As we celebrate the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, we move into the final stretch of this Church Year. We have one more Sunday and conclude with the Feast of Christ the King. For the present, we are near the end of our reading of Mark’s Gospel. Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem. He spends his final days teaching in the Temple. In the midst of his teaching, Jesus takes time to observe the Temple worshippers as they placed their offerings in the Temple treasury. One poor widow stands out among wealthy contributors to the treasury. Though one of the poorest members of Jewish society, she contributes two coins of the smallest denomination, giving generously from the depths of her poverty. She recognized that everything she had was God’s gift to her and she trusted that God’s generosity would continue. Jesus commends her act of complete trust in God’s care for her. It is an example that he himself will soon follow as he willingly enters into his Passion and Death.
“Go,” He Said, is the title of a pastoral letter written by Bishop Conlon. The letter is included in the November issue of Christ is our Hope magazine, or can be viewed here. Then please consider how you can ‘Go and Make Disciples’.
One of the traditional aspects of the month of November is our prayerful remembrance of those who have gone before us in faith. We celebrated our annual Parish Memorial Mass on November 2nd. There we remembered by name those of our parish who died this past year and included all those entered in our Books of Remembrance. Our parish Book of Remembrance is now at the front of the Church near the Easter Candle at the Baptistry. We have an additional Book of Remembrance in the Chapel. If you were not able to add the names of your beloved dead in either of these books for our All Souls Day Masses, please feel free to add these names to our Book of Remembrance. We continue to remember all of our beloved dead in prayer during this month of November.
Some time over the past few months, I came upon an interesting reflection written by Pope Francis. As it contains much practical wisdom, it can also be a good guide for our autumn months. It is titled “A Gentle Reminder From Pope Francis.” I am happy to share it with you this weekend.
“This life will go by fast. Don’t fight with people, don’t criticize your body so much, don’t complain so much.
Don’t lose sleep over your bills. Look for the person that makes you happy. If you make a mistake, let it go and keep seeking your happiness.
Never stop being a good parent. Don’t worry so much about buying luxuries and comforts for your home, and don’t kill yourself trying to leave an inheritance for your family. Those benefits should be earned by each person, so don’t dedicate yourself to accumulating money.
Enjoy travel, enjoy your journeys, see new places, give yourself the pleasures you deserve. Allow dogs to get closer. Don’t put away the fine glassware. Utilize the new dinnerware; don’t save your favorite perfume, use it to go out with yourself; wear out your favorite sport shoes; repeat your favorite clothes.
So what? That’s not bad. Why not now? Why not pray now instead of waiting until before you sleep? Why not call now? Why not forgive now? We wait so long for Christmas; for Friday; for Reunions; for love to come; when everything is perfect…look…
Everything perfect doesn’t exist. Human beings can’t accomplish this because it simply was not intended to be completed here. Here is an opportunity to learn.
So take this challenge that is life and do it now…love more, forgive more, embrace more, love more intensely and leave the rest in God’s hands. Amen.”
As we live this month in between autumn and winter, we remember our beloved dead who now live with God as we continue on our own life’s journey. May God continue to bless us with all that we need, and more.
Father Jim Murphy