February 2023
Beloved,
Local restaurants keep unpredictable business hours; supermarkets no longer operate all night; even the malls keep shorter hours despite the pandemic’s peak behind us. When we ask the employees why they keep the pandemic schedule, we hear the same answer, like a broken record – short-staffed or supply shortage. Churches are no exception to this, as many of us grew accustomed to the pandemic new normal. This may not mean much to you, but I grew weary whenever someone told me, “Sorry, To Go orders only.” Charting a new course in a rapidly changing world of living sounds right.
Meanwhile, the demographics of the country continue to mature. It is not just happening in the United States; it is a global phenomenon. Graying of America has been common knowledge for a while. Having spent my younger days in Japan, the world’s fastest-aging country, I see similar trends here. As for the United States-specific information, did you know one-third of grandparents in this country take care of grandchildren as primary caregivers? In Kentucky, about half of the grandparents are in that situation. Meanwhile, more than 50 percent of 40+ years old fit into the sandwich generation category, taking care of their aging parents and children. Do you feel fatigued just by reading these facts?
Charting a new course in this rapidly changing world, I discern where God calls us in terms of ministry – not in a life-draining way, but life-giving manner. Scripture tells us, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matt 9:37). Staff shortage has always been an issue, even in Jesus’ time! When Israelites were tired and hungry in the desert, God provided manna. When the disciples panicked about not having enough food to distribute, Jesus fed loaves and fish to the multitude. When they grew weary of the crowd of followers, Jesus said to them:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt 11:28-29).
Jesus, the source of our faith, continues to feed us with the bread of life this way. Our faith in Jesus Christ makes us invincible in this rapidly changing world. Jesus always teaches us in the Scripture that faith is not mere knowledge in our heads for self-validation. Our faith becomes stronger when it is tested through charitable acts expressed in ministries. Ministries develop relationships built on Christ’s love, compassion, integrity, forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption. We learn about hope through ministries. Such hope is the guiding light that cheers us to keep walking, one foot in front of the other. So, as we move closer to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, how may we partake of the Bread of Life and dedicate our lives to servitude?
With Love,
Fr. Andrew
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