My Friends,

This week’s readings challenge us. They stand in stark contrast to the popular notion of “Prosperity Theology”—the belief that God’s will is always material wealth and physical ease, and that our faith and giving are a path to financial success.

These readings speak not of an easy road, but of a demanding one. They call us to embrace what the great German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer called “costly grace.” Bonhoeffer, whom the Nazis executed for his opposition to Hitler, famously critiqued the idea of “cheap
grace” —forgiveness without repentance, communion without confession, and grace without the cross.

Bonhoeffer wrote, “Costly grace confronts us as a gracious call to follow Jesus... Grace is costly because it compels a man to submit to the yoke of Christ and follow him.” There’s much in his  writing that resonates deeply with our faith. I can’t help but think of Bonhoeffer as I meditate on this

Sunday’s Gospel.

Jesus says, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my  disciple.” To us in the modern world, the cross might be a piece of beautiful jewelry. But for those who first heard Jesus’ words, the cross was the furthest thing from a decoration. It was a brutal  instrument of Roman torture, a constant reminder of agonizing death.

Jesus uses this jarring, hyperbolic language to make a clear point: true discipleship means renouncing anything that comes between us and sacrificial love and service. It means embracing a “death” to our own desires, comfort, and ego—even forgoing the normal, comfortable things of life, even family, for the sake of following Christ.

Everyone’s cross is different. I’m often in awe of the faith I see in others who are carrying theirs. Their hands may be free of splinters and their eyes free of blood, but they’re often calloused from caring for others and filled with tears from feeling alone and burdened.

As Thomas à Kempis reminds us in The Imitation of Christ, ”The cross, therefore, is always ready; it awaits you everywhere...you will find a cross in everything, and everywhere you must have patience if you would have peace within and merit an eternal crown. If you carry the cross willingly, it will carry and lead you to the desired goal where indeed there shall be no more suffering, but here there shall be. If you carry it unwillingly, you create a burden for yourself and increase the load, though still you have to bear it. If you cast away one cross, you will find another and perhaps a heavier one.”

 
Bearing the cross isn’t a burden to be resented but a path to be embraced.

May you find comfort in knowing that Jesus walks with you, lightening your load and carrying you to peace.

God bless you always.

Deacon Frank

2025 APPEAL

This year’s theme: “Our Journey United in Hope,” is inspired by the theme of the Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope.”

 It reflects our collective commitment to walk on the path together with the hope Christ has provided us.

It invites us to be renewed in hope by bringing hope to others through individual gifts. Through our various ministries across the diocese your gift is shared and brings comfort, relief, encouragement and support to many.

Next weekend, February 8^th & 9^th, we will be holding our Catholic Ministries Appeal In-Pew Weekend. In preparation, you should receive a mailing from Bishop Sullivan that will include the 2025 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal materials. I ask that you please consider donating to this year’s campaign. It is important that we come together to support our ministries. They need the resources necessary to continue serving those in need.

By supporting the Catholic Ministries Appeal, you are supporting those who comprise the programs and ministries of the Diocese of Camden. These ministries serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the hungry and challenged. When we support the Catholic Ministries Appeal, we can bring the light of hope to those in the Catholic community of South Jersey.

Please prayerfully consider joining us once again.