Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I simply want to take this space this week to reinforce the idea that I spoke on in my homily, about the fact that we always need to view people AS PEOPLE and never as objects. People always have deep deep value that doesn’t depend on how they benefit me in any way shape or form, and yet subconsciously that is how many people view humanity. The reason why this is SO dangerous, is because the idea of utilitarianism (that anything – including people – is good based on its benefits for me) sets our dignity on a fragile foundation that can shift and change. This is a lie! Our worth and our value are based on God’s love for us and our inherent value that we receive as children of God!

An athlete who grows old and can no longer perform the same amazing feats doesn’t lose their value as a person! An unborn child who hasn’t done anything productive in the world yet is still infinitely valued because of their personhood! So too a spouse who gains wrinkles, or whose attitude changes, or whose passion and fire seems to be waning is not dispensable. Our value is not based on what we do!

We are always called to love people and use things and to avoid at all costs using people and loving things. We need to always desire the good of the other, that is precisely what love is. The opposite of this is seeking to use another for my good, which is precisely why the opposite of love is use (not hate). Let us make a commitment to never act in a way that is precisely the opposite of love!

In case if you’re wondering, the book that I referenced in my homily today is “Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love” by Dr. Edward Sri. After Easter I plan on offering a book study on this beautiful work. It is my hope that many married couples as well as young men and women who hope to one day be married will come and be a part of this. Have a great week and strive you best to LOVE people!

God Bless,
Fr. Romke

REFLECTIONS QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 3rd
Sunday: Do I sometimes turn to Jesus only when I need something from Him? When I don't get what I need from Him do I tend to turn away? Can I ask Him to deepen my love for Him?
Monday: Do I sometimes treat people differently based on what they can do for me? Do I value others based on how useful they are for my purposes? Can I ask Jesus to help me to break through?
Tuesday: Are there any key relationships in my life where I tend to use my loved ones and where I fail to see how I can help brings about good in their life?
Wednesday: Do I sometimes find it difficult to find joy in the success of others when it means that I don't benefit? Can I ask God to help me to rejoice at the joy of others?
Thursday: Do I currently have areas in my life where I desperately need God and where things are serious? Can I pray and ask God for the strength and the faith to cling to Him and to love and receive His love no matter the outcome?
Friday: Do I have any points in my life where I am frustrated with God for not providing me with a miracle? Can I see now how God was still at work and how He was still with me?
Saturday: Can I spend some time praying and asking God to help me not to ever use people and to always keep the trye good of others in mind when I interact with them?