Blessing of the Pets will take place on Saturday, October 4 at 10 AM in the Prayer Garden.
The parish office will be closed on Monday, October 6.
Faith. A simple word yet wrapped in such complexity. The Gospel speaks of faith the size of a small seed being enough, yet our readings all demand from God that He grant us an increase in faith. It seems to me that a component of faith is doubt, and it is doubt that we don’t understand in a sacred setting.
Is it OK to have doubts, even in God? Yes, that is OK. Without occasional doubt, we would never notice our progression and growth in faith. We would be left with just the mustard seed Jesus mentions in the Gospel and never get to the mustard bush.
Our first reading from the Prophet Habukkuk relates this response from God: “… Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.” Does that sound like advice for “setting goals?”
The “vision” mentioned is the focus of the prophet’s prayer, and God tells him that will be fulfilled, it will not disappoint, and it will not be late. Perhaps God could put that more simply to Habukkuk, and say, “Wait. Be patient.”
Think of every other aspect of our lives: we hire tutors, coaches and trainers. We set goals and consider ourselves fortunate to have a mentor in our career paths. We spend thousands of dollars on schools and education. All of these have an underlying faith component: with this tutor, coach, mentor, etc., I will improve, find fulfillment and success.
Really, would we want faith in God to be a lesser experience?
If someone came to me for spiritual direction and stated that they were completely at one with God, that they have no unfulfilled desires or prayers, and that everything in their life was perfect, I would be very concerned for them. When someone says, “Why?” and “I’m not sure I believe or trust God,” I am encouraged for them. They are anticipating the answer or response from God still, even agonizing over God’s response; that speaks to a strong relationship. They care about God’s answer, about His plan for them.
The athlete who struggles with personal bests and statistics smiles when they achieve a successful advance in skill. Shouldn’t we smile when we encounter a doubt in our faith life, work and struggle through that, and then discover a deeper relationship with God?
Saint Paul wrote to Timothy in our second reading words that he might also write to you and I: “… to stir into flame the gift of God.”
Wait for it; work for it, maybe even write it down! Know that God is not done with you yet.
- Father Jim
Hospice Care Information
Faith at Home
These links provides you with the latest one-page resource for families, Faith At Home; it connects to the theme of the upcoming Sunday Liturgy. This resource is updated each week and can be found on the diocesan webpage at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home and en Español at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/fe-en-casa.
May God continue to bless us and keep us close to Him.
Please support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so that together we can help local families in need. Those needing help should call the SVDP helpline at 856-291-7313. Click this link to visit the SVdP website: www.SVDPmoorestown.org
Local food pantries include:
St. Matthew's Church, 318 Chester Ave.
First Baptist Church, 19 West Main St., Moorestown
Bethel AME, 512 N. Church St., Moorestown
Prince of Peace 61 E Rte 70, Marlton, NJ 08053
SVDP also has Thinking of You cards available. A gift can be given to the poor in the name of someone special at your
request. You will be remembered in the prayers and works of the Moorestown Vincentians. We are so very grateful for your
generous ongoing donations.
Our Promise to Protect
The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors. The Diocese has in place a Victim’s Assistance Coordinator, who is available to obtain support for your needs and help you make a formal complaint of abuse.
If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan Abuse Hotline: 1-888-296-2965 or via email at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.
The Diocese encourages anyone with an allegation to also report that abuse to their local law enforcement agency. The Diocese reports all allegations received to the appropriate county prosecutor’s office.
ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS
please click on the corresponding hyperlinks below
