God’s Actions Demonstrate Love

09-27-2026Pastor's LetterFather Wilson

Dear Parishioners,

The parable of the two sons is very direct and to the point. “A father had two sons.” The difference between the two brothers can be paralleled to two prominent attitudes of ancient Israel: those who considered themselves as good people who didn’t need conversion, and those who knew that they were sinners and wanted to change.

It was clear to the Pharisees that Christ was referring to them because they “only paid lip service.” They remembered Jesus’ saying: “Not everyone who cries out ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.”

In the parable, the father gives his sons the command “Go work in the vineyard.” Every day it is more and more urgent for Christians to be witnesses of Christ in the midst of a secular, relativistic world. Evil is everywhere, yet it only takes a little yeast to ferment dough, a little salt to preserve meat, and a small flock to preserve the faith. St. James never tired of repeating that “faith without works is dead.” What will we be asked on the judgment day? Saint Paul wrote, “God will repay each one according to his deeds.” And Saint Peter Chrysologus adds that “incoherence is a subtle evil, a secret infection, a hidden poison.” All too often we hear: “I’m Catholic but not practicing,” or “I’m spiritual, but I don’t go to church.” Both comments carry a huge load of incoherence.

When Catholics are asked if they are practicing their faith, the response sometimes is, “Of course. I go to Mass every Sunday.” But what about the other Sacraments and teachings of the Church? Take a look at your life. Do you fulfill all the commandments? When did you last go to confession? Do you do works of mercy? Do you help others? Do you reflect on the salvation of your soul? Do you consistently pray? Do you give others a good example of Christian life? Are you perhaps committing sins of omission? Our Lord gives a clear standard of coherence: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

May we purpose to continue the revolution that Christ brought to the world: the revolution of love. In Christ’s eyes, the just person isn’t the one who fulfills the exterior law, but rather the one who is capable of freeing himself from human attachments and the world’s appeal. It would be good to predispose our hearts towards God as St. Teresa of Jesus did: “I am yours. I was made for you. What do you wish me to do?”

All the best…in Christ.