Fr. Mike's Communication for Jan 23, 2022

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

January 23, 2022
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Luke 4:21

Greetings!
In this Year of the Eucharist, our Archdiocese has not only emphasized the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, but in the Assembly or People of God, in the Priest Celebrant, and in the Word as well. So, what better day than today, on this, for us to celebrate the Word Incarnate and remember the vital way our Heavenly Father chose to speak to us. God communicates his love with the perfect messenger, his Son Jesus, in our midst.

We are blessed to live in a day and age when the Bible is readily accessible in the most creative of ways. While our readings at Mass are based on the New American Bible, several other solid translations can be helpful – and an expanding number of annotated versions display the beauty and truth of God’s Word. For instance, The Word on Fire Bible will be published in multiple versions, with Volume I: The Gospels and Volume II: Acts, Letters, and Revelation. Ascension Press’ The Great Adventure Catholic Bible helps one appreciate the history and development of Scripture (and accompanies a substantial study of the Bible from the historical periods). In addition, there are great options for daily Scripture readings, from the US Bishops website (visit: https://bible.usccb.org) with the day’s scripture passages, daily podcasts, video reflections, and print and digital subscriptions from Magnificat and Magnifkid plus The Word Among Us ). Ascension Press offered the Bible in a Year, a podcast from Fr. Mike Schmitz, which launched in 2021 but remains available through the website and many of your favorite podcasts sources.

Then, there are numerous studies and resources from exceptional publishers – many of which you have access as a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for free. Formed.org continually updates and adds to its excellent online catalog of programs, videos, audiobooks, and ebooks. The “Lectio” series is wonderfully produced, with great scholars, and I often find myself using the dramatized version of the Scriptures in prayer, The Truth and Life Audio Bible.

When we come before the Lord in prayer and Adoration, let us be sure to listen to Him, a God who often responds to us through the very gift of the Scriptures. Let us look upon this amazing gift as a living resource – as we acclaim Jesus himself as the Word of God. Thank you for the many ways that you keep the Word alive in your hearts and your homes – and be courageous this week in sharing the ways that you deepen your love for the Bible and use the scriptures in your personal and familial life of prayer.

Some considerations:

COVID Protocol for the month of January:
Reminder, Masks are required while indoors.
Groups and ministries are encouraged to continue in their good works; where possible, please offer the opportunity for participants to gather virtually.
We appreciate it if you test positive and believe you were on campus while positive to notify us at olphparish@archbalt.org.
Free Covid testing supplies are now available through the US Government. Please visit to order your tests www.covidtests.gov.
Thank you from Columbia Pregnancy Center for our Baby Bottle Collections – Thank you, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and School, for your successful October Baby Bottle Campaign in support of the Columbia Pregnancy Center, totaling $2973! Special thanks to the 4th and 5th-grade classes for their collection! You have contributed to a critical mission: providing free pregnancy-related services and life-affirming pregnancy choices to Howard County families. All this would not be possible without your dedicated time, hard work, and determination to persevere regardless of this year’s obstacles. Thank you!
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).”

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

Rev. Michael S. Triplett