June 28, 2023June 28, 2023
by in Communications, Uncategorized
17

From the Pastor’s Desk

Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

July 9, 2023

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

~ Matthew 11:28

Brothers and Sisters,

Don’t you love that feeling after scrambling to complete those last-minute travel tasks while staving off any related airport security agitations while dismissing any worries about things being packed (or not) when a seat near a departure gate is found, and peace finally sinks in as you sink into it? And, indeed, as you do, a smile comes to your face knowing that despite any pending work-related left behind, you can wait because your vacation is ahead! Admittedly, I do not plan or prepare for an impending trip. Like many others, I struggle to manage my pre-vacation (and planning) time well. So I’m fortunate to have those who are far better at thinking ahead in my travel circle. And even with the promise to myself that I’ll do better next time, I still know I’ll likely be doing laundry or packing when I should be sleeping. This means I tend to start vacations particularly tired.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus acknowledges the exhaustion of those he aims to help while offering to lighten their load. Half-disappointingly, at least to me, what we might initially think of as “rest,” like a cruise ship vacation or a day spent under a beach umbrella, is not likely what Jesus has in mind. In the same breath of promising us rest, Jesus instructs us to take upon ourselves his “yoke.” No, in this case, yoke isn’t a special Hebrew word that really means hammock (oh, I love a peaceful breeze while taking a nap on a hammock!).

Still, it’s good to remember that Jesus doesn’t intend for us to work alone – in fact, several scholars point to the likely common understanding in Jesus’ day that we’d be yoked alongside Jesus. Hard work is made easier with help; with it, we can learn from the one who works by our side, providing us the solidarity we need to plow ahead.  So, while I hope you are having a wonderful and restful summer filled with relaxing moments spent with those you love at your happy places, I pray that your commitment to being yoked with Christ remains!

 

In the Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett

Other Considerations in and around our Community:

  •  HOLY INNOCENTS MINISTRY – Miscarriage is a difficult loss that often leaves couples to navigate their grief alone. Holy Innocents Ministry is available to all families experiencing this loss, whether presently or at some time in the past. In addition to burials and the memorialization of children lost before birth, spiritual support and resources are available through the Archdiocese of Baltimore Office of Life, Justice, and Peace in cooperation with the Office of Cemeteries under the care of Father Patrick Carrion. Visit holyinnocentsbaltimore.org for more information.
  • WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER – “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Trust in the Lord that He is in your marriage. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience gives you the tools to have your best marriage. Upcoming dates are Jul 14-16, 2023, in ROCKVILLE, MD, and Sep 22-24, 2023 in Herndon, VA. Early sign-up is recommended. For more information, visit our website at: https://moments4marriage.org or contact us at applications@moments4marriage.org or 301-541-7007.
  • CHRISTLIFE YOUNG ADULT SUMMER SERIES – Are you a young adult searching for a community of like-minded, faith-filled young adults like you? Look no further – join CLYA for our summer series: The Crux! We will be diving into the foundation of our Catholic faith and how to share the good news of the Gospel with others. We will meet from 7-9 PM in St. Paul’s Dohony Hall in Ellicott City on June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, and August 22. We’re excited to see you!
  • FREE BISHOP BARRON’S THE MASS– For a limited time, walk through the Liturgy with Bishop Barron and be transformed through insights on this most privileged and intimate encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. See how the Mass brings us out of the fallen world and into the heavenly realm, how it resonates with a call from God and a response from his people, the Church, and, most importantly, how we are intimately joined with the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus through the Holy Eucharist. Visit videos.wordonfire.org/themassepisode1