From the Desk of Fr. Barry - June 28, 2020

From the desk of Fr. Barry

Our Gospel from this last weekend in June really helps us see how God wants to be in our lives and what we are to do with that presence. He revealed himself through Christ not because he had to, but out of love for his creation. He gives us that free choice though, to follow him or to look the other way. This allows each of us to look at how we relate to that passage in our daily lives. Our motives behind why we do the things we do. I think many times we do something for the recognition of it, or sometimes because it does something for us.

I know when I worked in sales, I often did something that would benefit me, and not the customer. They left happy, but could have they left ecstatic? Could I have done more to help them? Did I push something that benefited me, or did I push something that truly was a benefit to them? Sometimes it was both, but the underlining motivation behind any sale is how much commission the sales person gets. I have to say that money has never been my motivation to do anything, but at times when large bonuses were put on certain things, it did create that desire to win. But did I win?

So what is our “bonus” in life? What does that win get us? Is it all about us? Or could it be about what is yet to come? When we really look hard at what this Gospel is teaching us, we see that our human desire is met here on earth but does not follow us after death into eternal life. Our gratification, praise, or even acknowledgment is met, but how does it aid any of us in the afterlife, life eternal? It is only met when it is done out of love. That love that is unconditional and is done not looking for any type of reward. That is what the Father sees and that is where we all will get our true reward

As hard as this is to admit, our motives behind things we do sometimes only serve us in the here and now. Our homes, our cars, our personal belongings, none of it goes with us. The plaques on our walls, the trophies on our mantels, the medals on our old military uniforms, they stay too! We work hard for all of these things, but they do not define who are in the end. When we are asked how did you serve my children, how will you reply?

My sisters and brothers, we have a faith community here at Christ the King that just amazes me. I have been welcomed in with open arms, and when I was told it would take a year to raise the money to build a new rectory/office, you all pulled together in five months and we met our goal to build. When my plea went out for help with lacking funds during this pandemic just last week, again so many of you have already stepped forward with contributions. Thank you, it is in our struggles that we know God will reward us in times yet to come. Reaching out in times of difficulty is what it is all about. You all do it so well!

Update: The new completion date for the rectory/offices is now July 13 . With a few delays in trim, doors and countertops the date has been pushed back a few weeks. But I have to say, Aumann Construction has been wonderful to work with, and completing the project in such a short time has been a true blessing. When we bond together, amazing things start to happen. This is the true spirit of this Gospel and this is the true spirit that makes me proud to serve you.

Have a blessed week ahead and don’t forget to mark your calendars for August 9 . Our open house/picnic will be from 11:30-2 at the new offices/rectory, 306 S. LaSalle!! Burgers and hotdogs will be served! More to come on this in future bulletins as we work out all the details.

Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Barry 

​