Fr. Mike's Communication for Nov 14, 2021

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.

Some considerations:

Catholic Campaign for Human Development – Next week, our second collection will benefit the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, a program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops that support community and economic development programs addressing the root causes of poverty in our nation and the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Your support is greatly appreciated.
PRE-2022 Legislative Session Survey – Maryland Senate Republicans want to know what issues are important to you as they prepare for the 2022 Legislative Session that begins in January. Send a quick email to survey@mdsenategop.com. Please type “Pro-Life” in the subject line and share a brief message with the Senate regarding your concern for life of the preborn and the most vulnerable.
Fall is a great time for a warm drink with a great book! The OLPH Book Rack offers a large selection of books for all ages groups at a discounted price. Located off the Narthex in the hallway near the restrooms, you will find the book rack and a display of excellent resource pamphlets. When you find the book that is right for you, place a check or cash for the price of the book in the payment box on the left side of the rack. Do check it out, often you will also find free books too!

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

Rev. Michael S. Triplett