Fr. Mike’s Communication for Oct 10, 2021

 October 10, 2021 

Graphic for Father Mike's letter October 10, 2021

 

“Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
‘You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.'”

– Mark 10:21

Brothers and Sisters,

What’s your one thing?

Seeking a formula for eternal life, the rich young man approaches Jesus wanting answers. After examining the depths of his heart, Jesus reads more deeply into the commandments, knowing they are not just a list for the young man to checked-off at face value. Let’s be honest, we can fall into the same trap, with our arguments ready if we should arrive at the Pearly Gates: “I was in Church on Sunday. I never killed anyone. I treated others basically with respect.” (I, too, am among the majority who cannot check this box off thoroughly). Jesus doesn’t guard his answer with a secret handshake or password and speaks plainly to the young man; to achieve eternal life, one must remain focused on continued growth and improvement. But reflecting on his capacity to love, the rich young man could not wholly surrender his heart as he clung to the comfort of his affluent lifestyle. Jesus often asks us to get uncomfortable, knowing nothing easy will ever change us. We must courageously live out the commandments and push back against complacency, asking God to show us the one thing (or several things) holding us back from loving more profoundly.

In October, we celebrate Respect Life Month. In light of Jesus’ answer in the Gospel, what aspect of our respect for life needs improvement? Our intention in celebrating the dignity and blessings of life is to highlight the wonderful gift of the Creator. We give God greater glory by respecting the lives of all people – whether they are children in the womb, elderly who are infirm or confused, those with disabilities or chronic illnesses, or those scrambling to find a decent meal and safe place to live. Whom are we failing to respect? And this is not just a personal question but an uncomfortable topic that we must address as a parish and as members of society.

Please continue to listen to the Lord in prayer. Who is the Lord calling us to love with deeper care and compassion? Is the Lord calling us to join the many voices who see the atrocity of abortion and are concerned about the increasing prevalence of this killing, often touted as “healthcare” and a tool for society to be healthier?

Or, do we need to challenge our prejudices or unconscious biases? Sadly many suffer the impact of this sin of racism, tragically too often denied. The solutions are not easy, and the challenge to change for the better is tough. But let’s not walk away like the rich young man — dejected. In this year of the Eucharist, recognize the presence of Jesus, who truly consumes us and forms us as the Body of Christ. We are not alone; a God of grace walks with us on our journey of continuous improvement!

Some considerations:

  • Annual Men’s Day Celebration – St. Bernardine’s Church is holding its annual Men’s Day Celebration with principal celebrant and homilist Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, on Sunday, November 14 at 10:30 a.m. The theme this year is “A Pilgrim of Peace in Search of Brotherhood.” There will be a reception to follow. Please reach out to St. Bernadine’s Church for more information at 410-362-8664 or stbernardine@archbalt.org.

  • High Hopes for Haiti – Annual Crab Feast. Saturday, Oct. 16, 1-4 pm. All you can eat picnic at Rockburn Park Pavilion, Elkridge. All you can eat, Steamed Crabs, Crab soup, beef BBQ, hot dogs, other seasonal food, plus beer and wine. Plus try your luck on our basket of cheer raffles. For details and tickets, visit www.highhopesforhaiti.org/events or call (844) 466- 7835.

  • A Big Thank You – OLPH’s School’s 85th Annual Fall Festival was a wonderful event! Thank you to our parish school staff, event sponsors, and the MANY volunteers who made the Fall Festival such a fun and fantastic experience!

  • Holy Innocents Miscarriage Ministry will be holding a Vespers Service for families who have lost children to miscarriage on Sunday, November 7th at 4 pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus / Sagrado Corazón de Jesús 600 S Conkling St, Baltimore, MD 21224. Service will be bilingual and concelebrated by Bishop Bruce Lewandowski and Father Patrick Carrion. All are welcome, please contact life@archbalt.org for more information.

  • Project Rachel Ministry will be having one-day retreats on Saturday, October 23rd, and Saturday, December 11th in a confidential Baltimore location. Retreats are open to both women and men who are suffering following their involvement in abortion. Please contact projectrachel@archbalt.org or call 410.625.8491 or text 410.299.9345 for more information. There is hope after abortion.

  • #COMPASSIONINACTION– Inspired by the Gospel’s mandate to love, serve and teach, Catholic Charities of Baltimore provides care and services to improve the lives of Marylanders in need. Learn more about the impact and programs of Catholic Charities Maryland by visiting their website catholiccharities-md.org

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

Rev. Michael S. Triplett