By: Fr. John Jasica
FALL SERIES - GENEROUS MERCY
THE UNOFFICIAL END OF SUMMER
Although summer does not officially end until September 22nd this year, with the return to school this past week—summer has ended. There is joy and sadness with this reality. The joy is of new beginnings and fresh starts as students return to school and families establish more regular routines. The sad part is that the summer holidays have ended and Christmas is not that far away (sorry for mentioning it).
With the beginning of fall activities, lots of things start up again—this includes more events, programs and outreach in our family of parishes. It also includes a fall message series that begins this weekend and spans a total of 5 weekends.
JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL
Our fall message series is entitled JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL. As we enter into this cooler season, there are a lot more events in our schedules and many more demands on our time. The return to controlled chaos after the summer holidays can make us feel overwhelmed, lost and trying to manage things that eventually twist out of control. In addition to all this, some may be carrying challenging burdens, struggles, or questions that have stopped us in our tracks wondering what direction to go?
In the midst of the busy-ness, chaos and doubts in our lives—this becomes the perfect time to let Jesus take the wheel and guide us to freedom, grace and peace. Only Jesus can do this for us—so we need to stop being the driver, surrendering control to Christ who never disappoints us. The focus of the message series will explore the following:
1. Everything is so much better when we let Jesus lead us.
2. When we get lost or overwhelmed, we let Jesus take the wheel.
3. Together with Christ, we build our lives and share the Good News that benefits all.
INSPIRED BY A SONG
The title for this message series comes from a country song by Carrie Underwood. The chorus of the song expresses this call for all of us to surrender control, rely on the Lord and ask for another chance to trust Him. As we know, Jesus never disappoints!
Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
‘Cause I can’t do this on my own
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
And save me from this road I’m on
Jesus, take the wheel
HOMILY #1 - THE NEED FOR FORGIVENESS
This weekend the readings remind us of the Lord’s mercy and our call to share that mercy with others. In order to let Jesus take the wheel and guide our lives we need to let Him in so he can heal, restore, rebuild and inspire us to do the same for others.
(1) HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE FORGIVE?
The gospel this weekend reminds us that we are always called to forgive. Peter comes to Jesus asking if he should forgive a brother or sister up to seven times if they have sinned against him? Jesus replies that he should forgive not seven times, but seventy-seven times—which means that we should and must always forgive. We do this so we can be set free and heal hearts. We should always be generous in our forgiveness.
(2) FORGIVENESS BRINGS HEALING
In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded that if we hold onto anger and resentment towards others we cannot be healed from the Lord. Refusing to forgive others locks the door of our hearts to our own healing and forgiveness. The desire to heal others opens our lives to the grace of mercy God wants to give us.
(3) WE BELONG TO THE LORD—LET HIM DRIVE
If there is any doubt about who really is in charge—the second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans clarifies it for us. “If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:8). If we belong to God, we should surrender the steering wheel and let Him guide us, embracing all His commandments.
- Have I experienced God’s powerful mercy lately?
- What anger or pain do I need to hand over to God?
- Will I let Jesus take the wheel?
- How can I be more generous with mercy, forgiveness and grace for others?
