Fr Don’s Blog: Gathering As Friends
| One of my faith communities, Saint James at 39th Street and Troost Avenue, hosted its annual parish picnic last weekend, marking its 120th anniversary. Bishop Johnston presided over a Mass there to observe the occasion. Since 1906, much has changed in that region which, in the 19th Century, was immediately south of the Porter Family Plantation, the home of Dr. Benoist Troost, and “Millionaires Row.” Today many think of it as slums. But through the city’s expansion, industrialization, real estate redlining, and exodus from the urban core, it has remained an important area in our Catholic mission and ministry. |
| Of my other parishes, Saint Francis Xavier (52nd and Troost) will have its annual picnic on Saturday, September 26 after 4PM Mass, and Saint Therese Little Flower (STLF) will host theirs on Sunday, September 27, in Swope Park following 10AM Mass. I invite you, if interested, to join the festivities and rejoice in the church’s presence and service in the heart of KC. These gatherings provide a homecoming opportunity for all who have roots in the urban core, those whose parents were married in one of the churches, those who were baptized or went to school there, and those who want to see the city succeed from the inside out. For more information about any of the parishes or gatherings, contact me at frdon@stjkc.org. |
| This leads me to another fun fall festivity on Thursday, October 1, hosted by the Farnan Spirituality Center, 5-8PM, at the Blue Hills Country Club (BHCC). As many of you know, the Blue Hills Neighborhood is in the urban core where the country club originally existed for fifty years near STLF before BHCC moved south. I am glad that Blue Hills of the past and present remain connected as friends. The theme of this year’s gathering is “Waiting on a Friend.” The Licks, a local Roling Stones tribute band featuring John Ammatelli, will be there to provide music, including our theme song. We are blessed to have friends in Kansas City who link the urban core to the suburban communities, knowing that we also have a friend in Jesus. |
| And what a friend we have in Jesus! He once said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Though Our Lord put no conditions on His love, Christ puts a condition on His friendship—the condition is that we follow His command to love. Philia (Greek for brotherly love), the kind of love that inspires us to reach out to people in need, is operative in our gatherings as God’s people, operative in my vocation, and operative in the mission of outreach that you and I share. If you are interested in joining us on October 1 to celebrate our collective faith-in-action, visit the link to register for the event, donate, bid on auction items, or simply learn more about how you can participate in activities, like the Angel Fund, year ‘round. |
| Jesus’ concept of friendship is profound and self-sacrificing. He modeled it for us with His disciples through genuine interest, honesty, openness, intimacy, and compassion, even to the point of laying down His life. His commitment to Agape (Greek for sacrificial love) is what guided Him and what He laid out for us to imitate. You and I give our lives for friends when we stand in solidarity with them, when we suffer alongside them, when we lift them up or open up for them new opportunities. I think the Catholic Church got it right by emphasizing human dignity, seeking the common good, and lending a hand to those who struggle. They are our friends who are waiting on us just as Jesus waits for us. |
