Community Matters

In narrating the Gospel, the evangelist Mark highlights how the presence and actions of Jesus constitute a growing source of joy for some and a reason of rejection for others.

We notice this tension growing as Jesus visits His hometown of Nazareth (Mk 6:1-6). The people there are closed to the idea of His being anyone special. So Jesus, in the face of their close-mindedness, opens Himself to others. He re-orients Himself toward the other people of Galilee, and even sends His disciples on mission to them, teaching them that true community relationships exist when no one is excluded (Mk 6:7-13).

These priorities of the Lord have to be our priorities too. We must not reject or overlook anyone, whether newcomer or not. The Catholic Church includes those who are its lifelong members but constantly reaches out to evangelize newcomers to the Christian Faith. We speak out on behalf of the marginalized - the poor, immigrants, and those not yet born, for example - on purpose.

Your presence and prayers are welcome too, of course. The priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge invite you to be one with Bishop Robert Muench and all of us in building the kind of community that Christ Jesus desires of us.