Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As I mentioned during last week’s Mass, I will visit Korea for a few weeks. I’m excited because this will be my first visit since May last year. I look forward to sharing my experiences as a priest with my family and friends. I am also excited about celebrating Mass in Korean. If you just attended Saturday vigil Mass, I’m on my way! If you just attended Sunday morning Masses, I have just landed in Korea. (A total of 22 hours of flight!) Even though I will be away from the parish for a few weeks, please know I will pray for you daily. I kindly ask for your prayers for me and my family so that we may have a blessed time in the Lord.
 
Today, I want to delve into the second reading. Here, we encounter one of the most powerful and practical teachings in the New Testament: the relationship between faith and works. James poses a crucial question: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” This passage emphasizes that faith and practice are inseparable.
 
James uses a concrete example to illustrate his point. If we see a brother or sister in need—lacking food or clothing—and simply say, "Go in peace, keep warm and well fed," without doing anything to help, what good have we done? His message is clear. Faith cannot be abstract or theoretical. It must be lived out practically, reflecting God’s love and care for others.
 
The central theme of James’ teaching is that true faith is always accompanied by good works. Faith and works are not in opposition, but they work together in harmony. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, a Christian’s faith is recognized by the good they do. It is not enough to simply say, “I believe.” Our belief must shape how we live and how we treat others.
 
This teaching reminds us of Jesus’ own words in the Gospel of Matthew, when He says, "By their fruits, you will know them" (Matthew 7:20). Jesus calls us not just to profess faith in Him but to follow Him in a life of service, compassion, and love.
 
James' message is especially relevant today. How often do we encounter situations where we see a need but fail to act? In our world, where individualism and self-preservation can sometimes be prioritized, the call to active charity can be challenging. We might see someone struggling and feel compassion, but true faith moves beyond feeling. It compels us to act.
 
As Christians, our works of mercy and charity respond to our professed faith. We demonstrate our faith's reality when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, or show kindness to the lonely. 
 
Dear brothers and sisters, let us try to live as Christians who practice the teachings of Jesus Christ. When we practice what we believe and pray for, our entire lives will become more excellent prayers.
 
Until I see you again, take care, keep praying, and stay healthy! Enjoy the parish Oktoberfest! 
 
In Christ,
Fr. Fabian Han