Shenanigans
I want to begin by thanking the many who have worked so hard to make our new experience called Shenanigans a reality, particularly Gene Garcia, our Director of Liturgical Arts, who came up with the fun and creative name. We have hosted several already, and there are still more to come. If you haven’t heard already, Shenanigans is a fun, low key way to get to know others in the parish. Most, but not all, are family-oriented opportunities to enjoy some activities and entertainment right here on our beautiful campus. Many kids have enjoyed watching a movie in the narthex while parents have enjoyed the company of other adults in our courtyard. Our teens have gathered and enjoyed games in the gym and in the Teen Room downstairs. Look for our next Shenanigans on Friday, August 12. Check the website.
The concept of events like this that we call Shenanigans comes from the Archdiocesan Renew My Church initiative that we have begun. Eleanor Seagraves, who is on the Archdiocesan Renew My Church team, recently led us and St. Anne through a process that we are beginning to apply specifically to Holy Family. As I hope you see, this idea has nothing to do with collaborating with any other parish, but some low-key offerings here at Holy Family to simply gather, have fun and get to know fellow parishioners.
Wealth in God’s Eyes
What does it mean to be rich in what matters to God? Well, the Gospel hints at what it is not, namely selfishly storing up treasures for ourselves. It also says that being rich does not consist of possessions. The warning in this passage seems to be that greed turns us inward and creates a focus on self.
But there are no specific instructions on what constitutes God’s wealth. Rather, we are pointed to a mindset. The mindset is to not be foolish and store up all kinds of physical possessions. Such a mindset indicates that it may lead to relaxing, resting, eating, drinking, and being merry for years. It contains an assumption that this lifestyle will be uninterrupted, consistent and enjoyable.
I believe we all know the dangers of assuming. This passage may also help us to distinguish between saving for our future and that of our children and grandchildren, and being greedy to the point where we take many things for granted. Perhaps the recent volatility of the stock market, and other factors that affect our savings, reminds us of that as well. The question asked in the passage is, ‘To whom will your prepared possessions belong when your life is demanded of you?’
Perhaps this passage complements the strategy of:
Plan for the future, but prepare for
what may come next.
So what is the inanimate, mysterious and even priceless wealth that matters to God, and how do we access it? Keep reading.
A Little Bit About Work
One of my favorite scripture passages about work may give us further wisdom on what it means to grow rich in what matters to God. In the 6th chapter of John, after the miracle of feeding five thousand people with just a little bread and fish, the people are hungering for more food. Jesus immediately puts a spiritual spin on food (symbolizing many things that feed us) and connects it with our work. In verse 27 he says, “Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures for eternal life.” Growing rich in the best possible way may be intimately connected with working for things that last, endure and are eternal.
Ministry Spotlight
GIGs-Gatherings in Grace and
SCCs-Small Christian Communities
Holy Family has a very rich tradition of gathering parishioners and friends in small groups for faith enrichment. We have referred to these groups as Small Christian Communities (SCCs) for many years. Our Adventures in Grace pilgrimage has encouraged the formation of new groups, and we are encouraging even existing SCCs to change their name to Gatherings In Grace (GIG). Materials and training are available to both start and lead a group. I invite you to join an existing GIG, or if you are ambitious, form one yourself. The small group experience of faith-sharing and scripture reflection promises to enrich your spirit in many ways. Please contact Deacon Dennis Brown at dbrown@holyfamilyparish.org for more information.