The readings for this weekend are always a bit uncomfortable. There's nothing comfortable about the end of a marriage, and on top of the recriminations, the hurt, the tears, and the uncertainty, we have Jesus seemingly being very abrupt about something so painful.

Marriage in the time of Jesus was a very different affair from what we experience today in our Western culture. Yes, it was the combination of a couple, but at the time of Jesus, it was so much more. As biblical scholar John J. Pilch wrote, "In the ancient Mediterranean world, marriages were between families. Each family selected a partner, union with whom was intended to bind the families together, forming a stronger unit."

The end of a marriage was not just a tragic breakup of a couple, but a separation of two families. And in a society driven by the values of honor and shame, feuding will result and undoubtedly escalate to bloodshed, ripping at the fabric of the community.

So today's readings need to be seen in the light of their historical context, but even more so, we need to look at the deeper message. Rather than just being a statement about the marriage practices of his time, today's readings are a more intent look at relationships of every kind.

Sister Mary McGlone writes, "Jesus replied that legislating about relationships reveals hardness of heart; laws circumscribe what is meant to grow freely. Because all people are made for each other, ignoring or treating another as disposable denigrates both sides... [so] we often interpret today's Gospel as a decree about marriage. But no, these readings reach beyond the single subject of marriage to help us consider the reality that every relationship draws us deeper into divine life."

Every relationship (friendship, marriage, parenting, pastoring, teaching, companioning, serving and being served, etc.) offers us the opportunity to experience God, who at the very core is relational. It is in our many relationships that we find love, togetherness, compassion, and mercy. It is in our many relationships that we experience the rich variety of interaction that mirrors God's creation. We may have a deep revelation in times of quiet, private meditation, but those come alive when we put them to work in the world.

So the message today is to value relationships, to work at building and sustaining them, rather than being divisive. To look for the common good. To build rather than destroy. 

Book and Bake Sale

Sunday, October 6th is the book and bake sale.  The sale will take place in the gym from 9am-3pm.  Come to the gym after Mass and grab a book and something sweet!

Bulldog Hustle

Thank you to all that supported our walkathon, the Bulldog Hustle. What a fun and successful event!  Your support and generosity is humbling. Thank you. The donation page will be open until October 13. Donate Here

Baby Bulldogs

Registration is Now Open!

Baby Bulldogs is a weekly meeting for infants, toddlers and their caregivers.  There will be free play followed by music and movement.

Where: Saint Andrew Gymnasium

When: Thursdays from 9:00 am - 9:45 am

Dates: October 10th through December 19th (no class on November 28th)

Cost: $75.00 for one child, $125.00 for two or more children

Register here​​​​​​​

If you have any questions, please contact Anne Japsen at annejapsen@gosaintandrew.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

Come Join Us!

We have limited seats for the 24-25 school year! Do you have a friend or neighbor that is considering applying to the best school in Chicago? Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 24-25 can be found here: New Student Application