Pastor’s Notes

“Desert Storms”

Monsoon is upon us. This has been a drier one thus far.  I still am not sure how to drive in them after all these years. Stop the car? Slow down? Pull off the road? Dust storms and Monsoon deluges are not to be messed with. One needs to think quickly and keep one’s eyes and ears open. It flooded the friary basement a few years back. Some great volunteers helped us to clean up and dry out.

“The story of Elijah tells of the prophet’s struggle with strong winds and crushing rocks, all while trying to discern God’s still small voice. These challenging forces of nature serve as powerful metaphors for the confusion that happens in life. To really hear the voice of God, as did Elijah, one must be attuned to God and engage deeply with the suffering of others, especially the most vulnerable … in any storm.

Today’s Gospel reveals a timid Peter inside a boat needing to be rescued by Jesus. In those times when we are unsure and most fragile, we all reflect a bit of Peter, reluctant to step out in the water of uncertainty, afraid to place full trust in God. Those are times when it is more comfortable to live our lives in the darkness, perhaps even within the confines of our churches. Many times, we are called to step out of our own comfort zone. In doing so, we are often led to unexpected moments of conversion.

The readings this week shake us up. They generate a level of discomfort. We are always being drawn into uncharted territories, places where the still small voice can only be heard if we quiet and align our hearts to God. The master teaches us the art form of walking on water.

Like Jesus, we are all called to assist others in any kind of storm, particularly the marginalized and those most powerless. As ministers to and with others, will we choose darkness or will we revel in the light that heals, transforms and casts out all fear? (Adapted from, “The Light that Rocks the Boat” by Celebration’s Doug Langner.8-2017)  It is a pivotal question. It invites us to keep our eye on him and the horizon of his Kingdom of Heaven.

This Sunday marks the 6^th year for me as pastor and rector of St. Mary’s. We’ve weathered some storms together. The current COVID 19 is historic. Our children will be talking about it for generations.  Many thanks for your patience and trust.  We friars continue to be awed and grateful for the Catholic heritage of central Phoenix in this sacred place.  The amazing families and heroes of St. Mary’s have so mutually enriched us. Together with the Food Bank and the High School, we continue to be the caretakers of that legacy.  As this year continues to unfold, keep us in prayer. We will continue to livestream the liturgy and celebrate with smaller and masked socially distant groups.  We will try to outreach to all awaiting sacraments and prepare those coming toward us seeking a deeper Catholic communion and worship. The liturgy is the work of the people, the assembly.  And though we can’t assemble in our accustomed way, we will keep doing it with you in new ways.  Know that you are part of the Liturgy of the Hours we pray every morning and evening.

A gentle week.

Fr. Michael Weldon, OFM