How to Receive God’s Grace?

Diane Winkowski • June 13, 2024

It is not the first time the liturgical readings borrow an image and language of agricultural planting and farming to explain Divine matters to us.  God’s grace is compared to seeds which are thrown by a farmer on the soil of human faith.

The farmer is generous and spreads the seeds on every kind of soil, poor, and rich.  It is up to the soil, and the effort of the human being, if the seed will bear fruit.  If the seed of God’s grace falls on rich soil and is grown with care, it grows slowly, quietly and eventually bears great fruit.

 

We are often impatient and negative regarding God’s grace.  We try hard but we do not experience God’s grace and substantial fruit in our spiritual life.  Then, we are discouraged and fall into a crisis of faith.  Today’s gospel assigned on the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary time gives us a few practical ideas and conditions to experience and welcome God’s grace within us.

 

First, we must assess what kind of soil we are.  We need to examine our disposition of faith.  Perhaps there are many rocks and weeds in our soil of faith.  Elsewhere in the gospel, Jesus explained the importance of good soil for receiving God’s grace.  The parable of the Sower describes different kinds of soil.  It is hard for God’s word to grow among weeds and rocks. Even if the Sower is generous and spreads a lot of seeds, it is impossible to bear a good fruit in ground too busy and rocky. (Matthew 13:3-23).  Thus, the first condition to receive God’s grace and bear good fruit is to assess and prepare our disposition. Perhaps we are too busy to pray.  We often have no time to cultivate the soil of our faith and we are too preoccupied with material things.  We do not listen to our heart, which is a place where God speaks to us.  If we want to welcome God’s grace and experience significant change in our religious life, we must first make an effort.

 

Second, God’s grace is compared to a mustard seed.  God’s grace is very small at the beginning, like a little seed. God influences our faith and our life very gently by little tiny things.  We must often carefully examine our day, and everything that happened, to realize it was God who motivated and inspired us for good.  We often expect miracles and great signs in our life.  Unfortunately, most of the time God’s grace does not work like that.  Therefore, if we do not have time to recognize the small deeds of God and appreciate them, we cannot grow spiritually.  Every good idea is implanted in us by God.

We often miss and ignore it because we are distracted and tempted by material and worldly things which look attractive and big.

 

Today’s gospel is suggesting us to become more attentive and appreciative of God’s small graces.  Everything we receive and give, even the little spiritual good, is like a mustard seed. We must appreciate it and be grateful.  We must never ignore or take it for granted.  It can become something great in the future.  Every charism, life of a saint, and great project began with a little seed; a spiritual idea or call given by God, heard and received by a human.  Then, it grew and bore much fruit.

 

The third element suggested by today’s gospel are faith and humility, two necessary characteristics to welcome God’s grace.  We must have a strong faith to see a potential spiritual miracle in a little tiny seed.  We must have a lot of humility which is like a spiritual patience to accept and allow a little seed of God’s grace to grow within us.  A biblical humility does not mean to put ourselves down, but to realize who we are with our strengths and grace as well as our limitations and weaknesses.  Humility requires self-awareness and a lot of patience to examine our faith and religious effort.

 

In summary, today’s gospel encourages us to have a wonderful spiritual journey with God.  God constantly pours a lot of grace on each of us.  God is like a generous Sower who throws seeds on rich and poor soil.  It is up to you and me to realize and accept God’s effort. God’s grace is like a tiny little seed that grows big when it is welcomed and raised with care.

Our faith and humility help a lot.  Let’s be grateful for each grace we receive and share with others every day.

