Dear Parishioners,
I love this quote from Fulton Oursler: “We crucify ourselves between two thieves: Regret for yesterday and fear of tomorrow.”
We often make a comment about people living in the past. But strangely we tend to glorify people that are living in the future. In reality, there is not much of a difference between them. One is just as unreal as the other. Both rob us of life.
In the Gospel, Jesus was very specific. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey
but a walking stick — no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. Second tunic (extra shirt), sack (luggage), “money in their belts” — these things are for our future needs. Luggage is always for the future. In the present it’s only a burden; but we carry the burden for the sake of the future. To carry luggage with us is to live, to some degree, in the future.
Our area here gets a lot of fog. If we’re driving and look too far ahead, it can be scary because you can not see exactly what you are driving into. But if you notice, when you keep your eyes focused directly in front of your car, you can easily see what is right in front of you in every moment. Life is just like that. If we stay focused on the present, things are clear and easy to enjoy and navigate. When we look too far into the future "fog," it sometimes causes worry and fear.
Worrying about the future is a deferral of life. But the Gospel challenges us to face it now or never. So, be mindful of the present moment. Don’t let life slip by us. Be aware. Be grateful.
Happy Independence Day! Let us continue to thank God for the gift of our beautiful country.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Lito