Fr. Simon's Letter - February 18, 2024

We have begun our Lenten journey in earnest, with all the good intentions of embracing the disciplines of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. We may have renewed some of the tried and tested resolutions, such as giving up chocolate, booze, caffeine or gossiping about others. We may have resolved to attend Mass throughout the forty-days of Lent, or on the Sundays of Lent. Or perhaps we have decided that as a family we will pray together each day through the season. In our effort to give alms, we could plan to give the money we save from our daily fix of Starbucks to someone who is hungry or has to walk a mile to get water. Perhaps we have steeled ourselves against hitting every sale to add to our collection of sweaters, shoes and other wants, and instead use the funds to help someone naked or homeless. 

No matter how determined we are in our Lenten resolutions, we quickly discover the temptation to take the easy way out and indulge in instant gratification. But we can take comfort in the fact that just like us, Jesus, too, was tempted in every way. On this first Sunday of Lent, the gospel is always about the temptations of Jesus. Right out of the gate, after Jesus was baptized and about to begin his ministry, he is tempted. Most of us are familiar with these temptations. However, it doesn’t hurt to take a fresh look at them.
 
The first temptation showed Jesus feeling the pressure of his hunger. Perhaps his thoughts turned toward his future. Would he become a close collaborator of John the Baptist, or break out alone? If alone, where would he start, and what would he do? Jesus is tempted to take the comfortable, immediate option and fill himself with food. Yet Jesus teaches us that is OK to be empty of what is not important. We don’t have to fill our busy lives with more just for the sake of more. The Word of God can fill our emptiness, our hunger, and be what that truly feeds us.

The second temptation of Christ is about leading with spectacular signs and reforming the world with power and might. Jesus very quickly puts to rest any grandiose aspirations of glory. When all is said and done, what is the difference between descending down the stairs from the lofty pinnacle of the Temple to the cheers of a marveling crowd below, and walking on water towards his frightened disciples? Jesus shows us that power is not a matter of presentation. And who among us has not felt the urge to rid the world of all its problems with just a wave of the hand? Jesus teaches us to embrace our humanity and accept our limitations. We can bring our personal hopes and aspirations, our human pain and problems to God in prayer, and trust his will.

The third temptation may feel as the desperate, impatient desire to manipulate or control people's actions and to ensure their conformity. From being back-seat drivers to being in charge of everything, we want everything to go according to our plan. And we might be willing to give up whatever it takes to have that kind of control. However, Jesus reminds us that we don’t need that kind of power; it’s OK to be a big-fat nobody, the least in the kingdom. When we let go and up the reins, we let God be God. Only then are we able to humbly acknowledge his power and his plan.
   
As his life unfolded unexpectedly, how did Jesus decide just what to do - in practice? Certainly, he always remained open to his Father's will. I think that many of our temptations are not temptations to do something wrong, but we make choices that don’t really reflect God’s will. What is more important than what we do is really understanding why we do what we do—and if we are truly discerning what God is asking of us.

Along our Lenten journey, at times we may find ourselves empowered by the disciplines of fasting, prayer and almsgiving; challenged by the pressures of time and temptations; or desolated that we just could not get started or sustain our best laid plans. No matter where we may find ourselves on this journey, let’s remember that God meets us where ever we may be.

Last Monday, we launched the United Parish Program with the Dinner at Stefani’s. In a few weeks you will receive an invitation to the gala event on May 17th at the Hilton in Skokie. We will gather as a community to celebrate the spirit of community that binds us as one; to give thanks to God for bringing us together as family; and to remember and thank God for the generous benefactors who have sustained this great parish in the past and who continue to support it in the present. Finally, we raise funds together to support the many ministries and activities of the parish that are essential to our vitality - now, and into the future. 
 
The UPP is our one and only fundraiser. It aims to bring together the many and varied organizations in the parish and work as one toward a common goal: to build up the Body of Christ and care for and support the sacramental, educational and ministerial needs of the parish community. It is therefore vital that every member of the parish community participates in this united endeavor. 

I appeal to every family in the parish – and we have close to 3,000 registered families – to participate and support the UPP. There are many ways to do this in addition to buying a ticket and attending the gala. You can be a sponsor, take out an advertisement in the event booklet, offer an item for auction, buy some raffle tickets, help one of the many committees preparing for the event, or make an online donation. Our goal is to raise $275,000 to continue to support our parish activities. That’s a lot of money, but we can do it with the help and support of every single family in the parish. 

Be part of the happenings at Queen of All Saints. 

Blessings!!