resisting

Caminando con el Forastero: Alegría de Adviento, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y el Llamado al Coraje

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Las lecturas de este domingo nos llevan más profundamente al corazón del Adviento, esa temporada en la que la Iglesia sostiene la tensión entre el anhelo y la esperanza, entre lo que está roto y lo que Dios está sanando. Isaías anima a un pueblo cansado: “Fortalezcan las manos débiles y afiancen las rodillas vacilantes” (Isaías 35:3). Santiago hace eco de ese llamado y exhorta a la Iglesia primitiva a “afirmar el corazón” (Santiago 5:8) mientras esperan al Señor. En el Evangelio (Mateo 11:2–11), Jesús ofrece signos del Reino que ya está irrumpiendo en el mundo. Son buenas noticias para los pobres, sanación para los heridos y libertad para quienes están aplastados por sistemas de poder.

Para nosotros en Saint Francis Parish & Outreach en Augusta, estas Escrituras no flotan en el aire como poesía espiritual. Aterrizan firmemente en medio de nuestro ministerio con inmigrantes, refugiados, las personas pobres y aquellas que han sido silenciadas o maltratadas. El Adviento dice la verdad: el mundo está herido pero Dios está obrando en esas heridas.

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: Madre de los Marginados

Esta semana también honramos a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, patrona de la Old Catholic Churches International. Su presencia nos recuerda que Dios suele revelar la verdad sagrada a través de quienes el mundo considera insignificantes. María no apareció a un noble, ni a una familia adinerada, ni a un obispo. Se apareció a Juan Diego, un hombre indígena que vivía bajo el peso de la colonización, la pobreza y el borrado cultural.

Su mensaje fue más que reconfortante. Fue disruptivo. Elevó a un pueblo cuya dignidad había sido negada y desafió a la Iglesia a escuchar las voces que con frecuencia había ignorado. Su Magnificat no es una canción de cuna dulce sino una declaración de la justicia de Dios:

  • los soberbios dispersados
  • los poderosos derribados
  • los hambrientos saciados

Por eso sigue siendo un símbolo para los inmigrantes, los desplazados y todos los que anhelan un mundo moldeado por la misericordia en lugar del miedo.

Caminando con los Inmigrantes en un Clima de Hostilidad

Aquí en Georgia, los titulares nos recuerdan diariamente que nuestros vecinos inmigrantes viven bajo una presión creciente. La retórica política se vuelve más dura, las políticas más punitivas y las comunidades que ya cargan traumas son empujadas a una incertidumbre aún más profunda. Parte del lenguaje que aparece en nuestra conversación nacional refleja los mismos impulsos autoritarios que la Iglesia ha resistido en generaciones pasadas. Se vuelven a crear chivos expiatorios, se promueve la exclusión y se presentan seres humanos como amenazas en lugar de portadores de la imagen de Dios.

Como cristianos, no podemos fingir que no lo vemos. El ministerio de Jesús deja claro que quienes son empujados a los márgenes no son preocupaciones opcionales sino centrales para el Evangelio. Cuando describe los signos del Reino a los discípulos de Juan, comienza con esto: “a los pobres se les anuncia la buena noticia.”

Caminar con los inmigrantes no es una postura política.
Es una postura evangélica.

En Saint Francis, vemos la sacralidad de este llamado cada día. Conocemos familias que huyen de la violencia y la pobreza, personas trabajadoras que soportan largas horas por salarios que apenas alcanzan y niños que se adaptan con valentía a una nueva cultura mientras cargan pesares que ningún menor debería llevar. Recibimos de ellos más de lo que damos: resistencia, alegría, fe y un testimonio vivo de esperanza.

Decir No al Abuso y a la Normalización del Daño

El abuso, ya sea personal, político o estructural, prospera allí donde el silencio se vuelve norma. El Adviento desafía ese silencio. Insiste en que Dios no acepta la crueldad como algo inevitable. Las palabras de Jesús a Juan, “Bienaventurado el que no tropieza por causa de mí,” hablan del valor necesario para seguirle cuando la compasión se vuelve contracultural.

Decir no al abuso significa rechazar la normalización del lenguaje de odio hacia los inmigrantes. También significa resistir toda retórica que divide a las comunidades, que justifica el daño o que trata a las personas vulnerables como desechables. Asimismo significa apoyar a quienes sobreviven la violencia doméstica, la explotación laboral, la violencia estatal y todas las formas de maltrato. El Adviento nos llama no solo a esperar a Cristo sino a caminar en su camino ahora.

Una Palabra Final para Nuestra Comunidad

Al celebrar a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, recordemos que ella está con los pobres, los inmigrantes, los sobrevivientes y los silenciados. Nos recuerda que Dios ve a quienes la sociedad pasa por alto y que la ternura puede ser revolucionaria.

Sus palabras a Juan Diego resuenan hoy en nuestra parroquia:
“¿No estoy yo aquí, que soy tu Madre?”

Que esa seguridad fortalezca nuestras manos, firme nuestras rodillas y profundice nuestra determinación de caminar con el forastero, enfrentar la injusticia y proclamar esperanza en un mundo que la necesita con urgencia.

