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Weekly Reflection
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September 14, 2025 - Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Thoughts on the Cross
Death seizes everything. Every person we know will die. Everything we treasure will slip away from us, pass through the hands of others and eventually return to dust. Every human act, good or evil, will eventually be lost to memory, and although consequences can linger long after doers and deeds are forgotten, even these finally play themselves out. Nothing can withstand the corrosion of entropy.
The salvation that Jesus offers is a Gospel that teaches us how to build a life that survives death's annihilation. His great insight was that death could not capture anything already in God’s hands. Jesus' teaching and personal example show us how to spend all our gifts and talents building up God's creation and revealing God's kingdom. With each act of mercy and reparation, we place more and more of our life at God's service and into God's hands. Faith in Jesus' resurrection helps us to keep at it even when being generous seems absurd. Faith in his divinity will strengthen our convictions even when we receive opposition.
This is the message of today's Gospel reading and feast. By offering himself as the Father's representative to humanity, Jesus shared his life-giving teaching and example with us. By offering himself on the cross and trusting in the coming resurrection, Jesus offered his own divine Spirit to any who believe in him. Those of us who receive both gifts, his teaching and his Spirit, will also be lifted up on the last day.
Michael R. Simone, S.J.
Pastor
September 7, 2025 - Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
In Jesus, Luke saw a life of eternal significance. Jesus’ life was not his own. His existence was a gift from God, and it came with a mission. Jesus came not just to be holy, but to give such an example of holiness that others longed to live the same way. Jesus lived God’s dream for him perfectly. As he teaches discipleship, he shows his followers how to do the same.
Discipleship requires one to renounce one’s ego. Accumulating possessions or striving after status and recognition focuses attention on things other than God’s dream. Searching for purpose in “riches, honors and pride,” as St. Ignatius put it, might satisfy briefly, but the inevitable reality of death makes these efforts futile. Most of our ego-monuments vanish with our last breath; those that do not, fade inexorably into oblivion. Only a life spent pursuing God’s dream, after the example of Christ, will give a human life eternal consequence.
In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus challenged his listeners to let go of their attachments. Much of human culture is not a fulfillment of God’s dream. Only those who are rich in the treasure of the Spirit will succeed in discipleship. Those with no trust in this precious currency will do better to wait until their faith has strengthened.
Christ issues this same challenge today. A life primarily spent crafting an ego cannot support the demands of discipleship. A life of trust in the Spirit, on the other hand, reflects Jesus’ own fulfillment of God’s dream. Just as Jesus renounced everything and so saved the human race, disciples who fulfill God’s dreams in their own lives will draw others to the same saving power.
Michael R. Simone, S.J.
Pastor
August 31, 2025 - Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
When Fr. Michael asked if I could share about our Christian Formation program at Gesu, I jumped at the chance to highlight what we offer!
An active community of families from around the Milwaukee area and beyond participates in the program with classes, family workshops, service, a Way of the Cross, preparation for the sacraments, and a parent group. These activities aim to accompany families as they grow in their relationship with God and foster community in the Church.
In participation in CGS (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) for our youngest members and classroom catechesis, children and youth grow in faith through Scripture, Church doctrine, Ignatian Spirituality, and liturgical themes. They prepare to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation to participate more fully in the life of the Church.
We are blessed to have an incredible group of catechists including parishioners, non-parishioners, and Marquette students who have a love of God and excitement to share the faith with our children and youth. We are always looking for more volunteers to accompany these young people on their journey.
If you are interested in helping with this program or would like to get involved as a participating family, please reach out to me at any time. I’m happy to answer any questions and give more information about Christian Formation at Gesu. All are welcome here!
God bless,
Johannah Lee
Director of Child, Youth, and Family Formation
August 17, 2025 - Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Renovation Update
As different aspects of the renovation project continue to progress, the updated space is coming together nicely. It is amazing to see the progress! With the Upper Church renovation a little past the half-way point, we’re on schedule to complete the work by the end of November.
After seven months of the church being filled with scaffolding for painting, electrical, and audio-visual work, the scaffolding has been removed. This has revealed the newly painted ceiling and walls and allowed many other project components to proceed. Marble is being installed for the ramps, ambry, and baptismal font. New chandeliers are being wired up. The floor is being cleaned in preparation for new tile. Plumbing is being installed for the baptismal font. The tabernacle is being relocated from the St. Joseph altar to behind the main altar in the center of the church.
In the few months of construction remaining, the t-coil hearing system will be installed with the porcelain tile floor, new pews will be put in place, a welcome desk will be located near the northwest entrance, the restored “Two Trinities” painting will be hung in the main vestibule, the new sound system will be installed, the Bride’s Room will be updated, and the lighting, ramps, font, ambry, and tabernacle work will be completed.
For more details about the progress of the renovation, visit https://gesuparish.org/renovation-updates, and to see more photos, click the Flickr Photo Album link on that page.
