June 30, 2024

Jesus Christ: Yesterday, Today, and Forever ~

Human nature being what it is, we take what we have or know for granted, as if what one person experiences is normative for everyone else. It frequently isn’t. Once a person can see another person, especially many other people, they can see differences and get a good idea of where they stand relative to others (rich or poor, tall or short, devout or lax, etc). We especially notice what we had when we lose it – “you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” It is important to acknowledge what is good, appreciate it, and give thanks to God for it. Holy Redeemer Parish is truly a parish to appreciate and give thanks to God for.

The most recent example of that is in your response to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. For multiple years in a row, Holy Redeemer has led the Archdiocese’s 163 parishes and missions in participation. Eight weeks into this year’s campaign, Holy Redeemer’s participation rate stands at 61%, over 3½ times the 17% average. This isn’t about money. This is about you putting your faith into practice by being good stewards of the Catholic Church, and being good disciples of Jesus Christ. I am so proud of you. You inspire me and others to be better Catholic Christians, while giving people near and far a safe space where they can buck the global decline in religious practice and the evil that accompanies it. And the evil is spreading.

Everywhere in the world, the Church and our Christian faith are under attack. “Pride” parades are celebrated in cities throughout the world, even in Rome and Jerusalem. Where are the corresponding Christian parades? Where is “Christian Pride Month?” Where are the safe refuges from a global spirit that embraces and promotes transgenderism, homosexuality, abortion, and the collapse of marriage and family? Those places of shared faith and values are few and far between, but by the grace of God, we have it here. By the grace of God.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lampstand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.” Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).

Holy Redeemer is a lighthouse of truth, goodness, and beauty, summoning seekers and lost souls to her light and the safety of her harbor. So many come here from all over Clark County (and beyond) for the support we share with one another, even those outside our parish. Most importantly they come for the faith, and the practice of the faith we have. Thank you. Let’s consciously own it and not take it for granted. Let’s keep sharing it and not “hide it under a tub” through complacency. Let’s continue to be Our Lord’s light in Clark County.

May Almighty God Bless You,