Go and Make Disciples

09-17-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear people of God,

As I returned from my time away on sabbatical and came here to be pastor of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, I was filled with great peace and a true sense of being home. There is much to share, but we have time in the future. What I am most enthused about is being in a community that is committed to living the Gospel as disciples of Christ. We do that together day by day and week by week, through the ups and downs, challenges and joys of life. Always with our eyes focused on Christ and the mission he gives us to spread his merciful love. I am grateful to God that the next step in my journey is with all of you!

This weekend is Catechetical Sunday in the Church in the United States, with the theme, “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened.” The bishops ask us to focus on the ministry of catechists, the handing down of the Gospel and the rich teachings and traditions of our Catholic faith. Through our Baptism each of us are called in some way to spread the Gospel. Parents are the first teachers of their children, individuals and families witness and teach both in word and action, even the community as a whole teaches others the love of Christ in the way we live as disciples together.

I would encourage each of you to think about catechesis in your own lives ...Who helped you to know the faith? - give thanks; How do you best continue to be a lifelong learner? - reading, classes, podcasts, etc.; How can you share the faith with others? And Is the Spirit moving you to help in one of the catechetical ministries?

My time away provided me the gift of coming to a deeper appreciation of God’s love and the gift of the relationships we have in our lives. As a community we are called and commissioned to, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow what I commanded you; and behold I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Mt 28:19-20. It is an invitation to share his saving love.

Together we are called on mission—let us ask God to grace us with the gifts of growing and sharing our faith in Jesus and His Church.

Peace and joy in Him,

Fr. Fred