From the Pastor - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 5, 2021

Our readings today remind us that Christ came to serve. Jesus’ entire life was focused on others. He came to fulfill His Father’s mission — the salvation of mankind. He labored for this mission by becoming the humblest of servants. 

In today's Gospel, Simon says to Jesus, “Everyone is looking for you.” Jesus did not seek after the praise. Rather, He responded by saying, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also.” Jesus was already looking to whom He could serve next. 

As Christian stewards, we are also called to be humble servants who labor for our Father’s mission. We should strive to imitate the Perfect Steward, Who was constantly aware of the needs of those around Him and put His gifts to good use. For us, this begins right here in our homes, parish and community. We are called to live each moment in awareness of our Father’s mission and in gratitude for all He has given us. 

Jesus tells us that the way to be attentive is through prayer. Before Jesus made the decision to go to the nearby villages to preach, He first went off to pray. It is through prayer that Jesus could hear what His Father was asking of Him. We, too, are called to spend time in daily prayer — we will then become aware of the opportunities to serve the Lord. 

Let us commit to finding some quiet time this week to pray. Let us ask the Lord — how can I serve You better throughout my days? And let us pray, "Make me humble, Lord." © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2021


Pastoral Pondering—Last week I offered some reflections about certain things that can become obstacles to our spiritual lives. Traditionally, the three things that we battle, according to the Scripture and the ancient writers, are the world, the flesh and the devil. Often times these three things intersect in various ways. Jesus was tempted in the desert; we can see how each of these operates in this passage of Scripture. Jesus was first tempted by the flesh, “turn these rocks into bread.” He was then tempted by the world, “all that you see I will give unto you.” And finally, by the devil, “throw yourself down” (tempting God and obeying the devil). Most of us have experienced these temptations in one form or another at some point in our journey.


There are some sins within these areas that can be particularly troublesome when it comes to spiritual obstacles. One of these is what exorcists and others who work in Deliverance ministry call “soul ties.” These involve “bonds” that are formed through sexual relations outside of a sacramental marriage. Even when such sins are dealt with in the Sacrament of Penance, there can be residual effects that can wreak havoc in the spiritual life of the individual. This is deeply rooted in the Catholic understanding of the conjugal act.


The Church defines marriage as a covenant relationship in which the parties mutually give and receive one another. The Latin phrase sese mutuo tradunt et accipiunt (c. 1057, §2) is not easily translated into English but actually means “giving themselves to one another”. This certainly includes the conjugal act, but also includes the whole of life. When that most intimate of exchanges, therefore, are offered outside of that covenant relationship, both parties can end up “tainted” by the other person’s “baggage”. Dealing with this particular spiritual problem has been an issue throughout history to some extent has arisen to almost epidemic proportions since the sexual revolution of the 1960’s, the broad use of artificial contraception and abortion. The conjugal act has become, to a certain degree, a recreational sport that is just part of life.


While at times these soul ties can be resolved through a good and complete confession, there are many instances where more is required. Anecdotally, a number of years ago, I was working with a former prostitute who was experiencing significant oppression in her life. Even though she had left her previous life behind, she continued experiencing obstacles not only in the spiritual life but also in being able to hold a job and in her interpersonal relationships. During the course of her deliverance, she was able to renounce all of the soul ties of her past life. She immediately experienced a new sense of freedom and renewal.



Clearly, this particular case had a lot of obstacles to deal with because of her time in prostitution, but there are many people who are carrying around the spiritual baggage of others that need some extra help to be free of it. If any of this resonates with you, bring it to prayer and reach out to us for help.

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 5th Sunday in Lent

By John Putnam • March 20, 2026
At this point in our Lenten journey, it is tempting to grow weary of the spiritual disciplines we have taken on. Today’s readings inspire us to remain faithful, in grateful response to a God who loves us so much. In our first reading, the prophet Ezekiel speaks God’s own words to us. “I will put my spirit in you that you may live… I have promised and I will do it, says the Lord.” Our God wants to be so closely united to us that we are one with Him. And He has promised He will do it. But only if we make room for Him by making Him THE priority of our lives. Putting God first is a grateful response that is very pleasing to Him. How can we do this? Our second reading, from Romans, tells us. “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh… you are in the spirit if only the Spirit of God dwells in you.” The disciplines of Lent and a stewardship way of life are wonderful gifts that free us from too great an attachment to “the flesh.” The sacrifices we make as Christian stewards are not meant to restrict our freedom and joy. Quite the contrary. They are tools to help us find the real freedom and joy that only come when we make room in our lives for God. As we journey closer to the Passion of our Lord, let us intensify our Lenten resolutions and our stewardship way of life, inviting the Holy Spirit to take over more and more of our lives. By Easter, we will be freer to rejoice in Him and truly pleasing to God. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering On September 29, 1916, the Angel of Peace appeared to the three shepherd children in Fatima. During this encounter, the Angel shared with the children the following prayer: "Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I adore thee profoundly, and I offer Thee the Most Precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of the same son Jesus Christ, present in the Tabernacles of the world, in reparation for all the sacrileges, outrages, and indifferences by which He Himself is offended. And by the infinite merits of His Most Sacred Heart and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of Thee the conversion of poor sinners." In keeping with the theme that I began last week, about reviewing the basics, I thought it might be useful to address the importance of Eucharistic reverence and devotion. In the prayer given by the Angel, sacrileges, outrages and indifferences are specifically mentioned. Perhaps looking at each of these is a helpful way to address this.

