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Fr. Mike’s Communication for July 24 2022

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From the Pastor’s Desk | July 24, 2022 | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

World Day of Prayer for Grandparents and Elderly

 

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him,
“Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”

~Luke 11:1

Brothers and Sisters,

Some lessons are worth repeating.

Last weekend, we listened to the Gospel, in which Martha complains to Jesus about her sister Mary choosing to sit at his feet and listen to his teachings instead of lending her a hand serving their guests. Mary was focused on learning from Jesus, while Martha focused on the stress of serving. Martha’s desire to be a welcoming host was good, and Jesus’ response intended to give Martha insight into her sister’s perspective so she could heal her negative attitude toward her. Sadly, Martha missed the opportunity to be grateful that her sister was experiencing a powerful and life-changing moment with the Lord, and Martha had a chance to serve Jesus with joy.

In the Gospels, many among Jesus are frequently curious about what is happening when He goes off to pray by himself. Perhaps this curiosity is spawned by what Jesus is like when he returns from one of his private prayer sessions. He returns with renewed energy to teach and heal; clearly, Jesus is supernaturally “fed” by the Father during those moments of self-solitude. The disciples see the result and naturally want what Jesus has. They, too, want to establish a passionate relationship with God. They want to know Him, love Him, and build their lives around Him.

Then in today’s Gospel, we hear one of Jesus’ followers ask what they all are longing for: “teach us to pray.” Despite a documented decrease in religious affiliation among Americans today, people still are praying — with 51% of Catholics praying daily.* Still, even though many of us pray each day or know that we ought to pray, I bet many of us (me included) want to know how to pray, or perhaps more accurately, how can I pray better?

Jesus’ reply to the question in today’s Gospel offers some tips that could be categorized as “don’t overdo it.” Stop worrying about the exact steps and focus on the Father first. The Our Father begins by acknowledging our relationship with our Creator and through that relationship with one another. How we pray should be personal. Incorporating our natural instincts and preferences, making our dialogue in prayer our own – all the while being open to new opportunities in which the Lord may be calling us to grow in faith and how we pray.

As the Church honors all our grandparents and the elderly among us, today, World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, instituted by Pope Francis. Let’s engage our elders in conversation. Listen, and learn from their experiences, especially in faith (and prayer). I’ve found that getting to know one another personally is the very best way to learn.

May the Lord reward all who have built up our faith community and pour abundant blessings on all our parishioners who approach the Lord in adoration and prayer.

In the Lord,

 

Rev. Michael S. Triplett

* https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/12/14/about-three-in-ten-u-s-adults-are-now-religiously-unaffiliated/

 

Some considerations:

  • OLPH Senior Community – looking to meet new friends in the faith?| The OLPH Grasshoppers, a small group for the senior set of OLPH, gather on Thursdays in the Parish Office at 10:30am for lunch and fellowship. On the third Thursday of each month, the group heads out for lunch. Come by any week and join up with other friends.

  • Our Lady of Perpetual Help School is looking for talented and creative Team Members for the 22-23 school year. OPLH is home to a committed and innovative administration and faculty. The parent community is supportive of the academic and spiritual development of all students. If you are looking for an amazing experience in a collaborative community with competitive compensation, please contact us at 410-744-4251 and/or tunderwood@olphschool.org. You may also message me privately for more information on either of these positions. Please see our openings listed below:

    Full-time 5th Grade Homeroom Teacher: This position involves a departmentalized approach to the content areas. The 5th Grade position teaches 4th & 5th Grade ELA and 4th & 5th Grade Math (small differentiated math groups). Science and social studies classes are taught by the 4th-grade teacher.

    Part-Time Nurse: We are looking for a certified nurse to join the current nursing team. Hours are flexible and part-time throughout the week (average two days per week). Expert and dedicated team members with experience in student care and all health protocols.

  • Are you refurnishing or downsizing? The Resource Exchange Ministry of St. Vincent de Paul in downtown Baltimore needs gently used, clean furniture and household goods. For a decade, parish volunteers have been working with Health Care for Homeless to furnish the apartments of their newly housed clients. For more information, visit: https://www.stvchurch.org/justice-service/the-resource-exchange or call 410-657-5874. 
  • Respect for Life Opportunity All -Bach Benefit Concert to Support Mary’s Home | Sunday, Aug. 7 | 2:30 pm Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music at Ss. Philip and James Church, located at 2801 N. Charles St. Baltimore, offer a donation to support St. Mary’s House, Maryland. Mary’s Home Maryland is a pro-life ministry with Catholic values. Its mission is to provide a safe, pro-life home environment and holistic services program for expectant mothers in crisis and their children in need. To learn more about the work done at Mary’s Home, visit https://www.maryshomemaryland.org/

In the Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett