Fr. Mike’s Communication for Aug 15, 2021

 August 15, 2021

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun,
with the moon under her feet,
and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth.
Revelation 12:1-2

Brothers and Sisters,

Blessed Feast of the Assumption!

The book of Revelation is rich with imagery and guideposts for the reader, often missed when viewed with a contemporary mindset—attributed to the apostle and evangelist John; the work shares several similarities with other parts of the Bible. For instance, like Paul’s letters, Revelations is addressed to the seven fledgling Christian communities. And like the Gospels, though less of a linear narrative of Jesus’ life, the work purports to reveal Christ and his message from God the Father, focusing on the impact of Jesus’ presence in time and space. And like the prophetic books of the Old Testament, John attempts to draw his readers into conversion, recognizing the implications of Jesus’ presence and the transformative vision of the new Kingdom he preaches.

This great sign described in today’s 1st reading happens to be one of the most depicted scenes in Christian art. (A worthy exercise is to gaze at one of these renowned paintings and then revisit the sacred text.) The woman, appearing in the sky, poetically depicted as clothed with the sun and the moon at her feet, is typically identified as Mary, the Mother God. Here we find her willingly cooperating so that Jesus is made incarnate, becoming human by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet let’s also remember this woman is a symbol of the entire people of God. From the 12 Tribes of Israel to the new faithful, the Church. Apostle Paul, in a voice comparable to Revelations, called the Church “the Jerusalem above…our mother.” (Galatians 4:26) It’s essential to recognize that the Book of Revelation doesn’t treat the Mysteries of Christ as stationary past events but moments of grace that impact for all of time and eternity. And per her usual servant heart, the woman, Mary, points us to the abiding presence of her son Jesus and his commitment to lead us into his eternal Kingdom. As members of that very Kingdom, the Lord trusts us, his sons and daughters, to bring others to know him. We can do this by receiving the Lord in his Word and through the gift of the Eucharist — then living our lives with intention, proclaiming the glorious workings of the Lord in our words and deeds!

This coming week, perhaps this simple prayer as a reminder, Lord, may our Mother intercede for us and guide us in our mission as we strive to introduce others to her son, Jesus!

Some considerations:

  • Our deepest gratitude to so many who serve in our SALT Ministry, including their remarkable leadership, the many parishioners and neighbors who contribute food and supplies, the SALT ministers who bring the food to the hungry in Baltimore, and our many partners in Baltimore. While a fantastic team of volunteers carried SALT through these past months, we are hopeful of bringing more help to this incredible act of love to neighbors.  Please consider exploring the many ways to help shop, prep food, or serve downtown; click here
  • Next weekend, August 21-22, Fr. John Luong with FOCUS will preach at most of our masses. FOCUS, or the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, is built on helping students know Jesus and fulfill his great commission. The ministry, founded in 1998, responds to St. John Paul II’s call to a “new evangelization.” As they continue to expand the number of college and university campuses which is currently over 180, some 800 FOCUS missionaries invite students into a relationship with Christ and the Church, equipping them for a lifetime of Catholic evangelization.  Fr. John Luong, OMV, is the Vocational Director for the Oblates of Mary and serves at St. Clement Eucharistic Chapel in Boston. Fr. Luong is excited to be with you and share the hope of the New Evangelization. Would you please welcome him next weekend?
  • OLPH School is looking for faith-filled, creative, and qualified people to join our amazing team.
    Our available opportunities are:

    Assistant Principal
    Middle School Math Teacher
    Part-time Spanish Teacher
    Director of Marian Program (Special Education certified preferred or Reading Specialist)
    Substitute Teachers
    Please send resumes or questions to Mrs. Tracy Underwood, Principal, at tunderwood@olphschool.org or call the school office at (410)744-4251. We look forward to enriching our team!
  • The Church remembers Blessed Michael McGivney On August 13th. Fr. McGivney, a parish priest in Connecticut who founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882. The knights were founded to strengthen families and provide “insurance” for widows and orphans upon the death of a husband. Both in concrete and practical steps and pastoral zeal and preaching, Fr. McGivney worked tirelessly to support healthy families. Today, the health of the family serves as a good measure to the health of a parish or the community’s health. Sadly, many elements of our culture and tragic experiences of abuse or neglect leave families broken and hurting. Please pray through the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney for the health and well-being of families in our community and for our Knights of Columbus and their efforts.Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Michael McGivneyGod, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor.
    Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church.
    Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast.
    We humbly ask that you glorify Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor(s) I now present (here  make  your  request[s]). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Rev. Michael S. Triplett