A Letter From Our Pastor: Lessons from the Sunday Scripture Readings

Dear Parish Family,

One of my favorite parish ministries is the Homily Bible Study. We meet once a week over the lunch hour at SS. Mary and Hyacinth. Participants go around the room sharing what they remember from last Sunday’s homily. Then we read the readings for the coming Sunday. We pause between each reading for a minute or so of silent time. After all the readings have been read, people share first impressions — what struck you? Then we get a little deeper into themes, the meaning of a particular word, or the practical application to our lives. It’s a combination Bible study, faith sharing, and sounding board. Fr. George and I learn a lot and it helps us both to preach better.

Reading the upcoming Sunday readings is a great habit for any Catholic. You can find the readings in a Daily Roman Missal, a monthly missal such as the Magnificat publication, or free online at https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading. If you eat dinner together every night as a family, and you have small children, perhaps you could take just one reading each night of the week and reflect on it briefly. Families with older children might sit down once a week and read all the readings. You can use car trip time or even the drive to Sunday Mass. You will get a lot more out of the Mass readings if Mass isn’t the first time you hear them.

The month of July gives us Gospel readings that show hospitality and generosity. Allow me to reflect briefly on two of them. The 16 th Sunday (July 17), we will read from Luke 10:38-42, the story of Martha and Mary. Martha welcomes Jesus into her home. While she is busy preparing a meal for Jesus, her sister sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to him speak. Martha has welcomed Jesus into her home but not into her heart. She continues to be both busy and burdened. God does not intend His children to be anxious and worried. When we take time to sit quietly and listen to Jesus, we find peace. Summer can be a busy time. Are you making time to sit with Jesus and listen to Him?

On July 31, we will read from Luke 12:13-21. Jesus tells a parable to a man fighting with his brother over his inheritance. How often do families get into big fights over the inheritance? If we realize that God is taking care of us, then we don’t need to grasp and stockpile possessions. We will find the freedom to be generous to others, as God has been generous to us. Give generously and store up “treasure in heaven.”

You are all welcome to join us when Homily Bible Study resumes in September. Keep praying and playing. Have a great summer!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Joel Sember, Pastor

Fr. Joel Sember, Pastor