September 9, 2022September 9, 2022
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From the Pastor’s Desk | Sept. 12, 2022, | Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time


I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’

~ Luke 15:18-19

 

Brothers and Sisters,

Twenty-one years ago, this day was dreadful for America and humanity. On September 11th, the horrors of terrorism and the changes resulting from such violence, like increased airport security and perpetual uneasiness, showed their ugly head. Still, humanity displayed something else that day and in the following weeks. People of all walks of life packed churches, seeking comfort, community, and goodness. Though broken, we came together, seeking peace. Life is like that. When it unravels, it is not uncommon for us to return home.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus shares three parables that all deal with the extreme lengths God the father will go to restore the lost, whether it’s a sheep, a coin, or two very misguided adult children. (Remember, both sons, not just the Prodical Son, had lost their way. After their father offered such extravagant mercy to his younger sibling, the elder son refused to return home too).

God’s abundant compassion is displayed in our first reading as well. Here we find Moses, reminiscent of Abraham, bargaining with the Lord to save Sodom (see Genesis 18), passionately imploring God to give those he brought out of Egypt another chance. Still, despite these “stiff-necked” people’s depraved behavior included worshiping a fake god. The REAL GOD, in his patience, listens to Moses as he reminds God of his promises to make his “descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.” True to form, or should I say true to his infinite mercy, the LORD relented and offered no punishment.

As we face the brokenness that is our world, let’s remind ourselves that our God is merciful. This coming week, let’s courageously request the Lord’s protection for our family, friends, those we are learning to love, and those who work to keep us safe, including our military troops, police officers, firefighters, and first responders. May the Lord watch over them and return them home safely to their families!

 

Some considerations:

OLPH BOOK RACK – BOOK REVIEW

Our book rack, located in the Narthex Hallway near the restrooms, was recently stocked with new selections. This month we highlight “Jesus I Trust in You” by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia with this short book review.

We were made for love, and love requires trust. In Jesus I Trust in You: A 30-Day Personal Retreat with the Litany of Trust, Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., learn what it means to place our trust in Jesus—no matter the circumstances. In this powerful invitation to a loving, trusting relationship with our Lord, you will pray with the Litany of Trust to overcome every obstacle to peace.

On page 71, Sr. Pia writes that we can remember that if God allows suffering in our life, “He upholds it with even greater grace, though we are not aware of it. One act of trust in such moments gives greater glory to God than whole hours passed in prayer filled with consolation.”

Stop by the book rack to pick up this book or any others that may interest you.

  • SHROUD OF TURIN: BURIAL CLOTH OF JESUS CHRIST DISCUSSION – On Monday, Oct 10th, from 7-9 pm in St. Augustine Hall, the parishes of Ascension and St Augustine will host Bill Wingard for this special presentation. Bill Wingard is the speaker for SHROUD TALKS – an organization dedicated to presenting the history, the science, and the passion of Jesus Christ – as seen in the Shroud of Turin – one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the world and which many believe to be the actual burial cloth of Jesus Christ. This presentation is appropriate for ages 13 and older.
  • INDIVIDUAL UNBOUND MINISTRY PRAYER – Many of us are fighting invisible battles with anxieties, negative thoughts, resentments, and bitter wounds that never seem to heal. Reach out and experience God’s merciful love, healing, and freedom through Unbound Ministry Prayer. On Saturday, October 1st, at the Church of the Resurrection, there will be trained teams available to provide individual prayer using the Unbound Model of prayer, based on five scriptural keys that help you unlock those areas of your life where you want to receive greater freedom, healing & spiritual growth. To schedule an appointment or want more information, email UnboundMinistryMaryland@gmail.com.
  • CRAB FEAST – The Mortel Foundation is holding High Hopes for Haiti – an all-you-can-eat picnic and crab feast to raise funds and celebrate Dr. Mortel’s life and legacy. It is happening on October 22 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Oregon Ridge Park. For details and tickets, visit www.highhopesforhaiti.org/events or all 844-466-7835.
  • QUO VADIS DAYS – are an opportunity for High School young men to be encouraged in their pursuit of holiness so that they can grow in human and Christian maturity and explore the vocation to which God is calling them. High School and young adult men are invited on September 25th from 10 am – 4 pm to St. John the Evangelist Church, Severna Park, for a vocational talk, small group discussion, Adoration, and time for fellowship! To sign up or for more information, contact Fr. Matt Himes, Associate Director of Vocations at vocations@archbalt.org.
  • WINE AT THE SHRINE –  Saturday, October 15th, 1:30 – 6:00 pm – Wine at the Shrine is an event benefitting two wonderful organizations – Little Portion Farm and the Franciscan Center of Baltimore – working in collaboration to assist the most vulnerable in our community and to care for the earth. This outdoor celebration (weather permitting) features delicious beer and wine sampling, local food trucks, live music, hayrides, cooking demonstrations, farm tours, and kids’ activities – all on the beautiful grounds of the Shrine of St. Anthony. Purchase tickets at wineattheshrine.org
  • ARRAY OF HOPE CONCERT – Array of Hope will present a high-energy concert for the whole family, featuring powerful musical performances, fellowship, and an exciting multimedia presentation! The dates and times are October 1 @ 7PM and Sunday, October 2 @ 2:30PM, and will be held in the auditorium on the campus of Mt. DeSales Academy in Catonsville. Tickets are $10. Contact tess.tyrrell@archbalt.org for more information.

In the Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett