Being members of Jesus Church, that is, his ongoing presence in the world, St. Paul tells us we are living in an interim period: Jesus has already redeemed us by his cross and resurrection, but the final subjection of all things to him has not yet arrived. Paul instructs us on how we are to act. Think about what you would do if this morning's sunrise was the last one. The sadness you feel would suddenly become very relative; same with rejoicing. The person dearest to you - say your wife - you would see in a whole new light. And your possessions, well, you would want to get them to those who could most benefit from them. As St. Paul says, "the world in its present form is passing away."

How free we would be if we really took St. Paul seriously. His words of course are not his own. He receives them from Jesus. In St. Mark's Gospel, the very first words which came from Jesus' lips are, "this is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand." We get a tremendous sense of urgency. If you are mixed up in some sin, "Repent." If you are confused, "Believe in the Gospel." Then he calls two brothers to a radical change: leave behind your nets and "I will make you fishers of men." Now, he would allow them to one day take up their nets again - because in Jesus nothing good is ever lost - but with a completely new meaning. Their boat would symbolize the Church he had come to form.

We are involved in that ongoing process of forming the Church - or rather allowing Jesus to form her thru us. For us one concrete expression is our Holy Family 2000 Project. We are being called to maintain the buildings entrusted to us and to provide for future needs. I am being intentionally brief in my homily this Sunday to allow time for a fuller explanation of this project. It will benefit so many people who look to Holy Family, especially our children. But even more it will express our desire to follow Jesus, to allow him to us in forming his Church here on earth.

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