The Light of Christ / La Luz de Cristo

I had a slightly cheeky thought when I read today’s Psalm Response, “The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.” It’s easy to be just living on the Lord’s holy mountain, isn’t it? The readings from Proverbs and Psalm 15 make similar points. They teach us how to treat each other  – with kindness, respect, and peacefulness. It seems counter-cultural and is advice our world needs very much to pay attention to, now. Yet, those words are not recent at all, but from centuries ago, before Jesus was even born. It reminds me that our problems in this world are not as new or unique as we think.

Is it possible that some of our problems are because of our behavior? Are we hiding our light under the bed? Keep reading, this will make sense, I promise. Do you hide your faith? Are you hesitant about being the person God created you to be in this world and for this world? Your light is your power, your faith, your commitment to Christ. Your light is what you have been given that makes you uniquely you. And the world needs you.

Often though, showing “me” to the world is frightening. The fear of judgment, of being misunderstood, of seeming like I am too much, makes me pause and turn down the brightness. That is not what Jesus wants.

When He says, “To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away,” I don’t think He is talking about money or possessions. If we hide our light, in other words, turn from following Christ because it is easier on us, what we have will be taken from us – our faith will be taken because it will seem as if we have no use for faith. Does that apply to you?

I don’t know. I know that sometimes it applies to me. When I allow doubt and fear to grow bigger than the promises of Jesus and the words of Scripture. When the sacraments seem like a good idea, but require so much effort, so I tell myself I have too much to do so I can’t go to daily Mass or make it to confession. You see, faith requires action. If I don’t act on my faith, what good is having it?

Our call is to be people of faith, letting the light of Christ shine through us for others to see. How that happens is unique to each one of us. How will you allow Christ’s light to shine through you today?

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Cuando leí el Salmo Responsorial de hoy: “¿Quién será grato a tus ojos Señor?”, pensé, “Ees fácil ser una persona justa en momentos buenos, ¿no?” Las lecturas de Proverbios y el Salmo 15 plantean puntos similares. Nos enseñan cómo tratarnos unos a otros, con amabilidad, respeto y paz. Parece contracultural y es un consejo al que nuestro mundo necesita mucho prestar atención ahora. Sin embargo, esas palabras no son de hoy en día, sino de siglos atrás, incluso antes de que Jesús naciera. Me recuerda que nuestros problemas en este mundo no son tan nuevos o únicos como pensamos.

¿Es posible que algunos de nuestros problemas se deban a nuestro comportamiento? ¿Estamos escondiendo nuestra luz debajo de la cama? Si sigues leyendo, esto tendrá sentido, te lo prometo. ¿Escondes tu fe? ¿Dudas que seas la persona que Dios te creó ser en este mundo y para este mundo? Tu luz es tu poder, tu fe, tu compromiso con Cristo. Tu luz es lo que se te ha dado que te hace único. Y el mundo te necesita.

Sin embargo, a menudo mostrar el “yo” al mundo da miedo. El miedo al juicio, a que me malinterpreten, a lucir que soy demasiado, me hace detenerme y bajar el brillo. Eso no es lo que Jesús quiere.

Cuando Él dice: “al que tiene se le dará más; pero al que no tiene se le quitará aun aquello que cree tener”, no creo que esté hablando de dinero o posesiones. Si ocultamos nuestra luz, es decir, nos alejamos de seguir a Cristo porque es más fácil para nosotros, lo que tenemos nos será quitado, nuestra fe será quitada porque parecerá que no tenemos ningún uso para la fe. ¿Eso se aplica a ti?

No sé. Sé que a veces se aplica a mí. Cuando permito que la duda y el miedo crezcan más que las promesas de Jesús y las palabras de las Escrituras. Cuando los sacramentos parecen una buena idea, pero requieren tanto esfuerzo, entonces me digo a mí mismo que tengo mucho que hacer, así que no puedo ir a Misa diaria o llegar a confesarme. Ves, la fe requiere acción. Si no actúo de mi fe, ¿de qué sirve tenerla?

Nuestro llamado es ser personas de fe, dejando que la luz de Cristo brille a través de nosotros para que otros la vean. Cómo sucede eso es diferente para cada uno de nosotros. ¿Cómo permitirás que la luz de Cristo brille a través de ti hoy?

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

Feature Image Credit: Vladimir Fedotov, unsplash.com/photos/aPdUKy65qWE

State of the Parish 2022

In response to the synod listening sessions, Blessed Sacrament has produced its first-ever State of the Parish 2022 video. In this video, you will hear from members of staff as they explain where their departments and programs are heading for this year.

If you have questions about anything in the State of the Parish video, please feel free to reach out to any of the staff members. You may also learn more about these programs on the website.

Parish Community Weekend Success

The Blessed Sacrament Outdoor Mass and Parish Picnic was a huge success!!  Thank you to everyone who came and enjoyed the festivities.  A lot of hard work and dedication went into planning this wonderful event.  We could not have a Picnic like this with the help and support of many people.

