James and John were anything but humble in the account recorded in the Gospel Of Mark, 10:35-45. The Sons of Thunder wanted to have places of importance with Jesus in his glory.

Father Michael asked us how we would respond if Jesus asked us, as he did those two apostles, “What do wish me to do for you?” He also asked who is the most humble person you know, & what did they teach you?

When have you found it most difficult to heed Jesus’ words “It shall not be so with you?” Following Christ isn’t always the easiest road, and we frequently do things for others without credit or reward. In this world, this is seen as weakness, but with Christ, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.”

Father Ivanildo Cavalcante delivered the homily today on the Gospel reading from Mark 10:17-30, combined with the reading from Wisdom 7. This is an oft quoted Gospel teaching because it is so memorable: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”

People usually forget the next section, where Jesus says that with God, all things are possible. Father Ivanildo discussed this and the love of wisdom leading to a better understanding of God’s love for us.

Father Cooper and Father Vladimir Divas also marked the canonization of Oscar Romero today by passing out prayer cards in Spanish and English. Father Vladimir was honored to know Saint Oscar Romero personally, and our parish enjoys visits from another associate, Bishop Barahona, at least once a year. Saint Oscar Romero, pray for us.

The Pharisees test Christ in Mark 10:2-16, asking him about divorce. In conjunction with the reading from Genesis today, Father Michael seized the opportunity to teach on the sacrament of marriage.

Christ’s reply to the Pharisees was revolutionary for its time. When Christ said, “They are no longer two, but one flesh,” he was declaring man and woman equal in marriage — not property as wives were seen at that time. The covenant mirrors that of God’s with Israel or Christ’s with the Church, for whom he died.

Marriage requires faithfulness in every sense of the word. The sacrament is a living sign of God’s presence and grace in our midst — the manifestation of God’s unconditional love.

Father had 3 questions for you to ponder this week:
1. How does a covenant relationship differ from a contract arrangement?
2. How is your marriage a source of life & a gift from God?
3. How do you live the sacrament of marriage?