Are we ready to recline at the table in the kingdom of God?

Dear Parish Family,
Many years ago, I was asked what seemed to be a very simple question with a logically simple answer: Do you consider exercise to be important and valuable to maintain good health? My imitate response was, yes, it’s very important. Then came the follow-up question, which I still to this day continue to discern. If I consider exercise important, as I say, then is exercise part of my daily life, a Value (I make time for it, regardless of what I have going on in my life), or is it an Ideal (As long as I do it once a week/month/year, it is good enough; if I’m in the mood; in a few years when I really have the time)? This subject of this question can be substituted by any other topic which we can consider important to us. However, the underlying question is the same.

I think our Gospel reading this week is asking us a similar question. Do we wish to enter into God’s kingdom? Do we want God’s Salvation? The invitation is there for all of us; however, the response to this invitation, only each one of us can answer for ourselves. Is it a value or an ideal? How important is our relationship with our God, and how much time do we dedicate to him? Do we know about him, or do we Know him? We do not want to reach the gates of heaven and have our God say he doesn’t know us. We must strive to always be recognizable to our Lord.

How do we do this? In love, prayer, and action, as we go out into the world and all our daily activities. As we truly “Put On Christ” (Romans 13:14), all will recognize us as followers of Christ (Christian) and to whom we belong. No matter where we think we may be in this faith journey, there is always room to grow. Here are a few suggestions to consider: 

• Receiving the sacraments regularly: come to Sunday Liturgy, nourish your soul with the Eucharist, receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation as needed. We are then filled with God’s Sanctifying Grace.
• Meet with a spiritual director to figure out where we are in the journey, to identify God working within us, and areas where we can grow. Contact: Ann Pettit annpettit@mac.com, Deacon Bob Fargo deaconbobfargo@msn.com, teresa@padreserra.org For teens: Brett Becker brett@padreserra.org
• I encourage you to learn about the lives of the saints; no matter our life’s situations, there is probably a saint who lived through similar struggles or worse and still attained holiness. It will be the inspiration we need.
• Join a ministry; there are many parish ministries that are in need of Your time and talent. For it is in giving that we receive. Contact teresa@padreserra.org or tere@padreserra.org to help you discern the best ministry for you.
• Attend Formation sessions throughout the year; Padre Serra offers many learning opportunities for all age levels. Faith formation is more than just Sacrament Preparation. It helps us learn about our faith and prepare for eternal life. Register your child or teen for Children’s faith formation, sessions available for children ages 3 - 18. Online registrations at www.padreserra.org/registration contact tere@padreserra.org for more information.
• Spend time in prayer, especially in the presence of our Lord in Adoration. Being present with our Beloved.

May your journey be blessed and fruitful, that when we reach the gates of heaven, we will be recognized by our Lord. Pray for me as I will continue to pray for you too.
Siempre Adelante,

​Tere Delgado
Faith Formation Minister