Rector’s Reflections

November 8, 2026

Dear People of God,

What is truly important in life? Where do I put my energy and efforts? How do you define success? Charles Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, wrote the following “philosophy” about life. It is a marvelous “quiz” regarding what we may value and what we ought to value and cherish.

Life can easily lose balance, but if I choose to focus on the Lord Jesus, the scales of life will be better balanced and placed in proper perspective. You don’t actually have to take this quiz. Enjoy reading – and you’ll get the awesome point!

• Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
• Name the last five Heisman Trophy winners.
• Name the last five Miss America contest winners.
• Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
• Name the last half-dozen Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Best Actress.
• Name the last five World Series winners (Hint from Fr. Greg – do not say the Chicago White Sox or the Chicago Cubs).

 How did you do? The point is none of us remember yesterday’s headliners. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. We forget achievements. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

 Here’s another quiz – see how you do.

• List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
• Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
• Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
• Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated.
• Think of five people with whom you enjoy spending time.
• Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

The Lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.

They are the ones who care.

Give this to those people who have made a difference in your life.

Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already yesterday in Australia!

As the November winds begin to howl and daylight grows shorter, don’t lose the gift of humor…Keep life in balance.

On the lighter side…

One Sunday morning a mother was getting ready for church when she noticed her son wasn’t up yet. She finally went in to wake him up. “Come on, get up. You’ll be late for Mass!” she said.

“I don’t want to go!” said her son as he buried his head under the pillow.

“You have to go,” the mother coaxed.

“No, I’m not going,” he insisted. “And I’ll give you two reasons. Nobody there likes me, and I don’t like them.”

Indignantly, his mother replied. “You are going to church, and I’ll give you two reasons: You’re 45 years old, and you’re the pastor!”

On the journey with you,

Fr. Greg