 

Fr. Andrzej

 

“Called to the Vineyard: The Witness of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen”

By Jennifer Moscatello • September 14, 2026
On September 24, 2026, the Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a beloved priest, bishop, teacher, author, and evangelist. His life reminds us that holiness is possible in every time and place – and that our gifts are meant to bring others closer to Christ. Born in Illinois in 1895, Archbishop Sheen became one of the best-known Catholic communicators of the twentieth century. Through radio, television, books, and preaching, he shared the Catholic faith with millions of people. His programs, especially “The Catholic Hour and Life Is Worth Living,” made the Gospel accessible to ordinary people. Yet behind his public ministry was a deeply spiritual man who loved Jesus Christ, the Eucharist, the Blessed Mother, and the Church. His beatification is a significant moment for the Church in the United States. The cause for his canonization was opened in 2002, and Pope Benedict XVI declared him Venerable in 2012. In 2019, Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to his intercession. The beatification, which is the last step before his canonization, will take place in St. Louis, Missouri. What can life of Archbishop Sheen teach us about our own faith? Sheen teaches us first to put Christ at the center of our lives. His education, preaching, writing, and broadcasting were all directed toward one purpose: helping people know Jesus Christ. He also reminds us that we are all called to share the Gospel. We may never preach to thousands of people, but we can witness to Christ through our kindness, patience, generosity, forgiveness, service, and love. Finally, Sheen shows us that our work must flow from prayer and a personal relationship with God. Our ministry becomes fruitful when it begins with the Lord. Today’s Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16a) gives us a beautiful way to understand his life. Jesus tells us about a landowner who repeatedly goes out to invite workers into his vineyard. The landowner is an image of our generous God, who never stops calling us. It is never too late to come to God or to return to Him. Archbishop Sheen used his gifts – his intelligence, voice, writing, and ability to communicate – to invite people into God’s vineyard. His beatification invites each of us to ask: Where is God calling me to serve? Whom is He asking me to invite? God continues to go out looking for us. His invitation is always open. Whether we respond early or late, God welcomes us with generous love. May Blessed Fulton J. Sheen teach us to recognize God’s invitation, respond generously, and use our gifts to bring others to Christ. It is never too late to say “yes” to God. Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, pray for us!  Fr. Andrzej

A Community That Cares

By Jennifer Moscatello • September 3, 2026
As I reflect on our parish community at St. Martin of Tours, I am filled with gratitude. Thank you for the warmth, kindness, and hospitality you show to me, to one another, and to all who come through our doors. Our parish is truly a community where we gather to worship, celebrate, serve, and share life together. I am grateful for each of you and for the many ways you help make St. Martin of Tours a welcoming home. Today’s Gospel reminds us of an important part of Christian community: caring for one another. Jesus teaches us that our love for one another includes helping each other grow in faith and remain close to God. This kind of care calls us to be attentive to one another and to respond with patience, kindness, and compassion. Sometimes caring means offering a word of encouragement to someone who is struggling. Sometimes it means listening, being present, or simply reminding someone that they are not alone. At times, love may also invite us to speak honestly and gently when we believe something could help another person grow. Whatever form it takes, Christian care should always come from love and respect. It is not about judging or proving someone wrong, but about seeking what is good for one another. The prophet Ezekiel reminds us that we have a responsibility toward one another. Our faith is not something we live alone. We belong to one another as members of the Body of Christ. We are called to encourage one another, support one another, pray for one another, and help one another remain faithful to the Gospel. A good Christian community is more than a place where we gather to celebrate. It is a place where people know they are welcomed, valued, and cared for. It is a community where we rejoice together, accompany one another through difficult moments, and encourage one another to become better disciples of Jesus. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every prayer, and every helping hand strengthens the life of our parish. I believe we are blessed with a good and caring community at St. Martin of Tours. Let us continue to appreciate the gift of one another and look for simple ways to serve and support each other. May our welcome, hospitality, generosity, encouragement, and concern for one another help us grow in holiness and make our parish an ever more joyful reflection of Christ’s love. As we celebrate St. Martin’s Fair in our town, I wish all of you a joyful, meaningful, and safe Fair and Labor Day weekend. May these days of celebration and fellowship strengthen the bonds we share and remind us of the many blessings God has given us.  Fr. Andrzej