We are grateful to all who have already pledged or donated to support the renovation of Gesu’s historic Upper Church. If you or someone you know would like to make a donation toward this project, please visit: https://gesuparish.org/renovation-project and click the link to Give Online to the Gesu Capital Campaign.
Ray Ellingen
Director of Operations and Administration
August 10, 2025 - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Pope Leo to the young people gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Young People:
"In communion with Christ, our peace and hope for the world, we are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils, which are caused by other human beings. We are with the young people of Gaza, we are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war. My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible: a world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved with weapons but with dialogue.
Yes, with Christ it is possible! With his love, with his forgiveness, and with the power of his Spirit. My dear friends, united to Jesus, like branches to the vine, you will bear much fruit. You will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. You will be seeds of hope where you live, in your families, among your friends, at school, at work, and in sports. You will be seeds of hope with Christ, our hope."
Rev. Thomas S. Anderson, S.J.
Associate Pastor
August 3, 2025 - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist for Adults
On several occasions, I have talked about the importance of works of salvation in parish life. Works of salvation are those actions that help people build an initial relationship with Jesus Christ. More and more people are meeting Christ for the first time as adults. Depending on background and previous preparation, Gesu offers several paths to people who wish to enter the Catholic church or complete their sacraments of initiation.
Candidates who have never received baptism in any Christian community can participate in the full adult initiation program. Starting in late September, candidates meet together weekly to learn about the Catholic faith and to discern how best to respond to God's call. If they decide they are ready for Baptism, they can continue their weekly study of the faith and then participate in the Rite of Catechumens in the late fall, the Rite of Election around Ash Wednesday, and ritual Scrutinies throughout Lent. Then on the night before Easter, they receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil liturgy (April 4, 2026).
For candidates who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, the process begins in a similar way. They will take some weeks in the adult initiation program to discern their response to God's call, and then they will continue their study of the faith with the candidates for baptism. This year, following archdiocesan practice, fellow Christians who join the Catholic Church will receive the sacrament of Confirmation and their first Communion on one of the Sundays of the Easter Season instead of at the Vigil.
We also welcome candidates who grew up Catholic and now wish to be confirmed as adults. They too will meet weekly with candidates for baptism and reception, but they have two other obligations as well. Candidates for confirmation will participate in a service program and they will also meet regularly with a spiritual director. Doing so helps to provide a mature appropriation of the faith. Catholic candidates for Confirmation will receive the sacrament from Archbishop Grob at the Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday (May 24, 2026).
We have fourteen people who have become formal inquirers for this year's OCIA cohort, and we have an equal number who have expressed interest. If you or someone you know might want to participate, please call me for more information. This ministry is growing quickly in its importance to Gesu's life. Keep all our inquirers and candidates in your prayers, and feel free to welcome them whenever you get a chance!
Michael R. Simone, S.J.
Pastor
July 27, 2025 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
A Christ-Centered Approach to Community and Hospitality
Koinonia - This Greek word has no direct translation into English, but it can be understood as communion, fellowship, solidarity, to share, and to act in common. In short, koinonia captures the reality of how we are meant to live with one another. Koinonia is what we are created for.
The need for community is in our nature. We were created in the image and likeness of a trinitarian God who is community. Because we are created for koinonia, we cannot “do life” on our own. Our dependence on others is not a weakness or a flaw, but an invitation into a deeper relationship – communion – with our brothers and sisters. Not only are we dependent on each other, but God calls us to be one as He is one with the Son and the Spirit. We journey as one through this pilgrim life in pursuit of salvation. This is a corporate act; no one is saved alone.
Here are some ways to deepen a sense of community in the parish.- Recognize the dignity in each person and our call to love them. We must not forget that Christ made each of us a temple of His spirit, and no one is undeserving of our love and our attention. This understanding should move us to encounter each person as if Christ Himself stands before us. If our ministry model is to simply love the person in front of us – to will their good – that would be a great starting point.
- Promote unity and pursue a common goal. In a world that seems to be constantly divided, angry, and polarized, what if we decided not to feed into disunity? What if instead, we practice patience with one another, assume the best intentions of each other, listen to each other when we disagree, apologize when we hurt one another, engage in self-reflection to discover our own weaknesses, and take responsibility for our part in perpetuating disunity? We can contribute to healthy community if we value unity and build one another up with mutual affection. (See Ephesians 4:25-32)
- Be present and participate. We cannot be a true, Eucharistic community if we do not show up. Show up physically: make space in your pew, stick around for a few minutes after Mass, attend parish events, use your gifts to build up the community. Show up mentally and emotionally: be attentive to the people around you, be open to encounter, allow others to “interrupt” your routine, listen to them and seek to understand where they are coming from.
Community does not just happen. It requires effort and participation on the part of every person involved. It means that we have to move from being consumers - seeing community as transactional or acting as individuals receiving a service - to being disciples.
Cassie Schutzer
St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology
July 20, 2025 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Gospel this week encourages us to "choose the better part," and to ignore the noise in our heads that takes us away from Christ. This is good advice as I ease into my second year as pastor, which began on July 1.
