Dear SJF/OLC Pastorate Friends,
Our Gospel this weekend is the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Lk 16:19-31). This teaching from Jesus is unique to Luke’s Gospel. It sets up a contrast between how we choose to live our lives in relation to the people around us, and challenges us not only to acknowledge the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves, but to respond and address those needs by helping them as our means allow.
The parable leaves us with an uncomfortable image of the rich man, the one who had wealth, power, and prestige in his earthly life, now dwelling after death in a place that sort of sounds like hell. Meanwhile, Lazarus, who suffered daily at the rich man’s door, but never received any assistance from him, is now at the bosom of Father Abraham in what sort of sounds like heaven. This reversal of fortunes from this life to eternal life between Lazarus and the rich man hopefully will awaken us to the “Lazaruses” in our world today and compel us to action in service to those in need. At least that is what Jesus is trying to convey to the hearers of this parable.
One of the missions of the local parish community is to assist those in need around us by using the gifts of our time, talent and treasure. There are times when it seems like the needs are way beyond our means or the means of our parish, but yet that is not a reason to do nothing. Assisting those in need can begin with our own parishioners, but it must go beyond the four walls of our church and reach out into the surrounding community. One of the ways we can help others in need is through the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries which is conducted by the Archdiocese every year. There is still time to give to the appeal by going to archbalt.org and click on “Giving.”
Your financial gifts to the parish are also very much appreciated as they allow us to continue our mission of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ—aka Evangelization! In this weekend’s bulletin is a report to the parish concerning our financial results for the fiscal year which ended June 30, 2022 and a summary of our Finance Committee approved parish budget for fiscal year 2023, which began July 1, 2022. I have also included a written summary of our financial results. Please review and feel free to send any questions to me or any member of our Finance Committee. I would like to thank the Finance Committee for their assistance and support in helping us to be good and faithful stewards of the resources you have entrusted to the parish for the mission of evangelization.
Thank you for keeping us in your daily prayers as we certainly do for each of you!
God Bless,
Father Steve
