Brothers and Sisters,

Me? Are you sure, Lord? Is it really me that you’re calling? Counter to what I sometimes claim (kinda like when I swear I’m the “perfect middle child”), I’m really not ready for active ministry…

As we resume our journey in Ordinary Time through Jesus’ teachings and miracles in the Gospel of Matthew, an essential transition is already occurring as Jesus displays his authority to heal and forgive sins. This authority is wonderfully and powerfully apparent in Matthew 9, before the verses we proclaim this Sunday when Jesus heals the paralytic and invites Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. The profound healing continues as a woman suffering from hemorrhages, a synagogue official’s young daughter, two blind men, and a mute person suffering from possession are all set free from their ailments. Feats that are far from surprising for the Son of God, and most of us, even if we do not understand why the Lord chooses not to heal in this miraculous manner more often, take comfort in knowing Jesus is eternally a miracle worker.

And these verses can and should deepen our wonder and awe of God’s intervention and engagement in the human condition. Consider it; God the Father sent his only Son, for his love of us is extraordinary! Still, at times, understandably, we might think the idea of sending us mere mortals to accomplish God’s work might seem pointless in comparison. What can we offer? Yet, when in doubt, remember, even before the experience of Jesus’ passion, death, and Resurrection, and before Pentecost and reception of the Holy Spirit, Jesus instructed and sent his disciples out by empowering them to do the same signs and teach the same message of God’s abiding love, as Jesus did all prevailing with grace. Also, remember, we are commissioned and should do the same by ministering to our brothers and sisters in Ellicott City. Trust me, but more importantly, trust God; we can do this! If you are ready to take the next step in service (and you are!), email me at MTriplett@archbalt.org or connect with our Parish Administrator, Lisa Sliker, at lmsliker@gmail.com to explore ways to go beyond and serve at OLPH.

As we approach our parish feast day, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, on Tuesday, June 27, join us for fellowship and Outdoor Adoration on Friday, June 23. We’ll remember the feast at our Masses next weekend too. Next Saturday, Archbishop Lori will ordain eight priests to serve in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Join me as we offer thanks to God for these vocations.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support for the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries; the effort has raised close to $7 million towards the $8.2 million goal and provides wonderful ministries throughout our Archdiocese. As a parish, the appeal allows us to maximize our rebate toward helping our sister parishes of St. Veronica in Baltimore (40%) and Our Lady of the Nativity in Haiti (40%), OLPH School Tuition Assistance (10%), and the evangelization efforts of Christ Life (10%). Our parish has pledged $113,416 from 199 donors to date. It would be fantastic to match last year’s effort with 287 contributors. Can you help by pledging or making a gift by visiting archbalt.org/light? Thank you.

In closing, I wish all the Dads and Father-figures a Blessed Father’s Day! May the Lord bless your families and provide renewed energy and life as we enter Summer.