HAPPY BIRTHDAY FR. PRATAP!!
Thursday, July 2nd

Weekly Words From The Rock:

Question: A nurse I know with experience in the ER and ICU had planned to read the complete Bible when she retired, starting with the Old Testament, but she gave up because of the violence. Why is the Old Testament so violent?

Answer: It is true that the early books of the Bible and most of the Old Testament depict acts of great violence. The crucifixion of our Lord is also an act of great cruelty and violence in the New Testament. The first thing to remember about all such matters is how the fact that the Bible records them does not necessarily mean the Bible approves of them. That said, there are difficult and dark passages that record God commanding certain cities and places to be utterly destroyed and that no one is to be left alive, no man, woman, child, or animal. There is great debate at how to interpret these passages. Some say they are simply the Israelites projecting their own genocidal wishes on God. Others see them as merely an admonition to make no compromises with the world or the nations around them. Still others, as I do, see them as straight-forward commands to completely remove a people or city, leaving nothing that might influence the people of God to idolatry or imitation of the nations they were supplanting.

Two things should be observed. First, God, who gives life, also has the right to set limits and end life when He sees fit. If I own property and decide to remove roses and plant begonias, that is within my rights to do...Even more so with God with individuals or nations.

In a broader sense, we need to recall that, in the ancient world, things were tough all over. Life was brutal and short. There were no agreed-upon borders, there was no body of law to adjudicate differences, there was no judicial system of trial persecution, there was no police force. Tribes moved about and conflicted over food, land, and resources. Mankind emerged from the garden in a fallen and brutal state. That is what God was dealing with.

However, God, by stages, brought us from this brutal chaos to better order and peace. He chooses a people, Israel, gives them the Law, instructs them, and prepares them for the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. He limits retaliation, establishes the structures of family, the corporal works of mercy, the importance of hospitality, the rights of foreigners and the proper punishments due to sin. He commands that we love our neighbor and so forth. Hence, God draws them away from violence and chaos toward love, respect, and order. It is somewhat like a parent who has a small child who is subject to tantrums, selfishness, and only understands punishments. But as the child grows older, the parent can reason with him and call him to respect, justice, and love. When Jesus arrives, he builds on the progress and calls us even higher: to love our enemies, not retaliate, and to be willing to suffer for the truth without hatred.

Hence, your friend might consider that the Scriptures depict a journey of God’s people out of brutality and chaos toward a growing sense of justice, respect, and love. The early days were brutal, and God dealt with them in ways they could understand. But he brought them higher and to a better understanding of godliness and being more fully human.

(Written by Msgr. Charles People, Our Sunday Visitor, January 24-30, 2021, page 19).

Do you have any electric motors that are lying around, and you would like to be rid of? Even with the passing of my father, I would be happy to take any electric motors. You can leave them by the rectory garage in Slayton, or I can pick them up at any of the parishes. Thanks!

Peace be to you!

Father Peter Schuster

Vocation View: Dismiss all anxiety from your minds. Let us present our needs to God in the form of prayer and petitions full of gratitude. Let us pray for an increase in vocations to priesthood and religious life.

Philippians 4:6-9

There will be Confession available 1/2 hour before mass on Sundays.

Faith Formation Registration: Please return registrations to Judy Stenzel or the office ASAP.

A Box of Joy may be the only Christmas gift a child in need receives. Please help your CCW with this project by picking up a Box of Joy from the church; fill it and return it to the rectory by October 20th. A list of gift item suggestions & instructions can be found next to the boxes in church entrance. They have requested that a rosary be included in each box. The postage will be paid by CCW.

Catholic Charities Baby Bottle Campaign will begin on October 4th, Respect Life Sunday, and go through the 31st. Your support gives local new and expectant mothers the help they need like rent, utilities and baby supplies, so they can choose life with hope and dignity. Please grab a bottle when available and please be generous. Thank you!

The Southwest Area Diocesan CCW is looking for a Commission Chair. A commission chair reads a report from the Diocesan newsletter at each area meeting. They are, also, looking for the position of Vice President. They would like to return to a 2 year term. If interested contact the office or Barb Hussong.

The Southwest Area Diocesan CCW Meeting will be held at Sacred in Heron Lake on Tuesday, October 20th at 7 PM in the church basement. All are invited to attend.

Recent Changes Have taken place with the Catholic Foundation (CMA). Checks should be made payable to : Diocese of Winona-Rochester. It is very helpful if donors include CMA– Heron Lake in the memo line. The CMA appeal, as always, remains a tremendous benefit for our parishes when goals are met and overage funds are returned.

Don’t Miss The Joy The Lord Wants You To Have! The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available in the tri-parish, during adoration, on the 1st Sunday in Windom from 11-12 AM, also in Brewster on the 2nd Saturday from 4:00-4:45 PM and in Heron Lake before Mass on Sundays at 7:30 AM. Reconciliation is also before Mass on Saturdays at 4:30 PM in Brewster.

Remick Ridge Estates is looking for an individual or couple who would like to lead a weekly Bible Study for our residents. We are open to dates/times. Please call Brenda at 507-831-0745.

Mikkelsen Manor invites all seniors to join us Fridays at 2:00 pm for Bingo fun with our residents! Call Brenda with any quesions 507-831-0745.

Fall in love all over again by attending the October 17-18 Marriage Encounter. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Weekends are held at Mt Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington. Register at: www.marriages.org. A “perfect marriage” is simply two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other!