October 5, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

I read recently a study that mentioned mustard seeds have radioprotective qualities. An experiment was conducted where a bunch of different seeds were put under radiation and the mustard seed was the only seed that wasn’t deformed. That, and the Twinkie, but Christ doesn’t give a parable about the Twinkie, so, we’ll stick with the mustard seed. (I’m just joking about the Twinkie in the experiment, though I wouldn’t be surprised if it survived high doses of radiation.)

“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed…” Jesus was on to something about the mustard seed. Not just the size, but the quality of the seed makes it special. It starts small and grows into something massive. Its integrity cannot be corrupted.

I think we, metaphorically speaking, experience high doses of radiation throughout our lives. Toxic relationships, events that make us angry or afraid, and occasions of sin–whatever it is for you–are attempts to infiltrate our soul and destroy it. The media can be another source of radiation, whether it’s news media, social media, or even some entertainment. All of these things can take away our peace, plant lies and false solutions in our mind, and instill a spirit of hopelessness in our souls.

They can. But they don’t have to. If your faith is like a mustard seed, you can be bombarded by all this radiation and not be corrupted. You can be around all this and still be joyful, faithful, and virtuous.

Some people take the route of trying to eliminate any ‘radiation’ in their lives. They insulate themselves by not watching media, avoiding temptations at all costs, and surrounding themselves only with the sacred. But this is tricky. Sooner or later you’ll have to go outside and talk with people. Your children and grandchildren will have to enter the world and see what is going on. If you’ve insulated yourself so much, you won’t be able to function in the world, and you and the ones you are protecting will probably be worse off. It’s like someone not being exposed to illnesses and having a weak immune system. When they are finally exposed (and it’s impossible to avoid exposure), they’ll be crushed. Not to mention, Jesus clearly tells us the goal isn’t to hide and survive. The goal is to go out and make disciples. We don’t get to heaven by merely avoiding hell. We get to heaven by seizing it while on this earth.

What does Saint Paul say to Timothy in our second reading? “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”

I look back on my life and credit going to New Trier High School for helping me succeed thus far as a priest. It wasn’t because of religion classes at New Trier or encouragement to be a priest I received. I didn’t receive any of that. Just the opposite. It was the exposure to the world that allowed me to be somewhat “normal” and approach in a sensible way the abnormalities that the culture and a life without Christ proposes. Saint Peter, Mary Magdalene, and the others were fishermen and tax collectors and prostitutes and so forth. These were people who had been exposed to high levels of “radiation.” This is how they could deal with pagans, Roman soldiers, and a whole cast of other worldly characters who would become the Christian church. It was the insulated, “pure” Israelites who were left behind.

I’m not saying go out to unsavory places and don’t worry about the company you keep. What I’m saying is trust in the strength of your soul, if your soul is small like a mustard seed. God will protect it and use temptations to make you his effective instrument.

So, don’t lament when you come into contact with radiation. Also, don’t be afraid of the world’s radiation poisoning you. What does Jesus say on another occasion? “It’s not what comes from the outside that defiles, but what comes from within.”

With this mindset, we will actually begin to see the radiation of the world with gratitude. If our souls are mustard seeds, we will bring that radiation to God in prayer. Not only will we not be corrupted, but will become large trees. And all the “various birds of the air” (read: sources of radiation) will dwell in us and be converted.

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A reminder that our annual Animal Blessing will be at 9am on Saturday, October 4th in the parking lot outside the side entrance to the church.

This Sunday, October 5th at 10:30am we will have a Family Mass in the Holy Family Chapel. The following Family Mass for the month will be October 19th.

Also, all are invited this Sunday to the gym following the 9am and 10:30am Masses for Donut Sunday.

Monday, October 6th we will have a Candlelight Rosary at 7:30pm in the church. On Tuesday, October 7th we will have another Word on the Street event at the Harp and Fiddle in Park Ridge. We hope to see you there.

As I mentioned last week, please see inside the bulletin a copy of a letter I sent to the mayor of Park Ridge and the City Council regarding the relocation of the Park Ridge Farmer’s Market.

Finally, congratulations to parishioners Rita and Tony Russo and Mary and Randy Smith who are this year’s recipients of the Archdiocese of Chicago Christifidelis Award. This is an annual award given to a select group of parishioners who have been outstanding in their service and dedication to their parish. The Russos and Smiths spend countless hours serving SPC in a variety of ways. We are grateful to God for their generosity and their faith. May God bless and reward them.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. James Wallace