Learning to Follow Jesus

By Jennifer Moscatello • August 27, 2026
Today’s Gospel can be confusing. Just a few moments earlier, Jesus praised Peter for recognizing Him as the Messiah, called him the “rock” upon which He would build His Church, and entrusted him with the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Now Jesus says to him, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Matthew 16:23). How can the same Peter receive such praise and then such a strong correction? The word “Satan” in the original Greek text means an adversary or one who opposes. Jesus is not calling Peter the Devil. Rather, Peter has become an obstacle because he is resisting the path Jesus must take. Jesus is telling him, in effect, “Get behind me. Follow me.” This is an important lesson for every disciple. A disciple is called to follow, not to get ahead of the Master. Peter wanted Jesus to be the kind of Messiah he expected – a powerful Messiah who would overcome suffering and death. But Jesus was revealing a different kind of Messiah: one who would save His people through suffering, death, and resurrection. Peter’s instant reaction reflects the mentality of his time. Many people understood suffering as a sign of God’s displeasure or punishment. Jesus came to transform this way of thinking. Suffering is not necessarily a sign that God has abandoned us. When united with Christ, even suffering can become a place where we encounter God’s presence, love, and saving grace. This does not mean that suffering, sickness, poverty, or hardship are good in themselves. Nor does Christian faith promise prosperity, wealth, or perfect health. Rather, we believe that we are blessed when we remain close to Christ in every circumstance of life, trusting that God is with us even when we do not understand what is happening. Peter eventually learned this lesson. The man who once wanted to get ahead of Jesus would one day lead the Church by faithfully following his Master. As we come to the end of summer, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all who are traveling or enjoying these final days of vacation. I hope you have had a beautiful and restful summer. I have missed you and look forward to seeing you back in our parish soon. Wherever these last days of summer take you, remember: God is always with you – not only in moments of joy, but also in the most challenging moments of life. May we have the humility to follow Christ, trust Him, and allow Him to lead us. God bless you! Fr. Andrzej

Faith That Opens Our Hearts

By Jennifer Moscatello • August 11, 2026
Today's readings invite us to reflect on something that touches every one of us: the biases and prejudices we sometimes carry in our hearts. We may judge people because of their nationality, race, religion, age, political views, education, appearance, or social status. Often we do so without even realizing it. Yet these attitudes can become barriers that keep us from loving others as God loves them. In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah reminds us that God's house is to be "a house of prayer for all peoples." God's love is never limited by borders, cultures, or backgrounds. Everyone who seeks Him is welcome. The Gospel offers a powerful example of this truth. A Canaanite woman, a foreigner, comes to Jesus and begs Him to heal her daughter. The disciples want to send her away. At first, Jesus also seems reluctant to respond. This may surprise us, but it reminds us that Jesus truly entered our human experience and lived within the culture of His time. Yet the woman's extraordinary faith, humility, and perseverance reveal something greater. She refuses to give up because she trusts completely in God's mercy. Moved by her faith, Jesus proclaims, "Woman, great is your faith!" and her daughter is healed. This Gospel invites each of us to examine our own hearts. Are there people I avoid or quietly judge before I even know them? Have I allowed stereotypes or prejudice to shape the way I see others? Every person we encounter has been created in the image and likeness of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and love. The Canaanite woman teaches us that faith and humility have the power to overcome prejudice. They open our hearts to God and enable us to see others not as strangers, but as our brothers and sisters. When we allow Christ to transform our hearts, the walls that divide us begin to fall. Our own parish is a beautiful witness to this Gospel. We are proud of our history and grateful for those who came before us. St. Martin of Tours Parish was built by Irish and German immigrants who came together in faith to worship God and serve one another. Over the years, they welcomed people from many different backgrounds, allowing our parish to grow into the diverse and vibrant community it is today. I am deeply grateful for the kindness and hospitality you show to those who visit our parish and to the many new members who have recently joined us. We are especially blessed by the presence of our Vietnamese brothers and sisters. They enrich our parish with their vibrant faith, beautiful traditions, and deep devotion to the Lord. Their presence reminds us that the Church is one family, united in Christ despite our different languages, cultures, and histories. May we imitate the faith of the Canaanite woman by trusting in God's mercy and opening our hearts to everyone we meet. As we welcome one another with kindness and love, may our parish continue to be a living sign that God's house is truly "a house of prayer for all peoples."  Fr. Andrzej

