Our Gospel presents us with the healing ministry of Christ. Our world seems to forgot about this healing reality and instead has been cast down into an attitude of doom and gloom. This leper was cast down into the depths of doom and gloom, but our Lord healed him and lifted him out of it. So too the Lord becomes our hope in the midst of every difficult moment of our life.
There are some who may see the Church as a doomed institution. This is an absurd statement because the Church was established by Christ and of it was told to Saint Peter: “Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” With that the Church is alive and well no matter the scandal, social media post, or news article which may claim otherwise. With that may we realize the need to place our trust in the Hands of the Lord for through these merciful hands hope is always found.
Two areas where I wish to highlight this hope is that of our parish school and that of our diocese. Our school is a shining light to this city of Johnson City. Our diocese is a shining light which continues to grow and bring Christ into the lives of many here in East Tennessee.
It is on this Sunday that we kick off the theme of the importance of Catholic education through Catholic Schools Week. As administrator of a parish which happens to have a Catholic school I would like each of you to consider its importance. I would also like each of you to pray for the students and teachers of our parish school. If you would ever like to enroll your children in our school please speak with me or our principal. Never think that this is something which is an impossibility for your children because I am committed to making this a possibility. Statistics show that children who are enrolled in a Catholic school or more likely to practice their Catholic faith into the future. From my limited time to be in this school I know it to be of good moral character and ready to form your children in the ways of the Lord. The more your children come to know the Lord the more they will become on fire with Christ.
This brings me to our diocese which remains on fire for Christ. With that there are so many programs which support so many people. With each of these programs there is the need of funding. It should be no secret that next week we will hold the annual bishop’s appeal. The bishop’s appeal hopefully reminds each of us that we are connected to a diocese. Therefore, the bishop has chosen various areas of ministry to which this money will flow in order that Christ may be brought into the lives of many. The bishop’s appeal will support the education of clergy (to this we should be thankful for we do have Deacon Zach who will soon be ordained a priest), the mobile clinic we receive funding in order that may continue to minister to the impoverished of East Tennessee, Catholic Charities will receive funding, education will receive funding. Please, give to the Bishop’s Appeal next weekend and continue to pray for its success for it assists in keeping the light of faith alive and well throughout East Tennessee.
With all of this may we not get caught up in the doom and gloom of everyday life, but leper in our Gospel may we lifted out of it and given hope as we come to place our trust in the merciful Hands of our Lord.
