"There are two loves, the love of God and the love of the world. Let the love of the world take second place, and let the love of God dwell in you. Let the better love take over." St. Augustine

The Parable of the Dishonest Steward, in this Sunday’s readings , has confronted readers with its difficulty from the beginning. Jesus’ original audience would have made immediate cultural connections that a modern audience might not understand. The importance of the position of the steward, the desperation he felt at losing his job in a society with no financial entitlement programs, the structure of the debt system, the size of the debts owed, and an understanding of how the steward’s actions served to increase the master’s reputation in the general community all make it easier to understand why the master would have commended this rascally but shrewd ex-employee. The images in the narrative would have amused and greatly entertained Jesus’ audience. While the steward is certainly not the best model of repentance, he does use his desperate last hours as an employee in showing mercy to others. As you prepare for Mass this weekend, reflect on the ways you can make honest use of the gifts that God has given you to serve Him and others.

Please keep in prayer our Religious Education students who will start classes this week. We ask all our parishioners to be extra cautious in the church parking lot during class times. We joyfully welcome into our faith community Brielle and Jordan Njoroge who will receive the Sacrament of Baptism this Sunday at the 11:30 AM Mass. Congratulations to them and their family! The Knights of Columbus will be selling Tootsie Rolls after all Masses this weekend. The proceeds from this annual drive support individuals in our communities with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Adult Faith Programs beginning... Coming in October - 33 Days to Morning Glory! Join us for this small-group retreat in preparation for Marian Consecration. Through a combination of private daily reflection and six weekly small-group sessions, this parish-wide retreat will guide us to a deeper relationship with our Blessed Mother and ultimately with Her Son. Mondays at 7 PM in St. Augustine Church, beginning October 21st. Weekly meetings feature shared prayer, video presentations featuring Fr. Michael Gaitley, and small-group discussion. Participants read and ponder a daily reflection in preparation for each meeting. For more information or to sign up, visit StAugustineParish.org/33-days or call 978-475-0050 x36.

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