Peace and all good!
In today’s Gospel from Luke (17:11-19), we encounter Jesus as He heals a group of ten lepers. Only one of the ten returns to offer thanks. The message is clear: Jesus
challenges us to adopt an “attitude of gratitude” towards our lives and relationships. An attitude of gratitude helps us to put things into perspective. It does not move us to deny
the reality of the real struggles of our lives. But it helps us to look at things from a broader perspective. For ourselves as Christians, that broader perspective is the recognition that we are loved—unconditionally, unceasingly, and ultimately—by our good and gracious God.
This week’s Gospel also reminds me of a story from the life of St. Francis. Initially, Francis was terrified of lepers and would avoid them at any cost. Soon after his initial conversion, however, he was confronted by a leper begging alms. This time, instead of fleeing from the poor man, Francis literally got down off his high horse, presented him with some coins, and then—and this is the most important part—he actually embraced and kissed the leper. He never forgot the experience, and later wrote that what once had been so bitter for him had since become so sweet. In other words, Francis took on an attitude of gratitude toward a moment which signaled the transformation of his spiritual life.
Some people find it helpful to keep a gratitude list. They take time periodically to go over their day or week and acknowledge all that they have received. Not just material blessings, though they are important, but also the intangibles that we tend to forget about: health, family, relationships; our talents, interests, and commitments. All are gifts from a God who never stops loving us and providing for our well-being.
Personally, I find myself putting together a gratitude list almost every time I sit down to write this letter. This past weekend, for example, we hosted a number of events in connection with the celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Last Saturday, we celebrated St. Francis Day, a “fun-raiser” for our parish school, Old Mission Montessori School involving the participation of parents, teachers, staff, and a number of different groups in our parish family. Part of that great celebration was the blessing of animals.
Father Luis and I must have blessed more than a hundred pets during the day. People brought lots and lots of dogs, but, understandably, not so many cats at the same time. We also blessed a rabbit, three chickens, a rooster, and a lizard (gecko). Many thanks to all who worked so hard on that event, including Alex and Maria del Villar, who organized the pet blessings again this year.
This week, I would like to thank in advance all who have been involved in our Columbus Day weekend celebrations— most especially, of course, our Knights of Columbus Council 3162. In addition to throwing a great spaghetti dinner (Saturday night), the Knights, their Ladies and family members have planned to present at the 10 AM Mass and to participate in the blessing of our Rachel Shrine to Unborn Children afterwards. Traditionally, October is the month of the most holy Rosary. The Knights have organized and sponsored a parish-wide multicultural recitation of the Rosary set for today, Sunday, October 10, at 2:00 pm. All are welcome! They will also be distributing free rosaries at liturgies throughout this month.
This weekend, as well, we are celebrating the first School Mass of the academic year for our parish school, Old Mission Montessori School, at the 10 AM Mass. Many thanks to Wanda King, principal, as well as teachers, staff and parents for their enthusiastic participation. Special thanks to the students themselves, who have taken on the various ministries for the liturgy: greeters, lectors, altar servers--- and, of course, the choir. I always tell them that our parish school is the very best one in the world. And of course it is! Speaking of gratitude--- Let’s keep all of our school children in prayer in a special way this week.
My personal (and parish) gratitude list continues to grow. Stay tuned for more!
God bless,
Fr. Chuck Talley, ofm
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