Glory to Jesus Christ!
Слава Ісусу Христу!
Dear Brother Knights,
June in Alberta always carries a special joy. The fruit trees blossomed
weeks ago, and now small apples, cherries, saskatoons, and other fruit are
already beginning to develop on the branches. Gardens have been planted,
and farmers are relieved that the seed is finally in the ground. Now we wait
for God to send what is needed. June can bring gentle rains or weeks of
dry weather, reminding us that while we do our part, growth ultimately
depends upon God’s providence. Day by day, almost inch by inch, the
fields begin to grow. Poplars release their white fuzz into the wind, the
lakes come alive again, and walleye—finished with spawning—begin to bite
aggressively once more. Fishermen return eagerly to the waters at sunrise
and dusk.
Children also feel the excitement of this season. School is nearly finished,
baseball diamonds are full of laughter, campgrounds awaken, and families
begin their summer travels to lakes, mountains, and quiet evenings around
campfires. After the long winter, life moves outward again.
Yet while gardens, crops, and lakes all require care and attention, the
Church reminds us that the human heart must also be cared for wisely.
This month, the Church places before us the Ninth Commandment, which
speaks about purity of heart. The Catechism teaches that this
commandment warns us against sinful desires and selfish passions.
Temptation often begins quietly in thoughts, imagination, and desires
before it ever appears in actions. That is why Christian purity is not only
about avoiding outward sin, but about learning to love rightly, honestly, and
faithfully.
Just as weeds can slowly overtake a healthy garden, unhealthy habits and
thoughts can quietly overtake the soul if we are not careful. An experienced
fisherman also knows that not every movement in the water should be
chased immediately. Patience, discipline, and self-control are important
both in fishing and in the spiritual life.
The world around us often encourages impurity, selfishness, and treating
people as objects rather than as children of God. As Christian men,
husbands, fathers, grandfathers, and Brother Knights, we are called to
something better. We are called to protect marriage and family life, to guard
our thoughts and speech, and to live with integrity and respect toward
others.
We continue during June to live in the grace of Pentecost, the great feast
of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. The Holy Spirit strengthens
what is weak, brings peace to confusion, and gives courage to live
faithfully. The Church teaches that the Holy Spirit grants us His Gifts:
wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the
Lord. From these gifts grow the Fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Like crops in the field or fruit slowly growing on the trees, these spiritual
fruits require time, prayer, patience, and care. They do not grow overnight.
Early in June, we also celebrate the Feast of the Holy Eucharist, known
in the Latin Church as Corpus Christi. Whether celebrated on Thursday or
transferred to Sunday, this feast reminds us that the Eucharist is the
greatest gift Christ has entrusted to His Church. In Holy Communion, Christ
gives us not merely something of Himself, but His very Body and Blood.
The Eucharist strengthens the heart to love rightly, purely, and sacrificially,
while Confession helps cleanse and heal the soul whenever we fall.
This month we also celebrate great saints who guide us in Christian
manhood. On June 24, we celebrate the Nativity of Saint John the
Baptist, a model of humility and courage whose entire life pointed toward
Christ. His words remain important for every one of us:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
Saint John reminds us that purity of heart and humility always go together.
When Christ becomes greater in our lives, selfish desires lose their power
over us.
Then on June 29, we celebrate the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
Several Apostles were fishermen who understood storms, hard work,
patience, and complete trust in God. The Church today still needs men
willing to remain in the same boat together: faithful in prayer, strong in
family life, united in fraternity, courageous in truth, and open to the
guidance of the Holy Spirit.
During this summer season, I encourage each of you to spend time
outdoors with gratitude for God’s creation, to pray daily for the Gifts and
Fruits of the Holy Spirit, to avoid impurity in media and entertainment, and
to approach Confession and the Eucharist regularly. Just as farmers trust
God to bring growth after planting, we too must trust Him to grow spiritual
fruits within us through patience and faithfulness.
Please pray for me, as I pray for you, my Brothers. Together, in the same
boat of faith, may we remain men of purity, integrity, and faithfulness—
guided by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by Christ.
May the Lord bless your families, your travels, your summer gatherings,
your work, and your time on the waters.
Vivat Jesus!
— Fr. Slavko Dumeč
State Chaplain, Alberta & Northwest Territories (Knights of Columbus)
