In this week’s Gospel, Jesus poses a simple question to the church elders. Someone in authority asks two people to do something. One says no, but has a change of heart and does it. The other says they will do it, but never does. Who is in the right?

Those listening eagerly respond, “The man who ended up doing as he was asked!” It is the right answer, but it riles up righteous anger in Jesus. Why?

They didn’t even realize the one who they so quickly realized was in the wrong represented them! They had heard John the Baptist and had rejected him.

One the flip side, many prostitutes and corrupt tax collectors had been leading depraved lives, but were open to Christ’s message and changed their ways.

Dear Family of God,

What is freedom?

Freedom is doing what is good. Love is willing the good of the other. Willing or doing evil is deprivation of freedom, in other words, when we choose to sin, we are not acting freely, we are slaves to sin.

This weekend’s reading warns us that it is our final decision for or against God, that is, our choosing to obey Him by doing His will, or our choosing to go against His will, which will decide our eternal reward, or eternal punishment. As free beings, it is we who choose our eternal destiny.

As we do not know the moment death will strike, our only guarantee of dying in God's friendship is to live in that friendship always, saying “Yes” to God in our deeds. We should become men and women who profess our Faith in word and deed, remembering that, "Not all those who say to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in Heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

Dear Family of God,

God does not deal with us “fairly” and it is a good thing! We should be thankful God does not give us what we deserve. The parable this weekend tells us that our Heavenly reward is not something we earn, but rather a free gift. God has made His rewards available to all through Faith in Christ Jesus. Indeed, as Isaiah says: “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts” (Is. 55:9). Heaven is a gift to us by God, it is all about graces that He is willing to give to those who are willing to receive them. Grace is an "undeserved love" that God has shown us through the death and Resurrection of His only Son Jesus Christ.

During my eighteen years as a youth minister, I spent my fair share of time in various amusement parks. At some point during those years, the concept of the fast pass was introduced. (For an added price, you get to skip to the front of the lines.)

Initially, I absolutely hated the concept. I don’t like lines anyway. Now, you are telling me people get to walk right by me because the insane cost of my ticket isn’t enough?

Then, a friend bought me a fast pass. I never had to wait more than ten minutes to get on a ride. I’m not ashamed to admit...it was a beautiful day.

Dear Family of God,

Do you know that the “Lord’s Prayer” is a dangerous prayer?

What I refer to when I say dangerous, is the phrase “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We take a risk if we do not forgive others. It is as if we are asking God not to forgive us. If we want to be forgiven, we must first forgive those who have wronged us.

The Book of Sirach says: “Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven” (Sir. 28:2). When we forgive from the heart then God heals us from past hurts and we are at peace with God, with others, and with ourselves. On the other hand, unforgiveness is selfdestructive, it hinders our growth and robs us of peace.

Praise God! The Covid numbers in Arizona continue to plummet! The Lord is healing our land and our state is slowly awaking from its slumber. Movie theaters have opened with distancing measures, parks are opening in most cities, and my commute is taking longer every week.

In the midst of this, it is important to know your Faith Formation Department is already up and running—and ready to serve you online AND in-person.

Want to join the Catholic Church or complete your sacraments of initiation? Contact David at dlins@oloj.org

Want a Saturday morning online Bible Study? Reach out to Kathy at chatkath68@me.com

Want an in-depth explanation of the context and meaning of the coming Sunday’s readings (both online and in-person) every Monday morning? Contact David at dlins@oloj.org

This weekend’s readings focus in on human connection. They show us—clearly—that the vast majority of God’s children are called to the added drama and effort of relationships.

I understand in times such as these, must of us are tempted to keep our heads down and keep our thoughts restricted to those who know us best. God truly knows, any opinion on Covid, masks, vacines, whether or not children should go back to school, Trump, Biden...even Mass attendance...can elevate heart rates and endanger friendships.

But this weekend’s readings make it crystal clear: love is willing to have difficult conversation, to endure drama, and to put forth effort. We must challenge one another with love (Mt 18:15-20). We must be open to hearing God’s voice through others without hardening our hearts (Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9).

Dear Family of God,

What is fraternal correction?

Why it is important?

St. Paul said, “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Charity is the fulfilment of the law and our being. God who is love made us for love also, only when we love that we will attain true joy in life. Correcting an erring brother or sister especially when they are young, is a form of love. We care enough for them that we don’t want them to persist in error that will be self-destructive or will lead them to prison.