But Who's Looking?
When I was Leland's age, school breaks and summers meant I was on my own from 7:30 a.m. to just before 6 p.m. I was allowed (and expected) to fend for myself, watch endless television, bike to the park, and even cook. Alas, things are different now—which means we have to find Leland things to do, and summer is already gridded out week-by-week. For Easter break this week, our schools hosted a basketball camp meaning Leland could be on campus with me, get some exercise, be with friends, and perhaps pick up a few skills.
Do you know what coach Roy did? He assigned homework. On the first day, Leland had to define accountability, use it in a sentence and compose a statement of what it means to him. The second day was the word character, and it caught me off guard: "character is who you are when no one is looking," my wise, almost nine-year-old utters with a typical 'duh' tone. Lump in the throat. Chin quiver. Proud dad moment.
Jesus' resurrection happened when no one was looking. And the gospel reminds us this weekend that we as disciples ask for proof within only a few days. Ah, the human condition.
So much happens at St. Monica every day to serve, support, and sustain parishioners and the broader community—most of the time when no one is looking. Your Easter gifts certainly support the mission of St. Monica to form loving disciples and have bolstered our outreach ministries (Holy Thursday collection) and continued to support the Holy Land (Good Friday collection). We have a full year ahead with fellowship, spirituality, outreach, and worship. Our ministry directors and the councils that advise them have been tireless in preparation and vision. And all of that is only possible because of your generosity.
From a practical perspective, Easter offertory is critically important to our church. Thank you to the generous donors who went "above and beyond" with additional and increased gifts this week. And thank you to dozens of parishioners who started new recurring donations online—it is truly astounding! Your sustained gifts bring stability and peace of mind that our parish can continue to serve. If you have yet to, please actively support St. Monica through either a one-time gift -or- recurring giving. Your support provides hope and comfort, so thank you!
