Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [Feb 15th Bulletin]

Dear St. Philip Neri Friends and Family,

We give praise and thanks to God for the graces and blessings He has given us!

In today's Gospel, Jesus takes the law that the people already know and leads them deeper. He reminds them, and us, that God's commandments are not merely about outward behavior, but about the condition of the heart. It is not enough to avoid murder; we must also confront anger. It is not enough to not steal; we must examine in our hearts are we coveting things. Jesus is not raising the bar to make holiness impossible. Jesus is revealing what true holiness really is. It is a matter of the heart. Jesus wants us to understand that sin often begins long before an action takes place. It begins in hearts, in our thoughts, our attitudes, and our intentions.

This Gospel invites us to be honest with ourselves. It asks us to look inward and to recognize where we need healing, forgiveness, and conversion. God is not interested in shallow obedience. God desires hearts that are fully turned toward Him. This can only be done with the assistance of His grace.

The first reading from Sirach reminds us that God has placed before us life and death, good and evil. We are free to choose. Our choices matter today and for eternity. Faith is not passive. It is lived out through daily decisions that shape who we are becoming. God gives us His commandments not to restrict us, but to lead us to life.

Saint Paul reminds the Corinthians that God's wisdom is deeper than human wisdom. The world often settles for appearances, but God looks at the heart. This is why Jesus speaks so strongly in today's Gospel. He knows that true freedom comes when our hearts are aligned with God's will.

This Sunday also invites us to look ahead. This coming Wednesday, February 18, we will begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a gift. It is a time set aside by the Church for reflection, repentance, and renewal. Today's Gospel prepares us well for that journey. Lent is not about external practices alone. It is about interior conversion. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are meant to change our hearts, not just our habits.

As we approach Lent, we might ask ourselves some important questions. What attitudes do I need to let go of? Where do I hold onto sin—not forgiving, anger, resentment, or pride? What needs to be healed within me so that I can love more fully? Lent gives us the opportunity to begin again, to turn back to God with sincerity and trust. God will always give us the graces that we need. He does not leave us wanting—empty handed. He is the faithful Good Shepherd.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus calls us not to minimal holiness, but to wholehearted discipleship. He calls us to love deeply, forgive generously, and live with integrity. As we prepare to enter Lent this week, let us ask for the grace to examine our hearts honestly and to welcome God's merciful love. May this final Sunday before Lent prepare us well. May we choose life, choose love, and choose to walk more closely with Christ in the days ahead.

Please invite someone to Mass today.

St. Philip Neri, pray for us.

Have a blessed day,

Fr. Szparagowski