Dear Fellow Parishioners, As we celebrated the Feast of Christ the King, I invited us all to go deeper into our understanding of Matthew 25. Matthew 25 is all about recognizing Jesus in the least, the last and the lost. Our Catholic Social Justice teachings invite us to go deeper. We go deeper by analyzing or examining the situations that we see around us. For example, ask yourself, “Why are there hungry people in the richest country in the world?” Seeing social situations, judging them in light of Catholic Social Teaching principles, and acting to promote justice and improve the situations of those served. See, Judge, Act. Every time I hear the song “Open the eyes of my Heart Lord” I am reminded to see the least, last and lost among us, to judge why their situation exists and to act - do something about the injustice that may be taking place. I try to stay enlightened of the issues and know that I cannot walk alone in changing systems. I need to work and walk with others. There are three organizations that help me keep focused on the issues that are important to me. Some of you have participated in the JustFaith courses. For a wonderful introduction to Catholic Social Teaching check out Justfaith.org . I especially find a book by Jack Jezreel, A New Way to be Church: Parish Renewal from the Outside to be a great introduction to Catholic Social Teaching. My former Spiritual Director, Sr. Mary Daniel Malloy, God rest her soul, introduced me to NETWORK, ( https://networklobby.org/), a group of Catholic Sisters that put all their energies into acting for the issues that impact all those groups Jesus mentions in Matthew 25. I have supported them ever since. I also highly recommend reading: A Nun on the Bus: How All of Us Can Create Hope, Change, and Community by Sister Simone Campbell. In searching for like-minded people who follow the same principles of our Catholic Social teachings, I decided to google my question: “Why are there hungry people in the richest country in the world?” Up came the Poor People’s Campaign (https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org). I read their principles and knew this is a group I want to walk with. How have you grown spiritually while listening to the Gospel of Matthew? Are you becoming a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ? Are you working to make the world the place God calls it to be? And are you ready to hear the Gospel of Mark with new ears as we begin this Advent Season? May we all be challenged by the Word, just as those who heard Jesus speak 2000 years ago! Have a wonderful Advent Journey, Fr. Bill