St. Bede-St. Denis Parish Home

Message from Pastor

Dear brothers and sisters,
 
We were so used to immediate results and to achieving everything at the click of a button. That this uncertainty in which we live is especially uncomfortable for us. Perhaps for this reason, we have a special admiration for those people who, in the face of extreme situations in life, are responding with a strength of mind and a fortitude that is not improvised but has been patiently cared for throughout a lifetime.
 
In today's Gospel, the wise attitude of those women who knew how to take care of important things contrasts with the foolish attitude of those who lived focused only on the immediate. The foolish women were not there and were not expected at the right time. Too distracted with themselves when they wanted to realize what they lacked, it was too late.
 
It is the foolishness of a superficial life that is understood as a biological cycle that is not endowed with meaning. Of settling into weak relationships with people, without experiencing that love that grows with dedication and sacrifice. It is living in a distracted, superficial way, enjoying the moment to the excess, but without thinking about the consequences of one's actions.
 
It is the foolishness of appearances, where the concern for the image prevents us from looking deeply and strengthening ourselves with honesty, which gives consistency to one's own life.
 
The women of the Gospel realized what they lacked too late, perhaps that is one of the teachings that the parable wants to transmit to us. What cannot be missing today in our lives to be able to continue to give light and live with meaning and hope? Perhaps the situation we are living in can help us to wake up in time and to refill our lamps with oil so that we do not cease to be light for others.
 
In the face of the superficiality of life, which leaves us naked in the face of difficulties, this Sunday we are invited not to give up, to persevere in our principles and values. Jesus does not abandon us, even if at times problems distress us and it seems to us that he is far from us.
 
It is not the same to have or not to have oil in our lamps for the moment when he arrives. By taking care of our interior we can continue to illuminate each of life's situations with hope, strength and generosity.
 
Happy Sunday!
 
 
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Events

Holy Hour (Bilingual)

Time: 6 PM – 7 PM
Location: St. Bede Church 8200 S. Kostner Ave. Chicago, IL 60652

Holy Hour (Bilingual)

Time: 6 PM – 7 PM
Location: St. Bede Church 8200 S. Kostner Ave. Chicago, IL 60652