In today’s second reading, from his letter to the Philippians, Paul urges us to have among us the same attitude that is also in Jesus—to not just look out for our own interests, but especially the interest of others. It’s to become outward focused, which, as we know, can require sacrifice. Usually we don’t regret it; it’s a way we love.
And when we share this attitude, we’re growing the Kingdom of God here on earth. We never do this without Christ—we do it through Him, with Him, and in Him. We do it together.
This attitude—of valuing the other, looking out for others, helping those in need—is one of the virtues of St. Hubert Parish. I was blessed to experience it during the years I came to pray with you on the weekends, but have seen it more fully since being welcomed into this incredible community of faith.
It’s a part of who we are, and as we travel through this week’s bulletin, we can truly see that we share the attitude of Christ (which Paul also will name “the mind of Christ”) by the everyday normal activities that are part of parish life. As a parish, we are mindful of others. Here are just a few examples from the pages to follow:
This Sunday is Right to Life Sunday, which calls us to reflect on our firm belief that all human life is sacred from the moment of conception to natural death. We’re mindful of the other, such as the unborn, immigrants, those abused by others, the imprisoned, the sick, and those facing decisions about the life of another. As Christians, we uphold human life and believe in eternal life—that our life isn’t meant to end, but is lived most fully with God. Our Right to Life ministry will have materials for reflection and education after the Masses and you’ll also find an invitation to join the “Life Chain” with members of six of our neighboring parishes.
The Taste of St. Hubert is Saturday, October 7 which celebrates the rich diversity of our parish community—especially through our stomachs! St. Hubert Parish values diversity very deeply because we value the dignity of every human being. All human beings are created in the image and likeness of God. And nothing shows that more beautifully than when we gather as a community for Mass. In prayer we are truly one. Together we reflect the universal Church, the Body of Christ in the world.
We will have a communal celebration of the Anointing of the Sick on October 8 during the 10:45 AM Mass. As a community, we will gather with those who are sick in our parish and pray for their healing and health. As Jesus says, when two or three gather in his name to pray—especially for others—he is there among us.
Take a look at the St. Hubert School page for a thank you for participating in the Soup-er Stadium Challenge. Together—no matter how young or old we are—we’re looking out for the hungry among us, which is the attitude of Christ. This is a very generous parish, especially when it comes to helping others with basic needs of life. (You’ll also note we’re starting a marketing committee to help share the good news about St. Hubert School. If you have any interest in helping us, whether or not you have a student in the school, we would really appreciate it! Please contact me or our chair, Kerri Largo, at klargo@d211.org.)
The good news is that when we “put on the mind of Christ,” when we “have among ourselves the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus”—and we do it naturally and instinctively and as part of who we are, we’re living the gospel. St. Hubert Parish is doing it as a part of who we are!