Word to the Wise
Thursday, August 26, 2021 - Thursday in the 21th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Thess 3:7-13 and Matt 24:42-51]Now may God himself, our Father, and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen.
St. Paul's affection for the community he founded in Thessalonika continues. It seems clear that he misses them and worries about their maintaining their faith in the face of the culture they lived in. I must confess that I sometimes share that worry. I have spent many years in campus ministry and have heard the frequent complaints of graduates that they cannot find a parish that shows the same energy and passion as the one they attended at the university! I have to point out that they are no longer worshipping primarily with their peers, but I admit that one of the weaknesses of parish (and campus ministry as well) is the ability to reach young adults and recent college graduates. This could include those who have recently married and are starting their families. The temptation to join one of the "mega-churches" that offer all kinds of services both in terms of worship and convenience, such as child-care during worship services and support groups of all kinds, is strong. Services are tailored to meet the needs of different age groups as well. Only the largest of Catholic parishes in well-to-do areas can afford these things. This, in turn, places a big pressure on the sacramental system to maintain the faith of Catholics, and by extension on the celebrants to do more than read the words and do the minimal actions.
I pray for all the recent graduates and young adults I have met in my years of campus ministry that somehow a community can appeal to their faith and needs. St. Paul's blessing is one that I silently send their way. AMEN