Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [Nov 16th Bulletin]

Dear St. Philip Neri Friends and Family,

We give praise and thanks to God for the graces and blessings He has given us! As we near the end of the liturgical year, the Church turns our attention to the last things; the end of time, the second coming of Christ, and the final fulfillment of God's Kingdom. In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks of wars, earthquakes, famines, and persecutions. These words can sound frightening, but Jesus does not intend to fill us with fear. He intends to fill us with trust. He assures us that even in times of turmoil, God remains faithful and His plan for our salvation continues to unfold.

Jesus tells His disciples that before the end comes, they will face trials. They will be persecuted, questioned, betrayed, hated and some put to death. Yet Jesus says something remarkable; "Do not be terrified." Although I must admit hearing these words are very challenging, even for me to hear. God Himself will give them wisdom and strength. These challenges will become opportunities to bear witness to the Gospel. In other words, difficulties are not signs of God's absence but opportunities to draw closer to Him and to proclaim His love more boldly.

The first reading from Malachi presents a warning; the proud and the wicked will face justice, but those who fear the Lord, "the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings." God is both just and merciful. Those who choose Him, who walk in His ways, will find joy and healing in His presence.

St. Paul, in the second reading, reminds the Thessalonians not to become idle, but to work diligently and live responsibly. Waiting for the Lord does not mean sitting back and doing nothing. It means living each day with purpose, charity, and commitment. A life of faith is not passive. It is active, lived out in the ordinary moments.

All three readings remind us that our faith must endure, especially in moments that test us. The Christian life is not a path without struggle or the cross. But with every struggle, God gives grace and support. In every trial, He offers strength. Jesus promises that not a single hair on our heads will be destroyed if we remain faithful to Him. That is not a promise that suffering will disappear. It is a promise that suffering will never have the last word.

During the month of November, as we pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, we are reminded that our ultimate destination is eternal life with God. Death is not an ending, but a completion of the journey of faith we have begun here on earth. Our prayers for the dead express our belief in God's mercy and in the hope of resurrection.

These November readings challenge us to reflect on our lives. Are we living each day as a gift from God? Are we growing in charity, perseverance, and trust? Are we preparing our hearts for Christ, not only at the end of time but every day as He comes to us in prayer, in the sacraments, and in one another?

Brothers and sisters, let us trust deeply in God's plan. Let us pray for faith, courage and perseverance. And let us live our faith boldly, using every opportunity to witness to the love of Christ. For in the end, His love will triumph, His Kingdom will come, and all who remain faithful will share in the glory that has no end.

Please invite someone to Mass today.

St. Philip Neri, pray for us!

Have a blessed day,

Fr. Szparagowski