The daily trials we go through and the joy that we experience are part of who we are as Catholic Christians. This renewal of our faith can only happen if we allow ourselves to be touched and transformed by the Lord.

Each of us goes through difficult times, moments of doubt, days when we feel like the sky is falling on us. Sometimes those painful moments have left marks in our hearts that bring doubts. This weekend’s gospel questions us on a deeper level. Jesus is asking each one of us who He is for us. 
Sometimes, at a given moment, He is just the Son of God. God made man to come and save us. 

What is the certainty of this answer when I am experiencing a dark moment in my life? Who is He when I am facing difficulties in life? Do I give the same answer every moment in my life? Do I know He is the one who can help me carry my cross and will never let go or let me down? Do I put my trust in Him no matter what life brings in any given day? 

 

In the gospel for this weekend, we read that Jesus asks this question of his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” This question reveals doubts, uncertainties, and trust. To answer this question, one needs to know exactly the  profound aspect of this question. Why does Jesus ask his friends this question? What will you feel when Jesus asks you this question? What will be your answer? What do you think He might be looking for as an answer?
To answer this question, you need to have a relationship with Him. This question is asked of every one of us almost every day of our lives. 

As we go along, day after day, we learn to grow, to give Jesus the place He deserves in our lives; to say “He is the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) “He is the gate.” (John 20:9) “He is the Bread of Life.” (John 6:35) “He is the light of the World.” (John 8:12) “He is the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25-26) He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) “He is the Vine.” (John 15)  If we know the place that Christ has in our life, then we can truly accept that the cross we carry is not the absence of life, even when it can be painful, on the contrary, it is the place from which faith can spring forth life. 

If we truly know what place Christ occupies in our life, we will then be able, “as we go,” to enjoy more of the  beautiful and good things, and to go through the most difficult moments with confidence. This trust is not so  obvious, yet it is possible if we nourish our relationship with Jesus.

In our relationship with him, Christ does not ask us to check boxes, He asks us to renounce ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. In our life, there are specific occasions where we renounce ourselves sometimes even  without realizing it. When we talk about self-denial, we can be tempted to think negatively. Whereas the real meaning of this is the capacity we have to love. For example, the mission of being parents, a friend, a husband, a wife is to renounce oneself. 

 

Our testimony is based on the capacity that we have, not to endure what we have to experience, but to live it with the confidence that we will not be confused. To live it with confidence that there is an eternity to which we are called. Moreover, it is worth giving your life for a true friend! It is worth “fighting,” not for a cause, Christianity is not a cause, but for a person, Jesus. He alone is capable of transforming our ordeal into the power of life!

May the Lord give us the grace today and every day, to be renewed in our faith. May He increase our capacity to love, and may He help us to have a heart full of hope in the reality of everlasting life. We can have the courage to renounce ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him because he is, indeed, the way, the truth and the life! We are so happy to have Bishop Williams with us this weekend to celebrate the feast day of our Parish. What a 
wonderful day for us!

 
I wish you all a blessed feast day of Saint Peter and Paul. Thank you for your support and your efforts to continue the works of all those who have been in our parish before us. 

 

Remember it is summer but Jesus wants to see you and help you to modestly welcome Him into your heart. Yet it is a season to relax but Church remains Church, be mindful of the way we want to meet Jesus.

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.