From the Pastor of St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church

Wednesday afternoon Hello! “Are you saved?” Not everyone who asks that question has a good motive. While some are sincere, others only want to engage in contentious argument. While no other question could ever be more important, it can also intimidate people as well. Don’t we wish we could just ask Jesus that question and get a direct and unambiguous response? Well, someone did...and it is in today’s Gospel. A lawyer, no less, minces no words with his question about his own salvation to Jesus: “How do I get to heaven?” Jesus responds by telling him to keep the behaviors of the Ten Commandments. ...Very clear. However, the man is not satisfied and presses his case. Jesus does something next that is quite profound. Instead of simply restating His answer, yelling, or getting mad, He engages the lawyer’s mind with an invitation to reflect on a story. Jesus tells the famous account of the Good Samaritan and then lets the lawyer come up with the answer himself on who is the good neighbor in the story.    When Jesus is surrounded by friends, He teaches clearly. But when He is confronted by hostile and contentious people, He respects their intelligence and freedom by engaging their minds with reason and common sense. Jesus shows such profound respect for our human intelligence, our ability to think, and our freedom to accept or reject Him. Perhaps He knows that some of His opponents might have been hurt by contentious religious debate in the past. He binds and cares for their wounds with thoughtful dialogue, just like the Good Samaritan in the Gospel story. Jesus is always our “good neighbor.”    This week, Pope Benedict released two short but very thoughtful documents for our intelligent consideration. One gently encourages (beginning in mid-September) the use of the Latin Mass, and the other respectfully discusses the relationship of the Catholic Church to other Christian churches and communities. Both documents are available on our website (simply click on Catholic World Report or the US Bishops links). Some copies will be in the back of the Church, too. Both invite us to reflect more deeply on our own salvation, what it means to worship God, where we do it, and how we do it. This Gospel is just what we need to hear this week. While Jesus is respectful and kind to His lawyer opponent, He also expects him to use his mind to think carefully and clearly. Fortunately, the lawyer is an honest man and responds with an authentic affirmation that the way of the Lord does lead to happiness and salvation. Jesus respectfully invites us to do the same! God bless! Daveheney@stpaschal.org