Kaukauna Catholic Parishes

BE STRONG, FEAR NOT! BE OPENED!
Transitions Continue!

God’s blessings! Change is a constant in our lives, and we continue to experience transitions in many ways. This is Labor Day weekend, somewhat of a marker in time as summer nears the end, and schools have opened up again. We pray for a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend, recognizing everyone who is part of our workforce and thanking them for their contributions to our communities and our nation. We pray people will continue to find rewarding work and to be able to support themselves and their families.

We also pray for our schools, public and private, to bring solid and life-giving education to our students. We pray for the students, families, teachers, administrators, support staff, school boards, janitorial, maintenance, volunteers, catechists, youth ministers, and all others so that our schools strive for excellence and develop people of character, and in the case of our Catholic Schools and Discipleship Formation, embolden our Missionary Disciples, with prayer as an anchor for our relationship with God. May our students learn how to think, not just what to think.

Next weekend, the United States will commemorate 20 years since the terrorist attack on our soil, on 9/11 (2001). I would guess many of us remember where we were when we heard about the attack. Our son Greg was on the streets of New York when the Twin Towers were intentionally attacked by planes from the sky. This had an incredible impact on him. Many innocent people were killed and the New York firefighters and police risked their lives to save others, and people from many walks of life helped out in any way they could. Thank you!  

The impact of 9/11 is ongoing and as of this writing, very much connected to the current challenges in Afghanistan. Let’s pray for peace in the Middle East, and safety for those at risk in this messy situation. Once again, we thank those trying to secure the safety of many people.

Our first reading from the Prophet Isaiah was written at a time of international upheaval. People were worried about their uncertain future. Some of this still rings true today. As people “whose hearts were frightened,” the Lord said, “Be strong, fear not! Here is your God; he comes to save you.” Amid the chaos, they were asked to demonstrate their belief in God, who promises deliverance from oppression.  

In our Gospel from Mark, Jesus heals the deaf man with a speech impediment. Jesus says, “Be Opened!” “Immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment removed and he spoke plainly.”

Bystanders were astonished by Jesus in this instance and other miracles. Jesus “connects the spiritual and physical realms.”

People realize that there is more to Jesus than people see. Do we realize how much more there is in Jesus, the love and compassion that flows from him, and who we get to share in Eucharist? This is a pure gift; please do not take that for granted. We are invited to “be open” to the promptings of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

The 2nd reading from the Letter of St. James cautions us in overemphasizing the judgment of others by their appearance and treating people differently because of that. James writes, “My brothers and sisters, show no partiality.” We can find ourselves living too much by the world’s standards instead of the Lord’s teaching and example. James reminds us, “Have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs?” May our hearts be pure and, as our Psalm tells us, may we always remember to “Praise the Lord.” Let’s pray that we can “be strong and fear not” as we experience the variety of ongoing transitions in our lives.

Blessings,
Deacon Steve