About 65 years ago, Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a backyard summer sports camp so that her sister, who was intellectually challenged, could have fun with other kids. None of the other sports camps were open to children like Rosemary. It was never Eunice’s intention to do anything big—she just loved her sister and wanted to make life sweeter for her. But that backyard play-time evolved into what we now call “Special Olympics.”
 
Eunice gave the “highest gift” that St. Paul describes today—simple, selfless love. But we learn in the gospel that Jesus’ hometown was not interested in loving Jesus this way. Though they knew him from childhood, they did not love him unconditionally—they asked for signs and miracles, and when Jesus revealed their true hearts, they tried to throw him off a cliff! What a homecoming!
 
Today, Jesus is asking for the kind of open-hearted love from us that he hoped for from the people of his time and place. Love isn’t repeating “Lord, Lord” while feeling warm and fuzzy. Our Catechism reminds us that we can even sin by being ungrateful, indifferent, or lukewarm toward God’s love.
 
We are “to love all creatures for God and because of God.” So, we might use St. Paul’s list to ask: Are we kind when talking to someone who’s driving us crazy—especially family members? Are we patient and caring when interacting with animals? Do we show gratitude and wonder when caring for lawns, plants, and trees? As Pope Francis reminds us: we are called to be good stewards to all of creation.
 
Don’t be discouraged if your love isn’t returned—remember the Special Olympics motto: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Let our small, brave attempts make a start toward transforming the world.
 
Blessing of Throats: This Thursday, February 3rd is the Feast of Saint Blaise, patron saint for diseases of the throat and other ailments. He is listed among the Fourteen Holy Helpers.  These “Holy Helpers” are a group of saints venerated because their intercession is believed to be particularly effective, especially against various diseases. This group of "helpers in need" originated in the 14th century, first in the Rhineland, largely as a result of the epidemic (probably of bubonic plague) that became known as the Black Death.

Mass will be celebrated at the usual time: 8:30 a.m. at St. John Capistran and 11:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More. A general blessing of throats will be administered to the congregation following the Prayer after Communion.  Individual blessings, for those who wish to receive one, will be administered following mass.