Fr. Mike’s Communication for Feb 27 2022

Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time | February 27, 2022

“You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first;
then you will see clearly
to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

– Luke 6:42b

Brothers and Sisters,

I wanted to thank those who contributed or pledged on behalf of the 2022 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries: Let Us Give Thanks to the Lord Our God. Your generosity now and historically through your support of OLPH’s weekly offertory, Capital Projects, as well as additional charities and ministries serving the wider Church is inspiring. And on behalf of the beneficiaries of our AACM rebate, our sister parishes, St. Veronicas and Our Lady of the Nativity, our parish school students, and the evangelization works of ChristLife — thank you!

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus teaches us how not to be a hypocrite. Indeed, to be called a hypocrite is unsettling yet, offers a chance for humble reflection. Now, ask yourself. With humility, do you see yourself as the person with the speck or the plank in their eye? In either instance, I have good news. Despite our hang-ups, hypocrisy, or hurts, God’s love for us transcends our transgressions!” And if you struggle to name the root of your transgressions (as do I), ask Jesus for help to identify them. But wait, there’s more; it’s not just about our pathway to holiness. We all have a role and responsibility in assisting one another to grow in virtue. Proof of this lies buried in the “less” essential words belonging to the Prayer of Absolution said by the priest at the Sacrament of Reconciliation. After invoking God and calling to mind His mercy, the priest exclaims, “through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace.” Now, pause a second, and reread, “through the ministry of the Church….” Remember, through our baptisms, we enter into the Body of Christ, the living Church. Let us minister to one another, inviting each of us to receive and accept the gift of God’s mercy.

Next week, March 2nd is Ash Wednesday, and with it, the sacred season of Lent, one of penance and preparation, begins. Can we greet these next forty days united as a team? Members of one body, praying and offering each other encouragement?

To that intention, after you’ve invited the Holy Spirit in prayer, to make it known what specific ways you should be praying, fasting, and offering almsgiving over the next forty days, call upon your personal teammates. Ask your spouse, parents, or friends for their honest feedback on your Lenten plans. Remain open to their suggestions to trim back or go deeper to avoid complacency. At the heart of the process, try to be flexible and pastoral, both with others and yourself. Remember, it is our God of mercy who calls on us to repent and renew our relationship with Him and with each other, all members of the Body of Christ!

A few other Lenten notes. Please find OLPH’s Ash Wednesday Mass times along with a list of our varied and thoughtful Lenten offerings at www.OLPHParish.org/lent-2022 or in the printed Lenten packet available for you to take home. Also, know that ashes will be placed directly on foreheads this year unless the recipient requests no contact. Then, ashes will be sprinkled over the top of the head, avoiding physical connection.

Finally, as your pastor and friend, I offer the following prayer as we make our Lenten journey together:

“Almighty and ever-living God,

you invite us deeper into your world,

your people, your Lent.

May this time be one of outward focus;

seeking you in those, we often ignore.

Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter.

Give us hearts hungry to serve you

and those who need what we have to give.

~Amen

Some considerations:

  • Workshop Series: Understanding Anxiety & Stress in a Post-Pandemic World | Starts Mar 3, 2022: Learn how to feel stronger and healthier in a post-pandemic world by attending this series of workshops presented by Dr. Kathleen Musslewhite, Executive Director of the Alpha Omega Clinic. The series will run on Thursday afternoons: Mar 3, Mar 17, Mar 31, Apr 14, Apr 28, May 12; each session duration: 12:00-2:30 pm and includes Mass and a light lunch. The cost for each session is $50 per person, or sign up for the entire series for $250 per person. Find more information and links to register on our website: www.ourladyofbethesda.org

  • The Obligation to Attend Mass – “This obligation does not apply to those who are ill; those who have reason to believe that they were recently exposed to the coronavirus, another serious or contagious illness; those who are confined to their home, a hospital, or nursing facility; or those with serious underlying health conditions. One should consult his or her local pastor if questions arise about the obligation to attend Mass (Canon 1245 and the Catechism of the Catholic Church n. 2181).
  • Individual Unbound Ministry Prayer | Saturday, February 26 | Church of the Resurrection, Ellicott City – Join the trained teams to provide individual prayer using the Unbound Model of prayer at The Church of the Resurrection’s School in Ellicott City. Unbound Prayer is based on five scriptural keys that help you unlock those areas of your life where you want to receive greater freedom, healing & spiritual growth. If you would like to schedule an appointment or more information, contact Dan or Peggy Gahagan by Monday, February 21 at unboundministrymaryland@gmail.com. We ask that you read at least the first seven chapters of the book Unbound by Neal Lozano to receive Unbound prayer (available at www.Amazon.com OR www.heartofthefather.com).

  • Married & Engaged Couples: “Natural Family Planning class series beginning Sunday, March 20 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. NFP is 99% effective. Register online at www.ccli.org Questions? Contact Mark & Kathy Schmidt at mak.schmidt@gmail.com

  • Damascus Catholic Youth Summer Camp: Calling all students entering the 6th-12th grade. Do you love high adventure outdoor activities and the faith? Come join us this July 3-8, 2022, for Damascus Catholic Youth Summer Camp. Contact Maureen Schafer at maureen.schafer@archbalt.org for more information.

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

Rev. Michael S. Triplett