Pax et Bonum,

Obispo Greer

Walking With the Stranger: Advent Joy, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Call to Courage

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This Sunday’s lectionary readings bring us deeper into the heart of Advent, that season when the Church holds tension between longing and hope, between what is broken and what God is healing. Isaiah encourages a weary people: “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees” (Isaiah 35:3). James echoes that call, urging the early Church to “establish your hearts” (James 5:8) as they wait for the Lord. And in the Gospel (Matthew 11:2–11), Jesus offers signs of the Kingdom already breaking into the world—good news for the poor, healing for the hurting, freedom for those crushed by systems of power.

For us at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach in Augusta, these Scriptures do not float in the air as spiritual poetry. They land firmly in the middle of our ministry with immigrants, refugees, the poor, and those who have been silenced or mistreated. Advent tells the truth: the world is wounded, but God is at work in those wounds.

Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Marginalized

This week we also honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Old Catholic Churches International. Her presence reminds us that God often chooses to reveal holy truth through those the world considers unimportant. Mary did not appear to a nobleman, a wealthy family, or a bishop. She appeared to Juan Diego, an Indigenous man living under the weight of colonization, poverty, and cultural erasure.

Her message was more than comforting—it was disruptive. She lifted up a people whose dignity had been denied and challenged the Church to listen to voices it had often ignored. Her Magnificat is not a sweet lullaby but a declaration of God’s justice:

– the proud scattered

– the mighty cast down

– the hungry filled

Walking With Immigrants in a Climate of Rising Hostility

Here in Georgia, the headlines remind us daily that our immigrant neighbors are living under increasing pressure. Political rhetoric grows harsher, policies become more punitive, and communities already carrying trauma are forced into deeper uncertainty. Some of the language emerging in our national conversation echoes the same authoritarian impulses the Church has resisted in past generations, scapegoating, exclusion, and the portrayal of human beings as threats rather than as bearers of God’s image.

To walk with immigrants is not about partisanship. It is about discipleship.

At Saint Francis, we see the sacredness of this calling every day. We meet families fleeing violence and poverty, workers laboring long hours for low wages, and children bravely adapting to a new culture while carrying burdens far beyond their years. We receive far more from them than we give: resilience, joy, faith, and a living witness to hope.

Standing Against Abuse and the Normalization of Harm

Abuse, whether personal, political, or structural, thrives wherever silence becomes the norm. Advent challenges that silence. It insists that God does not accept cruelty as “the way things are.” Jesus’ words to John, “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me,” speak to the courage required to follow him when compassion becomes countercultural.

Standing against abuse means refusing to normalize hateful speech about immigrants. It means resisting rhetoric that divides communities, justifies harm, or treats vulnerable people as disposable. It also means supporting survivors of domestic violence, workplace exploitation, state violence, and all forms of mistreatment. Advent calls us not only to wait for Christ, but to walk in his way now.

A Final Word for Our Community

As we celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, may we remember that she stands with the poor, the immigrant, the survivor, and the silenced. She reminds us that God sees those whom society overlooks. She reminds us that tenderness can be revolutionary.

Her words to Juan Diego echo into our parish today:

“Am I not here, I who am your mother?”

May that assurance strengthen our hands, steady our knees, and deepen our resolve to walk with the stranger, confront injustice, and proclaim hope in a world that deeply needs it.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

We Serve No King But Christ

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Welcome, dear friends and neighbors! At Saint Francis Parish and Outreach, in the heart of Augusta, Georgia, we gather as a community committed to walking in the footsteps of Jesus, the one true King. This week, our hearts and minds are drawn to the scripture lessons of 2 Samuel 5:1-3, Colossians 1:12-20, and Luke 23:35-43. These passages gently remind us of what it means to serve Christ above all, especially in a world where injustice and division can seem overwhelming.

Scripture Reflections: Leadership Reimagined

2 Samuel 5:1-3 recounts a pivotal moment for the people of Israel: the tribes come together to recognize David as their king. But this isn’t just about politics or power. It’s about unity and humble leadership. David is chosen not because he’s the strongest or the richest, but because he is a shepherd with a heart for his people. The elders affirm, “We are your bone and flesh.” These are words echoing the deep connection and shared humanity that God desires. Today, we remember that our ultimate allegiance isn’t to any worldly ruler, but to Christ, who calls us to care for one another with compassion and integrity.

Christ at the Center: A New Kingdom of Light

Colossians 1:12-20 paints a breathtaking vision. “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Christ is the center of the universe and the source of our hope. Our inheritance is not about privilege, wealth, or status, but about sharing in the light of God’s love. This kingdom is radically different from the empires of our world. It is built on reconciliation, grace, and mercy. Every time we say, “We serve no king but Christ,” we are declaring that our hearts belong to something greater than the powers that divide, exploit, or exclude.

The Cross and the Margins: Mercy in Action

Luke 23:35-43 brings us face to face with Christ’s reign from the cross. While others mock, Jesus forgives. While the world rejects, He welcomes. Even as He suffers, He extends hope to the penitent thief, promising paradise to someone society had written off. This is true leadership, one that chooses solidarity over domination, mercy over condemnation. If Christ’s kingship is marked by love for the marginalized, our own lives as His followers must reflect the same radical hospitality.

Justice and Faith: Standing Up in Christ’s Name

Here’s where faith meets action. To say “we serve no king but Christ” is to reject systems and attitudes that dehumanize. It means standing up against fascism, the urge to control through fear and force. It means opposing racism and any ideology that divides us by skin color, heritage, or background. It means speaking truth to oligarchs and structures that put wealth before the common good, and it means advocating for immigrants and refugees, who often find themselves at the mercy of unjust laws and rhetoric.

