Dear SJF/OLC Pastorate Friends,
Persistence and Perseverance are some of the themes that come across in this weekend’s Gospel parable of the judge and the widow (Lk 18:1-8). The widow is persistent in her request to have a just decision rendered by the judge concerning her legal matter. In Jesus’ day, when women had no legal rights or standing, the widow would have been in a difficult situation if she tried to do anything on her own. Yet she is certain that the Lord is with her and will ensure justice is done for her.
Just as the widow’s prayers and persistence eventually paid off, as the judge came around and treated her mercifully, God will do the same thing for His chosen ones who call out to Him day and night in prayer and petition. Our prayers and petitions to God require us to have faith that the Lord will hear and answer our prayers. Sometimes we may not feel that God hears us because our prayers seem to go unanswered. Sometimes the answer we get is not what we were hoping for or expecting. Sometimes God may overwhelm us in love with the answer to our prayers. But no matter how God responds, Jesus is encouraging us to be persistent and to persevere.
Over the past few months, my daily prayers have been for the success of our Pastorate of St. Jane Frances
and OLC. Although our parishes may have some differences, they are outweighed by the things we have in common, such as our faith in Jesus Christ and our desire to live out our faith in service of God and neighbor. This month both parishes are participating in the Baby Bottle campaign in support of Mary’s Center in Glen Burnie, a wonderful way to commemorate Respect Life Month.
Also this month, we will be inviting parishioners from both parishes to assist with OLC’s Shelter Week
ministry to the homeless of Anne Arundel County, which we will be hosting at OLC on January 1–9, 2023. It has been three years since OLC last hosted a group of men at the parish, so many of our volunteers have moved away. I am praying that together, both OLC and SJF can find the next generation of volunteers that will make this ministry successful for our Pastorate. Helping and serving the homeless is another way we can work together to serve the Pasadena community both parishes call home.
Thank you for keeping us in your daily prayers as we certainly do for each of you!
God Bless,
Father Steve
