Twenty-Six Sunday in Ordinary Time

09-25-2022From Fr. Antony's DeskFr. Antony Arockiadoss

Dear Family!

It was a great privilege to celebrate the funeral of our oldest parishioner, Lillian Marczi. She was 103 years old. At this time, we prayerfully remember and pray for her family and friends. May her soul rest in peace!

I have been presenting you various ministries we involve ourselves in at our parish: On the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 4th) we have seen the invitation of the Liturgical Committee headed by Deacon Enock. On the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 11) we have seen the invitation of the Sacramental Committee headed by Deacon Larry. And on the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 18) we have seen the invitation of the Stewardship Committee directly overseen by me.

Today I would like to present to you the fourth committee, the SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE which is headed by Father Gilbert. The following ministries are under this committee: Soup Kitchen, Thanksgiving Basket, Pro-Life, Inter-Faith Hospitality Network, Food for the Needy, Giving Tree and Mission Overseas.

The Gospel is better proclaimed when loving God and loving neighbor are taken together. ”The earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor; she 'groans in travail' (Rom 8:22). We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth (cf. Gen 2:7); our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters." --Pope Francis

Pope Frances also states, "We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern." (9/16/13)

The readings remind us of the importance of being sensitive to the poor and the needy in the society. Being sensitive to the needs of others is a mark of being a Christian. The rich man in the gospel was condemned for not treating Lazarus as his brother. The bible is filled with instances that prove one point - God takes the side of the poor and needy. In order that God be on our side, every rich person must side with the poor and needy.

The Church has a preferential love for the poor because the Church imitates her founder’s compassion toward the poor by working “for their relief, defense, and liberation through numerous works of charity” (CCC 2448). God’s justice to the poor is mediated in the most complete, filling and generous way by our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord taught his followers to do the same.

Fr. Antony

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