St James Catholic Church

Today we hear Jesus invite his disciples, who have just returned from their mission, to travel with him to a deserted place to rest awhile.  Sounds like the perfect thing for us to do at this time of year.  Even Jesus realized the need to rest and recharge.  But when Jesus sees the crowds that sought him out, he changes his plans and begins to teach them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.  May it comfort us to know that Jesus always has time for us.  We need never feel lost or forsaken.

By taking them to a quiet place Jesus was giving them all an opportunity to reflect and pray.  After we have completed a task on our own mission, he encourages us to take some time with him, as we do in prayer, to reflect on what we have done and what he calls us to do.

Next Thursday is the patronal feast-day of St. James the Greater.  As we celebrate our parish family we take time to thank God for all the staff and volunteers and fellow members who make us who we are.  We can look at our buildings and see a remodeled worship space, a new elevator, new lighting and painting in our hall, as well as parish office and center.  They reflect who we are.  Yet the real sign of who we are is that we are growing in members, our finances are good and we have many outreach programs to service the larger community and world.  Each individual member of St. James is who we are and for all of this we are grateful.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob