In the First Reading God tells us that His Word is always fruitful.
We know that the war against evil is already won - the remaining battles are to save as many souls as possible from eternal defeat.
John's Gospel begins naming Jesus as the Word of God. Jesus came to earth, lived among us, died, resurrected, and ascended into heaven. The secular world sees only failure in His modest life and embarrassing death. Who is right?
The secular world sees faith as an obstacle
to their version of civilized society. God sees faith as fruitful treasure
worth more than everything society can offer. Who is right?
The Psalm praises God's preparation and care for that which will prosper in yielding a harvest. As the earth is made fertile to welcome and nourish the seed, so does He provide experiences, insights, faith, and assistance to help us see and move past pain and obstacles in our lives, so that we can joyfully yield an eternal and fruitful harvest.

The Second Reading contains an often-quoted Scripture that has comforted many afflicted:
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing
compared with the glory to be revealed for us.
Contemplating the great good that will eventually be yielded from the current suffering, St. Paul can accept the struggles. He believes God's Word that "forever with God" will be greater than the greatest good and joy we can possibly imagine - and for this goal, he can suffer. How many people today endure chemotherapy and radiation to be cured from cancer with the hope of sharing more joy in this life?!
Can we better endure struggles knowing that all creation will rejoice with us when our battles are won?

In today's Gospel the sower shares the Word of God everywhere. The thorns and rocks could be seen as obstacles out of our control, but could it refer instead to our focus? Do we ponder the sufferings and injuries against us more than the goodness we're given? Do we permit the thorns to be larger because we don't view them in light of the seed God sows in our life? Do we let the rocks block every entry into our hearts instead of letting them serve as anchors for growth?
Jesus speaks of those who don't see or hear - are they thus because God has closed their eyes and ears, or because He has not yet chosen to remove the scales until they will see their faults in a way they can't ignore? Pray that we see our barriers and have the humility and strength to overcome them!
Newsy Notes

First Communion Celebration Date: September 20, 2020!

8th grade Confirmation - October 4, 2020
Meditation

"I do not want to punish aching mankind,
but I desire to heal it, pressing it to my Merciful Heart.
I use punishment
when they themselves force me to do so;
my hand is reluctant
to take hold of the sword of justice. ”
- Jesus' words as recorded by St. Faustina
Greetings Parents!

      When my children hurt, I try to "make up for it" through kindness and cutting them slack on chores. It's the compassionate thing to do, right? Sometimes it's the right decision, but in some ways it has backfired, as human weakness finds a way to take advantage of this kindness. More mild "sufferings" become excuses for neglecting necessary tasks - teenage boys still need showers, no matter what! And animals need food, water, and cages cleaned, regardless of how tired or ill you feel.

      Have my actions been a role model for them? My husband and I work through just about every hurt or illness, but sometimes because we can do most work via computer. There are times, however, that we retreat to our room or the couch to just "be" until our bodies are well again. It's amazing how well our children remember those once or twice a year events and find themselves believing they apply to their condition on a weekly basis...

        But do I do the same in more subtle ways? Relaxing is a healthy thing, but do I "unwind" longer than needed and could I be more productive as I do it. While I truly care for my friends, do I need to know their daily status when my children have been bored, bored, bored all day and would jump a the chance to play a board or card game or take a quick trip to the park? While parenting is part of our vocation, can it not be part of our relaxation as well? How did Jesus relax? With His friends and retreating in prayer. When I retreat to unwind, I confess that a rosary is not my first thought... but should it be? Or some other form of conversation with God. Can anyone or anything really refresh or relax me more than God?? Then why do I resist? I seek to ease the fatigue and pain through things of this world - even as I teach others to seek out God!

       Some comfort comes from St. Paul who wrote that he did what he didn't want to do, and didn't do what he wanted. In other words, he knew better, but the flesh is weak! But he kept trying - trying to recognize his faults and correct them. This requires time with God - Who can see our faults as a parent sees them in their children. In love, we encourage our children in their strengths but also try to guide them into overcoming the weaknesses. If we let Him, opening our heart and mind to hear and accept both the encouraging and hard truths, God will do the same for us so that we can become all that we were made to be - which might be a president, or might be the most important people in just a few people's lives, most especially our children!

Hug your children tight and be an example of self-reflection and of seeking God's Wisdom to help us become people with whom we'll be happy at the end of our lives.

-- Linda Bader, Coordinator of Religious Education

P.S. Did you know... St. Michael the Archangel appeared when his protection was sought by a bishop before a battle that threatened a sanctuary. The great angel promised the victory, which occurred with earthquakes, thunderbolts, and lightening on May 8th. This remains a feast day in St. Michael's honor in the Church and you can even see the cave that St. Michael claimed and blessed for his sanctuary - a reminder of God's constant and caring Presence through His willing followers!