From the Pastor’s Desk | Sept. 18, 2022, | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land!”
~ Amos 8:4
Brothers and Sisters,
Living approximately 750 years before Jesus, Amos preached at a time of relative peace and prosperity. Still, his message concerning justice for the poor was quite forceful.
Sadly, today not much has changed. Those living on the margins of our society still suffer and long for someone like Amos to provide a powerful message regarding their situation. So they look to leaders in the public and business arenas to take up their plight. And though many in leadership have the best intentions, they fail to enact systematic changes by being change-adverse. As a result, a culture of complacency toward our problems can become the status quo.
Even in the institutional Church, which can be change-adverse, we should never be afraid to adapt for the better. Remember, at the core of our identity as the Body of Christ, we must believe that, along with God’s grace, we can make meaningful changes to improve the human experience and bring all people into a relationship with their Creator.
As another formation year begins, and we thank the parishioners who so generously serve as catechists, teachers, mentors, and aides in the faith formation of our parish’s children, youth, and adults, let’s push away complacency. Let’s hold ourselves accountable to our primary mission: to form disciples.
Let’s help one another to know and love the Lord. This intention begins by fostering strong families where all members, the youngest to the eldest, understand that the Lord’s presence is active in their lives. When we know God cares for us each day, we will have the proper foundation to challenge the status quo and bring positive and lasting changes to our world.
Please pray for those who strive to share the Word of God and introduce others to the Lord. Let’s continue to accompany one another on the faith journey by sharing our struggles and celebrations. Let us ask the Lord to inspire ongoing parish conversions so we can grow stronger as a parish family.
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.
In the Lord,
Rev. Michael S. Triplett