Fervent praise and thanksgiving prevent us from ever losing our sights on God. Fervency is tough, because it requires consistency. Consistency is tough because it requires tenacity. Tenacity is tough because it requires commitment. This is what Jesus is asking, are you up for it? Jesus wants fervency. He wants a commitment. This is the message of breaking open the Word this week. Just like Jesus asked us recently in a Gospel a few Sundays back, “will you be my disciple” This is not just an “at whim” question, but is one that requires our contemplation, because Jesus is asking us for a commitment. It’s a radical decision to be His disciple. He does not want us to be wishy washy, fence-sitting, or lukewarm. He wants us to be faithful to him 24/7/365/52. That’s it.

Oh, to have the faith of a mustard seed! That would be some incredible faith! Is it possible to muster up such faith in the midst of our doubt, fear, or lack of trust? All eyes are upon Erika Kirk these days, due to the death of her husband Charlie Kirk, some may have known her, while many have gotten to know of her because of that horrific day. Faith requires hardship, and in the face of hardship, we either can fold or have faith to move mountains. That was the display recently as Erika Kirk was dealt an unfair blow, that had changed her course indefinitely as wife, mother, and now as CEO.

Here at St. Catherine Laboure we are committed to a genuine welcoming spirit, cultivating the love of God through Word and Sacrament. We are blessed with much activity and accomplishment over the past several months as we witness many new faces around the parish, especially as people have returned from long absences from the Catholic Faith and are discovering and rediscovering the beauty of the Sacramental Life.

Ordinary Time gives us perspective on Jesus' motives and mission. We reflect on his miracles, parables, and encounters in order to gain such perspective. Today we contemplate the meaning behind the parable of the rich man and the steward. On the surface logically that it is about considering what we are using our wealth to achieve. If we have been blessed with material wealth, we must manage such wealth in account of how we utilize such a gift for building the kingdom of God. That which much is given, much is expected. We are not called to be stingy or greedy, but we are called to recognize how God has blessed us, materially, spiritually, or by way of our talents and gifts, that cost nothing, but by us utilizing them in a magnified way to serve the Lord.

The Exaltation of the Cross is a special commemoration for the Diocese of Phoenix as it marks the anniversary of the Papal Visit of St. Pope John Paul II in 1987. Phoenix welcomed the Pontiff, and was blessed to host such a visit, especially welcoming the would-be saint! The Exaltation of the Cross is important because we contemplate more profoundly the meaning of the Cross from which Christ has been lifted up. We are confident in the triumphant victory won by Christ’s embrace of the Cross and are affirmed in our salvific heritage.

Wow, really are we up for the task? Today’s gospel is asking do we have skin in this game or do we not? Jesus says come after me and be my disciple! In doing so are we going to tally up the cost before all hands are in? After all we really need to know what we’re getting into first, in order to make a substantial commitment. Are we going to leave all behind and follow him? Will he be our everything? The stakes are high in this invitation that we receive from the Lord. It’s all or nothing, we’re either in or we’re out! We must discern distinctively because there’s no turning back. We know Jesus is not asking for our response in a half-hearted way either, or in a way that we are lukewarm, but he wants us entirely.