In the divinely inspired words of the Gospel of John for this the 6th Sunday of the holy season of Easter, Jesus declares that we have not chosen him, but that he first and intentionally has chosen us. This most blessed gift is at the same time a very powerful challenge of faith. The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles perhaps helps us to better understand what Our Lords’ gift involves when we hear from Peter, “in truth, I see God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts up rightly is acceptable to him.” By his love and mercy, even those outside of the Judeo heritage who are fortunate to know and accept his word, are also chosen for tremendous privileges. Jesus unlocks the divine truth for the disciples that was contrary to their tradition in which it was thought that only the Jewish blood line was worthy of God’s love and mercy.
Instead, the way to the unearned privilege of God’s salvation was by our faith in him through his Son and the intercession of the Holy Spirit. And to this end, Jesus has chosen us as “friends”, not slaves. The Gospel of John is where we hear these words used exclusively, slave (doulos), more in the context of a worthy servant or even as an ambassador rather than in the connotation of ownership. In fact, the greatest persons of the Old Testament were proud to be called (douloi) slaves of God. But now Jesus tells them that he has something even greater in store, no longer as valued servants but (phileo) friends. Christ offers us closeness, an intimacy which not even the greatest men and women had known before he came into the world.
We should however, avoid the notion of relating to being chosen as an entitlement or that we have arrived and need only exist as to be privileged. We are not chosen to live as being “secure” behind our faith, but rather to represent God to the world “by” our faith. Jesus chose us with an intended mission, “…to go and bear fruit that will remain…” so that the “fruit” may be so attractive that others will also want it. Jesus chose us with the hope of accepting this partnership for our salvation and for the work of leading the world to God. Not necessarily an easy task, but then nothing worthwhile ever is. And we needn’t look far to realize the challenge of the task that exists in our daily lives and for his faith community here at St. Charles in the presence of God’s love, a journey that began over 65 years ago as a young and vibrant parish.
And although our age may be showing a little more these days, the challenge of His work by the grace that God bestows on us, is carried out by so many who have accepted their friendship in Christ. It’s visible by all who have answered the call to a ministry of the liturgy in hospitality, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, sacristans, servers and the choir. There are many who are served by the ministries of charity in the food pantry and among the servants to the homebound. We have supported our sister parish in Chimaltenango (St. Ann’s) for nearly 30 years as well as the leadership of service in social justice, Respect Life and the Special Religious Education for those with Disabilities, Adult Faith Formation, Youth Ministry, Widows of Wisdom, the Friendly Club, St. Cecilia Circle and the Knights of Columbus.
We spread God’s word in these ways as Christians, to “bear fruit” that will stand the test of time. And while our examples of time and talent are evident, we face a more difficult challenge yet in the stewardship of our treasure. With an increasing percentage of our parishioners moving to fixed incomes each year, it has become increasingly more difficult to keep up with our major maintenance expenses and the operation of our parish school. I have been meeting with several families, asking them to discern the priority that we placed on our Catholic education, to consider any possible way of increasing our financial stewardship so that we will be able to keep our school and its good works moving forward.
Your response has been very positive and although it’s not feasible for me to bring this financial message to everyone personally, I would like to make this general appeal to all the faithful of St. Charles Borromeo, to accept the love of Jesus’ call to partnership as you discern your financial pledge for the coming year. Jesus chose us first to come to his love by our prayer and worship and to be strengthened with his mercy, to establish a Christian pattern and rhythm to our lives that will be a benefit and example to others as we continue to grow God’s Church.
Thank you for your generosity and may the peace of Christ be always with you.
Deacon Joe Whiston