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Dear Parish Family,
Written by Fr. Patrick Farley on May 20, 2012
A secular writer aptly described the effect of ingratitude as being "worse than a serpent's tooth" because few things hurt the human soul more than ingratitude - and the "bite" is more painful when it comes from one who has been dearly loved and cared for.
Webster's Dictionary defines "Ingratitude" as: "Forgetfulness of, or poor return for, kindness received." It can also be defined as not appreciating or valuing what you have, or what has been given. Just about everyone says they are a grateful person, however, we must be reminded that unexpressed gratitude is also ingratitude. It is difficult to be grateful.
In today's fast-paced world, most people seem to have little time to thank others. Work, traffic, family, soccer practice, doctor appointments, and countless other things easily become our main priorities. Gratitude is often set aside for many reasons.
But consider when last you gave someone a gift and you received no thanks for it. How often do we fail to thank those who serve us in a restaurant, in a place of business, or in church? Many enjoy the thanks they receive for doing business within the marketplace, but they neglect to give thanks for the service received there. The unfortunate fact is that ingratitude abounds; in the family, at church, among friends, and in the workplace.
If indeed ingratitude is "worse than a serpent's tongue and its bite is painful, then we can say that ingratitude tears at the fabric of our relationships. Ingratitude contributes to dislike of others, possible hatred, but even worse is the fact that this poison deadens the heart toward our neighbor.
C.S. Lewis writes in his book, The Weight of Glory, "We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy and therefore are starved for meditation and true friendship." But if "I have to be here, and I have to be there, and I can't believe that I have been asked to do this or that, and I can't believe how long this person is taking in front of me" is going on in our minds all day long, then where is there room for gratitude?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church #2094 points out that "Ingratitude fails or refuses to acknowledge divine charity and it is a refusal to return to God; love for love." The Catechism's context is concerned with the first commandment, which is "You shall Worship the Lord Your God and Him Only Shall You Serve." Let's also consider the teaching of Jesus and His command "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34). We can place these commands side by side, which demonstrate how to fulfill of the 1st commandment of the Decalogue. The fulfillment of both commands is through charity in all things and with all whom we encounter. Don't be a Christian.
"Eddie Hascal!" Christianity is not for 55-60 minutes on Sunday and then living some other life the rest of the day or the week. Judas kissed Jesus at the last supper and when he left, he quickly betrayed Jesus' friendship and love. It would be much better not to follow such a poor example. (He also left the first Mass before it was over… See John 13:30)
Ingratitude is a grave sin against (love) charity. The very close cousins of ingratitude, which are also sins against God; are indifference, which neglects or refuses to reflect on God's goodness or someone else's goodness which has been bestowed on you. Acedia, lukewarmness, or a spiritual laziness allows one to be stuck in a spirit of constant complaining; these sins kill the joy of salvation. Acedia, Lukewarmness, or a spiritual laziness causes one to refuse or neglect the good that we can do.
Consider how parents ordinarily ask their children to do things they are able to do. Yet often times, when the asked seems inconvenient to a child, he or she often whines or refuses to do what has been asked. This causes parental disappointment.
Of course, the root of ingratitude, and all of her cousins, is the sin of pride or what we call today; selfishness. Our refusal to acknowledge, give thanks and participate in the divine virtue of charity is the mark of the first fall of man (Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden), and which still remains our struggle each day. Adam and Eve placed themselves above God at the tempting of the serpent.
You and I have our own "serpent" who tempts us on a regular basis to justify our sins, to believe that there is some kind of "Sin Bell Curve," as if God will judge us according to others. The only measure we shall be judged by is whether we imitated Jesus Christ in this life or not.
Gossip, backbiting, or talking about others when they are not present is never acceptable. It is not Christian behavior. It is gravely sinful to participate in rude behavior, to make assumptions when we don't know the facts or the whole story, to chide, to make sarcastic or unnecessary comments, or look to garner information for power are all sins against charity.
The one way out of the "tempter's grasp" is to trust in God. Place your trust in God my friends. We must open ourselves more and more to trust in God through prayer. Simply speak to God as a trusting son or daughter. Place your cares and joys, your gratitude, your life, your "everything" in His capable hands.
In Christ, Fr. Patrick Farley
New Video - Catholic Education of Arizona
New Video - The New Roman Missal
Maggie’s Place Long-Term Volunteers Needed!
Do you know someone who would want to spend a year intensely loving, growing, and giving by living in community and empowering pregnant women? Maggie’s Place is in need of volunteers to commit to a year of service starting this July! Room and board are provided as well as health insurance and a small stipend.
