Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [Aug 10th 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 speaks words of both comfort and challenge. He tells us, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom." What a powerful message of love and reassurance. Our Father in heaven is not reluctant or distant. He is generous, ready to give us His kingdom.

Jesus does not stop there. Jesus immediately follows with the call to stay alert, to be watchful, and to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. This message of spiritual readiness is not meant to instill fear, but to awaken hope and responsibility. Jesus uses the image of servants awaiting their master's return. He tells us to gird our loins and light our lamps – to be like faithful stewards who remain watchful, even when the hour is unknown.

The faithful servant is the one who is found doing the master's will, not one who becomes careless or lazy when he thinks no one is watching. This is a good moment to pause and ask ourselves: what kind of servants are we? Are we living each day as if we truly believe the Lord could return at any time? Or have we grown spiritually sleepy, putting off prayer, delaying repentance, or ignoring the needs of others?

Jesus warns that those who have been given much, much will be required. All of us have received blessings – some more obvious than others – but all of us have been entrusted with time, talents, and opportunities to grow in holiness and serve our neighbor. We do not know the hour when we will be called to give an account of our lives. That is why Christ urges us to live each day with hearts open to God, and hands ready to serve.

As we reflect on these teachings, we are also reminded that this coming Friday, August 15th, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. On this day, we celebrate that Mary, the mother of our Savior, was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. Her Assumption is a sign of hope for us. Where she has gone, we hope to follow.

Her life was one of quite faith, constant readiness, and humble obedience to the will of God. Mary lived her earthly life always prepared. She welcomed the Word of God at the Annunciation. She remained faithful through the joys and sorrows of her Son's life. Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, offering her heart fully to God. Because of her faithfulness, God lifted her up.

Mary's Assumption is not only a gift to her; it is a promise to us. If we live like Mary, with trust in God and readiness for His will, we too can share in the glory of heaven. She is our model for how to stay awake spiritually, how to live each day in readiness, and how to surrender everything to God with love.

So let us not be afraid. Let us not delay. Let us be faithful stewards, keeping our lamps lit, our hearts open, and our eyes fixed on Christ. As we prepare to celebrate the Assumption, let us ask our Blessed Mother to pray for us, so that we may follow her example and one day join her in the joy of the kingdom the Father is so pleased to give us.

Please invite someone to Mass today. St. Philip Neri, pray for us!

Have a blessed day, Fr. Szparagowski