Father Hathaway’s Column — June 9, 2024
CHOSEN BY GOD
Today’s first reading from Genesis (3:9-15) recounts the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. When Adam sins, God does not abandon him. Rather, God searches for Adam when he tries to hide. This subtext of the reading is a good reminder that is it not we who search for God, but God who searches for us. Those of us who “find God” realize, eventually, that our journey was orchestrated by God, Our loving Father, all along. Elsewhere in Holy Scripture, we read: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). Also, from Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I consecrated you.”
Being chosen by God is a great gift. It is an invitation to participate in a life-giving relationship with Him and in His work. Being chosen by God means He knows us individually. It means He loves us individually. It means He will never let us go. Our salvation is secure in Him. This beautiful promise is essential to our faith.
However, being chosen by God is not passive. It carries a good degree of responsibility on our part. Luke 12:48 tells us: “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
Each of us must be prepared to stand up for our beliefs and, in some cases, actively promote them. Unfortunately, anti-Catholicism persists in today’s society. It can be subtle, but it is there. How do we react when we hear someone make an anti-Catholic joke or false statement about the teachings of the Church? Do we stand up for our faith? Do we take the time to correct an erroneous statement? Chosen by God, we have a lot of work to do! We can remind the naysayers that the Church traces its founding to Jesus Himself, more than 2,000 years ago. We can talk about all the good the Church has done and continues to do in the fields of social justice, education, the founding of hospitals, and as the largest provider of charity in the world. Please see catholicscomehome.org for an inspiring, brief video on how the Church touches many lives and for talking points you might use.
FATHER’S DAY NOVENA OF MASSES
Next Sunday, June 16, is Father’s Day! Give your father, grandfather, godfather, husband, or any father in your life, living or deceased, the gift of spiritual blessings by enrolling them in our Basilica of Saint Mary Novena of Masses. They will be remembered at the altar as we celebrate Mass for their intentions for nine consecutive days, beginning on Sunday, June 16, Father’s Day.
Enroll a name in the novena by using cards and envelopes available in the back of church, scan this QR code, or go to https://bit.ly/3Cdquqd.
AFTER THE 5’S ARE BACK!
Our popular, monthly summer After the 5’s socials return this month, hosted this time by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Be sure to join us in the Parish Courtyard at 314 Duke Street, following the 5 p.m Vigil Mass on Saturday, June 29, for fun, food and fellowship!