Paul knew what it meant to be a sinner.  He described himself as one of the worst sinners because he persecuted the Church.  After of his encounter with Christ on the road Damascus, Paul was turned from persecutor to apostle.  For Paul it was clear that, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."  So bringing Christ’s forgiveness to others was central to Paul’s mission.

            In today's gospel, Jesus uses three parables to describe God's forgiveness.  There is the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to go in search of the one that was lost.  There is the woman who lights her lamp and sweeps her house in search of the coin that was lost.  Finally, Jesus tells the beautiful parable of the Prodigal Son.  Essential to each story is the joy experienced in recovering what was lost. 

            Jesus tells us that all of heaven rejoices over one repentant sinner.  There is genuine comfort in God’s forgiveness, but do we realize that the only limit on that forgiveness is what we impose on ourselves?  How often we pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  Are we like the Pharisees and scribes who murmur when they see that Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners?  Are we quick to recognize faults in others that we readily dismiss in ourselves?  Do we seek out the lost in our families?  Have we tried to heal relationships among our relatives and friends?  When we see someone who is alienated from the Church, do we invite them back?        

Jesus’ forgiveness has brought us home to the Father's house.  Now the Lord wants us to seek out the brothers and sisters who are lost and bring them home as well.

Annual Catholic Appeal

Today we wish to recognize those who have made a gift or pledge to the 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal of the Archdiocese of Chicago.  This year St. Hilary Parish is part of the Appeal's Debt Reduction Program. Every dollar raised here will be matched by the archdiocese and will be used to retire our parish debt.  If we raise more, it will be available for much needed repairs on our church and school.  Thanks to all who have already completed their pledge payments, as well as to those who are still making payments.

For those of you who have not had an opportunity to make a pledge or a gift this year, but still desire to be a part of the 2010 campaign, envelopes are available in church or you may contact Karen Whitehead at (312) 534-7461 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Whether your gift is large or small, every gift makes a very real difference for our parish this year.  Thank you again for your support.