Dear Friend of Carmel Mission,
In the Gospel today Jesus tells Simon Peter that he will be the rock on which Jesus will form His Church on earth. Such responsibility boggles the mind. Knowing Peter as we do through the Gospels, we can be fairly certain he was equal parts mind boggled and wildly enthusiastic for the opportunity to serve the Lord he loved so much in such a great capacity. Peter sees Jesus for all that He is, “the Christ, Son of the Living God.” While Peter’s human nature may fail him at times, his complete faith in the person of Jesus Christ and his commitment to doing Jesus’ work carries him forward.
In Peter’s letter to the Christian communities in Asia Minor he wrote, “Once you were “no people” but now you are God’s people. (1 Peter 2:10a). It is important to me, especially in these trying times, that as a community of faith at Carmel Mission we remember and remind each other who we are; we are God’s people. Every single one of us has a part in sharing the great love of Jesus Christ with the world. I am endlessly encouraged and uplifted by the many examples of this love in our community. I invite you to join me this week in praying that our community may continue to grow in love, and following the example of Peter, become a rock for all those in need. A place they can find welcome, safe harbor, and peace and where they can continue their journey to truly know God.
This week we are especially mindful of those in our community who may be in need of safe harbor as we face devastating wildfires in Salinas, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Our hearts break for those who have lost or are in danger of losing their homes. We join in the worry of those wondering if they will need to evacuate, anxiously watching the fires’ progress. We share in the difficulty of even getting a breath of fresh air as ash falls from skies choked with smoke and haze. In these moments, when it is perhaps most difficult to feel grateful and hopeful, is when the Jesus’ great institution, the Church, is most needed. As the Church, God’s people, we can not only pray for those affected, we are also strengthened and encouraged to lend a helping hand to those in need. Please, if you or someone you know in our community has been impacted, let us know how we might help. Together, our Carmel Mission community will weather this current crisis and grow stronger in faith, of that I am certain.
Wishing you and your loved ones blessings of good health, clear skies, and the bountiful love of Jesus Christ,
Fr. Paul
Please take a moment to read our Carmel Mission weekly bulletin.