November 14, 2021
O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot.
I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand, I shall not be disturbed.
~ Psalm 16:5,8
Brothers and Sisters,
Personally, I’ve not had much luck winning a tug-of-war challenge. So I’m not likely the right person for advice on how to win. It’s hard to know what to focus on while straining every muscle and gripping a rope with great concentration to keep a solid footing so as not to be pulled over the center-line. Should a team’s initial aim be stability? Or should their singular focus be pulling their opponent off-balance and over the line? Regardless, I am quite aware you shouldn’t assume any tug-of-war battle will last very long, so it’s best not to conserve energy and just go for it!
As the liturgical year comes to a close in a couple of weeks, Scripture will highlight what is vital in life and where to focus our energy and efforts — on things that endure. Riches, honors, and power will fade, and even our own strength and stamina will diminish. And for these reasons, we must remember to rely upon the anchor of our team, our Savior, and King, Jesus Christ! As the Psalmist encourages, with the support of our Lord, we literally shall not be moved (or as we aptly as we translate disturbed).
Admittedly though, it can be easy to become discouraged and just focus on the hard work ahead. While we must understand the high stakes and be eager to cooperate with the Lord in our conversion to holiness, we cannot let the fear of torment – even that of everlasting pains of hell – cripple us. Repeat in prayer with the Psalmist, our reason to hope – a king who will not abandon us but who has earned an eternal inheritance for us.
And for this reason, we continue to invest in each other’s path to holiness, knowing our Lord and anchor stands firmly with us, appreciating his presence in our fellow brothers and sisters, the Body of Christ.
My sincerest gratitude to our parishioners who continue to place their trust in the Lord and the mission he has entrusted to us here at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Thank you for the hours you’ve spent in prayer: in our adoration chapel, around your kitchen tables, or boldly out in our greater community. Thank you for sharing your first fruits, with your gifts of time and energy, in the offertory and your commitment to service with us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Rev. Michael S. Triplett