At Saint Francis Parish, justice is not a slogan, it’s a daily calling. Our outreach ministries strive to greet strangers as friends, to feed the hungry, clothe the cold, and listen to the voices often ignored. Each small gesture, sharing a meal, offering a kind word, walking alongside someone in hardship, is an act of resistance against a culture that prizes exclusion and division. When we welcome the outsider, we welcome Christ.

Community in Action: The Parish as a Living Witness

What does this look like here in Augusta? It looks like parishioners organizing food drives and standing with immigrant families navigating uncertain futures. It looks like educational programs that confront prejudice and teach empathy. It looks like moments of prayer for victims of hate and violence, and for those in positions of power who need the courage to choose justice.

We know that standing up for what’s right isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable. Sometimes it means risking popularity or comfort. But we remember that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, and our strength comes from Him. United in faith, we challenge the status quo, not through anger or division, but through persistent love and hope.

A Call to Action: Living Our Allegiance

So, as you go about your week, remember: our deepest loyalty is to the King who wore a crown of thorns, not a golden one. Let us make Christ’s love visible by standing against hate, by refusing to bow before idols of power and wealth, and by standing up for anyone who is marginalized or mistreated. In every conversation, every outreach effort, and every prayer, let us echo, “We serve no king but Christ.”

May these scriptures inspire us to be bold and gentle, steadfast and compassionate. Let’s pray for the courage to see Christ in every person, and the grace to help build a parish and a world where justice and mercy walk hand in hand.

Blessings, friends! Let’s keep seeking, serving, and loving as Christ’s community, right here in Augusta and beyond.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Standing Firm in the Fire: Faith, Justice, and Courage at Saint Francis Parish

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Hello, friends and family of Saint Francis Parish and Outreach in Augusta, Georgia! I hope this week finds you well and hopeful, even as the world seems stormy and uncertain. Our scripture readings for this Sunday are timely reminders of what it means to live as people of faith in a world that is often unjust, unpredictable, and in need of healing. We’re diving into passages from Malachi, Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, and the Gospel of Luke. All three challenge us to think deeply about justice, courage, and our role in standing up for those who have been pushed to the margins.

As we reflect together, let’s open our hearts to the ways God is calling us, not only to comfort, but also to action. These texts urge us to stand firm against the forces of greed, oppression, and tyranny, to walk alongside the vulnerable, and to never shrink back in the face of injustice.

Malachi’s Vision: Hope and Righteousness for the Oppressed

Malachi 4:1-2a (ESV) paints a vivid scene: “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.”

Think about that image for a moment. The prophet Malachi is not just talking about punishment for the wicked. He’s promising healing and hope for those who honor God, those who hold fast to justice even when it’s unpopular or risky. The “sun of righteousness” brings warmth, restoration, and new beginnings to people who’ve been battered by the harsh winds of oppression.

We live in a time when it’s easy for the powerful to trample the weak, when those with wealth and influence often seem untouched by the suffering around them. But Malachi’s words remind us that God sees every act of arrogance, every injustice. In the end, it’s not the oligarchs or the oppressors who have the last word, but God, who lifts up those who fear His name and brings healing to those who need it most.

For us at Saint Francis Parish, this is a call to stand with the marginalized, to be agents of healing in Augusta and beyond. We’re not here to chase after comfort or side with the status quo. We’re called to let the sun of righteousness rise in our own lives, bringing hope to everyone we meet.

Paul’s Call: Integrity, Diligence, and Community

Moving to 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 (ESV), Paul writes, “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”

Paul is getting real with his readers: faith isn’t just a set of beliefs or private prayers. It’s lived out in community, through hard work, generosity, and solidarity. Too often, society tries to divide us, making us competitors instead of companions, focusing on individual success while the vulnerable suffer in silence. But Paul’s words insist that we are responsible for one another. We labor, not only for ourselves, but so that the whole community can flourish.

There’s a deeper lesson here about standing against systems that favor the rich, the powerful, and the privileged. When oligarchs and corporations monopolize resources and exploit the labor of others, Paul’s teaching becomes all the more relevant. We’re not called to be idle, nor are we supposed to let injustice slide. We must work, yes, but we must also work for justice.

At Saint Francis, we’re building a community where everyone’s gifts are valued, where all have a place at the table, and where no one is left behind. If we see injustice, we speak out. If we encounter need, we respond. That’s the kind of faith Paul modeled, and it’s the faith we must embody today.

Jesus: Courage in the Face of Opposition

Luke 21:15-19 (ESV) offers some of the most challenging words from Jesus: “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.”

There’s no sugarcoating it. Jesus tells us that following him and standing up for what’s right will cost us, sometimes dearly. We might face opposition from friends, family, and even our broader community. We may be hated or misunderstood for refusing to bow to fascism, for challenging the rule of oligarchs, or for advocating for those at the edges of society.

But what a beautiful promise: when we take risks for justice, God gives us the wisdom and words we need. We are never abandoned, even in the darkest moments. Endurance isn’t just surviving; it’s holding on to our deepest convictions when it would be easier to give in or walk away.

Saint Francis Parish, this is our moment to stand with the oppressed, to be a beacon of hope and truth in Augusta. Whether we’re organizing outreach, speaking out against unjust laws, or simply showing compassion to someone the world has forgotten, we are living out the Gospel itself.

