Dear Friends,
 
The Olympics and the Super Bowl have me thinking about excellence, heroes, and the frailty of humanity. It is easy to celebrate athletic, political, and cultural stars as they excel at their tasks. We also know that these folks are human and we can be so disappointed when they fall short in life. This past Sunday, Fr. RJ noted that the early followers of Jesus were often unsure and doubting yet they were the ones Jesus called to share the Good News. Failure, doubt, and that sense of not being enough are part of the human experience. They are not the end of the story. 
 
I try to remember this in my personal life, but also as I look at our culture. We can easily see the inhumanity perpetrated by humans. As we try to name those systems of evil we can be overwhelmed. Our faith calls us to trust that God can transform what is broken. God chooses us to be a part of that transformation. We proclaim that death is not the end. 
 
I am thankful to be proclaiming this Good News in word and deed with you. We are the ones who are feeding and tending God's sheep. Join in study and prayer. Join others who are serving. Come see how we are advocating for justice. We aren't flawless heroes, we are those called and empowered through Christ. 
 
Peace, 
Fr. John Mark