The Sunday Scripture readings invite us to reflect on what it means to come humbly before God—not for show or praise, but in sincerity and openness of heart. The readings remind us that God notices what we do when no one else is watching—and that our integrity before Him matters far more than our outward image.
In the first reading from Sirach (35:12-14, 16-18), we hear: “The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites… the prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds.”
God listens not to those who seek attention, but to those who seek Him with honesty. The humble heart—the one that quietly loves, serves, and trusts—is the one that moves heaven.
Psalm 34 echoes this same theme: “The Lord hears the cry of the poor.” It reminds us that in God’s eyes, greatness is not measured by status or success, but by sincerity and compassion. It is often the hidden acts of goodness—the small sacrifices, the unseen prayers—that bring light into the world. This message echoed powerfully at our School’s 65th Anniversary Mass this week. I shared with the students a phrase that has shaped my own life: “You are who you are when no one is watching.”
I remember once when my niece was very young and in the elementary school where I was pastor. I saw her being really kind to someone else in need—she really cared for her. She did not know I saw her doing it but I was so proud of her. Later when I shared with my brother what she did, he beamed with pride, rightfully so. We both recalled our mother’s challenge when we were younger, “You are who you are when no one is watching.”
And it is true for all of our children. Maybe they’re cleaning their room, taking their backpack out of the car after school, or showing kindness to a friend. Those unseen moments fill me with hope that, as they grow, they’ll have the confidence to do the right thing even when no one else is watching.
Jesus tells a story in Luke’s Gospel about a master who leaves his servants in charge. When he returns, he rewards the ones who stayed faithful—those who kept working even when no one was watching. But for those who used his absence as an excuse to neglect or mistreat others, there was disappointment and consequence. Then Jesus gives us that striking line: “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
Those words hold special meaning for us at St. Simon Parish and School, as we mark nearly 65 years of Catholic education and 70 years as a parish. We have truly been entrusted with much—faithful families, dedicated teachers, generous parishioners, and the blessing of a vibrant community of faith. And because we’ve been given so much, much is expected of us—not perfection, but faithfulness. To use our gifts, education, kindness, and faith to make the world a little better, one small act at a time.
At our retreat last night, we reflected on the Pillar of Humility as one of the foundations for lasting joy. In their book, The Book of Joy, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama remind us that humility frees us from the prison of self-importance. When we no longer need to be the center of attention, we begin to notice the beauty around us—the grace of others, the goodness of creation, the tender mercies of God.
True joy is born not from thinking less of ourselves, but from thinking of ourselves less. When we live humbly, we make space for God to dwell in us. We discover that joy is the quiet fruit of gratitude and grace—an interior peace that grows in the soil of humility. Humility, then, is not about self-denial but self-forgetfulness. It allows us to laugh at ourselves, to forgive easily, to love generously, and to serve freely. It opens the door for joy because we no longer have to prove anything; we simply rest in God’s love and trust that His gaze sees all, even in secret.
In the Gospel of Luke (18:9-14), Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. One boasts of his goodness; the other bows his head and prays, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Jesus concludes, “I tell you, the tax collector went home justified, not the Pharisee.” Here lies the essence of humility before God: not boasting of our virtue, but standing honestly before Him in truth. The humble person doesn’t pretend to be perfect—they simply desire to be real before the One who loves them. When we live this way—when we do the right thing not for praise but for love—we find our truest freedom. That’s what it means to be the living light of Christ in our world.
This Sunday as part of our 70th Anniversary Celebration, our parish and school families are joining together for a Community Service Day—a living expression of gratitude for all we have received. Every act of service becomes a quiet “thank you” to God for seventy years of grace. Each act, whether seen or unseen, reflects our shared mission: to live humbly, love generously, and serve joyfully. These moments are not just projects—they are our legacy taking flesh in the world today.
We invite you to continue this celebration by joining us for our Feast Day Mass on Tuesday, October 28th, at 5pm as we close this special week of gratitude marking our 70 years as a parish community. Together we will give thanks for all who built this foundation of faith and for the next generation who will carry it forward.
As we go forth this week, take a quiet challenge:
- Do one act of kindness that no one will ever see.
- Offer one prayer for someone who will never know you prayed for them.
- Do one good thing when nobody is watching.
At day’s end, pause and reflect: What did I do today when no one was watching? That’s where humility grows, and where joy takes root.
I look forward to seeing you at 7pm this evening at the concert with Sarah Hart, one of the most gifted Catholic composers and musicians of our time. Sarah’s music captures the very spirit of humble joy—songs that remind us of God’s nearness, our calling to love, and the beauty of faith lived out in ordinary life. Her lyrics and melodies will lift your heart and remind you why we sing, serve, and believe. Come, bring a friend, and let her music be a prayer that rekindles joy and gratitude in your heart.
God bless,
Fr. Brendan
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A Blessing for the Light We Carry Forward
(for the 70th Anniversary of St. Simon Parish and 65th of the School)
May the memory of these holy years
rest gently upon us—
seventy seasons of prayer,
sixty-five of teaching hearts to hope.
May their roots steady us now
as we lean into the winds of tomorrow.
May we walk humbly,
knowing that grace is gift, not possession,
and that faith is not a badge,
but a way of seeing—
a way of serving when no one applauds.
May our hearts stay tender
to the cries of the poor,
not from pity,
but from the deep knowing
that we are kin—
all children of one God
who weaves mercy through our days.
May we be brave in love,
bold in compassion,
and tireless in building
a future radiant with hope.
Let our hands become lanterns,
our words seeds of peace,
our parish a hearth of light
for the whole world to see.
And when our own years fall silent,
may others rise upon the prayers
we leave behind—
carrying forward this light,
not as a monument to what was,
but as a living fire
of what still can be.
Amen.
A Blessing for Hidden Light by Fr. Brendan