Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [September 6th Bulletin]

Dear St. Philip Neri Family and Friends,

We give praise and thanks to God for His graces and blessings!

Today’s readings remind us of something very important about being a Christian: we are responsible for one another. God does not ask us simply to take care of ourselves and our own relationship with Him. He calls us to watch over one another, to encourage one another, and sometimes, with love and humility, to help one another see what we may not see in ourselves.

In the first reading, God tells Ezekiel that he has been appointed as a watchman for the people. A watchman stands on the walls and looks out for danger. He sees what others may not see, and when there is danger, he has a responsibility to speak. That can be difficult. Sometimes it is easier to remain silent. We may think, It’s none of my business, or Who am I to say something?

Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel that there are moments when love requires us to speak. Yet notice how Jesus tells us to do it. He doesn't tell us to embarrass someone, condemn them, or tell everyone else about their faults.

“Go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.”

This is a beautiful lesson for all of us. Christian correction should always come from love, not anger; from concern, not judgment; from the desire to help someone come closer to God.

At times we also need to hear the other side of the Gospel. Sometimes we are the ones who need to be corrected. It takes humility to listen when someone who loves us says, I think you may be going in the wrong direction. We should not immediately become defensive. Perhaps God is speaking to us through that person.

Then Jesus gives us those beautiful words:

“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

What a consolation! Jesus is not only present when everything is going well. He is present when families struggle, when friendships are difficult, when we are carrying burdens, and when we gather together to pray for someone who needs God's grace.

This is why our faith is never meant to be lived alone. We need one another. We need people who will pray for us, encourage us, forgive us, and sometimes lovingly tell us the truth.

As I am visiting the shrines of Our Lady, especially Fatima and Lourdes, I want you to know that I will be praying for all of you and for your intentions. I will bring with me the prayers, needs, hopes, and struggles of our parish family. At Fatima and Lourdes, so many people have gone before us asking Our Lady to intercede for their families, their loved ones, their healing, and their faith. I will remember you there as well, especially at Mass.

Maybe sometime today we can ask ourselves: Who has God placed in my life that I need to pray for? Who needs my encouragement? Who might need me to speak a word of truth with love? And who is God sending into my life to help me grow closer to Him?

May we always remember the words of Jesus:

“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

I pray for you every day, especially at Mass. Please pray for me.

Please invite someone to Mass today.

St. Philip Neri, pray for us.

Have a blessed week,

Fr. Szparagowski