Brothers and Sisters,

Why does it matter? If the God of the universe knows what is best for us and loves us beyond measure, won’t God just do what’s best for us!?

The answer is elusive to explain, but very much known. God tells us quite plainly that our prayers and requests matter. Simple as that. Even the way I phrased it should be a clue. “God of the universe” (while true) implies a distance, or grandness that is inapproachable for us. God desires to be known and wants us to realize we are loved personally and distinctly. We matter. And it’s not that God refuses to do good until we ask, nor will God give us what we ask if it is not what is best for us. And we should also give thanks to our Father who continually shows his love and mercy.

In the 1st reading, we hear of the Israelites gathered at the foot of the mountain, as Moses goes to converse with the Lord. God had set his people free, leading them from the bondage of Egypt. He was guiding them to the promised land. The encampment at the foot of the mountain and the 40-year journey were important. We often don’t realize it, but the people did not yet know God. Moses had to remind them that God had established a covenant or relationship through their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And that God had not abandoned this relationship but remained ever faithful. The people had to come to accept a reliance upon the Lord.

Our packed June includes the 10th Anniversary of the Adoration Chapel of the Good Shepherd. God wants us to ask him for laborers to collect the harvest. We encourage all our parishioners to regularly pray for vocations, from the baptismal vocation that we all share to holiness to good and holy priests, deacons, consecrated women and men, and marriages aligned with God’s will. By living our lives as God intends, we help gather the fruits of God’s grace for all people to share. Our witness in living our vocation to the fullest benefits our family, our community, our parish, and the world. Join us for prayer on Friday, June 19th and ask the Lord how he is calling you to a life of prayer and adoration. Consider committing to an hour each week, or if that is a bit much in your life right now, start with 5 or 10 minutes daily.

On June 20th, we will then have our Family Dinner Night, a great time to share a good meal and strengthen fellowship. I’m so grateful to so many volunteers who make such a meal possible, and I hope all our parishioners will join us (even though everyone joining us would cause logistical challenges – I’m confident God will provide!). Please RSVP at OLPHParish.org to let us know you’ll be joining us.

This week, please keep in your prayers as well our middle school youth who are attending Camp Damascus. This wonderful camp is much closer to home this summer, with a new location at Summit Lake in Frederick County. May the Lord bless them with a wonderful and joyous week, as he draws them into a deeper relationship with himself and with the Church.

In the Lord,
Rev. Michael S. Triplett