Kaukauna Catholic Parishes

God’s blessings! There is an incredible emphasis on “being  chosen” in this weekend’s readings. In the 2^nd reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, we hear, “Blessed be our God and Father who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he CHOSE us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy.” This blessing is not due to our merit. It comes only because a loving God CHOSE us and brought us into existence so that we might be God’s beloved possession and praise his glory. We received grace from God “in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.” 

St. Paul continues, “In all wisdom and insight, God has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up, all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.” “In Christ we were CHOSEN.” In this “we heard the word of truth, the Gospel of our salvation, have believed in Jesus and were sealed with the Holy Spirit.” Our Psalm reminds us, “Lord, let us see your kindness and grant us your salvation.” This is a pure gift as “kindness and truth shall meet.”

It is obvious that Christ “Did not choose the qualified, he qualified the chosen.” The Gospel from Mark explores being CHOSEN by Jesus: “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.” Jesus instructed them “to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick – no food, sack or money.” We learn “the Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.” They carried on the mission of Jesus: Teaching and Healing. They anticipated some rejection and experienced it, but “shook the dust off their feet” and continued the mission. This applies to us, too, as we will experience rejection as well, but are expected to carry on the mission of healing, teaching and compassion.

Perhaps, you don’t feel very qualified. But guess what? God has CHOSEN you. We invite you to respond through prayer by continuing to Discover, Live and Share Jesus.

We have been watching a TV series called “The Chosen.” Maybe, you have heard about it. “The Chosen” is produced by Angel Studios. Their first season is eight episodes and explores Jesus and his disciples in a unique way, as he gathered his apostles and followers, and it is evident that these were not necessarily the most “qualified,” and if they submitted resumes, may not have been selected (or chosen) for their roles. But Jesus knew what he was doing and the program does a nice job of character development as things unfold, and Jesus provides opportunities for each of them to shine, using their gifts and stretching themselves, working together. They have now completed seven of this season’s eight episodes in Season Two. Please check it out. You can download the app. I suggest watching them in order from the beginning. The Chosen can be very life-giving.

The Kaukauna Catholic Parishes are trying to support things that are life-giving, and life-saving, such as Vida Medical Clinic, and Pillars. An Alcoholics Anonymous Group (“AA”) has started again - meeting Monday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. at SKD-St. Mary. We also recommend Al-Anon at Peace United Methodist on Friday evenings at 8 p.m. KCP is sponsoring a health screening program on Friday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 2. A Blood Drive will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Watch for details.

-Deacon Steve