A House of Prayer for All Peoples
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20th Sunday of Ordinary Time
A House of Prayer for All Peoples
“For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:7b). In a time of restoration, when the Israelites were able to return home to Judah after the Babylonian exile, it was an opportunity to reestablish themselves. It was also a moment to reclaim their identity as a covenantal people with God, to have high expectations for what God was going to do for them. Within this framework came a reminder to the Israelites that they are to be “a light to the nations, that [God’s] salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6b). This is what is meant by “a house of prayer for all peoples.” Through the Israelites who were first called, they are to help all the ends of the earth come to know the knowledge and friendship of God, thus making the whole world “called” and therefore creating true community in the household of God.
A house of prayer for all peoples. Indeed, today the New Testament Church is a house of prayer for all peoples – as Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and prophecies of the Old Testament. Through Christ, the new and eternal covenant, there is fulfillment and extension of the original covenant. In the words of Jesus, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32). Or in another place, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). St. Francis de Sales boldly witnesses to the Gospel and we as a parish community remain committed to being a house of prayer for all – to remain centered on Christ, mission and evangelization, to go and make disciples!
Our seminarians studying at Mundelein Seminary undergo specialized formation and training so they can do just that in response to their call to the ministerial priesthood (as ordained priests). As I announced this past weekend at our Masses, St. Francis de Sales has been named a teaching parish by Mundelein Seminary! This means, in the Fall, we will be blessed to have up to 3 seminarians join our community to experience mission and ministry within our ranks. The seminary’s Tolton Teaching Parish Program enables seminarians “to spend time each week at their teaching parishes—learning practical and pastoral skills from experienced mentor pastors, participating in Masses and parish events, getting to know parishioners personally, and gaining a better understanding of what it takes to shepherd a community of faith.” In addition, the parish is enriched by the spiritual gifts a young seminarian brings: his prayers and witness to faith, his service in giving talks to various groups or teaching in the youth or religious education program, as well as a sense of renewal and hope for the future of our Church. This is a momentous occasion and a very exciting time, and this is a testament to our parish’s history and legacy – the Archdiocese and Seminary recognizes that St. Francis de Sales is a leader, and now we will be able to help form and shape future priests of the Catholic Church.
While we do not yet know who will be assigned to our parish, I ask that you please join me in praying for our seminarians and more vocations to the priesthood. Once I have more information, I will share that with you. I know seminarians always look forward to getting out to parishes – to be on the front lines with the people of God they feel called to love and serve. I look forward to how we will walk together with them.
In Christ the Teacher,
Fr. Christian Shiu
Administrator