Pastor's Message

What is the promise of God's reign if not the conversion of hearts and the transformation of lives, families, communities, and cultures? The Word of God is given not simply to be heard, but to be welcomed, lived, and shared. Each time we choose forgiveness over resentment, justice over indifference, hospitality over exclusion, and generosity over self-interest, we allow the reign of God to become more visible among us.

God continuously invites all to the banquet of living in his divine life. He doesn't take anyone off the list. He keeps inviting, even and especially those not seen as fitting or deserving of being at the banquet of his divine life. Our yes to the invitation means we are ready to be transformed. Living in the life of God, who is love, often means we have to change. Perhaps that's why we often don't respond immediately to the invitation or even become angry with the messenger.

As servant-disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to remain connected to him. Jesus later describes himself as the true vine, and we are the branches. Apart from him, we cannot bear lasting fruit. Remaining in Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us enables us to produce a harvest worthy of the Kingdom of God. What kind of harvest are we producing?

As the Prophet Ezekiel reminds us, God looks upon the sinner who turns away from sin and chooses a new way of life. Conversion is possible because God's mercy keeps calling us forward. When the sinner turns away from sin and chooses a new way of life, God sees that conversion.

A La Salette parish is, above all, a Eucharistic people. The call to honor the Lord's Day finds its deepest expression in our faithful participation in Holy Mass. At the Eucharistic table, we encounter Christ who gives Himself for us and draws us into communion with God and with one another. The Eucharist nourishes our conversion, strengthens us to forgive and reconcile, and sends us forth to become what we have received: the Body of Christ for the world. For a La Salette parish, Sunday Mass is not simply an obligation to fulfill; it is the heart of our weekly life of faith, thanksgiving, communion, and mission.