Living the Gospel: A Community of Resistance and Love

Let’s be honest: the road ahead isn’t easy. Standing against fascism, against the greed of oligarchs, and for those who have been marginalized can be exhausting. The world would often prefer us to stay quiet, to mind our own business, to not rock the boat. But as followers of Jesus, we cannot remain silent.

Every time we resist hate, every time we welcome the stranger, every time we choose compassion over comfort, we become part of God’s work of justice and healing. It’s not about having all the answers, or never feeling afraid. It’s about showing up, speaking out, and trusting that God goes before us.

So let’s keep building this community of love and resistance. Let’s encourage each other, support each other, and hold each other accountable. Let’s make Saint Francis Parish and Outreach a place where the sun of righteousness rises every day, a place where hope has a home, and where everyone, no matter their story, finds dignity and belonging.

May We Walk This Road Together

As we move through this week, may these scriptures inspire us to action. May we see the faces of the oppressed and marginalized as our siblings in Christ. May we have the courage to challenge injustice, to stand up to the powers that be, and to pour out healing on a weary world.

The sun of righteousness is rising, friends. Let’s walk together in its light. See you this Sunday!

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Faith, Courage, and Compassion: Standing Together Against Oppression and For the Marginalized

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Hello, beloved friends and family of Saint Francis Parish and Outreach! I hope this finds you well and ready to step into another week together, rooted in prayer, action, and love. I’m grateful to share a few reflections with you as we look at our Sunday readings. The passages this week, 2 Maccabees 7:1-2,9-14, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5, and Luke 20:27-38, are powerful guides for us as followers of Christ, especially in today’s world where standing up for what’s right and caring for those on the margins is so needed. Let’s look at these scriptures and see how they invite us into deeper faith, even as we face injustice and oppression in our communities and beyond.

Scripture Reflection: Courage in Faith (2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14)

The story from 2 Maccabees is one of those passages that grabs you by the heart. It tells of seven brothers and their mother who are arrested and tortured for refusing to break the laws of their faith. The courage they show is nothing short of inspiring. As the text says, “One of them, speaking for the others, said, ‘What do you intend to ask and learn from us? For we are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our fathers.’” (2 Maccabees 7:2, ESV)

This is a gritty kind of faith, a faith that says, “Even if things get tough, even if the powers in charge try to force us down the wrong path, we’re not giving in.” Their story reminds us that courage isn’t about the absence of fear, but about standing strong for what we believe, especially when it costs us something. In our time, when voices of hate and systems of oppression try to silence or punish those who stand with the marginalized, this passage calls us to “be ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our fathers,” and, for us, the law of love that Jesus gives.

Scripture Reflection: Encouragement and Steadfastness (2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5)

Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is, in many ways, a love letter to a community under pressure. He writes, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, ESV)

Paul knows that faith isn’t always a walk in the park. It can be exhausting to do the right thing, especially when the world around us feels hostile or indifferent. But God’s grace is real, and it is enough. Paul prays for protection from “wicked and evil men, for not all have faith” (3:2, ESV), and encourages us to stay steadfast, to keep doing “every good work and word.” So, when we feel worn down by the endless need in our city or frustrated that the powers-that-be don’t seem to care about the suffering of the poor, we can take heart. God is with us, encouraging and strengthening us to keep going, together.

Scripture Reflection: Hope in the Resurrection (Luke 20:27-38)

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is asked one of those “gotcha” questions by the Sadducees, who don’t even believe in the resurrection. They bring up a complicated scenario about marriage in heaven, hoping to trip Jesus up. But Jesus answers, “He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” (Luke 20:38, ESV)

The heart of Jesus’ answer isn’t about legal technicalities; it’s about God’s promise of life. The resurrection changes everything. It means that injustice and oppression do not have the last word. The God who brings life out of death is still at work, and so our hope is not naïve, it is grounded in the reality of Christ’s victory. When we stand up for justice and care for the least of these, we’re living out the hope that God is with the living, and that love, not death, has the final say.

Standing Against Fascism: Resisting Oppression Together

I know “fascism” can seem like a big, dramatic word, but let’s be honest, whenever any system or person tries to crush others, silence the vulnerable, or use fear to keep people in line, we see the same dark spirit at work. Scripture shows us that God stands with the oppressed, not the oppressors. The courage of the Maccabean martyrs, the encouragement Paul gives to his persecuted community, and the hope Jesus proclaims, these are all forms of holy resistance. As a parish, we are called to challenge any form of dehumanization or injustice, whether it shows up in the laws of our land, the ways we treat each other, or the biases we quietly carry in our hearts.

Standing Up for the Marginalized: Our Parish Mission and Practical Steps

It’s not enough to talk about justice; we must do it. Our mission at Saint Francis isn’t just to worship together, but to make sure our love spills over into action. Jesus didn’t say, “Blessed are those who think about the poor.” He said, “Blessed are the poor.” So, how do we make that real? Here are a few simple but powerful ways:

  • Show up for those who are being pushed to the margins. This could mean volunteering with an outreach pantry, calling for fair treatment for immigrants, or standing in solidarity with anyone who is being bullied, ignored, or hurt.
  • Speak up when you see injustice. Sometimes it’s scary, but silence is never neutral, it sides with the oppressor. Whether in conversations with friends or in the voting booth, let your faith guide your voice.
  • Pray for courage. The kind of love Jesus calls us to isn’t always easy, but we don’t do it alone. Ask God to fill you with the same Spirit that inspired the saints and prophets before us.

