AUG. 27 – PRAYING WITH TERESA OF AVILA;
PSR OPENING & GATHERING
AUG. 27 – PRAYING WITH TERESA OF AVILA;
PSR OPENING & GATHERING
In today’s first reading, the Lord speaks through the prophet Isaiah during a time of political dissolution and moral decline. The prophet had warned of God’s judgment against people for the feelings of self-importance they found in their possessions, and condemned them for various forms of economic injustice such as exploiting the poor and immigrants. Good stewards know that Isaiah’s message is as compelling today as it was in the time of the kingdom of Judah: Do the right thing. Offer justice and compassion toward others. Be honest in all your dealings. And remember to observe the day of the Lord.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In today’s Gospel reading, we hear that on Mount Tabor, Peter, James, and John caught a glimpse of Jesus’ divinity strong enough to strike fear into their hearts. The event took place shortly after Peter’s confession of faith that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah. In today’s second reading from Peter, we hear his personal testimony. This comes from a man who spent more than three years with Jesus. Peter witnessed his humanity. He saw Jesus hungry, tired, and finally, rejected and crucified. But he also saw Jesus feed the 5,000, walk on water, heal the sick, and raise the dead. He saw Jesus in his glory when he was transfigured. He saw Jesus risen from the dead and ascend into heaven with the promise that he is coming again in power and glory.
How strong is the stewardship of our own faith? Do we accept Peter’s apostolic witness to Jesus as Christ? Does this testimony help us acknowledge and trust Christ Jesus as our Lord and savior?
Young king Solomon offers a profound stewardship prayer in today’s first reading. He asks the Lord to give him an understanding heart, compassion towards God’s people & the insight to distinguish right from wrong. An understanding heart, or wisdom, is a gift from God, a gift that enables us to make good decisions & prudent choices. Cultivating & sharing this gift is essential, especially when poor decisions & lack of compassion have consequences that can adversely affect the lives of others.
Do we exercise good stewardship over the gift of wisdom? Do we share our compassionate hearts with others?
There will be no Book club this Sunday, July 16th, 2017.
Thanks to all who participated in our Annual Meeting discussions and thanks to all who completed the on-line survey regarding Sunday Morning at St. Malachi. We received 189 completed surveys which we consider an excellent response! The Committee to Review Sunday Morning and the Parish Council are in the process of reviewing the data collected. Please keep us in your prayers as we organize and reflect on what was submitted. Further info will be coming later in the summer. Thank you!
Today we welcome Fr. Joe Pednekar of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS). Ordained in 1962, Fr. Joe, originally from the Portuguese colony of Goa in the southern part of India, has been serving in the Cleveland Diocese since 1967 at various parishes throughout the area. He has been all over the United States and Canada doing missionary work for the poor children of India. The money he raises goes directly to the orphans, street children, special needs children, lepers, and for vocations for young men in the Catholic Church in his home area of India.
Please welcome Fr. Joe as he shares his story with us today. There will be a second collection. Please be generous.
JUNE 25, 2017: PRAYING WITH ST. TERESA OF AVILA
The St. Malachi Parish Mission: We are a Eucharistic People, United in Prayer, Welcoming to All and Serving the Poor.
Celebrating Over 150 Years of Faithful Service in the Old Angle!