Everyone wants the best seats. I speak from experience as I am one who always tries to get the best seats for theatre. I like to be close to the action, to have an unobstructed view of things. My sister used to call me her favorite theatre “snob.” 

The Gospel story of James and John asking for the luxury box seats in the Kingdom of heaven, the sets at Jesus’ right and left hand reminds us of our mission here on earth. We have great work to do for the Lord here and now. Our place is heaven, however, will not be based on our merits but on God’s unifying love for us. Everyplace in heaven will be a place of honor and there are no better seats because we will be part of a communion of saints, equal in the eyes of the Lord and each other. Then the Body of Christ will be fulfilled as we will become the communion of saints we were always meant to be. 

Our authority here on earth is not one of “lording it over others.” We are here to serve and that is our truest authority. Our authority is one of unconditional love, the love of Jesus for all people. We offer the very gift of our lives to serve God and his people. This is our call and our challenge. We are sent to serve. One of my favorite quotes comes from the book, Illusions: the Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah. “Here is a test to find out if your mission on earth is finished. If you’re alive, it isn’t.” This is what God’s anointed ones do: we serve joyfully and faithfully bringing the light and love of Christ to all we meet. WE do this through prayer, various ministries, participation in liturgy and in parish life. We use our gifts to build up the Kingdom of God. It’s really not about the best seats. It about being the best we can be for God and one another. In God’s eyes and heart, we are all precious and we are all loved because we have answered his call to love and serve in his name. 

Don’t Forget: “Octoberguest”

As we now move forward in becoming one family of faith, we are bringing together two outstanding communities filled with good and faithful servants of the Lord. On October 15, our new Mass and Reconciliation schedule has been put place, our first step together. I am confident that we will begin with a spirit of welcome and hospitality. I am suggesting that we have an “Octoberguest” program. I am asking that we visit our other church site for one liturgy during the month of October. No one will check up on you, but it is a way we can learn about each other and our two wonderful churches. Our new team of priests will begin rotating Masses between the sites as well. Let us make the most of our new beginnings.