Today’s Gospel parable is a conversion story. A man said to his first son: ‘Son out and work in the vineyard today. He said in reply, ‘I will not go,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went. Saying yes to God means giving up one’s own thoughts and accepting His. Conversion happens in our lives when we open ourselves to God’s plan for our lives. Where do we find ourselves in this Gospel parable?
After retirement Jo spent many happy years promoting Rochester as an information specialist for Visit Rochester and a volunteer at the George Eastman House. Family and faith were her greatest joys and highest priorities. She will always be remembered for being sassy and full of life.
Today’s Gospel parable gives us a glimpse of God’s measuring yardstick of what it means to be a disciple – it is a yardstick of generosity and forgiveness. Jesus asks us the grumbling workers: “Are you envious because I am generous? Thus, the last will be first, and the first last.” Now it is true that this parable of the “workers in the vineyard” can seem to be hard to understand. The parable deals with landowners and workers, wages and profits, and fair and unfair labor practices. But to understand the parable, we need to delve into what the kingdom of God is like.
John was a devout Catholic. He let his religion guide him and give him comfort and strength in difficult times. John grew up in the Great Depression and served his country in the Army through the end of World War II. A few years ago he took the Honor Flight to visit the WWII memorial in Washington DC.
Loving husband, father and grandfather. Tom was born and raised in Rochester, graduating from McQuaid Jesuit High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from St. John Fisher College and his law degree from Albany Law School. He practiced law for more than 45 years, and was extremely engaged in the local legal, political and Catholic communities. He brought grace, decency, and integrity to all facets of life. Tom attended all Catholic schools growing up. A weekly church-goer at St. Joseph's, the McQuaid alumnus felt great pride in his Jesuit education. He also had a great interest in theater.
Dave was a parishioner at St. Joseph's for 36 years. He volunteered on the Building & Grounds Committee, R&R Retreat Team member and was the Co-Chair of the St. Joseph's School Playground Committee. He also volunteered for Penfield Girls Softball, Penfield Little League, St. Joseph’s School, Our Lady of Mercy, and McQuaid. He gave his time so generously, always helping anywhere and to anyone who needed help. His faith was very important to him. Dave married his (Bishop Kearney) high school sweetheart, Sandy. He was a friend to many…and a huge Yankees fan!
Celine was a devoted mother. She was a parishioner at St. Joseph’s for approximately 10 years. She was a devout Catholic, attending mass every Sunday. Celine lived her life as a true Christian, always treating people with kindness, and would always help anyone that needed it. She will be missed.
Bishop Matano writes: “The recent news of the tragic death of Mr. Daniel Prude and the visible pain of his family cause a deep sorrow in the hearts of all. We ask ourselves how we can work together in solidarity for a more just society where tensions are able to be reduced, where conflicts can be settled, where peace prevails, and where life is sacred and reverenced? “ In affirming the sacredness of community - in our family life, in our Church life, in the streets of our cities, and in all ways we come together with others -- we have to learn to forgive, we have to learn to care, we have to learn that strangers are no longer strangers, that we are brothers and sisters to each other. What would it be like for us as Americans if Democrats and Republicans committed themselves to affirm the sacredness of our community life and sought to build up each other? What would it be like if on the streets of our cities, instead of racial violence, we affirmed the dignity and the sacredness of each other; what would it like in our Church life, if we all prayed together the prayer of Jesus, that they may be one in unity and love?