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21th Week in Ordinary
Time A project of the Oblates
of St. Francis de Sales, DeSales Service Works
welcomes volunteers to join in service, prayer
and reflection in our struggling neighborhood. Contents: ·
Service Word ·
Last Week in Camden ·
Upcoming Events ·
Blog 1. Service Word Luke 13:22-30 Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and
making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will
only a few people be saved?”
He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow
gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. Recently I saw a billboard that announced in stark black and
white: “Heaven or HELL: you choose.” This statement puts emphasis on the idea that our actions and
choices matter---and they have consequences. That seems realistic
and healthy. What does not
seem healthy is the use of fear.
While there is a healthy fear and respect---it’s a gift of the
Holy Spirit--- statements
like this one seem to forget that God wants good for us. Jesus is at the “narrow door”
holding it open for us, anxious to welcome each of us. This gospel’s image of the narrow door fits well with St.
Francis de Sales’ concept of “little
virtues.” The door to God’s kingdom is
not narrow because it is exclusive, for “members only,” but
because the things that bring us to the door are easily
overlooked. God commands us to love our neighbor as our
self---love even our neighbor who acts as enemy to us. That command can seem huge
and overwhelming some days and with some people and situations. Francis counsels us to bring patience,
kindness, gentleness, forgiveness, loyalty, humor, honesty, and tolerance to
daily life. These may seem
like little things, easily over looked, like the narrow door, but they add up
to Christ-like love. You or I may
not be able to end poverty, hunger, injustice, drug trade and drug abuse, but
we can do small things that matter. -Is there a “little virtue” that would be
particularly practical & helpful your or my life right now? -Are there any issues, problems, or goals that just seem big and
overwhelming that could be addressed in component parts, in “small”
ways? 2. Last Week in Camden I was on a relaxing family vacation in Delaware last week at the
beach. It provided the time
to write a blog entry reflecting on some of the Oblate influence on DSW. Check it out and see if my
thoughts match your experience of the Oblates. Written comments are
welcome. I should mention
that I think each of my entries is a masterpiece, and I think the other
contributions are pretty good as well. 3. Upcoming Events 27 August DSW year-long volunteers arrive in Camden for
Orientation begins. Sunday
@4:00 Oblate Peace and Justice Advisor, Pat Kennedy will present on Salesian
Principles of Social Justice and @5:00 on Luke’s Gospel and Lectio
Divina Prayer. There will be
a welcome cookout for the three year long volunteers @6:00 at the DSW House.
All are welcome; give me a call 215-582-1666. 11 September VillaNova service day 14 September first of twelve Salesianum Senor retreats 24 September Holy Ghost Prep Father/Son service day 24-26 September Holy Trinity’s Parish Retreat 4. Peace and Justice Blog Sign up as a follower on the Salesian Peace and Justice Blog.
There are postings on Catholic social teaching and immigration, vacation, as
well as more DSW & Camden experiences. http://www.oblates.org/dsw/social_justice_blog.php Thanks, Fr. Mike McCue, OSFS |
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