Pastor's Letter

The Two Ways

In the bible, every now and then (like on this Sunday), we’ll hear images about two kinds of trees or bushes.  One is healthy and full of life, having everything it needs to grow and prosper.  The other isn’t so healthy.  Its roots have dried.  Its branches are brittle and break.  It has withered.
 
It’s a metaphor for the spiritual life.  A life with God—based in prayer, centered on God’s word, incorporated within to live it fully—helps us to grow.  Even in the midst of very difficult life situations, we have the source of life that pulls us through.  Our decisions are anchored in the truth about human life that comes from God.  The root of our faith keeps us standing. 
 
When we remove God from our everyday world, what we say and do will reflect it.  The thinking goes, “I can take care of things on my own.”  But when we allow the root of faith to wither, we can be at a loss when things in our life begin to fall apart.  God simply wants to be our companion in life, someone we can turn to.  If we don’t turn to him, when things are going great or we are going through a rough time, then we’ve lost the source of nourishment that helps sustain us.  The Eucharist is like air or water that gives us life.
 
What it boils down to is a choice of ways—one with God, the other without.  Created in his likeness, God gave us the gift of free will.  God lets us choose.
 
We’ll hear this message in a strong way today.  We’ll sing about it in the psalm.  We’ll hear the prophet Jeremiah talk about it as well as Paul and Jesus. Of course, they’re all biased.  They’re going to strongly urge us to see the incredible gift faith in God brings us, because they’ve experienced it fully and want us to experience it, too.
 
Having God in life—in the ups and downs—is a blessing that allows us to keep growing.  The closer we are to God, the stronger we become.  The tree prospers. 

We Did It Together!

Bishop Rojas was here last weekend to affirm and thank altar servers from 12 area parishes, including St. Hubert.  I’m very grateful to everyone who pitched in to make this moment a meaningful one: Pat Aschom, Carol Blotteux, Deacon Steve Baldasti, Seminarian Ryan Brady,
Ed Magistrado and the children’s choir, Tom Binder, all our funeral luncheon ministers and Teaching Parish Committee members who helped make the Pizza Party reception very special, and to everyone in the community who brought in cookies and treats to help our guests enjoy a nice finish to the meal. 
 
What continues to amaze me is the generous ways our community pulls together to make a faith-centered event a meaningful one.  St. Hubert is known as a place to gather and a center of generosity, hospitality, and warmth.  Everyone who was there that day felt it very much.  Let’s continue to pray for one another.