10 February 2014
Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Scholastica
A project of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales,
DeSales Service Works welcomes volunteers to join
in service, prayer, and learning in our struggling neighborhood.
Contents:
- Service Word
- Last Week in Camden
- Upcoming Events
- Links
1. Service Word Sirach 15:15-20
If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you;
if you trust in God, you too shall live;
he has set before you fire and water
to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.
Boston’s Cardinal Seán O’Malley observed recently “Some people think that the Pope should talk more about abortion. I think he speaks of love and mercy to give people the context for the Church’s teaching on abortion,” he continued. “We oppose abortion, not because we are mean or old fashioned, but because we love people. And that is what we must show the world.”
The cardinal’s insight is very important. God gives commandments, and the community does its best to apply the wisdom of our tradition, so we can live full, rich, joy-based lives. Christian morality is not a listing of the Almighty’s pet peeves. It is a gift from God who wants nothing but good for us.
Sin is the opposite of that; it has to do with actions and attitudes that take us away from the good. But, it seems to me the word “sin” gets used in a couple unhelpful ways. One is as “hang ups” of old fashioned and mean people, and with that, God comes across as actively mean as well or as out-of-touch. Of course the opposite is true of the God who calls us to trust him.
-How healthy is your sense of sin?
-Can you notice evidence of God’s desire for good for you?
-What commandments are clear gifts, what seem less clear?
2. Last Week in Camden
Winter weather did not cooperate, so Father Judge High School’s day of service was postponed.
But the DSW community served warm, hearty at Joseph’s House two evenings and helped welcome 80 some guests to the brand new shelter. We are responsible for volunteers on Thursday nights and on alternating Saturday nights—helping with the meal and with welcoming guests.
3. Upcoming Week
Salesianum students will be here Monday and Father Judge freshmen on Thursday.
Sunday, February 23 is our Camden DSW open house, 1:00-4:00. All are welcome. Give me an email for more information or to RSVP.
4. Links
If you haven’t read the Pope’s letter, the Joy of the Gospel, check it out.
God bless you,
Fr. Mike McCue, OSFS
