad or absurd that it becomes funny. I once saw a picture of the sad, proud state of affairs in North Korea. A tour guide was demonstrating the advanced technology in the country and encouraged tourists to take pictures of people using computers. These pictures were to show the prestige of technology and education in the city. However, it is obvious in the pictures that there is no electricity. All of the promise and advantage that a computer might give is nullified, if there is no power or electricity. This situation is an example of farce.

Another farce is when we go to church, but do not give God the permission to work in us. Maybe we want people to see us, maybe we want to hear the music, but if we do not want to be transformed, it is a sad situation. Along these lines, Paul said that if we call ourselves Christians, but do not have hope, then we are "the most pitiable of all people" (Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:19). Paul refers to a farce.

In Romans 12:9-21, Paul exhorts his friends to live the Christian life. He writes, " Let love be genuine... love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor... be patient in suffering...Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them....Live in harmony with one another...Do not repay anyone evil for evil...If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all... never avenge yourselves"

If we claim to be Christian, but do not let the love of God reconcile us to our neighbors, brothers, sisters, cousins, and relatives then we are living a farce.

Jesus himself says, "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24) Similarly, John says, "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen." John identifies the Christian who hates his brother as living in a farce.

Now, some people claim, "I don't hate my brother or sister or cousin, I just don't speak to them." We are called to love, to forgive, and to make peace.

This year, reconciliation with God, with our brothers and sisters, and with the Church will be our focus in our preparation for Christmas, just as last year we focused on mercy and charity.

The bishop's visit December 7-9 will be a major opportunity for reconciliation with blocks of time to schedule and meet with your estranged love ones and Bishop Elias.

As an aside, I am not saying to put yourself in danger, and know that there can be legitimate reasons to keep a distance, but even if the person is legitimately our enemy, we should love them.


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2624164/North-Korea-Starving-people-child-labourers-dilapidated-homes-appear-harrowing-new-images-taken-inside-rogue-state.html

Children’s Religious Education this Sunday at 10 am. Service hours for teenagers looking to be teaching assistants and fun activity organizers during the 10am-11am slot and beyond. -Thursday, November 1 All Saints Liturgy 7pm.

- St. Vincent dePaul First Saturday of Every month 6:30 pm - 8 pm serving meal at men's Gettysburg shelter 1921 S Gettysburg Ave, Dayton, OH 45417.

- 40 day memorial liturgy for Georgette Haddad mother of Rita Najem on November 4 at 11 am. Our condolences to the Haddad and Najem families, may Georgette rest in peace.

- Card and game night Wednesday, November 7 at 7 pm in the Church hall.

- Thanksgiving dinner Sunday, November 11 after the 11 am liturgy. Please see Trish Zenni, Rita Najem, or Fr. Alex if you would like to bring a dish.

- House of Bread Thursday, November 15 9am-2:30 pm. Come all or part at 9 Orth Avenue.

- Bishop Elias visit Friday through Sunday December 7-9. With meet and greet, spiritual talk, liturgies, Saturday Night Dinner, and raffle. Tickets for the dinner are available this Sunday.

- Liturgy with Bishop Elias 11 am December 8 with lunch to follow.

- Reconciliation and family peace meetings with Bishop Elias by reservation 1 - 5 pm.

- Liturgy with Bishop Elias 11 am December 9 with reception to follow.

- Nominations are being accepted for the following awards to be awarded Saturday December 8: Holy family award, Volunteer of the Year award, Young and Faithful Award (12-17), Good and faithful servant award (lifetime achievement), 1 Timothy 4:12 award (18-35), Faith of a child award (5-11)

-Who wants to go Christmas caroling this year? Please speak with Marianna, Rita, or Fr. Alex if you want to participate.

- Reviewing the parish feedback has begun. More information forthcoming. - Initiatives- To what is God calling you? What are your hopes, dreams, and ideas for our parish? What do you want to do? Mission, charity, prayers, work, fundraisers, or maintenance? How can we support you? -Bible Study every Sunday at 10 am. -Liturgies Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 6 pm, Wednesday at 7 pm.

-Spanish Liturgy 6 pm Saturday.

- Sunday liturgies 9 am (English) and 11 am (Arabic and English) -Confessions immediately before and after daily liturgies or by appointment. -Tuesdays at Bar Louie- 8:30 pm for food and discussion St. Ignatius of Antioch Eighth week after Holy Cross October 29, 2018

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