Gospel Reflections for February 26 2017
Seek first the Kingdom of God
Whittier is in the national news this week. How can we understand this event?
I remember another news event a few years ago that told the heartbreaking story of a family whose house was in the path of one of our frequent Southern California brush fires. They barely escaped in time but their house burned to the ground. They lost everything. All their possessions, belongings, furniture, and even priceless family photographs were gone.
A news reporter interviewed them afterwards and was surprised that they seemed so relieved. The father simply said. “I know we lost our home and all our belongings, but I am so happy that my family is safe!”
That father knew what was most important and what was not. More to the point, he knew who was important, and it was his family. They certainly had many challenges to face going forward but they would face them as a family together.
Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel to “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all else will be given to you.” The “Kingdom of God” is where people value love and commitment and live it authentically every day. That is where your true happiness lies, and never in furniture or houses. The father of this family knew this.
Whittier police officers prove this every day. We saw it this week in the service of both deceased Officer Keith Boyer and wounded Officer Patrick Hazel. They, and other officers like them, courageously place their lives on the line every day for the safety of your family. We are deeply grateful for their commitment, and pray for Keith and his family, and the swift recovery of Patrick.
Next week begins the Season of Lent and our new University Series. Each session offers insights into the wisdom of Our Lord about love and commitment. Every Friday, at St. Bruno’s, from 4pm to 7pm we also invite you to join with other families and enjoy our Fish Fry dinner in the Hall, and then Stations of the Cross afterwards. All are opportunities to grow in your love for God and each other. What else is more important than that.
This Lent is the time to more clearly understand His wisdom. We can certainly use it now. Let us set aside the next few weeks to learn as much as we can …and seek first His Kingdom!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
I look forward to the Kingdom as a place of peace and joy. The joy of being in the presence of God. And I look forward to being with the Saints in the Kingdom with their love and happiness. Nothing we have on earth can give the joy and happiness of the Kingdom.
The Saints look forward to your being with them as well!
That was great putting the item about the Whittier couple. It really fit in with the Gospel message. It is not easy this day and age for us to think about not what we are missing but on God’s promises and that it is not what we think is best for us but what God “knows” what we need.
Thank you! It is amazing how often the weekly Gospel speaks about current events.
My Lenten mantra this year is “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.” And my intention is to let humans be human.
A prescription for a meaningful Lent!
Reminds me of a favorite saying….”The rich man is not the one with many possessions but rather it is he who has no need”… The deeper on the spiritual journey we go, the more we realize that everything comes from God and therefore nothing but God will suffice…
Well said!
God Bless Keith Boyer and his family.
Faith is an amazing. beautiful gift given to us by our loving God!! How precious to seek the Kingdom of God with all its giving love and beauty!! We are like petit rosebuds unfolding into precious, beautiful roses when we seek to live God’s love as our precious Jesus did!!! To love one another as Jesus loved us is soooooooooooooooooooooo beautiful,;to give, to care, to share, to pray, to grow spiritually,to become the person God created us to be is seek and live the kingdom of God!!! Loving prayers for Keith and his family for he was living the kingdom of God as well as Patrick!!! and your beautiful University series radiates the love of the kingdom of God to us!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!
Loveeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
!
A wonderful reflection and a favorite scripture. Also, how good of you to mention the Whittier police officers. Certainly, they and their families are in the prayers of many. How difficult this must have been for your community. Joyful Season of Lent to you and the people of your parish!
Thank you!