Love God, Love Others, Share the Good News!

This Week's Letter From Father

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time C

September 7, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Our first reading (Wisdom 9:13-18) comes from the Book of Wisdom composed in Alexandria, Egypt several decades before the birth of Jesus. The author reminds us that seeking wisdom through intellectual exercise and prayer is the right thing to do. It helps us to live our life in harmony with our Creator and the created world.

The right relationship with God, other people, and the natural world leads to making the world a better place for all. It also leads to eternal life with the Holy One.

The verse from our Gospel reading (Luke 14:26), creates a dilemma only for those who believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible. Jesus is not an egomaniac. He does not require us to hate our parents, siblings, family members, or even our own life. He does not demand from us the negation of familial ties at all. Jesus himself never renounced his family. So let us not be biblical literalists.

What is meant figuratively in the Gospel reading should not be taken literally. Lukan Jesus applies this figure of speech for dramatic use. By using such a poetic expression, he points out that following him was never meant to be easy. We have to put forth a lot of effort into the way we live, do business, and treat others in order to be good Christians.

When we live according to the Gospel values, those around us (family members, colleagues, acquaintances, neighbors and others), recognize that we are good Christians and good followers of the Lord.

Henry Ward Beecher observed: “If a man cannot be a Christian in the place where he is, he cannot be a Christian anywhere.”

The words of Saint Gregory the Great are relevant to the saying of Jesus (Luke 14:33) regarding renouncing one’s possessions: “Perhaps it is not after all so difficult for a person to part with his possessions, but it is certainly most difficult for him to part with himself. To renounce what one has is a minor thing; but to renounce what one is, that is asking a lot.” Continuing spiritual conversion should be a goal of every Christian.

When we look at both of today’s readings (first and the Gospel) we realize that living the life of an honest Christian is a sign of wisdom within.

                                                                                   …..

I had a visit with Marcelo Eureste, our new Superintendent of Catholic Schools. Our meeting with Principal, Loredana Modafferi, the dedicated teachers, staff, eager students, and engaged parents was inspiring. It was heartwarming to witness such joy and enthusiasm in our community.

Thank you so much, Debbie and Chris Gould. Meeting with you over the delicious lunch was a pleasure. We had a fantastic afternoon. Have you considered making this wonderful place your permanent home?

After the 11 o’clock Mass today, we’re throwing a special lunch to celebrate all wonderful grandparents. We’d love for you to join us.

I am absolutely delighted that the hairy woodpeckers have made the oak tree their summer home. Watching them enjoy the suet feeder brightens my garden.

I cherish all my feathered friends, from the cheerful chickadees and tufted titmice to the vibrant cardinals and lovely Carolina wrens. Not to mention the playful sparrows, house, purple finches, gray catbirds, bluebirds, gentle mourning doves, Eurasian collared-doves, spirited blue jays, brown thrashers, and mockingbirds. Each one brings joy, but I have a special fondness for the charming squirrels and a bunny that add even more life to my garden. I absolutely enjoy sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee, watching everyone relish their savory food.

Last but not least, I like watching the green dragonflies and the return of the yellow butterflies and monarchs.

Each moment is special.

Enjoy!

Fr. Ryszard

Welcome Message

Greetings in Christ Jesus!

Whether you are just visiting for a short while, have moved here and are joining our parish, or are returning to your Catholic Faith, on behalf of our parish community, we welcome you to St. Egbert Catholic Church and the beautiful Crystal Coast of North Carolina.

When Jesus was asked which of all the commandments was the greatest, he replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the great, and first commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” These two Commandments form the foundation of our mission to Love God, Love Neighbor, and to Share the Good News.