Fr. Simon's Letter - November 19, 2023

A few days from now will be Thanksgiving Day, the beginning of the holiday season. For most of us, the first step in making the holidays magical is dressing our homes for the season, from trimming a tree to decking the mantel to setting a table for parties and feasts. This time of  year is centered around family gatherings, catching up with relatives and friends and observing annual traditions. It is also a time to reflect on the many blessings that have come our way and to recognize that these blessings are not just ours to keep, but are meant to be shared.

The parable of the talents, which we hear this weekend, is one of three in Matthew’s gospel that is part of the end times. It is a parable that captures the essence of what it means to acknowledge our gifts and talents and to place them freely and fully at the service of others. Such generosity of oneself requires the type of risk-taking that is exemplified in the first two servants. Each dared to risk investing all that had been entrusted him by his employer. Neither held back anything even though worldly prudence may have dictated for them to do so. From these risk-taking servants, we learn that all comes to us from God as gift. Therefore, all should be given as gifts, without judging the worthiness of the recipient and with full awareness that what we give may be misused, undervalued or even abused. This weekend, we will be collecting coats, jackets, gloves, scarves and blankets for the homeless and migrants to help them cope with the Chicago winters. 

Secondly, as we speak of preparations, it is appropriate that at the 5pm Mass this weekend, 81 of our eighth graders will be part of the Rite of Enrollment. This is a ceremony in which the candidates make their official commitment to enter into preparations for the sacrament of confirmation. Prior to the Rite of Enrollment, candidates are asked to seriously and prayerfully think about what will be required of them during this time of preparation.

Each candidate will sign a covenant form in which they promise to willingly and actively participate in this time of discovery and formation. They are invited to ask questions and share their faith. This is a wonderful time in their life to reflect on and grow in their personal faith, and learn more about what it means to be Catholic.

On our part, we as a community promise our prayers as they prepare for this important moment in their lives. Please pray for these young people who are preparing for confirmation. If you know someone in particular, send them a card or a note to assure them of your prayerful remembrance. These young people need our support and prayers as they prepare to commit themselves to be witnesses and lead others to Christ.

Finally, on Thanksgiving Day, please remember that we have Masses at 8 and 10 am. Our 10 am Mass is our communal celebration of Thanksgiving. I am sure there will be enough time to put the turkey in the oven, join us for Mass and still have time to get the appetizers on the table before guests start arriving and the football games start. There is no better way to give thanks to God than the Eucharist – which means “thanksgiving.” On that day, when you gather with family and friends around the table to praise God and pray with a grateful heart, you may use this prayer …