September 12 – Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
You have heard the expression “time flies when you are having fun” – well, 40 years of priesthood must have been lots of fun! On Sunday, October 10th I will celebrate my fortieth anniversary of ordination. On the cover of today’s bulletin is an invitation to the celebration. I want to be sure that all parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy know they are welcome and invited to attend. While I will be preaching all our Masses the weekend of October 9/10, I will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday at 2:00PM followed by an outdoor reception weather permitting or in the PLC. Also attending this Mass will be some of my family, priest friends, and parishioners from the previous seven parishes I have served before coming to Our Lady of Mercy. To prepare adequately for the reception, I need to know how many OLM parishioners plan to attend the 2:00pm Mass and reception. Please RSVP to me at: frdon@olmercy.com. I hope to see many of you there!
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the question, “Who do people say that I am?” There is a great opportunity starting this week for you to find your own personal answer to Jesus’ question. Fall ALPHA starts this Thursday, September 16th. If you have been searching, if you have questions, if you trying to find meaning in your life, then ALPHA is for you! ALPHA is on Thursday evenings starting with a meal at 6:30pm and runs for 11 weeks. There is no charge, just your time. Sign up online at www.olmercy.com/alpha or contact Zara in the parish office.
In light of Jesus’ question in today’s Gospel, a British writer in the 1800’s once said: “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible a person ever reads!” Many people form their idea of who Jesus is by listening to what Jesus’ followers say and watching what they do. Many years ago, a popular Christian song posed the question, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Today’s readings speak of the kinds of evidence to which true followers of Christ give witness. Faith AND action go hand in hand. What is one practical way you can make a difference this week in your family? In your school? In your workplace? In your neighborhood?
Have a blessed week!
Father Don