Personal Stories: How Our Community Lives These Values

I’ve seen you all living out these values in amazing ways. When we collected blankets for the homeless in Augusta, when parishioners stood with those fighting against kings, when we made space for hard conversations about race, gender, sexuality, and inequality, these are acts of courage. They might seem small, but they matter. Each time we choose compassion over comfort, or justice over convenience, we are following the example of the Maccabean family, the perseverance of the early church, and the hope of Jesus himself.

Conclusion: A Call to Action, Hope, and Unity

As we go into this week, let’s remember that standing up for justice and supporting the marginalized aren’t just “extras” in our faith, they are the heart of the Gospel. Our scriptures remind us that God’s love is fierce, and God’s courage is contagious. So, let’s encourage each other to keep showing up, speaking out, and loving boldly. We are not alone. We are part of something greater than ourselves, a community rooted in faith, hope, and love.

May the God of the living fill us with comfort, courage, and conviction as we journey together. Let’s keep being the hands and feet of Christ, right here in Augusta and beyond.

Pax et Bonum!

Bishop Greer

All Saints and All Souls: Living Our Faith Through Justice and Compassion

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Scripture, Community, and Outreach in Challenging Times

Hello, Saint Francis family! As the leaves turn and the calendar brings us to the beautiful feasts of All Saints and All Souls, I invite you to join me in reflecting on what these special days mean for us, not just as individuals, but as a community bound by faith, hope, and love.

Remembering the Saints and All Souls: Why These Feasts Matter

Each year, All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) come as gentle reminders that we are part of something much greater, a vast communion of believers, past and present, seen and unseen. On All Saints, we honor the holy men and women who have gone before us, showing us what it means to live with courage and compassion. On All Souls, we pray for all those who have died, especially those who may not have anyone to remember them by name.

Scripture Reflections: Hope, Holiness, and the Promise of Mercy

The readings for these feasts are so rich, and I’d like to share a few thoughts on how they speak to us today:

  • 2 Maccabees 12:43-46: This passage reminds us of the importance of praying for the dead—that love doesn’t end at the grave. Our prayers help bind us together across time and space, showing that mercy is at the very heart of God’s plan for us.
  • 1 John 3:1-3: Here, we’re called to remember our true identity: “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called children of God.” We are beloved, seen, and cherished, even when the world overlooks us. This reading encourages us to see each other with the eyes of God.
  • Matthew 5:1-12a (The Beatitudes): Jesus names the poor, the meek, the persecuted, and the peacemakers as “blessed.” These are not just nice words for the past—they are a call to action for us in the here and now. We are asked to stand with those who are hurting and lift up those who are cast aside.

Saints, Souls, and Community: Our Parish Mission

At Saint Francis, our outreach ministry is more than a program, it’s a way of living out these Gospel values. When we serve a hot meal, welcome a newcomer, or pray for those in need, we are building God’s kingdom right here in Augusta. The saints and all the faithful departed cheer us on as we strive to be “blessed” in our daily acts of love and justice.

Immigrant Rights, Marginalized Groups, and Why Advocacy Matters

Many of the saints we celebrate were immigrants or lived on the margins of society. Our faith teaches us that every person is created in God’s image, deserving of respect and dignity. Supporting immigrant rights and standing up for those who are marginalized is not just “extra credit”, it’s at the heart of what it means to be Catholic. In these challenging times, we are called to be a voice for the voiceless and a shoulder for the weary.

Food Assistance During a Government Shutdown: Parish Response

Recent events, like the government shutdown, hit vulnerable families the hardest. At Saint Francis, we see the faces behind the headlines. That’s why our food assistance efforts continue to be a lifeline, especially when uncertainty threatens to overshadow hope. If you or anyone you know is struggling to put food on the table, please reach out. Our Human First Outreach is here for you, as are the open arms of your parish family.

Get Involved: Ways You Can Make a Difference

  • Volunteer: Help with our Human First outreach. You can find more information on how you can help at https://oursaintfrancis.org/outreach/human-first-outreach/.
  • Advocate: Learn more about immigrant rights and how you can support fair policies. Contact your local representatives and share your voice for justice.
  • Pray: Remember the saints, souls, and all those in need in your daily prayers. Prayer is powerful, never underestimate what God can do through you!
  • Donate: Whether it’s canned goods, fresh produce, or your generous financial gifts, every contribution sustains our ministry and those we serve.

Together in Hope: Our Ongoing Mission

To all the saints, known and unknown, in our pews, and to all the souls we carry in our hearts, thank you for being part of this vibrant community. Let’s keep reaching out, lifting up, and standing together for justice and mercy. As we honor those who have gone before us, let’s remember we are called to be saints for our time, bringing light to a world in need.

Memorials

Don’t forget that we have luminaries for sale right now. You can honor your loved ones and friends who have died by having their names remembered at Mass on November 2nd. We will include two names per luminary, and those luminaries will surround the altar for Sunday Mass. You can purchase the luminaries at https://oursaintfrancis.org/support-us/all-saints-all-souls-luminaries-2025/.

