From the Pastor........
Why Does God allow evil? This has been a question that researchers and philosophers have asked in every age. And there is no easy answer. Some have used this as a reason to not believe in God who is supposed to be all-good and almighty, why can’t God intervene to stop it! Most are at least mystified by the question. The focus should be on the word “allow.” Our good God of love certainly does not want evil. But it is true that God does allow it. Today’s gospel parable is about the good sower [God] sowing wheat seeds, but weeds are now found to grow mixed in and the question is raised “Master, did you not “sow” good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?” The answer is that an “enemy—not God” has done this. When asked, “Do you want us to go and pull them up?” The reply is, “NO, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.” We can already see here that God is careful that everything He has sown will be protected. Early growth of weeds may look almost like the wheat. We could also read a “spirit of patience” in this parable. Yet there will be a time of accountability. When allowed to grow, the weeds will be significantly distinguishable from the wheat “Let them grow together until the harvest, then at harvest time….first collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn. While the mystery of evil being allowed will still lead to questions, this parable at least gives us the clues to the answer.
Next weekend, through the office of the Propagation of the Faith, we welcome Father Marcin Surga, Redemptorist who will speak on behalf of the Redemptorists ministries in Ukraine and Russia.
The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, Redemptorists, is a missionary congregation that ministers to the poor in more than 70 countries around the world. The area of the former Soviet Uniion is undoubtedly a place where many neglected people need help. Thanks to the efforts of Polish Redemptorists, we have been building the next church there. In front of us, there is the next project: the completion of the construction at the church and pastoral center in Togliatti—central Russia. Deep gratitude is expressed to all for the prayers, kindness and support of the projects.
We continue to invite parishioners to fill out the survey sheet that are found in the pews. The Pastoral Council when it reconvenes in September will discuss the results of the survey.
“We, Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, seek to have a living faith in Jesus Christ. Nourished by the Eucharist and guided by the Holy Spirit, we share the gospel, encourage our youth and embrace and welcome everyone in need.”
