Reflection for August 18

How can Christ set our Catholic Communities on Fire?

A Pastoral Reflection

Today's readings can be found here.

In the gospel of this Sunday’s Mass, our Lord says, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Luke 12:49).  As I am beginning my third year as priest in Centerville and Hilltop Lakes (also part-time in Madisonville), I would like to reflect on the ways Christ is kindling a fire in the communities I serve.  However, I would also like to suggest a few ways that can help this light to burn more brightly.

At St. Leo the Great, much has been accomplished so far in 2013.  During Lent, we undertook the renovation of our little church.  Just recently we paved our driveway with concrete.  The great news is that – thanks to your generosity – we are doing well financially and not in debt.  The aesthetic improvements are a visible sign to Centerville that Christ has ignited a great flame of faith in his Real Presence, which is the heart of our Catholic community and identity.  We look forward to the feast of St. Leo the Great on Sunday, November 10^th, and the raffle of the iPad.  At this point, now that much of the needed maintenance has been taken care of, we will be saving and planning for a church hall with classroom space.  I also plan to write the Bishop this year to ask if St. Leo’s is ready to be promoted to “parish” status.  (We’re still a mission of Crocket!).

At St. Thomas More, our new church could be paid off before the end of the year, and we look forward to new pews before Thanksgiving.  The number of families has doubled since the dedication of our church in December 2011.  At both St. Leo’s and STM, we were able to have Family Faith Formation during 2012-2013.  With the help of my deacons and catechists, I plan to continue Family Faith Formation this year.  For adult faith formation, we will be doing The Great Adventure Catholic bible study in order to gain a holistic approach to Sacred Scripture.  I also plan to ask the Bishop if STM can be officially made a “mission” of St. Leo’s.

Building projects, financial stability, and catechesis are great qualities to have in our Catholic communities, but if these strengths are not moving us to a deeper interior life and a stronger sense of mission, then we need to consider that maybe Christ’s flame needs a bit more fuel.  Perhaps we could consider a stronger commitment to devotional confession, attending daily Mass, and spending quality time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration.  I realize that Mass and Adoration may be difficult for some families, but I plan to work with the pastoral councils about how to encourage more participation in these spiritual and sacramental opportunities.  

Another way Christ might be wanting to ignite you is by volunteering for both the needs at the church (sacristy, floral, and liturgical ministries) and the needs in the larger community (visiting the homebound, nursing homes, pro-life activities).  I kindly ask that we all prayerfully reflect on our personal contribution to our Catholic communities.  Am I responding to Christ’s flame of faith in my heart through some form of generous giving?  Is Christ asking me to volunteer in some way?  Do I see confession, Mass and Adoration as sure ways for Christ to intensify my flame so that I can ignite Centerville and Hilltop Lakes with the love of Christ?  May the Holy Spirit guide your discernment and may Christ set you on fire to be the saint He has called you to be.