Written by Suraj• August 9, 2024• 2:59 pm• Pastoral Notes

The Spiritual Hunger of Our Time: Finding Fulfillment in Christ’s Embrace

Both our first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah, and the Responsorial Psalm text from Psalm 63 speak in visceral terms, terms felt at the gut level of the body. The Word of God burns within Jeremiah, and he can contain it no more. The Psalmist is longing and pining for God, like a dry weary land without water. The human conditions of both Jeremiah and the Psalmist speak to the modern person, as well. In our time there is a great spiritual longing and a search for God and life’s meaning. Searching people are often referred to as seekers, because they are looking. Jesus will make clear that the fulfillment the human person seeks will be found in the embrace of the cross. This is not an embrace of suffering for suffering’s sake, however. Rather, it is the embrace of the cause of divine love in a world so much in need of healing, forgiveness, and peace.

Call to action: This is also Labor Day weekend, the traditional end of the summer season. Take some time to recognize the value of the labor your people do, whether it is the work of children doing their chores around the house or apartment, the labor of students dedicated to their studies, and the labor of adults who work manually or in an office. All are contributing to the good of their own families, as well as the good of the world. St. Thomas says the human person is a co-creator along with God in making our world! Laet us be, as the Second Vatican Council called us to be “artisans of a new humanity” in Christ. You can use your GC Smart Tools to send an email or text to your families recognizing their labors and honoring them.

Pastoral Action Points

With families returning to school this is a great time to reach out using your GC SmartTools and inviting your families to greater participation in your parish. There are families you haven’t seen since Covid – invite them back now!
Do you have a fall festival or parish event coming up? At GiveCentral, we remove the donor friction by allowing you to create an event with these features:
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Keep up the work of your evangelization through developing the spirit of welcome in your parish! Have a welcoming committee or ask your Pastoral Council members to serve as special ministers of welcome. Use your GC Smart Text or QR codes to help visitors and new parishioners get connected.