September 7, 2021
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
Greetings and blessings!
In the Gospel for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus asks the disciples what they heard people saying about him. The answers are varied, as you can imagine. People think many things about him. But they all point in one direction, which is that Jesus is a prophet, someone who speaks to God on our behalf, and who speaks to us on God’s behalf. Then Jesus asks them, “But you, who do you say that I am?” and Peter answers for them all, “You are the Messiah, you are the one who has come to save us.”
Did you ever take the time to ask yourself, “Who is Jesus for me?” I think that is what we are being challenged to do today, with this Gospel reading. It is meant to be a challenge for all of us: moms and dads, little children and big children. Can you imagine Jesus standing or sitting in front of you, looking you in the eye and asking, “What do you think of me? Who am I for you?”
The Gospels in general tell us many things about Jesus. He is a prophet, a teacher, a Savior, a healer, etc. Maybe we can say above all Jesus is a lover. It is because he loves so much that he does all these things and never seems to grow tired of doing them.
So, who is Jesus for you? Well, you can take your pick, or you can say he is all of these and more. But I would like to add one more to the list. Did you ever consider Jesus to be a friend? That may very well be my favorite way of thinking of him. Jesus wants to be our friend and he, indeed, is our friend through thick and thin.
There is an old hymn that you don’t usually hear in Catholic churches, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” that says pretty much what I have been suggesting. It speaks profound truths simply which is probably the best way to speak them:
“Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do they friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he will take and shield thee; thou wilt find solace there.”
A word of gratitude to the many who so generously gave to the emergency collection for our brothers and sisters in Haiti…for their recovery efforts after and horrendous earthquake. $11,506. The proceeds have been immediately forwarded to the Archdiocese of Hartford to send to Catholic Relief Services.
UPDATE ON COVID-19 (Delta) safety:
For the deepest concern and respect for all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Hartford, Archbishop Blair announced and requested on August 7th, that all those attending Masses and other events be encouraged to resume the wearing of masks due to the rise in the virus infections in our state.
Additionally, the Town of Rocky Hill issued a mandate on Friday August 20th that masks be worn while in indoor public spaces.
I personally think this is a wise and prudent decision.
Peace and Blessings,
Fr. George Couturier
Pastor
