I am Chosen

Dear Parish Family,

While the heat of summer may not yet be behind us, summer freedoms are, and the new rhythm of the school year has begun. It can be a challenge for families to find again the rhythm they left behind in June. My prayers are for families this week.

In parish life, “summer mode” is behind us as well. This weekend we begin with a new Fall campaign. We have a dynamic series of messages lined up for you and I am excited to share them with you. Each series that we preach is a bit of a journey, a path of discovery. We learn some new things, come to appreciate the Scriptures in a new light, and hopefully come to walk more faithfully as disciples of our Lord Jesus. That is what our preaching is about after all: equipping ourselves to be more open to God’s grace and so to answer the invitation of God to grow, to mature, to come to a deeper sense of self and our mission in the world.

The first Message Series this Fall begins at the beginning: with ourselves. We are calling it “Who do you think you are?” It is a question that can be asked in a number of tones of voice and one that receives various answers depending on the depth we are willing to probe. This question is ancient. One of Socrates’ famous quotes is: “Know thyself.” From Shakespeare, we hear “To thine own self be true,” - advice from a father to a son before going off to university. Many other versions of the question or the advice exist.

So, who are you? It is a question worth pondering, and not just once, but periodically in life. I would encourage you to begin to roll that question around in your mind. Maybe start a little journal, some notes about what makes you, you. The answer should not be automatic, although it often is: I am me. Well, what do you mean by that?

Identity is important because it drives our actions, influences the health of our relationships, and decides what we value. Actions, relationships, and values - those are some of the key elements that contribute to our well-being.

Let me give you an example: my parents recently retired. My Dad drove his whole career - mostly concrete trucks. My Mom spent her career as a nurse. Now both are retired and a whole slice of their lives (about a third of our lives are spent working, perhaps more if we factor in the commute) is no more. They will need to do some soul searching to discover what it means for them now to no longer be a nurse or a driver. There is a hole that needs to be filled - but not just filled. With intentionality - how will their lives develop in the absence of work? What will occupy their time? These are good questions for anyone approaching retirement, a job change or even for new empty-nesters. Certain situations call for a shift in our identity. It is the reason that some retirees go through a low period searching for meaning in the void of work.

At each turn in life, therefore, it is good - valuable - meaningful - to pose this question to ourselves. Who am I? And who do I want to become?

I am looking forward to taking this journey with you as we all seek to better understand who we are and who God calls us to be.

God be with you!

Fr. Joel