Message from Fr. James - August 10, 2025

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Num 6:24-26)

Pope Leo XIV wished us all the peace of Christ when he first appeared as the new Vicar of Christ. For many of us, we find a little bit of peace during summer vacations. Whether it is a big trip to Alaska with my family (where I am now!), or just a small taste, smell, and sight of summer (like a Chik-fil-A peach milkshake, fresh cut grass, or lightning bugs at dusk), we find a little peace in summer vacation. “Peace” is one of God’s greatest blessings and gifts.

God’s peace is like the song by Zac Brown: “I’ve got everything I need, and nothing that I don’t”. It means that life is lived as it is meant to be lived. Normally, we have to submit ourselves, at least somewhat, to the systems of the world. But during moments of vacation, we do not have to rush to work for someone else, rather we are free to fill our life with the things that really matter, and we come closest to God’s peaceful ideal of life. We are able to live our life, just for a few moments or for a few days, based on the things that matter most. A peaceful summer vacation is filled with the most valuable things in life: worship, family, tradition, creativity, memories, rest, relationships, and love.

Vacation does not mean to avoid and eliminate all responsibility and growth. It does not mean to do nothing. Doing nothing does not sustain peace for very long. Vacation is peaceful when it is full of what matters. The part of the song that says, “I’ve got everything I need”, is just as important as the part that says, “And nothing that I don’t”. God’s peace means that life is full with everything that matters.

The peace that God offers in summer vacation, he also offers every Sunday. Twice God commanded us to enter into his rest on Sundays, “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day” (Exodus 20:11), and, “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm” (Deuteronomy 5:15).

God gives his own eternal rest to us on Sundays. He gives peace that the world does not give. Every Sunday, and every summer, may you enjoy the peace that comes from the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. James Fangmeyer