Dear Parishioners: "God has given different gifts to different people. There is no basis for feeling inferior to another who has a different gift. Once it is realized that we shall be judged by the gift we have received rather than the gift we have not, one is completely delivered from a sense of false inferiority" (Fulton Sheen).
It is much more convenient to believe that I am not worth much; that I have little or nothing to offer; that my small talent is insignificant in the eyes of God; than to take up what we have been given and live our lives in God's plan. Modern society has decided that our worth is based upon the amount of money, influence, or power we have over people.
Since we seem to struggle with our faith, (I believe much if not all of this boils down to a lack of faith) we donŐt trust deeply enough in God's decision about our gifts. We want an other's gift, an other's intelligence, talent, money, drive, etc. "If only I could ....!"
The fact of the matter is that we can. The vast majority of us never even think about our pituitary gland. I have never been to a parish function in twenty-seven years and had a discussion about pituitary glands. They are mentioned in biology class and in a few passing comments about growing up. When it is discussed (rarely) it is because someone has a difficulty.
But that does not mean the gland is not important. There is little glory in being a pituitary gland. But our bodies would have a lot more difficulty without them. They are vitally important to us.
Let's not be fooled by modern society's demand that we be the rich and the powerful. Remember that God's judgment for them will take into account their fame and position. Those who had the opportunity to stand up for life will be held accountable when they chose to be silent or be against the protection of life. Those who had the opportunity to lessen the load for others will be given a hard burden for all eternity.
Those who could only ...., will be rewarded by God when they put their talent to use for the greater honor and glory of God. In the end, that is the only thing that matters.
On another note. The other day I saw a report on the news that families are having burial services for their virtual pets. Enough is enough.
At STM we will not have any funeral services for your pets. None of the priests will come to your house for anointing. We will not bless them on the feast of St. Francis or any other saint's day. There are no readings from the Scriptures for the demise of toys. There is no heaven of any kind for virtual pets.
I want you to know that I will oppose any law demanding punishment for cruelety to pets when it comes to a virtual pet. They do not have 'rights'. Pets do not have rights. We must admit, however, that cats act as if they do.
Fr. Bill
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