Faith Reflection: Mercy—The Beauty of Our Young
Last Friday when I wore my Dodgers shirt for non-uniform day several students pointed out that the World Series was over and that my team hadn’t won. My response each time was that it didn’t matter that it is now the off season or that my team hadn’t won, because I’m still a Dodgers fan and I still like baseball. If this whole past baseball season had just been about winning I would be quite sad and upset right now. It was, instead, as I said last week, about seeing through eyes of faith, seeing God in all things, and being open to how God wished to show this. The Dodgers didn’t win the World Series but really getting into the game this year opened unexpected doors, many of which will now stay open, and for that I am very grateful: I’m still chatting with the folks at the cleaners more than I had previously; baseball cards are still popular in 4th grade as well as general baseball talk, and Liam K. asked if we could continue saying our Dodgers prayer they wrote during that September slump; and the lady I often sit next to on Sunday—a Yankees fan backing the Astros— now spends a little longer talking with me after Mass, are just a couple things that come to mind. We didn't win this year but Jesus has been present in all of this and a well spring of good continues to flow from the sharing and caring that have come about, all of which I continue to be grateful for.
I picked Madison’s essay this week as her showing how we can put our faith into action compliments what I’ve said, but also she is as big of a Dodgers fan as I am and I just couldn’t overlook that in choosing the essay for this week. And I know Madison will be happy to join me in saying, Go Dodgers!
Putting Faith into Action
by Madison Castellanos
Going to Mass on Sundays isn’t the only part of being a Catholic. While we should go to Mass on Sundays, that doesn’t always appeal to everyone. The usual ten o’clock Mass at Holy Name of Jesus is more for adults. Everything from the music to the readings and homily is more for adults. The Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place during the Liturgy of the Word at the ten o’clock Mass. Now, kids are able to hear the Good News in words that are easier for them to understand. This is nice, but what about the people in between? What about our Catholic youth? At Holy Name, the five-thirty Mass is a perfect fit. Everything about this Mass is more modern and is perfect for this generation.
As well as the different Masses, faith formation and other camps are available. Faith formation classes can help us to better understand and learn more about our faith. Our parish offers several programs for junior high and high school students.
As for the other faith-centered camps, I was lucky enough to attend one in Big Bear. It was a great experience for me and all the other campers. We had the opportunity to share and live out our faith. Above all, we put our faith into action with our own words and actions.
Choosing to treat someone with, or without, respect can make or break you. We as Catholics should treat everyone as Jesus did; with love, care and respect. We are all children of God and we have no reason to treat anyone less than how Jesus treated even the least of people. It is important to learn about our faith, but putting our faith into action is priceless.
Please pray for the Blessing Center and the other places in Redlands who provide services for the homeless or low income people. The Blessing Center is temporarily without a home as of this month and the cold weather shelter for the homeless may not be available this winter. Your prayers are appreciated while these organizations look for ways to continue providing services to the needy in our community.
Thank you. Mrs. Alhadef