Dear Parishioners,
This weekend’s readings deal with the end of the world and God’s judgment (Dn 12:1-3; Heb 10:11-14,18; Mk 13:24-32). It’s a very sobering thought that all of us will be judged by God. For some, the news will be welcome; for others, not so much. As Daniel says about that time of judgment, “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. But the wise will shine brightly…”
Last week, the readings presented two women who shall live forever and shine brightly. These are the widows who generously, lovingly, and sacrificially gave to God and neighbor. They were good stewards. Last week, as we celebrated Veterans’ Day and the 100th anniversary of World War I, we also celebrated Stewardship Sunday. I talked about the gifts God has entrusted to us in this life—the gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure. Of course, they ultimately belong to God who has made us their stewards while we live. Like all stewards, we will be called to give an account of how we used them. Hopefully, we will be able to imitate the widows of last week in generously sharing these gifts with God and neighbor.
Fr. Carl
Rev. Stephen Hook is Pastor of the Pastorate of the Visitation which includes the Catholic Churches of Pasadena, Maryland: St. Jane Frances de Chantal (Riviera Beach) and Our Lady of the Chesapeake (Lakeshore). He is assisted by Associate Pastor Rev. John Belinki, Deacon Howard Klohr, and Deacon Rick Clemens. To learn more about our pastorate, please visit www.catholicpasadena.org.
