25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,

As we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Day we come to the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Scripture texts remind us of the needy and our accountability as stewards of God’s resources. The Apostle Paul writes to his protégé Timothy reminding him of the constant need to lift up one’s hands in prayer for the sake of all.
 
Last Sunday we introduced the BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL which takes place during this time of the year in the Diocese of Paterson. As I listened to the presentation which was given last Sunday by Jim Gallagher, our parish lay coordinator for the Appeal, I was amazed by the number of services which our Catholic Charities agencies offer to the poor, the elderly and the disabled. So many people rely each day on the help offered by Catholic Charities to get them through their sufferings. Old and young alike look to the Church for help which is made possible because of the faith and love of our Catholic people. Our participation in the BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL brings a great blessing to our brothers and sisters in need. We would all hope that we would never be in their situation and need the services of Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities is the primary beneficiary of the BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL.
 
The recent canonization of Saint Teresa of Kolkata is yet another sign of the Church’s commitment to serving the needs of the poor and marginalized. A favorite motto of Mother Teresa was “ Do small things with great love.” That she did throughout her life in service to the poor first in India and later throughout the world where the religious order which she established, the Missionaries of Charity, is found. Mother Teresa also said, “ The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted, uncared for and deserted by everybody. The greatest evil is the lack of love and charity, the terrible indifference toward one’s neighbor who lives at the roadside, assaulted by exploitation, corruption, poverty and disease.”
 
Saint Teresa of Kolkata is among the many friends we have in heaven who were mindful of the needy and they inspire us to follow in their footsteps. The BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL is just one way in which we can DO SMALL THINGS WITH GREAT LOVE. What is important is that we all participate in the appeal and give what we can.
 
The BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL and Saint Teresa of Kolkata encourage us not to be indifferent regarding those in need. We are accountable before the Lord who calls us to share the resources He has given us. Let us pray that we will be responsive and generous!
 
God bless you,
Father Zig