Offering to the Lord

October 31, 2021 — Thirty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time

Dear brothers and sisters,

As we near the end of the liturgical year, our readings paint a vivid picture of the spirit of God’s kingdom. Beginning with this Sunday’s gospel from Mark (12:28b-34) and continuing next week with Mark (12:38-44), we hear about a kingdom where its citizens practice humility and radical generosity for the sake of the kingdom. This generous spirit is grounded in gratitude to God who is the source of all. A word for this spirit of profound gratitude is stewardship. It is how we respond as disciples. It is how we fulfill our baptismal call – giving thanks to God for our gifts, nurturing and sharing them, and returning them with increase.

The past eighteen months have been difficult and gratitude at times has been in short supply. Yet, we are never far from God’s love and the love of others. We have witnessed acts of heroism, kindness, self-sacrifice, and generosity especially here in our community of SFX. For all of this and more, I am grateful. Grateful for your continued devotion to your parish church and commitment to proclaim the Good News right here central Phoenix.  It is a mission that is uniquely ours. 

Gratitude transforms. It opens our hearts to God and others. It is with that hope, that we pause at this time of year and enter a deeper reflection of the gifts that have been entrusted to us and our grateful response as stewards – especially as stewards of the faith that has been given to us. Each member of the Body of Christ is called and needed. As a visible witness of our commitment to grow as stewards, I am inviting you to join me in completing the commitment form for 2022. Are you able to increase your financial support? Can you enroll in electronic giving? Are you ready to step into ministry? Please take this to prayer and then make your commitment here.

In gratitude,

Fr. Robert A. Fambrini, SJ