Pastor’s Letter: September 6, 2026

Pastor’s Letter: September 6, 2026

4 Sep 2026 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear St. Philomena Parish Family,

One of my favorite greetings is hearing Archbishop Sheen say in that deep voice, “Peace be to you.” Many years ago when I was a seminarian, someone gave me a wonderful CD set of conferences by Archbishop Sheen where he speaks on a range of topics. Each of the conferences begins with the familiar: “Peace be to you.” As we are now in September and in the final preparations for the Beatification of Archbishop Sheen on September 24, I thought I would begin a series on Sheen to help us dive more deeply into his life and teaching. Msgr. Jason Gray, who is the Executive Director the Fulton Sheen Foundation, has prepared a wonderful review of Archbishop Sheen’s Autobiography: “Treasure in Clay.” In the coming weeks, we’ll work through Msgr. Gray’s book study, giving us a chance to learn more about Archbishop Sheen…and hopefully inspire us to live more and faithfully our own life in Christ.

Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen…Chapter 1

Msgr. Gray begins by asking us to read 2 Corinthians 4:5-7 and comment on the meaning of the title of the autobiography. “For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus. For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Christ. But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.” Msgr. Gray continues, “Reflect on an example of the differences between the way we are seen by others, the way we see ourselves, and the way God sees us.”

Answers: Sheen recognized that he was only the clay pot in which Christ the treasure was contained. The quote keeps Sheen grounded in humility, lest the pot think that it was the treasure.

 We are often not good judges of others or of ourselves. The world often says “things that are too bad to be true or too good to be true.” Neither is usually true. This is why it’s better to be concerned about how God sees us, which is the real truth.

Msgr. Gray concludes this first chapter by asking us to give an example of a scripture passage that has told the tale of your life. Is there a passage that you think of when you think of your life? Personally, I often think of John 15:16, which was the verse I chose for my ordination holy card: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.” This verse always joyfully reminds me that we can trust in God when it comes to our vocation and life—that we truly can put everything in God’s hands and trust He will bring us to bear fruit—both in our lives and those we encounter.

Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen…Chapter 2

Msgr. Gray asks, “What virtues did Sheen learn from his parents? From Bishop Spalding? Reflect on the importance of Sheen’s broad passion for learning. Comment on Sheen’s interaction with Dr. Alexander who was known in the world not because of truth, but because of novelty. Sheen was not interested in novelty as much as the truth. What is the world today interested in?”

Answers: From his parents, Sheen learned the value of hard work and religion, honesty, discipline, the virtue of religion, the recitation of the rosary. He learned of their love for him through their self-denial for their children. From Bishop Spalding, Sheen experienced kindness and patience when he expected to be reprimanded in anger. He learned of a Bishop’s love for his flock.

 Sheen constantly spent time reading and learning. In Louvain, he learned “metaphysics, experimental psychology, rational psychology, cosmology, Aristotle, modern space and time” and many other things. His learning allowed him to apply what he knew to his preaching about God. Dr. Alexander wanted to be novel and taught implicitly that God was not perfect. Rather than wanting to be novel, Sheen wanted more to know the truth. Sheen was more concerned about the truth, whether or not he would impress anyone with his insights. Ironically, his insights into the truth, which is from God, did impress the world more than Dr. Alexander ever did. The world today focuses on the self, one’s own reputation, and on possessing every novelty. Traditional truths and values are often ignored as antiquated and obsolete.

As we conclude reflecting on these first two chapters, I am especially struck by how much the positive influence of good people around can impact our thinking and our living. Of course, that is why we so often look to the saints as good models for following Christ. They remind us it is truly possible to trust in Jesus and follow Him…and they remind us of how fruitfully our Lord can work through us! Know of my prayers and blessing for you all this week!

In Christ,
Father Luke