This month, the Holy Year calendar observes a Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police and Security Personnel (8-9); a Jubilee of Artists (16-18); and one for Deacons (21-23). How might your parish recognize and honor those in your community who serve in these ways?

It’s hard to wiggle out of this clear-cut directive of Jesus. “Do good to those who hate you.” And it’s hard to live up to it. The question is, “Where am I going to dwell, in the land of death, or in the land of life?”

Most of us have no quarrel with Jesus. When he says love one another and welcome little children, and peace I leave with you, we find nothing difficult or objectionable in these sayings.

The couple came in to see me in preparation for their upcoming wedding. I knew the bride-to-be and her family, lifelong parishioners. I was privileged to baptize her as a baby and watch her grow in her faith.

I once was fired from a job as a parish minister. The reason that the new pastor gave for my termination was that, after five years of ministry in the parish community, there was not enough office space for me.

With humble and contrite hearts, let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord for forgiveness and strength.

Just as love is a verb, so is faith.

Browse our library for additional Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C material.