May the love of Christ inspire us, the prayers of the saints strengthen us, and the Spirit of God lead us forward!

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Standing Up Together: Faith in Action Against Injustice

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Greetings, beloved community of Saint Francis Parish and Outreach in Augusta, Georgia! As we gather this week, our lectionary readings call us to deeply reflect on what it means to stand up—not just in faith, but in action against injustice, racism, and hatred in our world.

Keeping Faith When the Battle Is Hard

In Exodus 17:8–13, we encounter Moses on the mountaintop, arms raised high as the Israelites fight for their lives. When his hands grow weary, Aaron and Hur literally hold him up. Victory comes not just through Moses’ leadership, but through the community standing by his side. This story reminds us that confronting injustice isn’t a solo act; we need each other. When the fight grows long and our spirits tire, who are your Aarons and Hurs? Who do you lift up in their battles? Our faith calls us to support one another, especially when standing up against the evils of racism, exclusion, and hatred.

Rooted in Scripture, Ready for Action

2 Timothy 3:14–4:2 urges us to “continue in what you have learned and firmly believed.” Paul tells Timothy to be persistent: whether the time is favorable or not, proclaim the message, correct, rebuke, and encourage. Our spiritual roots fuel our courage to speak out when we see harm being done. Today, that might mean calling out racist jokes, advocating for fair treatment in our workplaces, or supporting those whose voices are overlooked. The gospel isn’t just words—it’s a call to action.

The Power of Persistent Prayer and Justice

Luke 18:1–8 gives us the parable of the persistent widow, who refuses to give up in her quest for justice. Jesus tells us this story “so that we might not lose heart.” The widow’s determination is a model for how we can confront injustice in our own time—not with violence or hate, but with unwavering resolve. Let’s be honest: sometimes it feels like nothing will change, like our efforts are too small. But Jesus assures us that God hears the cries for justice, and we are called to echo those cries until all God’s children are treated with dignity and love.

Standing Up to Injustice—Here and Now

In Augusta and beyond, racism and hatred still rear their ugly heads. As followers of Christ, we are called to do more than shake our heads. Whether we’re attending rallies, having tough conversations, volunteering at outreach programs, or just choosing to love our neighbors a little deeper, we become the hands and feet of Christ. It’s not always easy, and sometimes we’ll get tired. But just like Moses had Aaron and Hur, we have each other, and we have God’s promise that justice will be done.

Let’s Walk This Path Together

Let’s be honest, standing up to injustice can feel overwhelming. But take heart! We are a community grounded in hope, faith, and love. Let’s encourage one another to persist, to pray, and to act. May Saint Francis Parish continue to be a beacon of hope and a force for justice here in Augusta. Let’s hold each other up and keep marching forward, one step, one prayer, one act of love at a time.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Our Bonhoeffer Moment: A Christian Reflection on Resistance to Fascism

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Facing the Challenge of Our Time

Recent national headlines have raised troubling questions for Christians and communities of faith. The President’s designation of anti-fascists as terrorists brings to the fore deep concerns about justice, resistance, and our moral calling as followers of Jesus. For us at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach in Augusta, Georgia, this issue is not simply political, it is profoundly spiritual. How do we respond faithfully when resistance to oppressive power is labeled dangerous? What can we learn from our tradition, from Scripture, and from the legacy of Rev. Dietrich Bonhoeffer?

Historical Perspective: Churches and the Shadow of Fascism

History offers sobering lessons. In the 20th century, many Christian churches, especially in Germany, failed to resist the rise of fascism. Some even lent their support, whether out of fear, complicity, or a mistaken sense of loyalty to the state. Rev. Dietrich Bonhoeffer stands out as a prophetic voice who chose costly resistance over comfortable silence. He recognized that following Christ meant opposing systems that dehumanize, oppress, and foster violence.

Bonhoeffer’s actions were not just political; they were deeply theological. He believed that the church must stand with the vulnerable, even when doing so puts us at odds with prevailing powers. His resistance cost him his life, but his witness continues to challenge us: “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil.”

Biblical Reflections: Amos, Timothy, and Luke

Our lectionary readings this week illuminate the spiritual urgency of this moment.

  • Amos 6:1a, 4–7 warns against complacency and self-indulgence. “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion… who lie on beds of ivory… but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!” The prophet condemns a society that ignores suffering and injustice, calling us to awaken from comfort and act with compassion.
  • 1 Timothy 6:11–16 exhorts believers to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.” The Christian life is marked by a struggle for what is good and true, even when it involves “fighting the good fight of faith.” We are called to bear witness to Christ’s kingdom, a kingdom that stands against all forms of oppression.
  • Luke 16:19–31 tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man’s indifference to Lazarus’s suffering leads to judgment. Jesus challenges us: will we see the pain of those at our gates, or will we turn away? The parable is a stark reminder that faith without compassion is hollow.

Christian Response: Ethics, Theology, and the Call to Resist

These scriptures, alongside Bonhoeffer’s legacy, invite us to reflect on our own position. When anti-fascists are labeled as terrorists, we must ask: What is our Christian responsibility? The gospel calls us to resist systems that harm the vulnerable, to speak truth even when it is costly, and to love our neighbors, especially those who are marginalized.

Our response must be rooted in love, justice, and humility. It is not about partisanship or political slogans, but about embodying Christ’s compassion in a world that often prefers comfort over courage. We must resist the temptation to be silent or complicit. Instead, let us pursue the difficult path of solidarity, advocacy, and faithful witness.

