My dear Friends,
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!
This Sunday’s readings invite us to reflect on God’s call to faithful stewardship, humble trust, and courageous faith. In the Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus then entrusts Peter with the keys of the Kingdom and calls him to be a rock upon which He will build His Church.
This connects beautifully with Isaiah, where God removes Shebna because he has used his position for himself and entrusts the key of the house of David to Eliakim, who is called to be a father to God’s people. Authority, therefore, is never simply about position or privilege. It is a sacred responsibility to serve, protect, guide, and care for others. As Catholics, we pray for our Holy Father, bishops, priests, deacons, and all who are entrusted with leadership in the Church, that they may always serve with humility and a heart centered on Jesus Christ.
Our own Diocesan life gives us wonderful reasons for gratitude. On August 17, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the priestly ordination of our Bishop Gregory Bittman. It was a beautiful and blessed celebration with priests and parishioners from throughout our diocese. Then, on August 19, our seminarian Br. Jeff Loma was ordained a deacon by Bishop Gregory at Immaculate Conception Church in Kelowna. We rejoice in his “Yes” to God and pray that the Lord will grant him perseverance, holiness, and faithfulness as he prepares to serve His people.
St. Paul reminds us that, ultimately, everything comes “from Him and through Him and for Him.” We cannot fully understand all God’s ways, but we can trust Him. This trust has been especially evident during the wildfire situation affecting Summerland. As people return home after being displaced, we give thanks to everyone who prepared and served food, donated time and resources, offered practical help, and most especially prayed and offered Masses. In times of difficulty, our faith becomes visible through compassion, generosity, courage, and solidarity.
Today, Jesus asks each of us: “Who do you say that I am?” May our answer be more than words. May our lives proclaim that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God. Let us remain faithful stewards, trusting that everything we have is a gift from God and that everything we do is ultimately for His glory. To God be glory forever. Amen.
God Loves you and blesses you all!
~ Fr. Neil