Dear Parishioners and Friends.
As always, after reading the texts for the 31st Sunday, we see that the readings are appropriately selected, they move our hearts and our consciences so that we do not need more special explanation. They form the whole message.

Today, God directs unpleasant words toward us. However, we must understand: ” If you do not listen,  and if you do not take to heart giving honor to my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will send a curse upon you and your blessing I will curse. In fact, I have already cursed it, because you do not take it to heart. But you have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to stumble by your instruction; You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts. “(Ml 2,2b.8)

Is this about our lack of faith? Maybe about our approach to the faith? Could it be about our impatience? Let us consider our attitude toward our presence in Church, and our participation in the Eucharist. Let’s see how often we respond “YES” to God or do we say “NO”? Maybe our own attitudes and behaviors lead us to destruction but still we continue to give others a bad example?

St. Paul in the Letter to the Thessalonians speaks of his actions, tries to tell us what tasks are ahead of the priests, and also what reminders they propose by proclaiming the Gospel to us. Since we are the “royal priesthood”, each of us is obliged to evangelize, to inspire faith, to care for those who forget the Incarnate Word. ” And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God after hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe. ” (1 Thes 2:13) The word of God is a great treasure and this treasure must be shared with others.

In the Gospel, Jesus Christ shows us the face of those who call themselves believers who are bloated with pride, and want to convince us that they are better than others. “Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.  They tie up heavy burdens [hard to carry] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.  All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.  They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ “(Mt 23: 3-7). We must use our own mind and understanding; we should trust in our heart and reason and walk the Way of Christ and try to preach the Gospel to those who claim to know it better. Maybe they will learn something from us. Let us pray for the gift of proclaiming the Gospel to all who need it. Let us pray for the grace of salvation for ourselves and our neighbors.

The month of November is exceptionally abundant in the many birthdays of our parishioners including: Ewa Panczyk, the Principal of our school who celebrates her birthday on November 1st; November 6, I celebrate it; On  November 7^th, Mr. Roman Harmata is celebrating; November 11th is the birthday of our custodian Mr. Kazimierz Kozioł; and on November 21^st, Fr. James Heyd will be celebrating his birthday.

Birthdays are a time not only for celebration but above all for reflection that we are getting closer to the finish line, to meet with the One who gave us life. On behalf of all those listed above, I ask you for prayers.

God Bless!