Our Bonhoeffer Moment: What It Means for Today’s Church

Many theologians speak of “our Bonhoeffer moment”, a time when the church must decide whether to stand with the powerless or align with power. For Saint Francis Parish and Outreach, this means asking hard questions: Are we willing to risk misunderstanding, discomfort, or even opposition in order to defend those who face injustice? Will we be a community that comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable?

We are called to be “repairers of the breach,” voices for justice, and hands of mercy. This is not easy work, and it may come with misunderstanding or resistance. Yet, as Bonhoeffer reminds us, “Christianity stands or falls with its revolutionary protest against violence, arbitrariness, and pride of power.”

Encouragement for Faithful Resistance

As we reflect on these challenging times, let us remember that faithful resistance is part of our Christian heritage. Our hope is not in worldly power but in the transformative love of Christ. May we, as a parish and as individuals, be courageous, compassionate, and vigilant. May we listen to the prophets, learn from history, and follow the example of Bonhoeffer, standing alongside those who are oppressed, even when it is unpopular or risky.

Let us pray for wisdom, strength, and love, trusting that God is with us as we “fight the good fight” for justice, peace, and the dignity of all people.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Standing Up for the Marginalized

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In the hush of Sunday morning, the familiar cadence of scripture calls us into a deeper awareness of society’s vulnerable: the marginalized, the overlooked, and those whose voices are too often drowned by the clamor of power and privilege. This week’s lectionary readings (Amos 8:4–7, 1 Timothy 2:1–8, and Luke 16:1–13) invite us to ponder what it truly means to stand up for the marginalized, not only in word but in persistent, transformative action.

Amos 8:4–7: A Prophet’s Indictment

Amos, the shepherd-prophet, thunders against the injustices suffered by the poor of Israel. “Hear this, you who trample on the needy and bring to ruin the poor of the land…” The prophet’s words are unflinching, exposing a society where the wealthy manipulate scales and systems to enrich themselves at the expense of the powerless. The rot Amos describes is not just economic; it is spiritual. God’s anger is kindled not by ritual omission, but by the trampling of human dignity.

Standing up for the marginalized, according to Amos, means refusing to profit from injustice, refusing to ignore the suffering around us, and refusing to accept systems designed to perpetuate inequality. It is a call to see the poor not as abstractions, but as neighbors deserving of respect and solidarity.

Amos’s vision is uncompromising. The Lord will not forget any of these deeds. Divine justice is inseparable from human ethics. To stand up for the marginalized, we must first confront our complicity in systems of exploitation and then actively resist them, even when doing so disrupts our comfort or challenges the status quo.

1 Timothy 2:1–8: Prayer and Peaceful Advocacy

Paul’s instruction to Timothy encourages the early church to pray “for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” At first glance, this seems to pivot away from Amos’s firebrand activism toward a quieter program of piety and prayer. But a closer reading reveals that prayer itself is a form of advocacy, especially when it is directed toward the wellbeing of all people.

The marginalized are often denied access to power, excluded from decisions that shape their lives. Paul’s call to prayer is a spiritual discipline that refuses to accept that division. Instead, by praying for all, believers are compelled to see the humanity in every person, including those who are in authority and especially those who are powerless.

Standing up for the marginalized includes praying for justice, for peace, and for leaders whose choices affect the vulnerable. But it is not a passive resignation; it is an active intercession, a refusal to let the world be satisfied with “business as usual.”

Our prayers, then, become the soil for action. When we pray for the marginalized, we open ourselves to God’s transforming work, both in the world and in our own hearts. We become more attentive to the needs around us, more willing to step into the breach, more courageous in challenging injustice.

Luke 16:1–13: The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

The parable Jesus tells in Luke is one of his strangest. A manager, caught in the act of squandering his master’s possessions, seeks to secure his future by cutting deals with his master’s debtors. When discovered, he is commended, not for his dishonesty, but for his shrewdness.

What does this have to do with standing up for the marginalized? The parable’s logic turns on the idea of resourcefulness in the face of crisis. The manager, confronted with his own impending poverty, leverages his position to build relationships and extend mercy, albeit out of self-interest.

Jesus’s point is not to endorse dishonesty, but to encourage his followers to be shrewd and creative in the pursuit of justice, especially for those excluded from the centers of wealth and power. The marginalized, like the manager, are often forced to make do with limited resources. Those with privilege are called to use their resources and influence not to perpetuate inequality, but to build a more just and compassionate society.

In the parable, Jesus also warns that “no one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” Standing up for the marginalized requires us to choose whom we serve. It is an invitation to examine our loyalties and align them with God’s justice, not the world’s economy.

Bringing the Texts Together: A Theology of Solidarity

Taken together, Amos, Paul, and Jesus offer a robust theology of solidarity with the marginalized. Amos demands justice, Paul advocates prayerful engagement, and Jesus calls for creative action. These are not competing visions, but complementary ones.

  • Justice (Amos): We must expose and dismantle systems that oppress the poor and vulnerable.
  • Prayer (1 Timothy): Our advocacy must be rooted in prayer, shaping us into people who desire peace and justice for all.
  • Creativity (Luke): We are called to use our gifts, resources, and influence shrewdly, in service of compassion and mercy.

