Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Glory belongs to God. He is eternal blessedness, unfading light, pure love, undying life, perfect unity in threeness, Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 257). God wills to share with us His blessed life and happiness. God simply wants us to receive the glory of His blessed happiness (CCC, ibid). We exist, then, for the praise of God’s glory in time and in eternity (cf., Eph. 1:11).
Jesus responded to the hypocritical questions of the Pharisees in today’s Gospel by commanding them (and us) to give to God what belongs to God (Mt. 22:21). God is our Father Who wants us to be His sons. He destined us in love to be His sons, and to be conformed to the image of His Son through the spirit of sonship (Eph. 1:4-5; Rom 8. 15,29). We give God glory by being obedient children who love their Father Who created us for no other reason than His love and goodness (CCC, 293). God’s beatitude is not increased by creating us, but rather is a manifestation of His goodness and will to bestow upon us His benefits.
May we live in God’s love so as to share in His glory forever! Do not be like spoiled children who seek more things in order to satisfy their base desires. Rather, live in purity and gratitude toward our Father Who loves to share His never-ending life with those who conform themselves to the image of His most beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom belongs all power and glory forever and ever (cf., Rev. 5:13).
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 