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Everyone is asking that question in one way or another. What’s the most important thing: my health, my family, my friendships, my career, my relationship with God, my church? At the time of Jesus, it was common for Jewish rabbis to ask this question: “What’s the most important commandment?” They had 613 commandments to choose from as listed in the first five books of the Bible (the Torah). So they put this question to Jesus—the most compelling rabbi of the day. And he famously replied: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind (Deuteronomy 6: 4-5). This is the first and the greatest commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments” (Matthew 22: 36-40).

Over the years I have become ever more convinced that the Church is a miracle. From her birthday on Pentecost (Acts 2) all the way to the present day, God alone knows the number of wondrous miracles He has done through the members of the Church, the Body of Christ. To name just a few, think of the parishes, schools, universities, hospitals, religious communities, retreat centers, social and charitable services. None of these were a temporary fad; they emerged in the course of Church history and continue to this day. Why? Because people were transformed by the Good News of Jesus and did something about it. The names of most of these people we will not know until, perhaps, we meet them in heaven. But one of the things they all have in common is their response to today’s Gospel reading.

“So, the Twelve (Apostles) called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6: 2-4.

The US Bishops have named October “Respect Life Month” and the first Sunday of October as “Respect Life Sunday.” This year’s theme is “Mary, Mother of Life.” The bishops composed the following reflection to focus us on this theme. So I’m sharing it with you. – Fr. Ernest

Halloween has Catholic roots! ¿Adivina qué? ¡El Halloween es Católico!