A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR
Good Samaritan: On this 15th Sunday of Ordinary time we celebrate the God who is close to us both in His Word and in our neighbor. As the image of the unseen God, and as the Good Samaritan, Christ is close to us in all circumstances of life. So, the church urges us to acknowledge the presence of God both in his Word, and in our neighbor. God is close to us in the scriptures, in the poor, in the just, in the pious, in the marginalized, in the sick, and in the weak. Like the Good Samaritan, if we search for God in these we will find Him. The good Samaritan saw God in the victim, and so was moved to help him. The Good Samaritan represents those who seek Christ in the weak, wounded, and the poor. He also represents Christ who himself is a Good Samaritan per excellence. He is quick to come to our help when we are weak, despised, and abandoned. He is ever ready to help us to recover from our injuries, and He is so close to take care, and to heal us. Hence, the Psalmist asks: “…What great nation is there that has it God so close to it as the LORD, our God….?”
Believe In Yourself: I heard this speech in a YouTube video and thought of sharing it. A cow eats grass and gets fat but if a dog eats grass, it probably won’t survive. Never compare yourself with others. Run your race. What works for one person may not for the other. Let us focus on the gifts and talents God gave us and let us not be envious of the blessings He gave others. Both lion and shark are professional hunters, BUT: A lion cannot hunt in the ocean and a shark cannot hunt in the jungle. That a lion cannot hunt in the ocean doesn't make him useless and that a shark cannot hunt in the jungle doesn't also make him useless. Both have their own territory where they can do well. If a rose smells better than tomatoes, it doesn't mean the rose can make a better stew. Don't try to compare yourself to others. You also have your own strength, look for it and build on it. Never look down on yourself, keep looking up. Remember that broken crayons still color. Keep on pushing, you never can tell how close you are to your goal...!
St. Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: St. Bonaventure, known as "the seraphic doctor," was born in central Italy, in 1221. He was named Bonaventure- a name which variably means good venture or happy arrival. At the age of 22 St. Bonaventure entered the Franciscan Order. In 1257 he received the degree of Doctor, together with his intimate friend St. Thomas Aquinas. At the age of 35 he was chosen General of his Order and restored a perfect calm where peace had been disturbed by internal dissensions. He did much for his Order and composed The Life of St. Francis. In 1265 he was nominated Archbishop of York by Pope Clement IV, but he begged not to be forced to accept that dignity. Gregory X obliged him to take upon himself a greater one, that of Cardinal and Bishop of Albano, one of the six suffragan Sees of Rome. A outstanding philosopher and theologian, “Seraphic Doctor as he came to be known , had clear vision, prudence and fortitude. Bonaventure has left us a wealth of writings- mystical, exegetical and dogmatic which are outstanding for their simple clarity. He was canonized in 1482 and was declared a doctor of the Church. One of his saying is that “The best perfection of a religious man is to do common things in a perfect manner”. As the Church honors this saint on Monday the 15th of July we seek his intercession. St Bonaventure Pray for us.
We All Need To Change: Newly married Alan goes to meet Fr. George. He greets the priest and says, "Father, I need to talk to you." The Priest asks, "Is it a confession, my son ?" Alan replies, "No, Father! I need to clarify something." The Priest takes Alan to his private chamber and says, "Tell me, Alan. What is it ?" Alan asks, "Father, why do the kindest of girls begin their quest to change men after marriage ?" The Priest smiles and replied, "Alan, my son, as the bride walks down the long aisle, her brain registers three stimuli. The altar, the choir and the sound of the hymn being sung. Aisle, altar, and hymn. She becomes mesmerized. Aisle, altar, hymn. Aisle, altar, hymn. Aisle, altar, hymn. And finally, as she stops beside the groom, she is already saying to herself - I'LL ALTER HIM."
God’s blessings,
Fr. Suneesh Mathew
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