What is Owed?

Whenever I travel with friends or spend an evening out with them, one of the questions that arises is “how much do I owe you?” We want to make sure we pay our fair share and make the attempt for justice to reign. Often people will simply state “don’t worry about it.” Not only is this an act of charity on their part but there is often the thought that somehow and in some way all things would be evened out at the end of the day.

The assurance and security that this honor system exemplifies in human friendships are something we should also strive for in our relationship with the Lord. We can make demands of the Lord and feel that He owes us something. Each of us can do this, in talking to many people over the years about their relationship with Jesus Christ, and in my personal spiritual direction it is clear that at different points we can feel wronged because God has not given something or intervened in a situation in a way that we find satisfactory.

St. Josemaria wrote "I am asked for very little compared to how much I am being given" and when I first read this quote, I recognized how true it is and was cut to the heart. More joy is to be found when we offer more and more to God and express constant gratitude to our Heavenly Father and others. For all that we have is a gift from our loving Father and we owe Him everything. So, we should constantly ask ourselves what we can do for the Lord.

I want to continue to encourage families to strengthen the Faith of your children. I know you all do but it is always nice to be encouraged to keep going and growing in our Faith. This should also include helping your children to open themselves up to the voice of God which may be calling them to priesthood or religious life.

A big congratulations to our graduates. For those graduating from high school this can be an exciting and scary time as you step into the unknown. As that happens, I want to encourage those graduates who will be staying in the area for work or school to stay connected with your Catholic Faith. The young adult group Quo Vadis has served to help many young adults to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. For those who are going away to college, please try to get connected with your local Newman Center, and if your college campus has Focus missionaries, get plugged into those opportunities to stay grounded in your Catholic Faith.

Thank you to Jodie Blindauer who has decided to step away from her role as Director of Evangelization. I am so grateful for the wonderful work in our Family of Parishes. I know the Lord has great things in store for her.

A big thank you to all teachers as well whether at school, at home, or for religious education. Your hard work is deeply appreciated. May God bless your summer breaks.

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Jarred Kohn