Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
As we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Day we also observe the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. In today’s Gospel reading the Evangelist Matthew tells us about the call of the first Apostles, Peter and his brother Andrew, as well as the two brothers, James and John. The Lord Jesus says to them, “ Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This call to ministry is especially directed to those called to the sacrament of Holy Orders. Bishops, priests and deacons share in the work Christ had called His first Apostles to undertake in the up-building of His Kingdom on earth. Throughout the Gospel we read how these closest collaborators with the Lord accompany Him and witness the works He accomplishes in word and deed. The Sacred Scriptures tell us that following the Lord Jesus’ Resurrection and Glorification, these men and their successors are authorized to minister in like manner.
 
Ministry is work! We need a break from work so that we will not be worn out and overwhelmed. That’s why God made the Sabbath, a day of rest each week so that one could recharge. In the Gospel of Mark (6:31) the Lord Jesus greets the Apostles after they have returned from ministering in His Name and says to them, “ Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”  The Church has always supported this practice by urging all to “go on retreat.” Getting away from work/ministry for a short time makes one energized in the continuation of duties.
 
With all that said, I am going on retreat this week and will be returning next week. I will also attend priests continuing education program entitled, “Contempory Moral Issues Facing Today’s Society” which will be presented by the Most Reverend Edward J. Burns, Bishop of Dallas. The event is taking place at Saint Vincent DePaul Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida. I am looking forward to this time away for prayer, reflection, education and relaxation so that I might better serve you, my parishioners in Rockaway.
 
Let us remember in prayer Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States of America. May the Lord God grant him wisdom and faith so that he may lead our country and world in the way of peace, justice, freedom and brotherhood.
 
Let us remember that Monday is the DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LEG AL PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHI LDR EN. May the years ahead witness the protection of human life from conception to natural death here in our country and throughout the world.
 
God bless you!
Father Zig