St. Bede-St. Denis Parish Home

Message from Pastor

Dear brothers and sisters,
 
Just over a year ago, the Royal Spanish Academy approved the use of terms such as "very -good ," "post-truth," and "posturing." Their entry in the dictionary confirmed a widespread social tendency whereby appearances prevail over principles, and stories that appeal to feelings count much more than a critical analysis of the facts.
 
This way of thinking contrary with the message of today's Gospel. God compares us to a patient farmer who puts all his effort into ensuring that a barren fig tree eventually bears fruit. The story teaches us that God's patience, mercy, and closeness are not at odds with his demands and call to a serene, profound, and authentic conversion.
 
In the face of do-goodism that justifies everything, God invites us to look within ourselves with authenticity and consistency. No one knows better than we what we need to change and what we need to do so that the good news of the Gospel may be reflected in the concrete events of our lives.
 
Conversion is a process that develops in the intimacy of our hearts with simplicity and discretion and translates into tangible actions. These are the concrete and visible fruits of charity, patience, kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness that we are called to bear, and which can only sprout if we have deep roots that resist the fleeting emotions of the moment or the artificial posturing that, through so much concern for one's external image, can make us forget who we are inside.
 
Today we receive a demanding call to a serene conversion that makes us stronger, more authentic, and more profound. No one should think that this invitation does not affect them. A call to conversion is to bear fruit, knowing that God is patient with us and nurtures us like that fig tree that needed His time and attention to bring out the best in itself.
 
Happy Sunday!
 
2025 03 23

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