Dear Parish Family,
One of the strongest lies we face time and again throughout life is, "I am not enough." It's tempting to believe because it's not entirely false. Deep down we feel and even know that this is the reality, that we aren't sufficient on our own. Some self-help guides try to combat this difficult truth with the even more deadly lie that "I am enough." We realize how shallow this is when we face any trial that is beyond our capacity to handle.
 
St. Paul wrestles with the dilemma of "being enough" in our second reading from Corinthians. He begs the Lord to take away his "thorn in the side" so he could be sufficient on his own. The Lord speaks His truth right into the heart of these lies: "My grace is enough for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." This is a prophetic utterance that helps St. Paul follow the call of Christ in the midst of suffering and rejection.
 
The realism of "not being enough on my own" and the idealism of "being enough on my own" are brought together through the prophetism of the truth that "Christ is enough for me." A prophet is someone who upholds their promises before God so that God's truth may be shown through their life. Prophets understand the beautiful ideal and the harsh reality of the call. Prophets are very often rejected because they actually uphold the ideals by which we are called to live, and they suffer the reality of our scorn and hatred for their prophetic witness.
 
Remember that even Jesus was rejected. He says, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place." Jesus prophetically spoke the wisdom of God and performed mighty deeds, and still He was met with resistance and disbelief. Christ being enough for you and me means that we will go through those same trials with Him. We are prophets with Him, living the beautiful ideal of His call with a a realistic grasp of what it will cost to follow Him. We believe the ideal of following Christ our Savior is worth whatever it costs to remain faithful to that call.
 
Please pray for me this week as I begin my annual priest retreat. I look forward to this time of silence each year to be with the Lord in a special way. I always take the people of the parish and the intentions of your heart with me on retreat for the Lord to bless. I know the parish is in good hands while I am away with so many dedicated clergy, staff, and parishioners. I never worry while I am away!
 
I've asked Fr. Fabian to write the next two bulletin columns while I am on retreat. I look forward to having him reflect with you!
 
I am yours in Christ,
Fr. Scott Goodfellow