Fr. Mike's Communication for Sept 26, 2021

September 26, 2021

There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name
who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.”

– -Mark 9:39b-40

Brothers & Sisters,

Life is a comedy. Comedy is an art form that predates the current movie genre, with jokes, puns, and hilarious scenarios. Far from this contemporary notion, the traditional comedy is filled with struggle and suffering. The prevailing characteristic of this literary form of comedy is the celebratory ending. The peril or danger is defeated, and the hero is victorious.

Seven hundred years ago this month, celebrated 14th Century, poet, Dante passed away while in exile from his birthplace of Florence. Having been engaged in the politics of his day, Dante experienced divisiveness and discord that ultimately split up his family and caused much hardship in his life. Amid an imposed exile, Dante wrote the poem “Comedy,” or later be published as “The Divine Comedy.” This literary masterpiece follows the pilgrimage of a soul through Hell, Purgatory, and into Paradise.

As a teenager, I, too, was caught up in the circles of hell, focused on vivid descriptions of punishments for each sin. Despite the struggles and exile, Dante recognized the value of suffering and described the cammino or pilgrimage that we ought to all embrace. I do not think the poem was ultimately a published, “How to Journey through the Afterlife,” but an encouragement for each of us to keep struggling as we strive to grow in virtue. In choosing to stay on the journey, we are inherently trusting – God will be victorious; our struggles are worthwhile.

Many parishioners are dealing with great hardships, from mourning the loss of loved ones and caring for the sick to navigating the stressful pandemic with increased stress in work and school. Many of these aspects of our life could cripple us. But the Lord places many people in our world to help – including the heroic men and women of our military, our police officers and law enforcement, our firefighters, medics, and first responders. Let us place them in the care and intercession of St. Michael, whose feast we celebrate this week. Let us also look for those guides the Lord places in our lives, from the angels and saints, family and friends, and parishioners and neighbors. And let us commit to saying yes to the Lord when he places us in a situation to accompany others in their journey – offering a moment of encouragement, a compassionate gesture, or sharing our hope in the Lord.

Some considerations:

Life-Giving Wounds, a Catholic apostolate dedicated to the spiritual healing of adult children of divorce or separation, will host an online retreat this Fall. Taking place over seven Thursday evenings, from Sept. 30 to Nov. 11, the retreat will include six live presentations, guided small group discussions, and an evening of live-streamed Eucharistic Adoration with live music. Retreatants will also receive a Retreat Guide and journal. $150 early-bird, $225 after Sept. 20; college students/consecrated $75 early-bird, $100 after Sept. 20. Visit www.lifegivingwounds.org/onlineretreat for more information.
A Presentation on Church’s Teaching on Marriage, Divorce, and Annulments will take place on October 7, 2021, from 7 to 9 PM at St. Agnes in Catonsville (Parish Meeting Room). Presentations by Tribunal staff will include opportunities for group question & answer, and private conversation with Tribunal staff and representatives. It’s important to note that as of July 1, 2021, the Archdiocese of Baltimore will completely subsidize all costs involved in a case before our Tribunal. For other Tribunal talk times and locations or questions, please call, (410) 547-5533.
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.
The Saint Joseph Summit: Pilgrimage to the Heart of Saint Joseph will take place virtually from Thursday, September 30 to Sunday, October 3. Develop a greater devotion to S. Joseph and learn how to protect yourself, your marriage, and your family against evil. The Summit includes live prayer services and wonderful presentations by an incredible group of presenters. Some of the leaders and presenters include Cardinals Dolan and O’Malley, Archbishops Cordileone and Naumann, Chris Stefanick, Dr. Scott Hahn, Leah Darrow, and Jason & Crystalina Evert. For more information or to register, check out SpiritFilledEvents.com
The Archdiocese is kicking off the beginning phases for Synod 2021-2023, Towards a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. The Opening Mass for the Synod is being held at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen on October 17 at 2:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

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

Rev. Michael S. Triplett