Not so long ago, a passenger on a Greyhound bus shouted that there was “a bum in the bathroom.”  This passenger possibly set a new record for misunderstandings.  Other passengers relayed the message to the front where the driver heard there was a “bomb in the bathroom..”  The bus was evacuated.  Interstate 95 Southbound was closed and traffic backed up for 15 miles.  Police and bomb dogs searched the bus before the incident was cleared up

Communication sometimes gets garbled - it happens between friends and within families, as well as between the many different peoples and countries of the world.  The scripture readings this month provide contrasting sets of virtues and vices that foster and destroy relationships.  Communication, as we see in today’s readings, is critical - honest, loving communication is so important.  Willingness to communicate and forgive builds up a common life of faith.  Jealousy and envy as we will see in the weeks ahead, rip people and communities apart.

Community life, whether in a family, a religious community, a parish or the Church itself is the great testing ground of faith.  St. Teresa of Avila thought that relationships in a community were often a greater indication of one’s relationship to God than the heights of mystical prayer.  The way we relate to one another gives us a clear picture on how we relate to God.  Isn’t it often true that it takes greater charity and humility to get along with a coworker or a family member than with a stranger?  St. Paul in our second reading reminds us that love, tested in immediate relationships with our neighbor, is the fulfillment of all laws.  Even dramatic sins of adultery, murder and stealing are variations of the more common sins of deception, manipulation and egotism.  In each case it is a lack of love, a harming of neighbor, that occurs.  This is why our one duty is to love one another.  St. Paul said, “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

As a community of faith, as a church,  the call to love is our foundation.  We live that call out in how we treat one another day in and day out.  Our love is seen in how we care for the many needs of our society and our church.  In the mail you have received or soon will receive the materials for this year’s Bishop’s Fund Appeal.  This is the 50th anniversary of this remarkable appeal that has done so much for so many.  The theme of the 2008 Bishop’s Fund Appeal is “From Generation to Generation - continuing the journey.”  Last year’s appeal was tremendously successful with more than $1.2 million pledged by our incredibly generous parishioners from all around the diocese.  As a result, thousands of people are better able to cope with the challenges of life.  By giving to the Bishop’s Fund Appeal you help make the ministries of our Church come alive.  Ministries such as the Good Samaritan Fund that assists the needy, Catholic Schools, Christian formation and religious education, the education of permanent deacons and seminarians, the youth programs at Guggenheim, lay ministry formation and campus Newman centers are just a few examples of the agencies of the Bishop’s Fund.  You have enabled many great things to happen by your loving generosity.

The letter that Bishop Cunningham mailed to everyone asks that you join in this very tangible expression of love.  For one reason or another you may not have given in the past but I invite you to reconsider.  This is a most important appeal.  No gift is too small.  You may bring your Bishop’s Fund gift and drop it in the collection basket or you may wish to mail it directly to Bishop Cunningham in the envelope provided.

Last year 540 gifts from our parish generated over $53,000 - that is a great expression of faith and love.  Our diocesan family needs the help of everyone if we are to continue to flourish - to educate our young and our future priests and deacons, if we are to continue caring for the needy and reaching out to senior citizens.  Please pray about your decision and consider making a pledge or gift this year.  From generation to generation - continuing the journey - these words, the theme of this year’s appeal, say it all.  Generations before us have shared their faith and love that we might have a strong Church and a meaningful life.  Now it is our turn, our generation is called to continue the journey - may we be clear in our message - may no one misunderstand what we are saying - please respond with love.  Thank you for your great generosity.