Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

“Keep in touch.” We’ve often heard that phrase spoken by people who value a relationship that has been established. Perhaps, it was because we’ve worked with someone on a project or maybe we’ve experienced a special encounter with someone at an event. It’s a compliment when someone wants to maintain contact with us. We’ve also heard it said about political or religious leaders when they make comments about social situations which do not make sense – “they’re out of touch.” We need contact, on at least a periodic basis, to make sure that the relationship is alive. If we fail to “keep in touch,” the friendship will be diminished – it may even die.

This past Sunday, Jesus proclaimed that He is the true vine and we are the branches. You can do nothing without me, He said. In a certain sense, Jesus is telling us to “keep in touch.” But how do we do that? First, we pray. If you want to keep in touch, you must communicate. I have experienced many vocations in marriage and ordained life that fail because individuals stopped praying.

Secondly, we associate with brothers and sisters of faith. I have been inspired in my priestly life by the witness and generosity of people of faith. Most recently, the martyrs who refused to deny their faith have made me intensely aware of the faith I profess. Lastly is the Eucharist, the intimate relationship one achieves by receiving the Lord.

So I ask you, is Sunday Mass important? We pray, we gather with brothers and sisters to witness and we receive Jesus. We “keep in touch” through prayer, witness and the Eucharist – each a constant reminder to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the May 5, 2015 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.