Fr. Mike's Communication for Aug 3 2025

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
-Luke 12:15

August 3, 2025

Fr Mike Letter graphic Aug 3 2025 - green and gold clud shapes

Brothers and Sisters,

Are you prepared for your retirement? Do you have a clear understanding of your current and future expenses, along with the estimated income you’ll need to live on? Have you organized your financial accounts and insurance information?

If we read Scripture with a strict literal interpretation, we would not need savings accounts or insurance. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize the difference between our culture and contemporary norms, as well as those of the original audience. A historical-critical approach doesn’t allow us to ignore Scripture we find uncomfortable—or to dismiss the ongoing need for conversion. The Holy Spirit inspired Scripture to speak to us today. The Gospel proclaimed is the living presence of Jesus, the Word of God.

Perhaps a better question is: Where do we keep our safety deposit box, and what do we store in it? If our “safety deposit box” in the truest sense isn’t held in the Bank of the Lord, we are foolish. We ought to seek and cling to eternal treasures—for as St. Paul reminds us, only faith, hope, and love remain. When you consider your net worth, do you focus on financial assets—or do you reflect on your path as a disciple?

The Gospel calls us to greater generosity, recognizing that any wealth or resources we have are ultimately held in the name of the Lord. We are stewards, not owners, and we owe back what we’ve been given.

This Wednesday, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration. On the mountaintop, with only a select few disciples (Peter, James, and John), Jesus reveals his glory. This moment is a treasure meant to strengthen their faith. Why? Because Jesus knew the Passion to come would be brutal. Following him on the way of the Cross and accepting his ultimate gift—dying for us—was necessary. Let’s be grateful for those times when the Lord has given us a glimpse of the eternal, of life in union with God.

Next weekend, I’ll be at a family reunion in the Ozarks—my first family caravan in many years. I hope you’ve had some wonderful moments with your family this summer and have truly taken the opportunity to be together and present with one another. Let’s treasure these moments more than anything we could collect or accumulate.

In closing, Save the Date: Archbishop Lori will celebrate a Mass with homeschool families on Tuesday, August 26, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel (6950 Dogwood Road, Woodlawn, MD 21244), followed by a pizza lunch and activities. Free registration is available at bit.ly/AOB-HomeschoolMass-2025.

In the Lord,
Rev. Michael S. Triplett

MARRIAGE RETREAT – Jesus calls us to love the Lord and to love one another. Deepen your communication, rekindle your romance, and renew your sacrament by attending the next upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on Oct 24-26, 2025, in Jessup, MD, and Aug 29-31, 2025, in WHEATON, MD. Early sign-up is recommended. For more information, visit our website at https://moments4marriage.org, email applications@moments4marriage.org, or call 301-500-0871.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM – Catholic Social Teaching Program – This week-long graduate-level program on the Church’s social teaching is open to diocesan administrators, department directors, and their staff in various ministries, as well as clergy, religious, seminarians, and lay leaders from diverse fields. It offers an in-depth understanding of Catholic Social Teaching from esteemed scholars and professionals. The certificate program emphasizes the comprehension and application of these teachings, as developed by the magisterium over the past 125 years. Please see more details here: Catholic Social Teaching Certificate Course | CAPP-USA.

COLUMBIA CENTER NORTH ANNUAL FUNDRAISER – Invite your friends, family, and fellow parishioners, and come learn more about Pregnancy Center North and the women and babies we serve! Our mission is to save lives and help women and families thrive – and we can’t do it without you!! Join us for our Annual Fundraising Banquet on Thursday, September 18th, at 6:30 p.m. at Martin’s Valley Mansion in Cockeysville. You can sign up to attend at https://pcnministry.org/fall-fundraising-banquet/ by clicking the “Register Now” button, or by scanning the QR code on the event banner above. RSVPs are due by September 1st. If you have any questions or need help registering, please contact our Development Director, Amy Fuchsluger, at amyf@pcnorth.org or 410-377-2872.

AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS – Girls and families interested in American Heritage Girls are invited to come and meet AHG Troop MD0413 of St. Louis Catholic Church at our annual Sundae Sunday on September 14th. There will be ice cream, crafts, and other fun activities for the girls. The event is open to girls aged 5 – 17. For more information about the Sundae Sunday and our troop, visit https://tinyurl.com/MD0413

COLLEGE SWING DANCE – Calling all recent high school graduates and current college students! You are invited on Sunday, Aug. 3, from 6:30—9:30 p.m. to the school auditorium of St. John the Evangelist for a swing dance! Invite a friend or two, and don’t worry if you don’t know how to dance; lessons will be included! Food and drink will also be provided—event hosted by St. John the Evangelist and Our Lady of the Fields College Ministry. If you have any questions, contact Monique Gill at mgill@stjohnsp.org. St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146.

MASS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS – You are invited to the Archdiocese’s Homeschool Mass with Archbishop William E. Lori on August 26 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel in Woodlawn, at 6950 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, MD. Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/AOB-HomeschoolMass-2025. The event will be followed by a pizza lunch and fun activities.