Garden now cleaned up and ready for next year. Big job next spring will be reopening of the North extension as it was not used this year. Cutting high growing weeds and tilling required. Weather just not cooperating this time. Hopefully the weeds will be cut before then and maybe even tilled. That is a “hope”.
As we prepare for next year we need to update our volunteer list. Please consider adding your name and you will receive news, updates and requests for help. Also, please let us know folks in need. Call 618-475-2402 or email: gr617@aol.com. Work times: Monday and Wednesday between 9:30-12:00, (weather permitting). We will consider Saturday sessions if there is sufficient help. We can teach gardening and preserving skills if there is interest.  See the Stewardship Gardens Face book page for links to learn more about them.
 
Last time we asked the question: Where is your heart? In recent Gospel messages there are three examples: In the Gospel of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the Pharisee focused on himself and how good he was and not like a sinner. At the same time the tax collector begged for God's forgiveness. Last week we heard about Zacchaeus, another tax collector so driven to see Jesus that he climbed a tree. Jesus then asked to stay at his house. He was received “with joy”, repented and made restitution for any ill gotten gains. Where was Zacchaeus' heart? Now, where is your heart? Do we thank God for not being like others we consider beneath us? See the difference? In a word, humility. Acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking forgiveness. Both tax collectors acted in that way and were forgiven. The pharisee was not.  To become closer to God, we must, as Jesus noted: humbly repent and seek forgiveness. We don't need to tell God how good we are. He knows. Another thought about our heart. When praying do we carefully think about what we are saying or just say words to get us through the prayer quickly. Are we impatient when praying in community? Jesus tells us that is praying like the heathen. Think upon this. Where is your heart when praying for forgiveness, praying in community, and asking for God's blessing on others. Be the best steward, shepherd you can be; and as Father Mark tells us: Put God first; be Catholic. Reflect the light of our Lord to all those you encounter. We pray that God bless you and prosper all you do in His name.