“Simplicity of Heart in Following God’s Call”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This week, the Church offers us a beautiful convergence of themes: our Sunday readings from the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, the recent celebration of the Queenship of Mary on August 22 (my 5th anniversary of priesthood), and the practical preparations many of our families are making for the start of a new school year. When we hold these realities together, a common thread emerges—simplicity of heart in following God’s call.
In our Gospel (Luke 13:22–30), Jesus reminds His disciples that we must “strive to enter through the narrow gate.” The path of discipleship is not always wide or easy, but it is direct and true. The “narrow gate” is not about complicated rituals or unreachable perfection; it is about living with single-hearted love and commitment to God. This is a timely message as we stand at the threshold of a school year, where children, parents, and teachers alike will face the temptation to become overwhelmed by busy schedules, heavy expectations, and the noise of the world. Jesus calls us back to simplicity—to enter by the gate that leads to life, even if it requires discipline and focus.
The Letter to the Hebrews echoes this when it teaches that God’s loving discipline shapes us into holiness. Much like the discipline of studying, practicing, or preparing for exams, the Lord’s correction is not meant to burden us, but to form us into people of character and faith. This is a comforting message for families: the daily routines, small struggles, and patient corrections of school life can all be part of God’s way of leading us to growth and maturity.
How fitting, then, that this week we also honored Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Mary’s queenship is not defined by worldly power, riches, or complexity. Rather, her crown is one of humility and faith. She lived simply, listened attentively to God’s Word, and said her “yes” with a pure and trusting heart. That is why she reigns in glory—not because she sought status, but because she embraced simplicity and service. For students beginning their school year, Mary is a model: true greatness comes not from outward recognition, but from fidelity to God in the little things.
As a parish family, I encourage us all to approach this new season with simplicity. Instead of measuring success by grades, achievements, or appearances, let us measure it by kindness, honesty, and love of God. Instead of letting the hectic pace of life control us, let us carve out time for prayer, family meals, and the small practices of faith that anchor us in God’s presence.
Just as Psalm 117 invites all nations to “praise the Lord,” may our classrooms, homes, and parish be filled with that same spirit of joyful simplicity—praising God not in grand gestures, but in the steady rhythm of daily faithfulness.
May Mary, our Queen and Mother, watch over our students, parents, and teachers as they begin this year. May her humble example guide us through the narrow gate of Christ’s love, and may our parish always be a place where simplicity leads to holiness.
In peace,
Fr. Tom Lanza
Pastor, St. Matthias Parish & School