From the Pastor - 4th Sunday in Lent

By John Putnam • March 13, 2026
Today’s readings for this Fourth Sunday of Lent are filled with powerful contrasts — God’s vision versus human vision, the light of Christ versus the darkness of sin, and spiritual blindness versus spiritual sight. Embracing a stewardship way of life frees us from spiritual blindness, helps us see as God sees, and allows us to reflect Christ’s light in our daily lives. In our Second Reading from Ephesians, St. Paul reminds us, “… You were once in darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Through Baptism, the very life and light of the Blessed Trinity dwell within us. Yet amid the busyness and challenges of daily life, it is easy to forget this truth. We may even struggle to recognize whether our actions truly reflect Christ’s light. A stewardship way of life — with its intentional and grateful use of our time, talent, and treasure — provides a daily guide to help us live as children of the light. It encourages us to make choices that reflect Christ in the way we serve, give, and love others. In today’s Gospel from John, Jesus restores sight to a man born blind, and the man simply testifies that Christ “opened my eyes.” During these Lenten days, we too can ask Jesus to open our eyes — to help us see areas where spiritual blindness may still linger, especially in how we use the gifts entrusted to us. As we continue our Lenten journey, let us renew our efforts wherever our vision has grown dim, so that by Easter we may truly live as children of the light. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering It is always good to be reminded of the fundamentals of our faith. Recently, I have become more aware that some Catholics do not realize or understand the necessity of assisting at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. With that in mind, hopefully the following will be of assistance. As Catholics, we are called to make the Eucharist the “center” of our spiritual lives. Attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is not merely a tradition or a good suggestion—it's a fundamental precept of the Church that helps us fulfill God's command and grow in faith. The Biblical and Divine Foundation The importance begins with the Third Commandment: "Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day" (Exodus 20:8). For Christians, Sunday—the Lord's Day—replaces the Jewish Sabbath because it commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the central event of our salvation. The early Church gathered on Sundays to break bread (the Eucharist) in memory of the Lord's passion, resurrection, and glorification (see Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "the Sunday celebration of the Lord's Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life" (CCC 2177). Sunday Mass is the "foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice" (CCC 2181). By participating, we obey Christ's command at the Last Supper: "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). Why the Church Requires It The Church, guided by the authority Christ gave the apostles (Matthew 18:18), has established this as a precept to help us fulfill the moral law of worshiping God. Canon Law states: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass" (Canon 1247). Deliberately missing Mass without a serious reason (such as illness, caring for infants, or other grave circumstances) constitutes a grave sin (CCC 2181). This obligation extends to Holy Days of Obligation, which highlight key mysteries of our faith—events in the life of Christ, Mary, or the saints that are so central they call the whole Church to gather in worship. These days remind us of God's saving work and invite us to pause our daily routines to give thanks and receive grace. Benefits for Our Spiritual Life Attending Mass regularly: Unites us with Christ in His sacrifice, allowing us to receive the Eucharist, our spiritual food and source of strength. Builds community: We gather as the Body of Christ, supporting one another in faith (CCC 2182). Sanctifies our week: It sets aside time for rest, reflection, family, and mercy, helping us avoid habits that harm our relationship with God. Testifies to our faith: Public participation shows our commitment to Christ and His Church. Holy Days of Obligation serve a similar purpose, celebrating core truths like the Incarnation, Mary's role, or Christ's Ascension. In the United States, these typically include (in addition to all Sundays): January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Ascension Thursday (transferred to Sunday in our Diocese) August 15: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (may be abrogated if it falls on Saturday or Monday in some cases) November 1: All Saints' Day December 8: Immaculate Conception December 25: Christmas A Joyful Invitation, Not a Burden The Church's precept isn't meant to restrict us but to free us for what truly matters: encountering the risen Lord. As one reflection notes, Sunday Mass reorients our lives toward God, reunites us in love, and pours out grace for salvation. It's the "sweetest obligation ever imposed" because it draws us into the mystery of God's love. If scheduling conflicts arise, speak with your pastor—exceptions exist for serious reasons. But let's embrace this gift: make attending Mass a priority and let it transform your week and your life.  May the Eucharist strengthen us all as we journey together toward heaven!