Have you had the experience in your life when a song speaks clearly to you of God’s voice? The words of the lyrics were exactly what you needed to hear. The song seemingly coming out of nowhere and just at the moment you needed it.

I love discovering new music and songs; it’s one of the reasons I enjoy Pandora because new songs are always popping up through the stations. I also discovered a ton of new songs by watching the Voice. I’m always blown away by the covers that are performed by these new rising artists. Sometimes the covers are more powerful than the original.

I’ve become more convinced, especially as a priest, that when a truly gifted artist writes a song from the heart that God will work through the gift that He bestowed upon that person to communicate to us His Presence and draw us back to Him in wonder and hope.

Take for example the song Leave a Light On, by Tom Walker. No offense to Tom Walker, but I first heard his song through watching the Voice when Adam Ludewig performed it. The lyrics are striking and utilize Biblical imagery which engenders hope (Mt 5:14). The hope within this song is that you are in the midst of a trial and tribulation, and yet before you is a place prepared for you. A place of light, which goes beyond the natural light but rather penetrates and enlivens the soul. A light that reveals a new horizon. A place that offers grace, which is the divine power of God that aids us in transcending our limited strength and effort to begin anew. Hear the voice of the Triune God:

If you look into the distance, there's a house upon the hill
Guiding like a lighthouse
It's a place where you'll be safe to feel our grace
'Cause we've all made mistakes
If you've lost your way

I will leave the light on

The place is the Catholic Church. It is the place prepared by Christ for all who seek the Light. It is in the Catholic Church that we receive the grace of Christ through His Sacraments. His grace strengthens us with His strength, forgives and heals our wounded soul. It is by the power of His grace that innocence can be restored and see in the reflection of His eyes the greater horizon of life into eternity and our own beloved identity in God.

Wow. Just wow. What do we read in the Gospel today? High praises from Jesus for a worker who undermines his employer's interests, who is dishonest and deceitful, and who demonstrates the opposite of what you'd expect: honesty and integrity in our dealings with others.

Talk about an unexpected lesson! Instead of the boss being mad at the employee who cheated him, we read, "And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently."

Sounds like dishonesty is the way to success, but of course we know that isn't what Jesus means. Instead, it is important to note what Jesus praises: prudence and shrewdness, not dishonesty. As is clear from the passage, Jesus is not a fan of dishonesty: "The person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones" and He clearly warns about people who put money before God. 

No, the praise isn't for dishonesty, but for expediency. After all, the steward, once he realized his predicament, moved quickly to make sure that his place was secure. And I think Jesus is expressing His frustration that we, as good people who believe in good things, don't place the same urgency on our actions. 

Sure, it is an absolute travesty that there are hungry people in the world. We believe that everyone is entitled to their share of the bounty of the earth. But doing something about it? That can wait until tomorrow. We'll put that on the agenda and meet about it at some undetermined point in the future. 

But the unjust steward? He realized his position, he understood the urgency of the situation, and he acted. 

Look around! What nagging problems do you see that we'll "get to later?" Is it the migrant situation, where people who are looking for a better life are demonized and exploited? Is it the hungry, who have empty bellies when the world produces more than enough food to be filled? Is it the elderly, who long for for a phone call or visit that we'll just put off until it fits better into our schedule?

This is what the Gospel is asking of us today. It isn't that we should be dishonest - far from it! - but that we should act with urgency, with prudence, with shrewdness, to make the world we live in a place where all are welcome. Where all are satisfied. Where all are treated as children of God.

Urgently! Not tomorrow, but today!

God bless.
Deacon Mark

Parent Workshop

Join us September 25th at 8:15am in the school auditorium for a Parent workshop led by Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Erin Anderson. We will take a deep dive into understanding fine and gross motor milestones, explore the importance of early intervention, and gain tools to help your child with self-regulation. This session is free to the public for parents and caregivers with children ages 2-7. Register here

Bulldog Buddies

For parents and caregivers, please join us for another exciting session of Bulldog Buddies. Children will experience our school setting in a safe, nurturing environment with Free Play, Circle TIme, Crafts, and Story Time. Children must turn 2 by September 1, 2025. Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00am - 9:30am, September 30th through November 21st. Register here

Discover the Difference with Saint Andrew School! 

Are you seeking a nurturing and enriching educational environment for your child? Look no further than Saint Andrew School, where Catholic Education comes to life through faith, excellence, and community. Our dedicated faculty inspires students to achieve their full potential academically, spiritually, and socially. At Saint Andrew, we blend rigorous academics with character-building values, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Experience our vibrant campus, where every student is known, loved, and challenged to grow. Choose Saint Andrew School today and invest in a brighter future for your child. Enroll now and join our family! We have an upcoming tour on October 14th at 9am. Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 25-26 can be found here: New Student Application