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Tuesday, February 21
* Christ Child Sews, 10am-2pm, SMR
Thursday, February 23
Friday, February 24
* Young Families Group, 9-11am, Trophy Room
Saturday, February 25
* Eucharistic Adoration, 7am, Church
* Project Serve Families, 1:30-3:30pm, St. Joseph's Center
Sunday, February 26
* St. Dominic Spaghetti Dinner, Noon-5pm, Cafeteria
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Join Project Serve Families @ St. Joseph's Center This Saturday
Join young families from the parish for this monthly service opportunity. We meet at St. Joseph's Center on Richmond Road at 1:30 p.m. for social time, and activity, and refreshments with the residents there.
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I sat at the Starbucks in Houston trying to wake up while waiting for our connection to San Salvador. A couple came and sat a little too closely at the small table right next to mine. I could tell by their flip flops and cabana hats that they were
NOT
going on a mission trip. I overheard them complaining about their time share in Turks and Caicos. Apparently the jacuzzi was broken and could not be fixed until next weekend.
"First world problems," I mumbled under my breath.
Perhaps you can relate. Even if you do not have to worry about the condition of the putting greens at the club, we all have stresses and worries in our life. Mortgages, a sick family member, college tuition, aging parents, a failed relationship, or job insecurity all cause us to lose sleep. Even on President's Day, a tweet from the White House can bring added anxiety and craziness to our world.
One of the many reasons parishioners love traveling to El Salvador is that our sisters and brothers at Santo Domingo live in the "eternal present." They truly live day-by-day. We can romanticize what a gift it is to not to worry about next week or next year. Because each day is a grind for food and employment, the Salvadorans do not enjoy the luxury of thinking about their five-year plans. Each day for our friends in Chiltiupan is a revelation of the Pascal Mystery of death and resurrection. Yes, suffering is all around them. But so are the many children, dreams, and hopes for a better future.
In next Sunday's Gospel, Jesus basically tells us, "Don't worry, be happy." Jesus says "Seek God first. Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take care of itself." That is easier said than done. Bills, cancer, or worrying about our children's future are all real things.
At the same time, you and I can learn from our Salvadoran friends to be more loving, joy-filled, and open to the presence of the Holy Spirit. We can be more attentive to those around us. Instead of figuring out trends in the stock market, try to figure out a new recipe with your spouse. Try to figure out your son's math homework or your daughter's science project with them. Instead of worrying about your parents' health, go visit them and thank them for sharing their gifts and wisdom with you.
Jesus teaches us that we will be rich beyond measure if we prioritize the people and value the relationships in our lives. Don't worry, be happy. You are loved and treasured by so many people surrounding you. How do you want to respond to that love?
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