SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

THERE IS THIS STORY
Two brothers on neighboring farms fell into conflict after 40 years
They share machinery, labor, goods – no conflict
Small misunderstanding grew into a major difference – tempers exploded – then silence
One morning a carpenter was at the door of the older brother seeking work-who had a job
Younger brother bulldozed so now there was a creek between them
Older brother wanted man to build an eight-foot fence – man said he understood
Older brother left and returned at sunset – his eyes opened wide jaw dropped
There was no fence – but a bridge across the creek
Brothers stood at opposite ends of the bridge – eventually met in the middle – hugged
Brothers watched carpenter get ready to leave – Asked him to stay to do more work
Man said, ‘I’d love to stay on but I have more bridges to build.”

MINISTRY IS USING TOOLS IN OUR TOOLBOX – ST. MARY’S HAS OPPORTUNITIES
We use our gifts and talents to benefit others – Consider the possibilities…
Greeting before Mass, coffee and donuts, as a receptionist
In liturgy as a lector, music, altar server, technology or as part of our Prayer Chain
In Outreach – bring Communion – visit the elderly – homebound – Neighbor2Neighbor
Education as a catechist, aide, small group host, marriage or baptism prep
Maybe it is mechanical skills

MINISTRY SHOULD FLOW FROM EUCHARIST
Ministry should flow from the Eucharist and should go beyond just the church but should flow from our homes, the domestic church to others in need, be it family, friends, neighbors, co-workers.

TODAY’S GOSPEL
Jesus says “For the measure with which you measure will be returned to be measured out to you.”
How will you and I be measured by our ministry?

WE COME TO GIVE PRAISE AND THANKS
For the gift of Jesus who bridges us with the word and Eucharist
Let’s go forward glorifying the Lord by our life and build bridges of forgiveness, hope, peace and unity
Bridges of LOVE to those in need
God, Bless you all!

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
What impacted you from the readings/homily?
How do you see yourself like the carpenter building bridges with your unique gifts and talents?
What does it mean to be measured by your ministry? How will you fair?
How do you see the Word and Eucharist tied to ministry?
How do you glorify the Lord by your ministry to your parish family?

LIVE CONNECTED
Prayerfully consider a ministry in which God might be asking you to share your gifts.