For more information, please contact Sarah Redford at 602-262-5555 or mpstaff@maggiesplace.org.
[ Maggie's Place ]
Foothills Food Bank: May Wish List
May 1, 2012 to May 31, 2012
Please consider helping the Foothills Food Bank. Items on their May 2012 Wish List are:
Pasta Sauce, Peanut Butter, Crackers, Jelly, Juice, Dry Instant Milk, Dried Beans, Dried Rice, Canned Pasta, Canned Tuna or Chicken, Canned soups, chili and stews, Canned Tomatoes, Sauce & Paste, Sugar, Toiletries and bars of soap, Diapers - sizes: Newborn, 1,2,4,5,6
[ Food Bank ]
Single Souls Meeting
May 19, 2012 (7:00p)
Catholic? Single? Widowed, Divorced or Separated? Over 35?
Join Single Souls Saturday evening, May 19 at 7:00p in Joseph’s House, 11001 N. 40th Street for “Resurrection” presented by Bill Brophy. The Lord is alive – resurrected from the dead! Without this singular event our faith is foolish, St. Paul tells us. Come learn more from Bill, a Catholic layman who is a practicing physician and who has a Master of Theology degree from Ave Maria University, about what the Resurrection means for us all and why it changes the history of humanity forever.
For information call Dan at 480-941-5952 or Karen at 602-332-1737.
[ Singles ]
Grief Support Group Sessions
May 22, 2012 (5:00p - 6:30p)
This new Ministry reaches out to our parishioners who are experiencing grief in their lives. Grief from the death of a loved one, from coping with their own or another’s disability or illness, from a divorce, from the loss of one’s home or job, or anything else that may be causing a feeling of grief.
Our parish men and women who comprise this Ministry are here to listen and help you through the grief you are feeling. We offer one-on-one counseling, grief support groups, and resources available at no cost to our Parish Family.
Our last session will be Tue, May 22. No sign up is needed.
All sessions meet in Parish Hall Room 3.
To schedule one-on-one counseling please call the Parish Office 480-488-2229.
[ Ministry of Compassion ]
Vacation Bible School
Jun 18, 2012 to Jun 22, 2012 (9:00a - 12:00p)
Join us Jun 18-22 from 9:00a-noon in the Parish Hall for Our Lady of Joy's Vacation Bible School.
For children ages 4 years old through 3rd grade. $35 per child. Registration ends Jun 1. Registration forms are available in the back of the Church, Parish Office or Preschool Office.
Adult and teen volunteers are needed!! Email Karen Powers at kpowers@oloj.org.
[ Vacation Bible School ]
St. Joseph's Youth Camp
Jul 1, 2012 to Jul 27, 2012
It’s not too early to think about summer camp! Register Now for St. Joseph’s Youth Camp and Save Money.
St. Joseph’s Youth Camp, located in the tall pines surrounding Mormon Lake, near Flagstaff, is offering an early bird discount when you register before May 1.
Sponsored by the Arizona Knights of Columbus, the camp offers kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, astronomy, archery, arts and crafts, horseback riding, mountain biking and much more for an ALL-INCLUSIVE rate.
The regular fee of $498 includes a full week of activities, meals and snacks, transportation from the Valley and back via chartered bus, camper T-shirt and DVD. Register before May 1 and pay only $450 per session.
The camp reinforces teamwork and solid values. Teen Week, for ages 13 to 15, includes additional challenging and fun activities to build leadership skills.
Sessions: July 1-7, Teen Week; July 8-14 and July 15-21, ages 8-12.
To register and for more information, including camp counsellorships for ages 15 to 17, go to www.sjycaz.com or call 480-449-0848.
[ Summer Camp ]
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
Jul 20, 2012 to Jul 22, 2012
In the readings we are commanded to love one another. Jesus tells us in the Gospel that through living in love we will have complete joy! Attend a Marriage Encounter to gain the tools to truly love your spouse more and receive the joy that it can bring. Renew your sacrament by deepen your communication, strengthen your relationship, and rekindling your romance; the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend in the Phoenix area is on July 20-22.
For more information contact us at 602-242-6141 or info@wwme-phx.org.
[ Worldwide Marriage Encounter ]
6th Annual Holiday Bazaar
Nov 9, 2012 to Nov 10, 2012
With temperatures sizzling, it’s hard to imagine that the holidays are just a few months away. But members of Our Lady’s Guild are already busy at work to make this year’s Holiday Bazaar a huge success. Booths are available for vendors and/or crafters. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in selling your wares at this year’s Bazaar, please contact Lena at Lab952@gmail.com or at 908-310-4699.
[ Holiday Bazaar ]