July 30, 2023July 31, 2023
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17

From the Pastor’s Desk

The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Aug 13, 2023

“Come.”

-Matthew 14:22-33

Brothers and Sisters,

What would Jesus’ hands feel like?

Many contemporary artists have wondered the same as they attempted to illustrate Jesus’ saving grasp. In The Closeness of God” by painter Sieger Köder [Available per the following link https://tinyurl.com/yhehhtfm], Apostle Peter’s hand clinging onto Jesus’ grip dominates the foreground as a frantic and somewhat comical depiction of a boat brimming with disciples recesses into the work’s background. And more recently, artist Yongsung Kim’s “The Hand of God” canvas places the viewer’s perspective completely underwater as a smiling Jesus looks down into the waves with hand outstretched. [View the work here: https://tinyurl.com/4kj5tr2k]

Both of these paintings challenge us to imagine an interaction with Jesus from Peter’s point of view. Likely, it’s not hard to do: He’s excited to follow Jesus, yet hesitant and fearful in some ways as he considers what, at face value, seems to be an unbearable and impossible mission. Can you relate? Has a recent invitation from Jesus given you pause or made you feel like Jesus is asking you to walk on the water? If you’ve felt this way, remember the Gospel message is not merely about Peter’s human frailty but, more so, a reminder of what we can accomplish when we trust in the grace of God while never losing sight of Jesus. The truth is that we can’t be successful evangelists by going it alone – we need Jesus. Because when we abide by Jesus, have a healthy prayer life, and take time to visit Jesus in the Eucharist, our fears and frailties disappear into the background, and we can accomplish the miraculous. This coming week why not take advantage of links to view the artwork I shared and take these images with you when you pray? And when you do, remember that when we are willing to step out of our comfort zone to spread the Gospel, Jesus always stands by to lend a hand.

Before I close, I invite you to join us for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven as we celebrate Mass on this holy day of obligation at the Vigil on Monday, Aug 14, at 7 pm or on the feast Tuesday, Aug 15 at 8:15 am and 5 pm. This great mystery, meditated upon in the Glorious Mysteries, reminds us of what God can do for us. He can bring us into the joys of heaven.

In the Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett

Other Considerations in and around our Community:

  •  OLPH SCHOOL IS HIRING – Lunch Supervisor: We are still searching for at least one Lunch Supervisor to support the lunch program. The responsibilities are to serve as liaison to All About Lunch and coordinate the lunch delivery and service. An important facet of this role is coordinating our abundant parent volunteers who serve now. The hours are 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, and the hourly rate for this non-benefit eligible position is $17.00 per hour. Please refer any interested individuals to Mrs. Underwood or Mrs. Munoz for more information. They can reach us at office@olphschool.org. Long-Term Substitute for Middle School Math and Science: This would be a temporary position lasting 12 weeks beginning in late October to teach classes while our teacher takes maternity leave. This is a full-time position with hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Salary is based on years of experience and credentials. Please refer any interested individuals to Mrs. Underwood at tunderwood@olphschool.org.
  • HONORING PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS – The Archdiocese of Baltimore is working to foster a community for Catholic first responders and their families. Public safety professionals and their loved ones are invited to join this Facebook group, “First Responders of the Archdiocese of Baltimore,” which comprises faith-filled public servants, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and veterans. The group is designed to provide fellowship and all-important spiritual support and create a space for first responders to connect as Catholics united in Christ’s love. Search for “First Responders of the Archdiocese of Baltimore” on Facebook and request to join the group, or type the following address into your web browser: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aobfirstresponders. ***Please also mark your calendars: Archbishop William E. Lori will celebrate a special Blue Mass to invoke God’s blessing on our first responders on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Monastery in southwest Baltimore.
  • SAVE THE DATE: Maryland Catholic Women’s Conference – “Holy Women, Holy Lives” Saturday, Nov 11, 2023, St. John the Evangelist, Severna Park, MD This day-long conference is an opportunity for up to 600 women from around the state to come together and deepen their faith by engaging in opportunities for confession, adoration, and Mass, as well as listen to dynamic Catholic speakers and enjoy fellowship. The conference is designed for women desiring to learn about their faith at any age or stage of life. This year, we are excited to offer talks in Spanish and limited childcare services to make the conference accessible to even more women.
  • FREE BISHOP BARRON’S THE MASS– For a limited time, walk through the Liturgy with Bishop Barron and be transformed through insights on this most privileged and intimate encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. See how the Mass brings us out of the fallen world and into the heavenly realm, how it resonates with a call from God and a response from his people, the Church, and, most importantly, how we are intimately joined with the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus through the Holy Eucharist. Visit videos.wordonfire.org/themassepisode1