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From the Desk of Father Ryan - Our Associate Pastor
March 17, 2024 - Fifth Sunday of Lent

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life."

In the Gospel this weekend we encounter Greeks who wanted to meet Jesus in Person. They were respectful but cautious about this Man they heard so much about. They didn't dare directly approach this Master whom they heard about. So, they looked for a good intercessor: the Apostle Philip, since the Greeks knew that he was Jesus' friend. "We wish to see Jesus", they said. So, Philip went to Andrew and together, they introduced these Greeks to Jesus. The two Apostles presented Jesus and Our Lord 'took over' from there.

Philip brought these souls to Jesus. After their encounter with our Lord, those Greeks went back to their towns and spread the Word. How do I know that? Because the story of Jesus Christ is so compelling, we can’t help but talk about it! Do we know Jesus well enough to spread the Word? Do we love Jesus well enough to spread the Word?

How much fruit did the Apostles yield by introducing people to Jesus? Well, within a few years, a small number of disciples had multiplied by thousands. But the Apostles didn’t feel ‘proud’ for having brought others to Jesus. They wouldn’t go around boasting: ‘I introduced them to Jesus! It was me!’ They knew very well that they were just an instrument in the hands of a great artist, God our Father.

This weekend, we also celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick, at great cost to his own safety and wellbeing, ventured across Ireland introducing people to Jesus Christ. That message then spread across the world through Irish Missionaries and Saints. Like those first Apostles, St. Patrick merely wanted to be an instrument in the hands of the great Artist, God our Father. As a good instrument, St. Patrick’s message spread like wildfire and brought thousands to the True Faith.

As you may have heard by now, last week Cardinal Cupich has appointed me administrator and pastor of St. Christina Church in Mt. Greenwood, effective July 1st. You’re still stuck with me for another few months! But with this announcement, I have had time to reflect and look back. It’s my hope that I, like Philip and Patrick, have been a good instrument and helped introduce you to Jesus Christ. Most importantly, I hope that in our time together, I have helped you grow more in love with Jesus.

Oremus pro invicem

Fr. Ryan P. Brady
Associate Pastor of Our Lady of the Ridage - St.Linus Parish

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