And what should we do?

A Joyful Advent for Us All!
John’s answer to “What should we do” is stunningly direct: be generous and be honest! The honesty really harkens back to “Do not covet.” Don’t cheat anyone in an effort to measure yourself against others. So tax collectors are told to collect only what is due. Soldiers are told not to extort or give false witness and to be satisfied with their wages. Jesus said to seek the Kingdom first. John gives us a simple introduction of how to do that.

Later in this passage, in answer to speculation that he might be the Christ, John says, no, the Christ will “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Last Sunday, for the Catholic Community Services appeal, we were privileged to hear one who was baptized with fire and the Holy Spirit. Dennis Bateman, an advocate at the Junction Point Shelter in Seattle, told his story of abandonment, abuse, homelessness and loss. At age 59, just released from jail and reflecting on his life, he wondered what to do and was swept away by sadness. He thought of the jailhouse pastor who advised him to “just take one step towards God,” and he said out loud, “God, I surrender to your will. I am done trying to get things right in my life, let’s try this your way. I give you what is left of my life to do with as you please.”

He spent that night and the next year in the CCS shelter in Kent, then moved into Patrick Place, where he got the counseling and the time he needed to drop his heroin and meth addiction. That was 5 years 4 months and 9 days ago, Sunday, December 5, 2021. “I looked up from the pit Satan had kept me and many others in. A pit full of despair, hopelessness, drugs and abuse of all kinds. The Catholic Church reached down and offered me a hand. I grabbed that hand and held on tight. The Catholic Church saved my life, and today I’m guided by the Holy Spirit and walk with Jesus in my heart every day, and my life now has meaning. We are doing God’s work.” Catholic Community Services can offer that hand only because of your financial support. You can support their Appeal for the Poor at Appeal for the Poor

In this time of gratitude, let us take some time to look at our personal budgets as a spiritual exercise. I would invite you to look at where you spend your money and where your priorities are and make a financial commitment to St. Therese that reflects your priorities. While the collections numbers are on budget the budget has a $15,000 deficit! Your pledge will also affect the budgeting for the fiscal year beginning next July 1. For instance, if we are to grow our Parish, we need to do some publicity work, and that will require some funding. You can make a pledge here. After Christmas, you’ll need to fulfill your pledge by going to the Pushpay app on your phone, choosing “recurring” at the bottom of the screen, and editing your recurring gift.

Parish Collections
July 1, 2021 – December 9, 2021.….... $175,069
The budget….….                                     $158,519
Last year at this time….….                     $142,429
Please note: The 2021-22 budget has a $15,000 deficit