This triad forms a pattern for the Christian life: to see the suffering around us, to lift it before God, and to respond with bold, imaginative action.

Practical Steps: Standing Up for the Marginalized Today

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of injustice in our world. Poverty, discrimination, exclusion—these forces seem entrenched and immovable. Yet the scriptures urge us not to retreat into resignation but to act, starting where we are.

  • Listen: Begin by listening to the stories of those who are marginalized. Their experiences are invaluable; their voices must be heard.
  • Advocate: Use your voice and influence to advocate for policies and practices that promote justice and inclusion.
  • Give: Share your resources—time, money, expertise—with organizations and individuals working to uplift the vulnerable.
  • Pray: Cultivate a habit of intercession, praying daily for those who are suffering and for leaders who shape public life.
  • Challenge: Be willing to challenge unjust structures, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular.
  • Build Relationships: Seek genuine relationships across divisions of class, race, and status. True advocacy begins with friendship and understanding.

Conclusion: A Call to Courage

Standing up for the marginalized is always a risk. It often means swimming against the current, stepping outside our comfort zones, and exposing ourselves to criticism or misunderstanding. Yet this is the heart of the gospel—a God who stands with the poor, welcomes the outsider, and calls us to do the same.

The challenge of Amos, the invitation of Paul, and the parable of Jesus converge to remind us: We are never called to complacency, but always to courage. Whether in the quiet labor of prayer or the noisy work of justice, we are invited to stand up, speak out, and live in solidarity with the marginalized.

May these scriptures embolden us to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly, trusting that God remembers, God hears, and God acts through us, and for all.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross: A Call to Healing, Justice, and Love

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Sunday, as we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we will gather at the intersection of suffering and salvation, of brokenness and redemption. The Cross, a symbol once synonymous with shame and brutality, has become, through Christ, the supreme sign of healing, hope, and reconciliation. In the context of our current world, marked by political violence, social divisions, and the tragic deaths that punctuate our headlines, the Cross speaks with renewed urgency.

The Serpent Lifted Up: Healing in the Wilderness

Numbers 21:4b-9 recounts the Israelites’ anguish in the desert, beset by poisonous serpents as a result of their impatience and complaints against God. When Moses, at God’s instruction, lifts up a bronze serpent upon a pole, those who gaze upon it are healed. The symbol of death is transformed into a source of life, prefiguring the Cross, where suffering is not the end but the door to healing.

Today, our world is wounded: by hatred, by violence, by the venom of prejudice and the sting of division. We see it in acts of political violence, in the pain that follows the death of public figures. Each life lost is a reminder of our shared fragility. As we pray for all who have died, including Charlie Kirk, whatever our differences, we recognize that each person is precious in the sight of God. The Cross invites us to look up, not in despair, but in hope for healing.

The Humility of Christ: Emptying for Others

Philippians 2:6-11 offers a hymn of Christ’s humility. “He did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself…” Christ chose the path of solidarity, descending into the depths of human suffering so that all might be raised. His humility is not weakness, but the power to transform hearts and systems.

In our fractured society, where homophobia, transphobia, bigotry, racism, and misogyny persist, we are called to the same kenosis, the self-emptying love that moves us beyond ourselves. To “have the mind of Christ” is to reject every ideology of hatred or violence and to make space for the dignity of every person, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed.

The Cross: God’s Embrace of a Wounded Humanity

In John 3:13-17, Jesus proclaims, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” On the Cross, God enters our suffering and redeems it. “For God so loved the world,” not just a nation, a people, or a tribe, but the whole world in all its diversity and complexity.

This radical love compels us to action. If we truly exalt the Holy Cross, we must work and pray for the end of all forms of violence: political violence that tears communities apart, the silent cruelties of homophobia and transphobia, the corrosive effects of racism and misogyny, and every ideology that denies the image of God in another. The Cross is not a banner for division or exclusion, but a bridge to reconciliation and justice.

Carrying the Cross Together: Our Response

To exalt the Cross is not merely to venerate a symbol, but to embrace a way of life, a vocation to healing, justice, and love. We are called to be healers in the wilderness, to lift one another up, to speak and act against hatred in all its forms. We must lament with those who mourn, work for the safety of those who are threatened, and stand in solidarity with those who suffer violence or exclusion.

  • Advocate for peace and nonviolence in our communities
  • Challenge and speak out against homophobia, transphobia, racism, misogyny, and bigotry wherever we encounter them
  • Support those who are marginalized and create spaces where everyone feels safe and respected
  • Listen to people’s stories, fostering empathy and understanding
  • Promote education about justice, equality, and human dignity
  • Engage in civic life, voting and encouraging policies that protect the vulnerable
  • Practice forgiveness and reconciliation in our personal relationships
  • Serve our neighbors through acts of kindness and generosity
  • Pray for healing, transformation, and the strength to persevere in the work of justice
  • Model humility and love, following Christ’s example of self-giving

Let us pray for the grace to be transformed by the Cross, so that our words and actions may bless and heal. May we build communities where no one fears for their life or dignity, where love casts out fear and justice blooms.

Conclusion: Hope Born of the Cross

As we contemplate the mystery of the Holy Cross, let us remember: God’s love is wider than our divisions, deeper than our wounds, and stronger than death. May the power of the Cross inspire us to seek peace, justice, and the beloved community where all are welcome, cherished, and free.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

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