The first reading this weekend is a stark reminder about the destructiveness of anger. Well, not anger in and of itself - we're human, and we get angry. Sometimes we need to get angry because it helps us stand up against injustices. But Sirach reminds us that while anger is part of our human-ness, holding onto it is self-destructive.

"Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight."

Our Catholic social justice teaching tells us that we have the duty to stand up to injustice. Pope Francis observed: “the duty of social justice…requires the realignment of relationships between stronger and weaker peoples in terms of greater fairness”. We're always on a path that points toward greater fairness in our world, where the strong don't bully the weak, where the poor live with dignity, and where everyone meets their basic needs of food, shelter, and work. We can, and should, be angry and frustrated that our social systems don't achieve these goals.

But as Sirach points out, holding on to that anger, nourishing it, cherishing it, is wrong. It is clearly against what the Lord wants for us. And Sirach goes so far as to say that if we're not willing to move beyond our anger, if we're not able to proceed down the path of reconciliation, the Lord will rember and hold us to account.

Rather than being self-destructive, we're asked to re-evaluate how we see the world around us. We're asked to abandon the false narrative, the manufactured anger, the demonization of others, and instead build a world of mercy. Where each of us, regardless of wealth or ethnicity, is able to live in the fullness of human dignity. Where instead of clinging to our anger, and using it as a way to separate ourselves, we instead look at ways of reconciliation, at areas of common ground, and always act in the direction that promotes the common good.

"If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his sins?"

God bless,
-Deacon Mark

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My name is Andrew Bilgri. I am a seminarian from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. I grew up in Quincy, IL. I enjoyed  academics, sports and the fine arts. I majored in music education at Illinois State  University. During college, I enlisted as an Army Musician in the Army Reserves. Life was  good, but as I discerned God’s will for my life, I recognized the Lord was calling me to  priesthood.  

AIer college, I started seminary with the Diocese of Peoria, IL, which laid a great foundation for my priestly formaCon. However, aIer three years, I needed to take a  break. I returned home and worked as a teacher in the community. I continued serving  in the Army Band too. As a layman, I grew closer to God. But the Lord made it  abundantly clear to return to seminary. However, this time I am with my true home  diocese while also beginning the path to become an Army Chaplain! 

My vocational journey has been like a game of football. The First Half was mixed with  triumphs and imperfection. At Halftime, I took a knee and received inspiration from the  Coach. Well…Halftme is over. The Second Half is here and my return to seminary will,  by God’s grace, lead to victory - God’s will fulfilled and hopefully my priestly ordination in 2029! It is an honor to be assigned to St. Andrew’s Church. Please keep me in your  prayers!

Born in Saint Louis I have been raised my whole life in southern Illinois. My home parish is Saints Peter and Paul in Collinsville. For work I spent many summers selling corn and produce at a small produce stand, and during college, and before entering seminary, I built control panels for FAST echnology group. My fascination with computers and video games inspired me to get a BS in Computer Science with a math minor from SIUE (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville). It was during college that I really deepened my faith and I would receive my first communion and confirmation in 2021. Along with my degree from SIUE. I am currently studying at Mundelein Seminary and I also just recently received my Masters in Philosophy from Saint Meinrad seminary which is in Saint Meinrad, IN.

Growing up I enjoyed playing baseball and bowling, in bowling I got 2nd in State and mybest score is a 279. During my free time I enjoy reading, watching a new movie, or just spending time with others. I also have a deep devotion to Blessed Karl of Austria and love anything history related. I’m really looking forward to being at St. Andrew’s during my years at Mundelein, and I am excited to meet many new people and seeing what God has in store for me.

In Christ, Sean Sullivan.