eBulletin March 30, 2025

“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”  This is the complaint that the Pharisees and scribes lodge against Jesus.  As if to say, “How dare him!”  So, Jesus then launches into a story which we know as the Prodigal Son.  The intended audience is not so much sinners like those of us who are the prodical sons (and daughters!), but the righteous, the Pharisees and scribes, the “older brothers” who are indignant that Jesus would waste his time with sinners.  After all, “they don’t deserve it!”  Meanwhile, we think, “we have been good, obedient, law-abiding citizens.  We have done everything right.  We waited in line, we followed the rules.”  We can think such things.  

Which is where we get into trouble.  The minute we think that we can earn God’s love we have missed the whole point.  This is a challenge, because in the ways of the world, that is what we have to do:  work hard, earn our way.  There are no freebies or handouts.  “God helps those who help themselves.”  Didn’t our parents teach us that?  

But in our life with God, it is a different standard.  “God helps those . . . who need it the most!”  Or, “God helps us the most when we deserve it the least.”  Too often we look at Eucharist as a kind of “prize” for “being good.”  But it is actually meant to be a kind of medicine for us when we are sick.  Pope Francis describes the Eucharist not as a reward for saints but as “Bread of sinners.”   Like the Father in the gospel story today, God wants to run to us, and hug us, and quickly restore us to our place as beloved sons and daughters of God

I wish our country could adopt a similar stance towards people in this world who flee violence and poverty in other countries.  Instead of being purely a meritocracy, that is, a country where everything is based on what we earn and deserve, a country which also recognizes that there are people in need and asks us to consider helping in the ways people need help.  I recognize that this stance could be a challenge for us all economically.  However, it is what our faith calls of us:  to be like Jesus, to give to those who need, regardless of what they deserve.

Additional parking will be available from Friday to Sunday at 22nd and Commercial, near @Triple K Manufacturing.
On Sunday, parking will be available only at Calvary Baptist Church.

The Lenten Stations of the Cross will be held every Friday at 5 pm inside the church. It will be led by the Grupo Guadalupano.

Join us on March 29th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Salon Tepeyac of the Parish.
Led by: Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Ignatian Spirituality Center.
We look forward to seeing you!
Confirm your attendance at 858-255-0012 with Father Brad. 

In the "Other Announcements" section, you'll find invitations to join us and continue your journey of faith.
Take time to listen to the Spirit… Stop, Seek, and Listen.
We look forward to seeing you!