Fr. Kevin's Cluttered Desk
Sunday, July 21, 2019
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things: there is need of only one thing.” For Martha the distractions were her many tasks, but what are our distractions today? For some it might be many things. We think we need to get done, but are they really important? My mom used to remind us “that it was better that the coffee was on than the dirt was swept out of the corners”. Now that does not mean one should have a dirty house, but it is a question of priorities. What are the things we think we should be taking care of versus things that matter less? Not that they are not important but they matter less.
A few things to think about: if I am single, or married, and spend more than 40 hours a week at work am I neglecting my family and friends? Which is more important, money or relationships? What priority does my relationship with God have? When I plan a holiday is the Eucharist part of the plan? In the scriptures we are reminded that we will be known by our actions. Our actions are based on our priorities or what people perceive to be our priorities.
With that in mind why is not going to church on Sunday a mortal sin? When we go to Mass on Sunday we are responding to God’s call to share in a feast, a feast in which we receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus. Our not going can be perceived/interpreted as a rejection of Jesus, as a public statement of “I don’t need Him”. Never focus on the words mortal sin, focus on the relationship. Some will say they don’t need to go to church to have a relationship with Jesus. For us Catholics though, our relationship with Jesus is all about the Eucharist where we become one with him. Priorities.
Peace Fr. Kevin
A few things to think about: if I am single, or married, and spend more than 40 hours a week at work am I neglecting my family and friends? Which is more important, money or relationships? What priority does my relationship with God have? When I plan a holiday is the Eucharist part of the plan? In the scriptures we are reminded that we will be known by our actions. Our actions are based on our priorities or what people perceive to be our priorities.
With that in mind why is not going to church on Sunday a mortal sin? When we go to Mass on Sunday we are responding to God’s call to share in a feast, a feast in which we receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus. Our not going can be perceived/interpreted as a rejection of Jesus, as a public statement of “I don’t need Him”. Never focus on the words mortal sin, focus on the relationship. Some will say they don’t need to go to church to have a relationship with Jesus. For us Catholics though, our relationship with Jesus is all about the Eucharist where we become one with him. Priorities.
Peace Fr. Kevin
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