Faith, Hope and Love

Dear Friend,

Several weeks ago, I wrote to you about our novices on the occasion of their “investiture,” the ceremony that marks the first time they officially put on their brown robes or habits (the traditional name for our Franciscan garb).

As the ceremony implies, for the novices, the habit represents an “investment” of the sort brought to mind by this Sunday’s gospel. (The first reading might bring to mind wedding rings!) I think of rosaries, crosses, prayer cards and images of the saints sold regularly in the gift shop. Visitors purchase these items and often ask to have them blessed as signs of their devotion, in some cases given to others to strengthen a shared commitment on the occasion of first communion, a birthday or anniversary. 

When the main character in this Sunday’s parable entrusts his possessions to his servants, I think of how we here at Mission Santa Barbara have been entrusted with a gathering place of great beauty and with it, a great tradition. (Interestingly, the root meaning of tradition is to “give over,” or “hand across”). We each connect with the Mission and its tradition in a unique way. As a sacred sign, the Mission connects us all to the Gospel and, we might add, a very contested history. 

How are we connecting ourselves to this place and to each other? What are we doing with the sacred treasures entrusted to us? The question, of course, goes beyond what money can buy - tangible property. Today – in the face of global pandemic and political polarization - the faith, hope, and love that gave birth to Mission Santa Barbara are treasures that need to be reopened – reopened and invested, in creative ways for a world and a church looking to be built anew.

Gratefully,

Fr. Dan ofm, Pastor