Come to Jesus and Be Satisfied

By Jennifer Moscatello • July 23, 2026
In today's Gospel, we hear the beautiful story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. A large crowd follows Jesus into a deserted place. They come with many needs – seeking healing, hope, and the comfort of His presence. Jesus welcomes them with compassion. He teaches them, heals the sick, and then performs a remarkable miracle. With only five loaves and two fish, He feeds more than five thousand people. Everyone eats as much as they want, and all are satisfied. Even more amazingly, twelve baskets of leftovers are collected. This Gospel reminds us of what happens every time we gather for Holy Mass. Like the people in today's Gospel, we come to Jesus carrying the joys, worries, and burdens of our daily lives. We listen to His Word, which encourages and strengthens us. Then Jesus feeds us with the greatest gift of all – His own Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. Just as He fed the hungry crowd, He continues to nourish His people with the Bread of Life. Jesus always gives generously. He never measures His love or limits His grace. There is enough for everyone. If we come to Him with open hearts, He will fill us with the strength, peace, and hope we need. The miracle of the loaves and fish is not only a story from long ago. In a real and beautiful way, it continues every time the Holy Mass is celebrated. Jesus is present. He speaks to us, feeds us, and sends us forth renewed. We are especially blessed at St. Martin of Tours Parish to have the opportunity to celebrate daily Mass and to spend time with Jesus during our weekly Eucharistic Adoration. Many parishioners faithfully take advantage of these opportunities, discovering again and again the peace and joy that come from being close to the Lord. Let us never take the gift of the Eucharist for granted. May we come to Mass with grateful hearts, expecting to meet Jesus, to hear His voice, and to receive the Bread of Life. He alone can satisfy the deepest hunger of our hearts.  Fr. Andrzej

"Thy Kingdom Come"

By Jennifer Moscatello • July 16, 2026
A young fish once had an argument with an older, wiser fish. "This is not the ocean," the young fish insisted. "This is only the sea. I want to find the ocean." The older fish smiled and replied, "But this is the ocean." The young fish could not believe it. She spent her entire life searching for the ocean, never realizing that she had been swimming in it all along. Sometimes we are like that young fish. In today’s Gospel (Matthew 13:24-43), Jesus tells several parables about the Kingdom of God. Yet we often struggle to believe that God’s Kingdom is already here. We see evil, wars, injustice, suffering, and sin, and we wonder, “How can this be God’s Kingdom?” We may think our only task is to survive this world until we reach heaven. But that is not what Jesus teaches. He tells His disciples, “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand” elsewhere in the gospel (Matthew 10:7). The Kingdom is not only a future promise – it is already among us. It is present wherever God is welcomed, love overcomes hatred, forgiveness replaces revenge, and hope is shared with those who have lost it. Jesus also calls us to help His Kingdom grow. Like the mustard seed and the yeast in today’s Gospel, even small acts of faith, kindness, and mercy can change lives and make God’s presence visible. This week we celebrate the feast of St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. Tradition tells us that by carrying a child across a river, Christopher discovered he was carrying Christ Himself. By serving another person, he served Jesus. After every Mass this weekend, we will bless vehicles. As we ask God for safe travels, let us also ask Him to make us faithful witnesses wherever the road leads us. Every journey is an opportunity to bring Christ’s love, peace, and hope to those we meet. May we never spend our lives searching for God’s Kingdom as if it were far away. Jesus reminds us that His Kingdom is already at hand. Let us recognize it, live it, and help it grow every day. Fr. Andrzej  P.S. The example of the two fish is adapted from stories by David Foster Wallace.
More Posts