On Wednesday of this week we celebrated the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
The Gospel tells us that Jesus found a special home in Bethany with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. There He was welcomed, loved, listened to, and supported. Each of them lived their faith in a unique way. Martha served. Mary listened and learned. Lazarus witnessed to the life-changing power of Christ.
As our pastorate continues to grow together, I believe God is calling us to become a modern-day Bethany. We are not simply maintaining parishes. We are building a community of disciples united in Christ's mission. The future of our pastorate depends not on a few people doing more, but on all of us answering God's call. Therefore, I invite every member of our parishes to embrace this challenge:
Like Martha: Welcome the People of Christ Seek out someone who is new, lonely, disconnected, or searching for a parish home. Offer hospitality. Extend an invitation. Help others experience the warmth and love of Christ through our communities.
Like Mary: Grow as a Disciple Commit yourself to a deeper relationship with Jesus through prayer, Mass, Scripture, faith formation, and participation in parish life. We cannot share a faith that we ourselves are not continually nurturing.
Like Lazarus: Share Christ's Life with the World Be a witness to the hope, joy, and mercy of Jesus in your family, workplace, school, and neighborhood. Let others see in your life the difference Christ makes.
I challenge each of us to prayerfully ask:
"Lord, what role are You calling me to play in building the future of our pastorate?"
Perhaps it is volunteering in a ministry. Perhaps it is joining a faith-sharing group. Perhaps it is inviting a neighbor to Mass. Perhaps it is offering your talents, prayers, leadership, or service.
Whatever the call may be, God needs each one of us.
The future of our pastorate will not be shaped merely by plans or programs. It will be shaped by disciples who say "yes" to Christ.
Together, let us become a Bethany for our time:
A place where all are welcomed.
A community where faith grows.
A people who share the life of Christ with the world.
May Martha inspire our service, Mary deepen our discipleship, and Lazarus strengthen our witness as we joyfully answer God's call.
"Like Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, let us welcome the people of Christ, grow as disciples, and share His life with the world." May God bless our pastorate and the mission entrusted to us. Amen.
Deacon Jim