From the Desk of Fr. Schaller - November 15, 2020

One of the hallmarks of the teaching of Jesus is the mercy of God. One only needs to recall the parable of the Prodigal Son to confirm that the Father is a loving and merciful God. And yet, He is a just God. Though always ready to forgive the repentant, God still expects us to be accountable. The parable in today’s Gospel (the parable of the Talents) indicates that a response from us is expected and is necessary. Though God is merciful, He is not indulgent. Like any good Father, He expects something from His children. And our response to Him should not be based on fear (like the lazy servant in the parable), but familial love - like that of a devoted child towards his loving father.

The First Sunday of Advent, and the beginning of a new Liturgical Year, is just two weeks away. Nearly the whole of this past year has been a time of upheaval, disruption, unrest, and fearfulness. The temporal order - things of this world - will always be a challenge. It is both a spiritual and psychological relief to start the new Church year. I expect we will continue to experience the difficulties of this world. But it is a great consolation to draw our attention to Our Lord’s first coming, and the preparation we annually make to celebrate the birth of Him Who makes all things new.

May God bless you!
Fr. Schaller 

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