Fr. Mike's Communication for May 30, 2021

Did anything so great ever happen before?
Was it ever heard of?
Did a people ever hear the voice of God
speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live?

~ Deuteronomy 4:32b-33

Brothers and Sisters,

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

We might mistake the Sign of the Cross at times as mere bookends for prayer, mindlessly reciting the words, even slurring them as we go through the motions. Please don’t allow the frequency of this gesture to cloud the meaningful intention behind it. As the movement of our hands implies, a cross and the Trinity are the heart of this physical action. The words affirm the same, our belief that God exists as three persons but is one being. By the grace of God, we gather before Mass, and the Sign of the Cross establishes God’s first gesture to us. And in response, we meet Him in prayer. In the “name” of God, we find great strength and consolation. In the gesture, we draw ever closer to the cross, embracing the means of our salvation. God has claimed us as his own, freed us from our bondage of sin, and merited our salvation. With joy, I share we’ve celebrated six baptisms this weekend and for each of the next two weekends, three additional are planned! This is an excellent reminder that the source of life here on earth and eternally in heaven is always “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

In this Sunday’s readings, we hear of this God in which we believe. When teaching, Moses emphasized the personal encounter with God. The people have not merely stumbled upon and discovered God. God initiated the connection – as God continues to do so with us. Most of us come to know God and respond to this relationship in the context of our family and parish community. And from these real-life relationships, by which we find encouragement, the Lord builds upon his initial bond with a profoundly personal relationship with each of us.

The Church of Baltimore has a beautiful history. At the same time, we should not be blindly proud of its past, for instance, the grave injustice of slavery. Our colony of Maryland was founded upon the principle of religious freedom. Though once suppressed with hostilities towards Catholics, in particular, occurred for a short period of our history, our Church helped plant the seeds of faith in the young United States of America. This weekend, our co-cathedral, the National Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrates 200 years of worship. Designed by Benjamin Latrobe, who also worked on the U.S. Capitol, the Basilica combines the richness of our Catholic faith and the contributions of a young nation eager to allow free worship and expressions of faith. The signs of life from this remarkable place of worship are still vibrant today. Under the leadership of Archbishop Lori and the dedication of its rector, Fr. James Boric (a classmate of mine from Calvert Hall), the Basilica is committed to being a Light Brightly Visible (to borrow the title of the Archbishop’s Pastoral Letter). Connected with the Basilica, the Source of All Hope Missionaries foster a wonderful community of young adults committed to ongoing formation and ministry on the streets of Baltimore. Offering dignity and respect to the many people they encounter, especially the homeless they befriend and accompany. This Monday, May 31, the Feast of the Visitation (and Memorial Day), the Archbishop will celebrate Mass at 2 pm, which is open to the public in the Church (masks are required due to Baltimore City regulations) the Livestream. The Archbishop will consecrate the new Pope Saint John Paul II Adoration Chapel and launch the first 24-7 availability of perpetual adoration in Baltimore City.

Some of the key considerations for this week.

Next Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. This marks the “Year of the Eucharist” in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, in which we will highlight the presence of Jesus 1 in the Eucharist (Corpus Christi), 2 in the Congregation (All Saints), 3 In the Word (Word of God Sunday), and 4 in the Celebrant (Good Shepherd Sunday). As we enter this year, let us reflect on the wonderful gift of Christ’s Presence. During this year of celebration, return to this page to read stories of Encounter, check out resources and upcoming events, all in celebration of this Year of the Eucharist.
As an Archdiocese, we hope to compile experiences that encourage and support one another on our faith journey. To that aim, ask yourself, when have you had a profound encounter with Christ in the Eucharist? Think of your First Communion, when you experienced the Eucharist’s supernatural power, or when you’ve been comforted or inspired by the Eucharist. Perhaps during Eucharistic Adoration, you have had a profound experience of Lord, a gift of Word, or in His Voice? Consider sharing your story on how the Eucharist has touched your life with others.
Our Memorial Day Mass on Monday will be at 9 am in the Church. Thank you for joining us in prayer as we remember those who lost their lives for our freedom.

St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Rev. Michael S. Triplett