From the desk of Father Bline, one final time...

"Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward." (Mark 9:41)

My Dearest Brother and Sisters of St. Thomas More Parish,

This weekend’s readings are strong and uncomfortable: reminders of who is worthy of having the power of God bestowed upon them, who will be condemned for the weeping and wailing that unjustly fall from those who have been given more and just want more, and how the plank in our own eye has to be plucked out before worrying about other’s faults. Oh how unsettling all these readings are because they quickly remind us of who we say Jesus is and how He truly sees us.

After four months of being assigned by Bishop Malesic to pray and be with you until a pastor was found, I was hoping my final weekend at St. Thomas More Parish would give me readings that would make me happy and just say thank you. Then it dawned on me that these are such perfect readings. Being with you I have witnessed a parish that is fully alive in the sacramental life of the Church, who takes seriously their baptismal calling in leading and keeping this parish alive, and who just longs to be His! So already you understand the strength and impact of these readings. Already your presence has given me more than a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ. Thank you for your welcome and kindness and faith. Your love for our Church and the Priesthood of Jesus Christ has been so life-giving to me these summer months. I praise God for you all…amen, I say to you, you will surely not lose your reward.

I will continue to praise God for all those who have shown me the way of Jesus through this parish. It is quite fitting that the 29th of September is also the feast of the Archangels. Although I know people can never become angels because we are human and in the image of God, still the qualities of those archangels (Michael=one who is like God, Gabriel=the strength of God, Raphael=God has healed) I have seen within so many who constantly sacrifice and offer their life for the sake of His Kingdom, like Christian, Joyce, Jolanda, Jim, Jim, Joan, Peggy, John, Terri, our deacon candidate Jeff (pray for his joy), Friar Johnpaul, our volunteers and liturgical ministers and the young altar servers (and maybe a couple even thinking of the Priesthood). In a special way I could not have done anything if it weren’t for Lisa, Melissa, Meg, Sr. Jane and my brother, Fr. Don. Please pray for them and their sacrificial efforts to continue to support and love this beautiful parish.

You will be in my prayers as we welcome Fr. John Schneider…he will love being with you as much as I have.

Pax,

Fr. G. David Bline