My dear friends in Christ,
Genies that live in lanterns aren’t real; but if they were, and if we stumbled across one and were offered just one wish, what would that wish be? Would we go for unlimited wealth, or ultimate power, or perhaps great fame? In a dream, God gave Solomon that very option: “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” As your Pastor, I would probably go with option #1 — unlimited wealth to help our parish climb out of debt, or, at least, more sacrificial giving on the part of the faithful. It seems that we are living from week to week. Our payables/weekly expenses exceed our collections/ weekly income. This brings up the age old axiom that people see what’s coming in but no one sees what’s going out. I, more than anyone, understand that “you can’t get blood from a stone.” That is why, as your Pastor, I do not engage in begging for money from the pulpit. But we also can’t get by on $1 dollar bills either. I truly believe that God will provide for Corpus Christi Church. Solomon does not ask for gold, money, power or fame. He asks for an understanding heart. He could have selfishly asked God for anything, but he chose something that would benefit and help those whom he served. His heart knew right from wrong. Solomon was to succeed his father, David, as king and because of his caring and compassionate ways, God gave him the wisest heart so that he would be the greatest king who ever lived. May God grant me, and our Finance Council, the wisdom to review finances for the good of our Parish.
May God bless you all!
Fr. John