Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, June 12, 2022
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.”
~ John 16:12-13a
Brothers and Sisters,
Enough! We’ve all reached the point of exhaustion where we are no longer functioning to peak performance. A good teacher or professor will be aware when the class is no longer attentive and can absorb the information. They may shift from lecturing to a more engaged and interactive instructional style or simply take a few minutes to stretch or run around outdoors. This time of year, even the teachers may have reached this threshold and are counting the days and hours to a well-deserved summer break.
Jesus also understood this human limitation. He knew that he would not be able to complete his disciple’s education. The Holy Spirit would continue their education and formation. The Spirit, though, is much more like a principal, responsible for the scope and sequence that connects with our particular learning style and allows for differentiated learning. The Spirit employs many teachers and increases opportunities to reinforce the essential lessons.
As lifelong learners, we have to stay engaged. Summertime should be a shift in how and where we learn, rather than a break from learning – which is why there are expectations of reading, projects, and math packets assigned to school-aged children.
There are also the summer camps and Vacation Bible School focused on particular activities, travel, and vacations, time with grandparents and extended family that all lead to other ways of growth. By the way parents, OLPH’s VBS will be held July 18 through 22, and registration is open, visit https://olphparish.org/vbs to get your kiddos signed up!
In the less structured months before us, I encourage families to stay engaged. Visit our Good Shepherd Chapel for the time in prayer before Jesus (and maybe pair that with time at the playground or fun on the parish grounds).
I’m thankful to all those who help care for the campus and make it a welcoming space, including those who have adopted a flower bed around campus or lent a hand in the OLPH Community Garden. Your volunteer service to our campus helps us in remarkable ways. In addition to these gardening needs, we would also benefit from a small team to help care for the church by vacuuming weekly. Lastly, we require help to care for the pavers and statue of Jesus in our Prayer Garden. We welcome your support and invite you to contact us through the parish office at (410) 747-4334 or olphparish@archbalt.orgto learn more —thank you!
May the Lord offer us rest and rejuvenation in the coming months!
Rev. Michael S. Triplett