Pastor's Message - June 28/June 29, 2025

My dear friends in Christ,

In the past week, several people have asked me about the turmoil and suffering we see in the world today—about the tragedies unfolding not only in far-off places but also in our own communities. We are witnessing such immense violence, with lives being lost to hatred and conflict, and whole nations embroiled in dispute. The ongoing tension between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with the United States now caught in the crossfire. At home, racial divisions have led to profound strife, leaving innocent lives shattered on all sides. Minorities and immigrants feel a deep sense of fear and uncertainty.

These events are not just headlines; they stir something deep within us. They challenge our peace and happiness, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable reality of our times. We find ourselves asking: What is happening to our world? And, more personally, where is our hope? I believe these moments call for a deep reassessment of our lives—our hearts, our societies, and the paths we are walking. There is a need for conversion, both in the individual and in the collective heart of our society.

How do we see these events through the eyes of faith?

One of the greatest thinkers in the history of the Church, St. Augustine, serves as a powerful example for us. Before his conversion, Augustine's life was marked by unrest, confusion, and personal turmoil. His mother, St. Monica, never gave up praying for his conversion. And God, in His infinite mercy, answered those prayers.

One day, Augustine paused and reflected on his life. In the silence, he was overwhelmed with grief, and in that moment of honesty, he cried out to God. It was as though a veil was lifted from his heart, and he embraced the light and love of God. St. Augustine’s dramatic conversion, when he “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” is a model for us all. We, too, need a conversion of heart—an openness to the grace and truth that only God can offer.

Where are we now?

Pope Leo XIV warned just recently that nations rich in vocations were in danger of losing their identity under the destructive influence of secular culture. Sadly, it feels as if we have lost our way. Many have decided, consciously or unconsciously, that "God is dead," and this mindset has led us to forget the fundamental need for love, forgiveness, and unity. We, as a society, have neglected the divine. We have become so secularized that, at times, some even call religion "expensive." This reflects a loss of meaning—a failure to understand the true purpose of life.

But for our world to be converted, each of us must first experience a personal conversion of heart. If we are to rebuild a society that reflects the peace of Christ, we must begin by reflecting His light in our own lives. The gospel, the Word of God, must find its way into our hearts. God is not distant—He is alive, and He is present in us!

Many of us have experienced, at some point, a disconnect from our relationship with God. Even those who bear the name “Christian” may not always act in accordance with the teachings of Christ. We sometimes place barriers around our hearts, preventing us from living the life of love and service that we are called to. And as a result, we find ourselves weighed down by misery and discontent. Imagine living a life without a genuine relationship with God—it would be empty, devoid of meaning. As Pope John Paul II reminded us before his death, without an authentic relationship with Jesus, our lives lose their purpose. This truth applies to all of us.

We must not allow ourselves to be swept up in the tide of secularization and materialism that strips life of its meaning and dignity. We must reject irrationality and hatred, which only serve to divide and destroy. Pope Leo XIV rightly warned that such attitudes will leave us isolated and confused. We must choose a different path—one rooted in the love of God and neighbor.

Where do we go from here?

In the face of the darkness and conflict that weighs heavily on our hearts, we are called to look within. We must examine the areas where our relationship with God and with one another has become clouded. We must ask God to bring His light into those dark places, to renew our hearts and our society.

Yes, there is much darkness, and yes, there is much conflict. But we must not let this darkness consume us. We must not allow ourselves to fall into despair. Instead, we are called to trust in the living God, who dwells within us. God is not dead; He is alive, and He is with us in every moment.

In Christ,

Fr. Geoffrey