Good Shepherd Sunday

Last Sunday, we reflected on ‘work and prayer’ – two things that every disciple of Jesus needs. Both are important in our journey of faith. Work keeps us active in service, and prayer keeps us close to God. We need both in balance to live as true followers of Christ. This Sunday, the readings concentrate more on prayer. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the story of two men who go to the temple to pray: one is a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The story is simple, but it shows us something very profound about how we stand before God. The Pharisee prays proudly. He thanks God that he is not like others. He talks about all the good things he does – fasting, giving money, and keeping the law. The tax collector, on the other hand, stands far away. He feels unworthy. He does not even lift his eyes to heaven. He simply says, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” And Jesus says that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home right with God. The difference between the two is not their actions, but their hearts. The Pharisee’s good deeds are fine, but his heart is proud. He thinks he can earn God’s love by praising himself. The tax collector knows he is weak and needs God’s mercy. His honest and humble heart opens the way for God’s forgiveness. This parable invites us to look at ourselves. How do we pray? Do we sometimes compare ourselves to others? Do we think we are better than someone else because we pray more or do more good things? Pride can quietly grow even in good works. True prayer starts with humility and gratitude – knowing that everything good we have is a gift from God. In the temple, only one man truly prayed – the one who knew he was a sinner. God can fill only an empty heart. If we are full of ourselves, there is no room for God. But when we come before God with open and humble hearts, God’s grace fills us with peace and love. May this Gospel remind us to pray with humility, gratitude, and trust. God does not look for perfection but for hearts that are honest and humble. As Jesus said, “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)  Fr. Andrzej

At first, the parable of the dishonest steward may confuse us. Why would Jesus tell a story about a man who cheats his master, and then praise him? Jesus is not approving dishonesty. He is pointing out the steward’s prudence. The man saw that his time was short, and he acted decisively to prepare for the future. How often do we, the “children of light,” fail to show that same urgency for what really matters? People are often clever and determined when it comes to success, wealth, or safety in this life, but far less intentional when it comes to eternal life with God. The message is clear: all that we have, our time, our talents, our possessions, are entrusted to us by God. We are not owners but stewards. One day we will give an account. In the meantime, Jesus calls us to use what we have wisely, generously, and with eternity in mind. Money and posses sions will not last forever, but when used in service of God and neighbor, they can open the way to “eternal dwellings.” Money and everything we possess must not divide and take us away from God and other people. Contrary, everything can build up our relationship with God and people. It is not important how much and what we possess but rather, to which extend we are attached to it and if we are ready to share it with our neighbor. This Gospel ends with a wise maxim: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” May we, like the steward, act decisively but not for selfish gain. Instead, let us be shrewd in love, intentional in faith, and generous in mercy, so that our true treasure may be found in heaven.  Fr. Andrzej

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.As the summer draws to a close and a new school year begins, we are reminded of the rhythm of life that God has inserted into creation, seasons of rest and seasons of work, times of play and times of learning. Summer often gives us space to slow down, to enjoy the beauty of God’s world, and to strengthen our relationships with family and friends. Now, as we initiate the new school year, we are called into a season of new beginning and time of growth. We think about our children and youth at the threshold of the new year. May this new year become a successful and meaningful year for each of them. For parents and teachers, it is a time of guidance, encouragement, and patience. And for all of us as a church community, it is a reminder to support and pray for our young students that they may grow not only in knowledge but also in wisdom and faith. Let us embrace this change of season with gratitude, holding on to the peace and joy of summer while welcoming the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead. May the Holy Spirit move and work with us every day, every household, and every heart, so that this new beginning may bear good fruit. The end of summer is a good opportunity to express my gratitude to those who prepared this new school year at our parish community and our church of St. Martin of Tours. I am grateful for those who will be involved with teaching and ministry to our children and youth at our Religious Education programs and any kind of youth ministry. Thank you for your time and effort. Additionally, the end of summer is traditionally marked with two significant fund rising events, the Rummage Sale and Labor Day activities. I am grateful to those of our parishioners who spend a lot of time, creativity and hard work to make these events successful and meaningful. I am not just thinking about the income to the parish funds, but also about the good spirit and energy brought up by these two events which make our community alive and welcoming to others. Thank you very much. Welcome back to those who arrived from their vacation and trips in the summer, and I wish you another meaningful and blessed time at home and in our parish community. Fr. Andrzej 

