Dear sisters and brothers,

Having reflected on “Community “ and “Holiness” - the first two areas of our discipleship the past two weekends, we now delve deeper into the next important area of our discipleship path represented by the letter “R” that stands for “Retreat”.

“The parable of the Wicked Tenants” which is the gospel for the weekend serves as a guideline for our reflection. It’s a powerful reminder of who we are, whose we are and above all why we are.

The past few decades have brought deep challenges to the People of God: war, inflation, environmental disasters, political division, and the abuse crisis within the Church. The failure of church and civic leaders to respond well has weakened trust in leadership. In such uncertain times, changing the Mass—the source of strength for many Catholics—can feel especially difficult.

Psalm 80 offers the key. We are the Lord’s vineyard, threatened by dangers both within and outside the Church. Our response is to remember who we are and whose we are, and to keep bearing good fruit.

Our faith does not rest on a particular pastor, building, policy, or form of the Mass. We are the Church, and Christ is our head. In the Eucharist, we offer the fruits of our lives to God, receive Christ’s gift, and reflect on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. Then we are sent out again to care for the vineyard entrusted to us.

To this end, it’s helpful for us to have “retreat moments” - a couple of minutes of reflection each day and longer periods of time occasionally. The latter being along or in small groups of like-minded friends or larger groups of parishioners when think of and remind ourselves of who we are and why we are; where we’re bearing fruits as the Lord wants us to.

Look out for announcements that our parishes put from time to time informing and inviting participation in spiritual retreats on campus or off campus. In the meantime, why not use the labyrinth in our parish for a reflection  and walking meditation?

With prayerful wishes and blessings,
Fr. William Rosario
Pastor