Monday Message, March 30, 2026
KNOW
Thank you to all those who helped make Saturday’s diocesan youth day a great success.
Congratulations to Bill Staley, Colin Petramale, and Jennifer Cade who have all been admitted to St. Mary of the Lake D.Min. program. The university has also awarded them each a 33% reduction in tuition as a benefit to those who work in ministry in the Diocese of Bridgeport. By the way, they also offer a Master’s degree that can be completed entirely online.
Do not forget to work on your grant applications. Email Carol if you have questions.
Many of you said you like the socks we made for Bishop Frank Teaches the Faith. If you want to order socks for your Confirmation students, let us know. We will have information for you at the April meeting when dates are chosen.
From Loren: Do you know of any parishes who will be having a First Communion retreat before June? Email Loren if you have an answer.
As part of the First Witnesses Project, the Institute for Catholic Formation offers a $500 grant each year to help parishes start or expand a summer Vacation Bible Camp (VBC). To be eligible, a parish must not have hosted a VBC in the previous year. Parishes that did host a VBC last year may still apply if they partner with another parish that did not host a VBC in the previous year. Grant funds may be used for program supplies such as crafts, t-shirts, and printed materials. The grant may not be used for food or stipends. Use this link to apply before May 15, 2026.
REFLECT
In the face of violence, the human tendency is to strike back. If we are put down by stronger opponents, we retaliate; if we are innocent victims of prejudice, we lash out. Today’s readings discourage revenge and urge that, even in the face of pain and frustration, we arm ourselves with compassion.
The passage from Isaiah describes the prophet as a servant obedient to God’s Word, but not all obeyed the call of Isaiah. This refusal led to frequent humiliations (beating, plucking of the beard, buffets, spitting). Yet the servant did not react with violence. Rather, he continued to hope that God would support him in his trial and utterly vindicate him.
Jesus’ attitude toward violence is clear in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus calls blest those who are insulted and persecuted because of him (Matthew 5:11). At the time of his arrest, Jesus practices what he preached on the mountain. Jesus rejects the use of violence to save himself. He could have called down legions of angels, but he did not. Matthew explains Jesus’ strategy for combating violence: the force of truth.
In the scene of the mockery by the soldiers, Matthew highlights the escalating violence. Rather than strike back, Jesus teaches that the purpose of power is to serve others. “Just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).
The uses of violence are many in our modern society. Some are subtle, such as refusing to speak when we have been hurt by friends or family. In the world, we witness the escalation of violence. We take it for granted that only violence can overcome violence. Bigger and better arms and better planned strategy appear to be the only reasonable response.
Jesus urges us to review our ways of violence. Jesus’ way is one of patience, endurance, and even death if necessary. Jesus’ message is to arm yourself with compassion, not violence.