In this job, it is easy to feel that I am "burdened with much serving," and - distracted by that - to forget how the whole operation is shot through with the grace of the sacraments and the presence of Christ in his people and in his poor. The readings of these days have been a good time to reconnect with the profound gratitude I feel every day that I am here, and with the lively hope I feel as we imagine the future of the parish. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do as members of the parish to make that grace manifest and to kindle that hope!
The readings this week present an opportunity to share some news about my health. I will be away for the next few weeks to have some surgery on my right hip. I'll be out from Thursday, July 24 until about Monday, August 11, during which time I'll be recovering at St. Camillus. I'll be back at Gesu around August 11, and working part time for a couple of weeks after that. By the end of August, things should be back to normal.
While I'm away, I'll be grateful for your prayers and always happy to receive a card or note while I'm at St. Camillus. I think I'd prefer no visitors, however. I know many people here visit Jesuits at St. Camillus with great care, but even so, I would prefer privacy as I recover. I hope you understand! And please know of my prayers for all the parish while I'm away - that is in fact the job of every Jesuit missioned to health care. I plan to do it carefully.
Michael R. Simone, S.J.
Pastor
July 13, 2025 - Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The problem of righteousness perplexed many in Jesus’ day. In its basic sense, a righteous life was a life as God intended. Humans had lost their way and turned to sin, but God had acted repeatedly in history to bring us back to a path of full human flourishing. God's instructions were especially clear in the Law of Moses, which was like the instruction manual for human living.
The words of Moses' teaching, however divine their origin, came from an era in Israel’s history very much unlike the one in which Jesus lived. The family farms, small towns, and national unity that Moses describes had given way to imperial systems of plantation agriculture, ethnic diversity, and urbanization. These disruptions made it difficult to live out the law.
Creative thinkers solved this problem in two ways. Some used ancient ideas to address the new situations in which they lived. Rigorous application of ritual purity or Sabbath laws, for example, helped preserve Jewish identity and protected individuals from the demands of foreign overlords, who generally respected local customs. Another solution was to seek out the deeper meaning of God's instruction, that one divine insight that tied it all together. If a single principle of righteousness unified all God’s instructions, then one need only apply it consistently to find eternal life.
This is the background for this Sunday's Gospel passage. Jesus’s initial answer is his own "principle of righteousness," to love God and neighbor with all of one's being. When the scholar of the law challenges him to elaborate, however, Jesus responds by underlining the role of compassion in a life of righteousness.
In fact, compassion is the solution to the problem of righteousness. In any given situation, God desires us to do the most compassionate thing for our neighbor, to bear one another’s burdens with the same extravagance that the good Samaritan bore the traveler's suffering. Jesus’ own compassion should also not be overlooked. Samaritans had recently driven him from town (Lk 9:51-56), but now he holds a Samaritan up as the supreme example of righteousness. His own teaching models the compassion he demands of his followers.
The world burdens everyone, and grace will draw our attention to many who have collapsed. To follow Christ means to lift each other up with an extravagance like the Good Samaritan’s and an evenhanded compassion like Jesus’ own. In this way, we will join our Lord in eternal life.
Michael R. Simone, S.J.
Pastor
July 6, 2025 - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
This week, Jesus invites a wider group of his disciples to share the joys and hardships of his life on mission. Poverty, hostility, and rejection remained constant realities. Ties of comfort and family could no longer be one’s first concern. Jesus instructs his followers not to draw attention to themselves and to live simply wherever they went.
Luke recounts that, in spite of the hardships, the seventy-two disciples rose to the challenge and discovered the joy of becoming like Jesus. In their preaching the Gospel and ministering to the sick, they reflected Jesus' own identity. “Whoever listens to you listens to me” (Lk 10:16), Jesus promises them, and they found successes like his on mission.
Life on the road also brought with it a deepening sense of joy. Jesus was quick to emphasize the real source of that joy – that each disciple was known and loved in heaven. Taking up the proclamation of God’s reign placed the disciples in an unexpectedly rich relationship with God and with the world. This new relationship brought with it shalom, a quiet joy rooted in grace that no hostile force could extinguish. This inner peace was the first gift the disciples had to offer to anyone who received them.
Christ offers this quiet joy to his disciples today. Many of us do not need to be reminded of our poverty. For some, the poverty is indeed material as incomes fall and opportunities dwindle. Many more experience a poverty of hope. The task before us is immense, and we can feel poorly prepared or ill-equipped to face it, but the world remains eager to feel the peace we can bring.
When a parent responds to a child’s mental illness, when a friend helps a neighbor through unemployment, when a high-powered CEO takes time every day to speak to the homeless person outside work, when the activist struggles against injustice and the forces of death, when a relative writes to a cousin in rehab or prison, each finds a way to share the peace that comes from the love of God in Christ.
Michael R. Simone, S.J.
Pastor