A BIG thank you to…

  • The Knights of Columbus for all your hard work and help with setting up, grilling the meat, serving drinks, and clean up.
  • The Ladies of Blessed Sacrament for taking care of all the food – set up, serving, clean up.
  • Cottage Creamery, Dave & Patti Kepler, for the Ice Cream.
  • the Ladies of parish that made and donated cookies for the picnic.
  • Pam Gandy for ordering and delivering the Adult Beverages.
  • Tim Pajk for the music and singing.

Our golf outing on Sunday had 27 teams compete to take first place at Currie West. We could not have asked for better weather or a better group of people!

Congratulations to our top 3 teams!

  1. Gregg Franjione, Kurt Silvis, Jesse Franjione, and Joe Kreusch
  2. Dan Toland, Hugh Taylor, Rob Rhead, Leonard Kowalski
  3. Wayne Turmell, Denise Turmell, Brett Turmell, Seth Guigar

Our winners on the hole contests:

  • Joe Kreusch (Men’s Closest to the Pin)
  • Annette Clark (Women’s Closest to the Pin)
  • Seth Guigar (Men’s Longest Drive)
  • Madison Hert (Women’s Longest Drive

We are already looking forward to next year! Thank you to everyone who came out to worship, play, and spend time together!

Gun Violence is a Pro-Life Issue

Gun violence in the United States is absolutely a pro-life issue.

As Catholics, we believe that “Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2258). Gun violence is claiming the lives of innocent human beings and it is our duty to uphold the sacred dignity of each human life.

We also believe “The production and the sale of arms affect the common good of nations and of the international community. Hence public authorities have the right and duty to regulate them. The short-term pursuit of private or collective interests cannot legitimate undertakings that promote violence and conflict among nations and compromise the international juridical order” (CCC, 2316, emphasis added).

As faithful Catholics, we are called to stand up for the common good of our nation. We are called to stand up for the lives of the innocent. We are called to defend life at all stages, in all circumstances. We are called to use our voices to speak up for life.

We are called to be PRO-life without exception, without hesitation.

Please join us in standing up for life and protecting all lives against gun violence in our country.

Parish K of C featured in Documentary and article

Blessed Sacrament’s Knights of Columbus Council’s award winning “Wood for Warmth” project is being featured in an organization-wide publicity campaign. This includes a 3 minute video, an article in the monthly magazine, and the weekly message to all members.

The video was produced by an Academy Award winning production company from Chicago. Check out the links below.

Building Update

South Wing Building Update

Last fall, the former school wing of the Parish Center was assessed by Three Rivers Construction to determine viability for future endeavors. Three Rivers determined that the building structure was in good condition and identified some minor cosmetic issues to be resolved. The hope was that the south wing of the Parish Center might be home to nonprofits in Midland in line with the Church’s mission of care for the poor, education, and also provide an opportunity for our parish community to serve.

As we previously communicated in May, a task force was assembled to determine what nonprofits had a need for space and fell in line with the Church’s mission. After site visits and discussions, an invitation was extended to the Legacy Center. Unfortunately, due to restrictions at the diocesan level, the Legacy Center was unable to move into the space and continue their mission of tutoring children. They remain in their location on the corner of Waldo and James Savage. Although the Legacy Center will not be located in the south wing of the Parish Center, they are always looking for volunteers. Please consider giving your time to this amazing organization.

However, one nonprofit was able to utilize the space: ACT Uganda. They are using a room for storage of handcrafted items made by the women and men of the Muko Empowerment Program. It also serves as their packaging center for online sales. To learn more about this organization or to purchase handcrafted items, please visit their website.

The other rooms continue to be used in service of the Church’s mission. Our high school youth ministry program will meet there on Sunday evenings to alleviate COVID concerns of meeting in homes. Other programs that are utilizing the space include: bible study meetings, prayer groups, chair yoga, etc.

We continue to be hopeful that our original goal of housing nonprofits in line with the Church’s mission will come to fruition. We will continue to keep you updated on any developments in a timely manner.


Additional Information

Three Rivers Building Assessment

Updated September 21, 2021

“Back in the Swing of Things” this weekend!

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Hello  Faith Formation Families! I hope you’re all staying cool!  I managed to get myself a crazy sunburn at yesterday’s Midland High football game at U of M’s Big House, watching my son play the sousaphone with the band.  It…

Updated Mask Protocol 8/13

In accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Midland County Health Department guidance, we are updating our mask protocol for the Parish Center.

All Faith Formation (PreK through High School) program participants will be required to wear masks. This includes all students and adults regardless of vaccination status.

All meetings at the Parish Center will require unvaccinated visitors to wear masks while inside.

At Mass, we encourage those at risk of COVID-19 and its variants to wear a mask. Please consult with your healthcare provider to discern the best course of action for you. We will continue to live-stream 8:30am Mass via our Youtube channel and 11:00am Mass will be outdoors as weather permits.

Registration & backpack blessing

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Hello  Faith Formation Families! Happy Thursday, all you wonderful Faith Formation Families!  With just ten days left until the first day of school, I hope this Flocknote finds you busy soaking up all the summer you can get!  …