Fr. Mike's Communication for Aug 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
– John 6:68-69

Brothers and Sisters,
As our reflections from John 6 focused on Christ’s teachings on the Eucharist in John 6 come to a close, we are reminded of the challenge presented to all who follow Jesus. He knew that this teaching would be a difficult one to embrace. As a result, many of his followers simply stopped listening. The call to conversion was too daunting. While Jesus offers us the eternal “spirit and life” ( John 6:63), accepting this gift requires heavy lifting and willingness to continue conversion. Will we be like Jesus’ closest disciples — it’s Peter who answers, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”, with the commitment to stay by his side.
St. Paul likewise recognized the challenge that Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist offers us. We are to be consumed by Christ and transformed into the Body of Christ. In words often misunderstood by our contemporary ears, Paul tells the Ephesians, “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.” The words that follow make modern sensibilities cringe, beginning with the command that “wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.” The key to understanding Paul’s inspired message is in the last verses of the chapter: “This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.” Our subordination is ultimately offered to our Lord. Living in obedience is not always easy but made easier with the support of our family, friends, and parish family, too, as we ever discern God’s will in our life. Jesus is the source of all that is good and holy; may we ever strive to follow the path together that he has laid out for us.

Some considerations:

This weekend, we are grateful for the presence and preaching of Fr. John Luong. who serves as the Vocations Director for the Oblates of Mary. He has joined us to share in the good works of FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. Please hold in your prayers all our college students returning to their studies, as well as FOCUS, their young missionaries, and all who are working to evangelize college students.
Thank you to everyone who has inquired about our Sister Parish, Our Lady of the Nativity in Haiti. They are safe as the storm was concentrated to the south side of the island. If you are interested in contributing to disaster relief efforts, we recommend Catholic Relief Services. They have been working for years to provide relief to the people living in southern Haiti. We ask that you continue to keep the country and those affected in your prayers. On behalf of all OLPH Parishioners, a donation from the poor box will be made in support of relief services to Haiti. While they are presently facing several challenges, we continue to remain hopeful for a brighter future.
We are delighted to share some exciting news with you about Confirmation preparation at OLPH! We have retained the services of the Ablaze Family Ministries to lead Confirmation classes and the Retreat! Under the leadership of Directors Kristen Fisher and Deacon Steve Sarnecki, Candidates for Confirmation will grow to recognize the Holy Spirit already at work in the world and their lives and see how He is guiding them ever closer to Jesus in and through Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. While there will be further communications in the days and weeks to come, our goal today is to share this news about our relationship with Ablaze. To view a Confirmation preparation schedule, click here.
Would you please keep all teachers in prayer, including the teachers and staff at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, who formally return to the school this week? As our new year begins, we are embracing the theme as a parish and school, “I am the Vine; You are the Branches.” Jesus continues to feed and nourish us with his very life, calling us to receive from him and bear great fruit.
In collaboration with the Catholic parishes of Carroll County, St. John Parish is hosting Dr. Scott Hahn for two talks on the mystery of the Holy Eucharist on Saturday, September 11, from 10 am to 1:15 pm. Dr. Hahn, a dynamic speaker, will help deepen your understanding of this beautiful mystery at the heart of our Catholic faith. Tickets are free, but registration is required for the event.
Are you and your family looking for a time to worship, relax and enjoy time socializing together afterward? Join us for the “Family Prayer Project” on Saturday, August 28th, 6:30-8:00 pm at St. Louis in Clarksville. It’s free!! This event encourages families to encounter and respond to the Lord together through Eucharistic Adoration, Scriptural reflections, Praise & Worship, and Benediction … all with a party afterward! Bring your family; invite a friend. Register for free at: https://ablazefamily.org/fpp-august-2021or ask Dcn. Steve for details.

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

Rev. Michael S. Triplett