Brother Knights:
"Time is a river of flowing events," said Shakespeare, and how true! Labor Day not only closes the official vacation season, but it also is a reminder of God's goodness and bounty. The harvest transfers some of the beauty of creation to areas of preservation so that it can serve us at a later moment. It prompts us to think of the great abilities and opportunities He provides us so we may seek our livelihood with dignity. You do that well, brother Knights, in providing for your families and community. You do it with the very great excellence in your charitable efforts, giving time, energy and profit to so many worthy purposes.
In a sense, worthy Knights, I see you walking in the footsteps of Jesus, carrying His message and mercy to others, leading the way for others and aiming always toward the good news of salvation. We all understand the mysteries of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is expressed each time we say the Apostles' Creed.
The life of Jesus expresses God's word that salvation is at hand. His birth assures that He is one with us, true God, but also true man. The early years demonstrate how holiness is formed in daily life of prayer, simplicity, work and family love. Obedience and humility are the stepping stones to goodness and greatness in the life of Jesus. His further oneness with us is seen in the Baptism by John and prefigures our own baptism with its rights and responsibilities. Despite His perfection, He was tempted by Satan. His response leads the way for all people. We do not have to choose any form of evil because those around us encourage it. We are special. We are people who belong to God. He is the one we want to please. For us this all sounds very pleasant. For Jesus - the rest of the story.
Jesus accepted His responsibility and submitted to persecution, ridicule, suffering, humiliation, and death. His death atoned for the life of grace thrown away (lost) by the first choices of pride and disobedience. He took away the ultimate penalty of those flaws and gave back to us the opportunity to once again be friends with God. The death was caused by every person who would ever sin.
True to his word, "Destroy this temple, and in three days, etc." Jesus rose from His horrible death, moved among His people freely and was seen by some of them as He ascended to His Father, regaining His rightful place and reigning as the head of God's kingdom. One day He will come again, not as a redeemer, but as a judge of all who have lived, with the desire that He may welcome all as friends. Each of us must make the choice as we pass through time if we accept His friendship. It is a blessing and a hope I wish for each once of you and your loved ones. God bless you.
Fr. Don
