The Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
Brothers and Sisters, This Sunday marks the sixth Sunday in our journey through the Season of Pentecost. In the Gospel, the Lord continues his discourse or teaching through the Gospel of Matthew on the mission of the Apostles. Last week we reflected on their calling and this week we reflect on their mission. We find inherent in this discourse the linguistic art of contradiction. As the Lord instructs his Apostles, he says to them, that he is sending them out like sheep into the midst of wolves and instructs them to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Further he paints quite a gloomy picture of the things that they will face; brother will betray brother, father against child, hate, persecution are among the many things that he speaks of. Despair and chaos seem to be the order of the day. Jesus is telling them and tells us today that we should expect persecution because of Him, because of the truth, but we should not live in fear and by being innocent as doves and wise as serpents (the contraction) is the key to not living in fear. Speaking the truth and defending the truth no matter what it costs is what is implied. The Lord is calling us to speak the truth as an innocent child (the dove analogy) would, however with the wisdom of a wise man/woman (the serpent analogy). In other words, we mustn’t shy away from saying what we need to say, however in a respectful way, in a loving way and without ourselves becoming the persecutor.
I must say that this has been the approach of our parish family over the last week in dealing with certain parish issues. Last week I invited the parish to comment on some proposed plans that were unveiled at the Gala Dinner that were being considered as part of an overall plan to beautify the parish grounds and Cathedral. As part of these plans, the replacement of the statue of Our Lady with a cross atop of the Cathedral was being considered as an option with the statue of Our Lady being brought down so that it could be closer to the parishioners. I have received many e-mails and letters regarding this from committees and parishioners and I can honestly say that your passion and love for this parish has truly moved me because it has been expressed in a way that is reflective of the Lord’s instructions for us today, innocent as doves and wise as serpents. As the Dean of this Cathedral, I guarantee that your views will be heard, and they will be communicated with the committees and individuals who are in the decision-making process. I can assure you of this. The statue atop of the Cathedral was one issue that you spoke about, many of you have also commented with passion on the air conditioning of the Cathedral and many other issues. Again, I assure you that all your comments and recommendations are being carefully considered and discussed by the parish councils. Please continue to do so and never feel that you are not able to speak out your views. It is by working together and making these tough decisions together that we will continue to grow as a parish and ensure that Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral is the most beautiful shrine of the Blessed Virgin, both spiritually and aesthetically.
I take this opportunity to thank the Stewardship and Pastoral Councils of this parish for helping me in this process. Your work and dedication is a testament to your great faith, love and the hope that you have for your second home, Our Lady of Lebanon parish
