President Calvin Coolidge (Coolidz) was known to be a man of a few words, to say the least. Once at a government dinner a wealthy lady patron addressed him with a great smile and charm, “Mr. President, we all know that you never waste a word. Yet, I have a wager and it is for a great sum. Several of my lady friends and I might add your faithful patrons, have bet that I cannot get you to say 3 words. If you say 3 words to me I win.” Pres. Coolidge smiled and replied, “You lose!”
Words have power particularly words that asked questions that lead to answers. In the case of Coolidge, it is funny. In the case of our Scripture readings today, we hear words that speak about rejoicing, peace, and finding the burden of life easier. These are difficult words for us to hear during our health crisis and in the middle of the many complex social issues that challenge our country now.
Today it seems that we think of words like fear, frustration, and stress more often. So, what are the words in prayer and in our lives that can offer us what Jesus promises when he says in today’s Gospel,
“Come to me all you who labor and are heavily burdened and I will give you rest.”
The words we speak in prayer can help us to realize the promise that Jesus offers. The words in prayer that help us our question words. In journalism or in storytelling one needs to answer 6 questions: Who, What, Where, When, How, and Why.
Asking these questions is the foundation of prayer and our spiritual lives. Questions always start a new chapter of history. As I join you as a member of our parish community, I will answer these questions about myself and then we can look at the answer to these questions for who we are as a parish.
Who am I? I am Fr Matt Jasniewicz.
What is my role at Immaculate Heart Of Mary? I am your new pastor, spiritual companion, minister and I am at your service.
Where did I come from? I was born in Poland and have my mother and sister who still live there. My vocation was born in Poland but has flourished in the States.
When did I arrive? I came to the States 11 years ago and graduated from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD.
Where did I serve in the Diocese of Paterson before? I was a Parochial Vicar in St. Cecelia & Sacred Heart in Rockaway and at Saint Philip the Apostle in Clifton. I have always been a supporter of Catholic education and have had a school in all of my parishes where I dedicated my time and talent. I am currently enrolled in a Graduate Program at Seton Hall University seeking a degree in Education Leadership.
How have I engaged in my ministry? As my former pastor said, “Matt – you really like to work!” I do. I have energy enthusiasm and look forward to working with all of you!
Why is my work and ministry so important to me? I believe that I have a mission to be a faithful steward because I am grateful for all that God has done, is doing and will do in my life and in yours. Our new Bishop ordained only a few days ago Bishop Kevin Sweeney has inscribed in his coat of arms – God is Love –. This motto fits my worldview. I want everyone to know God’s love, to live God’s love, and to share the profound truth of God’s love by being love in action so that all people may flourish.
So – if we ask these journalism questions about our journey at IHM parish and about each one of us as spiritual people we begin to realize our purpose and mission. Knowing our Mission helps us to experience less weariness and burden in our lives. Answering the following questions in prayer gives us a vision of hope that lets our hearts rest while we strive to do Christ’s work.
Who are we? We are God’s children and brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, we asked the question who needs our help? Who needs our encouragement or time? The question… Who gives us renewed energy to act with love.
What are we to do? Prayer is always the best and first answer for what to do. Prayer is being honest with God about our thoughts and feelings. Admitting our weariness and at times the burdens of life is freeing. God is interested in the question what is going on within us. Our hearts can rest in God whatever… is going on.
When are we to be love in action? It is simple in every word and in every deed… we can be helpful hands to Christ through service.
Where can we make a difference? We make a difference everywhere when we invite the Lord to be a part of all we do. For example, even something as simple as wearing a face mask makes a significant difference supporting the value of our lives and for the value of other lives which is the priority in our Catholic life.
How can we be instruments of God’s joy in peace? This is a question we must each ask of God personally in prayer and listen carefully for God’s direction.
Asking the question why is tricky. We may answer that we do our work so that God’s love may be known to all. However, asking the question why about suffering, sickness and death leads us nowhere. These questions can only be answered by God in the next world. Jesus gave us an example of answering all the questions we have addressed but fell short of asking his Heavenly Father why. Leaving the answer to the question why unknown, is an act of faith, hope and love.
As the Parish of Immaculate Heart of Mary:
Who we are is a community of faith and I am delighted to be a part of you now.
What we are about as a community is to learn together how to love through the Scriptures, Sacraments and by doing Christ’s work together.
Where we are called to live and work together is in this beautiful part of Wayne and I look forward to meeting you one day in person and all those who travel here and join us online wherever you are.
When we are Christ’s family and when we pray in a United as brothers and sisters Christ is present among us wherever we are.
How we journey, worship and serve together is our ministry and mission.
And finally, why do we ask all these questions and answer them because God is love, yesterday, today and forever.
Pres. Coolidge was asked a question and answered,
“You lose.”
When we ask God in prayer the questions, Who, What, When, How or Why we begin to lay down our weariness and burdens finding rest through renewed purpose.
We get one answer that is 3 words:
God is Love
and that means for all of Us….
You Win!