The readings this weekend help us understand how to live out discernment at its finest.   St. Paul calls us to seek what is above and not of what is on earth.  He also calls us to put to death the parts of us that are earthly: things like impurity, evil desire and greed.  We need to let go of those things and get our priorities in the right place.  In the Gospel, Jesus challenges all of us to look at our efforts with great honesty and to ask ourselves, how am I spending my time?  Am I storing up treasures for myself?  Or am I rich in what matters to God?  Am I spending time in a way that not only glorifies God but is actually building up His kingdom and not only my own?

In order to figure this out, we need to actually discern what we are doing with our lives.  That is why this Sunday, July 31, is one of my favorite days within the life of the Catholic Church.  On July 31, we celebrate St. Ignatius of Loyola.  He is a brilliant saint who helps us understand the methods of discernment in a wonderful way.  He once said, “whatever you are doing, that which makes you feel the most alive…that is where God is.”  Have you asked yourself lately: what makes me feel most alive?  Perhaps that is where your vocation lies?  I invite you to take a moment this week and learn about our buddy, St. Ignatius.  His ways of discernment will set you free.  Take the time.  It will change your life.  I am always here for you to help you discern God’s will in your life.

God bless you in your discernment,

Fr. Jeremy

Ps. This past week we celebrated the feast day of St. Anne and St. Joachim—the grandparents of Jesus.  Last Sunday was the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly.  Know that Pope Francis is calling all of us to better appreciate grandparents and the elderly more and more.  Check out more @ https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries/grandparents-elderly.  Take a moment and reach out to the elderly this week.  Share the love!