September 21, 2022September 21, 2022

Deacon Roch’s Communication for Sept 25 2022

by in Community Outreach, Uncategorizedtags , ,
16

Sept. 25, 2022 | Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time


“Blessed is he who keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.”

~Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

 

Brothers and Sisters,

I love this time of year as the weather cools and the humidity finally leaves us, and we welcome football season (while hoping for the Oriole’s grab a playoff spot!) Or, like me, maybe you’re just excited at the promise of eating season — the time from Thanksgiving (or perhaps as early as Halloween ) until Super Bowl Sunday, when almost every event involves outrageous amounts of food.

Even as we enjoy the abundance of “eating season,” with inflation affecting many, I know money can be tight. So when reflecting on today’s Gospel, we may not immediately see ourselves in the place of the rich man, dressed in expensive clothes, dining sumptuously each day. Still, perhaps we should, and maybe, our ability to see our similarities shouldn’t be that much of a stretch.

Today’s readings invite us to open our eyes to what or who we might be overlooking. In the first reading, Amos reminds us that complacency isn’t an option. Lazarus had no one on earth to help him, so he trusted God completely (as we should). Then our Responsorial Psalm tells us all we need to know: “Blessed is he who keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry.” It’s clear. We are called to do more!

While preaching at Mass on the World Day of the Poor back in 2021, Pope Francis said it best; the Church “asks us not to turn aside, not to be afraid to take a close look at the suffering of those most vulnerable.” With this in mind, we should leave Mass today inspired to stop seeing those struggling with poverty as our burden but as real people deserving of hopes, dreams, and an abundant table of their own. And this is what God wants us all to do, whether in periods of abundance or despair.

As we enter the eating season, join me in reflecting on how we may have become indifferent to our abundance and those with less. Then let’s step up and help someone like Lazarus who hasn’t experienced, anticipated, or thought about the eating season.

Our parish has many volunteer opportunities to serve, like SALT, where an OLPH crew brings food, unconditional love, and hope for a better tomorrow to our many friends struggling with life on the margins in Baltimore City (visit https://olphparish.org/salt/ to volunteer). Or the St. Vincent DePaul/OLPH Outreach Ministry. Look for their Annual Families Helping Families Thanksgiving Program; this opportunity to give will be here before we know it.

So, let’s enjoy the nachos during the next Raven’s game or the Baltimore-style Pit Beef during the O’s playoff run (hopefully!). But when finished, let’s give thanks and GO BEYOND to serve our neighbor with grateful hearts and clear eyes. Indifference is not an option.

Some considerations:

  • INDIVIDUAL UNBOUND MINISTRY PRAYER – Many of us are fighting invisible battles with anxieties, negative thoughts, resentments and bitter wounds that never seem to heal. Reach out and experience God’s merciful love, healing and freedom through Unbound Ministry Prayer. On Saturday October 1st, at Church of the Resurrection there will be trained teams available to provide individual prayer using the Unbound Model of prayer, based on 5 scriptural keys that help you unlock those areas of your life where you want to receive greater freedom, healing & spiritual growth. To schedule an appointment or want more information, email UnboundMinistryMaryland@gmail.com.
  • ARRAY OF HOPE CONCERT – Array of Hope will present a high-energy concert for the whole family, featuring powerful musical performances, fellowship, and an exciting multimedia presentation! The dates and times are October 1 @ 7PM and Sunday, October 2 @ 2:30PM, and will be held in the auditorium on the campus of Mt. DeSales Academy in Catonsville. Tickets are $10. Contact tess.tyrrell@archbalt.org for more information.
  • WINE AT THE SHRINE | Saturday, October 15th, 1:30 – 6:00 pm – Wine at the Shrine is an event benefitting two wonderful organizations – Little Portion Farm and the Franciscan Center of Baltimore – working in collaboration to assist the most vulnerable in our community and to care for the earth. This outdoor celebration (weather permitting) features delicious beer and wine sampling, local food trucks, live music, hayrides, cooking demonstrations, farm tours, and kids’ activities – all on the beautiful grounds of the Shrine of St. Anthony. Purchase tickets at wineattheshrine.org
  • CRAB FEAST –The Mortel Foundation is holding High Hopes for Haiti – an all-you-can-eat picnic and crab feast to raise funds and celebrate Dr. Mortel’s life and legacy. It is happening on October 22 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Oregon Ridge Park. For details and tickets, visit www.highhopesforhaiti.org/events or all 844-466-7835.
  • MADE FOR MORE – VISIONS OF THE PROMISED LAND -Oct 26, 7-9 pm at St. Philip Neri Church. Where do we come from and where are we going? These questions are DECISIVE for understanding what it means to be human and how to orient our lives and our actions toward authentic fulfillment. Join Christopher West and Mike Mangione as they creatively weave together dynamic presentations with live music, movie clips, YouTube videos, and sacred art for an evening of beauty and reflection on the meaning of life, love, and human destiny. You will come away with a faith-filled vision of hope that will instill in you the sheer wonder and joy of being alive. For more info, contact Timothy M. Feeney – tfeeney@st.philip-neri.org – 410-859-0571.
  • MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, AND ANNULMENTS – FROM A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE– The Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Baltimore will be giving a presentation in our area concerning divorce and annulment from the Catholic perspective. This presentation will be helpful for divorced Catholics, those divorced who wish to marry Catholics, those parish leaders involved in the RCIA process, and any others who may have an interest because of family or friends. This session will be held on Monday, October 17th at 7:00 pm at St. Mark, Catonsville in the Coakley Room. No prior registration is required. For further information, please call 410-547-5533. If you have any questions or need more information please call the Tribunal.

Peace,

Deacon Roch