The image of the narrow gate appears in today’s gospel, where someone asks Jesus: "Lord, will only a few be saved?" He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able" (Luke 13:24). I believe this image of the narrow gate is offered to us as positive encouragement rather than a frightening warning. There were many negative images of God as angry and condemning in the past. The Old Testament used these kinds of negative methods and images of God to encourage people to choose good instead of evil. God was shown as a strict judge who can see everything. According to them, God watches every deed and step of a human being. Then God repays to everyone with grace or punishment according to the human deeds. The New Testament method, contrary to the Old Testament, is very positive. It shows God as a good parent who loves people like his children. God is also shown as a good shepherd who searches for a lost sheep until it is found and brought back to the flock to be save. God loves his people unconditionally to the point of giving his only Son for the salvation of all. We are all invited to take part in salvation given to us by God. It is our invitation and destiny, but we must respond to God’s call. Luke in today’s gospel uses the word "strive" (Greek: agonizomai, from which we get agonize) which suggests a strong, ongoing effort like that of an athlete or warrior. Salvation is not shown here as something casual or automatic. The narrow gate symbolizes a path that requires intentionality, discipline, and commitment. It’s not about working for salvation, which is by grace, but about responding seriously to God’s call. There is a time sensitivity – later verses describe people knocking on the door after it is shut. The chance to respond is not indefinite. There is another helpful element in the image the narrow gate, which is exclusivity versus inclusivity. The narrow gate contrasts with a wide gate – something easier to enter, more comfortable, and more crowded. While many may expect to be included Jesus warns that not all who assume they are in will be admitted. This challenges our presumption that being religious, church goer, or Catholic is not a guarantee of salvation. Instead, it highlights the importance of a real relationship with Christ. The Lord answered to those who were knocking on the locked door, “I do not know where you are from” (Luke 13:27). A personal relationship with God is an essential condition of entering the narrow gate. The image of the narrow gate is echoed in many places and images in the New Testament but especially in Matthew 7:13-14. Matthew contrasts the narrow gate that leads to life and the wide gate that leads to destruction. This places the image within a consistent New Testament theme: the true path is costly, counter-cultural, and chosen by relatively few. The image of the narrow gate is not a warning but rather an invitation. The door is narrow indeed, but it is open to us. Fr. Andrzej 

A Good Steward, according to today’s Gospel, is a chosen servant who has been entrusted by his master with the task of taking care of his household, possessions, and the people under his care. In those times, a steward was responsible for faithfully and wisely managing his master’s household, even in his master’s absence. A good steward is one who: • is faithful – does what his master has entrusted to him, even when no one is watching; • is wise – makes prudent decisions for the good of the whole community; • is responsible – cares for others, not only for himself. Above all, a good steward is always awaiting the master. He must be ready to welcome him even when his master comes unexpectedly (Luke 12:32-48). Originally, the parable about the good steward was associated with Eschatology. A good steward, which is a model of disciple of Jesus, must be ready to welcome the Master, Jesus Christ, when we meet him face to face at the end of times. I believe this story must be understood in both context, Eschatology and Presentology. The parable is not just about the end of times. The story of a good steward encourages us to be ready to meet our brothers and sisters who come to us for help unexpectedly also today. It is our current and ongoing task to welcome them with love and care as good stewards. Elsewhere in the Scripture, Jesus explained the necessity of welcoming people in need and taking care of them, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt 25:40). Indeed, awaiting the Master and taking care of the needy are equally important tasks for a good steward. Recently, we have had a lot of reflection, talks and meetings regarding our stewardship committee at St. Martin of Tours. We have made a lot of effort to make our stewardship alive and dynamic. We believe the growth of our parish community depends a lot on the condition and vigor of our stewardship committee. We all agree today’s stewardship is not just about taking care of our money and resources. Good stewards must take care of people entrusted to them holistically. People who come to our parish must be welcomed and immediately feel they belong to the parish community. Everyone must receive what they expect, and feel safe with us, but especially those who are in difficult situations and circumstances. We also agree, as good stewards we must be ready to leave our comfort zone and go out to find people who do not formally belong to St. Martin’s parish community. Many of our parishioners left the community during Covid19 and other kinds of crises our parish had to go through in the past. We must go out and welcome them where they are. Perhaps they are waiting for us to invite them again. There are also many new families who do not know us yet. We cannot afford to wait for them at the church. Instead, we must go out find and meet them where they are. Today’s Gospel tells us that each of us, not just the stewardship committee members, is a steward – God has entrusted us with life, talents, time, relationships, material goods and our parish community. Ultimately, we will give an account for them. Whoever is faithful in small matters will be entrusted with even greater responsibilities. Awaiting the Master, our Lord Jesus Christ, and welcoming and taking care of our brothers and sisters in our community are equally important tasks for us, as good stewards.  Fr. Andrzej