To all our “beloved” of St. Philip Neri Parish,
Greetings and blessings to you and your family,
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all …. I thank my God every time I remember you, praying with joy in my prayers for you … Fr. Mike
Also, with the encouragement of St. John Mary Vianney: “Remain humble, remain simple. The more you are so, the more good you will do.”
Last Sunday, last week, we reflected on the gift, the virtue of HUMILITY. We come to understand, to live, that the virtue of humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but to think of ourselves less. Each of us is a gift from God; therefore, we are called to see ourselves as brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Humility helps us to take the spotlight off ourselves – t stop putting ourselves first, to become more open and accepting of the people that God puts into our lives. Humility is the key to healthy relationships. It helps us in two ways: we see people differently, and they see us differently. Humble people are better able to see the needs and desires, the strengths and the struggles of the people around us. It also makes us, as a Parish Community, more connected and appreciative of each other.
This Sunday, and throughout this following week, we are asked to reflect on our challenges and opportunities to move from maintenance to missionary. We hear Jesus say, “If anyone wants to be my disciple, they must take up their cross and follow me!” to “take up our cross” simply means, “to die to ourselves”, that is, to live the virtue of humility … not to think less of ourselves, but to think of ourselves less, so that others stand out, given preference in our relationship to them. This is our “mission”, given to each of us in baptism, anointed and appointed to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ. At our baptism, each of us was anointed as a priest – a prophet and as a king/queen (leader).
As “priest”, we are challenged to life a lifestyle which reflects the presence of Christ to others. We are graced and empowered to be a channel of peace and compassion, healing and love between ourselves and the God in our lives.
As “prophet”, we are to be the voice of truth and justice, to listen to others in such a way, so that their voice may be heard by others. We must believe that “There is a place for everyone, and everyone has a place.” The prophet helps others “find their place” in the Community and the family of God.
As “king/queen” – to take a leadership role in our family life, with our extended family and relatives, with our “neighbor”. That is, to live a Christ-like role as husband / wife, as father / mother, as brother / sister to each other.
Jesus wants us to understand what it means to “follow him, to take up our cross”. Becoming his disciple, learning and growing how to follow in His ways, will change how we pray, how we live each day, what our future holds out for us. Jesus knows the challenges we will face on our journey of life. He doesn’t want to give up when we realize the costs of failure and disappointments, our unfulfilled expectations and tragedies. God’s grace and “presence” will always be enough! God does not expect us to be successful (as the world describes ‘success’), but only faithful. We pray: “Lord, help me to live one day at a time, with your grace and mercy … I can be successful.
Praise be Jesus Christ … and Mary Immaculate
St Philip Neri … pray for us
St. Eugene de Mazenod … pray for us
St. Kateri Tekakwitha … pray for us
Something from the Parish:
- For those of you who have a key to St. Philip Parish, please hand in your key to the Parish Office: IF you no longer need the key because your need for access has expired. IF you still need a key to carry on parish responsibilities, please indicate your name to the Parish Office.
- We will continue to have a 10 am Eucharistic Celebration on Sunday – until our numbers dictate otherwise.