Peace be with all as we begin the 24th Week of Ordinary Time!
As we continue to journey into uncharted waters, Jesus, in next Sunday’s Gospel assures us that the last will be first and the first will be last.
This is what the Kingdom of God is all about: sacrifice, putting others before ourselves and being humble. This can be a challenge, especially when we are stressed.
But, we have some great examples this week of saints who displayed this Kingdom:
Monday, we celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and lift it up as a sign of our own cross that we carry.
Tuesday is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows so we pray for all who have prayed at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Mission Church over the almost 150 years since it was built by Father Damien.
Wednesday is the feast of St. Cornelius, a Pope and a martyr, and St. Cyprian, a Bishop and a martyr. Both gave their lives for their faith.
Thursday is the feast of St. Robert Bellarmine, a Bishop and Doctor of the Church who has a university named after him in Louisville, KY.
And, Saturday is the feast of St. Januarius, another Bishop and martyr who sacrificed for the faith.
We have countless examples of faith-filled lives that exemplify the words of Jesus, “the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Many Blessings, Pono and much Pule!
Fr. Brian Guerrini, SS.CC.
Priest
Molokai