Today’s gospel tells the story of a scholar who came to Jesus and asked the question, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal

   life?”  Jesus said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all 

   your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” Because of the development of communications in our world of today- the internet, 

   I-pads, I-phones, and so forth – the concept of “neighbor” has a meaning today that it never had before. No longer does the term 

   “neighbor” refer to people living next door or down the street. It now extends out into what we call “The Global village.” What, then,

   is the meaning of today’s Gospel account about the Samaritan in that light? What does the word “responsibility” mean to us?

   Early on in their development we strive to teach our children what it means to be responsible both in their behavior, in caring for
   their pets and toys, and in the way they treat others around them at home, at school, and in their neighborhoods. When they

   become maturing teenagers they seek responsible positions in their schools and in sports. They ask their parents to allow them to

   do things that require trust, trust on the part of their parent and family members. They crave respect and so they seek positions and

   roles of responsibility.

  Both children and teens, however, deny that they are responsible when things go wrong; especially when in their hearts they know     

  they have done something bad. This can lead to lying or denials. Why to blame children? This is a fine art perfected by our
  politicians, television news shows and talk shows. If we pick apart the word “responsibility” we should see that it means “the ability

  to respond.” As Catholic Christians it carries within it a very important aspect we should see.

  Our God is a generous God, a caring and loving Father who brought us into life. When he brought us into being he equipped us with   

  gifts, gifts that we call talents and abilities. These talents and gifts give us the ability to respond to what we encounter in life,

  particularly to respond to others, men, women and children that we encounter in life. God expects us to be His responsible sons and

  daughters, to be His responsible agents in revealing His Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. The gifts and talents you have

  within you are not just for your own growth and development, they are given you so that you might respond to others around you,

  to responsibly care for and love them.

  I can never stop admiring our parish community of Saints Peter & Paul. How much of your time, your talents and gifts are used to 

  respond to the needs of others? It is really amazing! Our faith is a gift not only to save our own souls. It is given to us by our Father so

  that we can reveal His Christ and His Kingdom to all whom we meet, to all with whom we interact, to those countless neighbors we     

  have in today’s global village.

  The priest and the Levite failed to respond to God’s call to care, not because they lacked the ability to do so, but because they were

  too busy, too preoccupied. But the Samaritan overcame whatever prejudice he might have and responded in caring love to the     

  victim in his plight. Our ability to respond in caring love isn’t just a gift that drops down from the sky; it’s a gift God has planted deep

  within our hearts and souls, a gift that needs to be nurtured and developed.

  As the Chinese proverb says “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Each one of us here can do that. Each one of
  us can resolve each day to be faithful to their commitments, honor their promises, live responsibly, and cherish every God-given   

  opportunity to give our caring love to those around us. It’s more than just a duty – It’s a responsibility we owe to ourselves, to others

  and to God.
 

  Fr. Tomy Thomas           

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.