Letters from Fr. Carlos

I want to congratulate our Confirmandi, and thank our 8th Grade class—and especially our teacher chaperones—for a wonderful trip to our nation's capital. I also want to thank our Facilities team and our Alderman for helping take care of the pipe leak in the rectory in such a prompt manner. We are truly blessed to have such good staff, neighbors and parishioners who are willing to step up when St. Josaphat needs it.

 

Which leads me to this quote I came across on my Facebook feed the other day that I thought I would share with you:

 

“Rivers do not drink their own water; Trees do not eat their own fruit; the Sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.” –Pope Francis

 

In these difficult socio-political-economic times, it can seem like we must hoard and stash away our gifts (our time, talents and treasure). The way of the world is to save up for a rainy day. And there is some wisdom in that. But a deeper wisdom is that happiness does not come in hoarding and storing but in emptying of self.  

 

We come into this world with nothing and we will leave it with nothing. The only thing that follows us into our next life is our faith and deeds, that is, the relationships, good works, hope and love that we bring to each other.

 

Be sowers and cultivators of God's love and generosity that are displayed throughout nature for us everyday. Reap a harvest of Love and you will have a bountiful harvest in the life to come. Amen.