Pastor’s Weekly Message 6-21-20

Dear Friend of Carmel Mission,

This is an exciting weekend for us at Carmel Mission, as we begin a limited re-opening for the celebration of Mass with two Masses on Sunday at 7:30am and 11am. We also continue our streaming Mass for those who are unable to join us here at the Mission. While we are happy to be able to welcome you back to your Basilica, we remain acutely aware that the threat of Coronavirus is far from over. We are taking every measure possible to keep you safe, whether you choose to come to the Mission or continue to worship with us online via our streaming Mass. Whichever you choose, I am thankful for the continued opportunity to pray together.

Also, a very Happy Father’s Day to all fathers! The love of our fathers is a reflection of the love of our Heavenly Father, and we are grateful to all are called to fatherhood in its many forms.

As we begin our journey in Ordinary Time, Jesus has a clear message for us in the Gospel, “Fear no one, do not be afraid.” We look at the world today and we see much fear, and perhaps much to fear. The Coronavirus has taken over 490,000 lives around the world, and threatens economic as well as physical health. We are confronted with the terrible reality of racial inequality in our country. We are indeed afraid.

But Jesus says “Do not be afraid” in the face of all the fearsome world has to offer. Not because there is no cause for fear, and not because He does not know fear. We know He experienced fear Himself, in the Garden of Gethsemane. But in the garden He turned His fear over to God, “Not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) His trust in the Father was greater than any fear. This is our example; when our faith is greater than our fear, we are not ruled by it, we can overcome it. We are all in God’s hands, and we know how precious we are to Him. He has counted every hair on our heads, He has known us since before He formed us in the womb. (Jeremiah 1:5). We do not need to be afraid.

As we gather for worship this weekend, here at the Mission and online, I invite you examine your own fears, understand them, acknowledge them, and then turn them over to the God who loves us beyond our comprehension. When we can let go of our fears, we can grow, we can change, and we can better live out our mission to be the Body of Christ.

I thank you for your continued support of Carmel Mission, which allows us to serve you, our beloved, community in the varied ways needed at this time. And I wish you and your loved ones continued blessings of good health, true peace, and the profound love of our Heavenly Father.