Reflections on the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Beloved parishioners,

God always hastens to the aid of the weak and oppressed. This does not imply partiality on God’s part, because the judge of all the earth cannot be unjust. God does not support the weak simply because they are weak, but because they have no one but the Lord. Weakness is not a virtue in itself. However, there is the perception of weakness as an effect of injustice. Orphans and widows come under the category of the weak, the poor, and often, oppressed. They become the privileged recipients of God’s solicitude. Hence, when they cry to the Lord, he hears them (see Exodus 22:22-27). The Lord does not approve of injustice against anyone. And he takes under his protection those who cannot fight back. As believers, we must be like the Lord, who is always in solidarity with the poor and oppressed. Do we speak up against injustice or are we perpetrators of injustice against others? Are we silent because we benefit from the misfortune of others, or do we stand for what is true and just, regardless of our perceived or actual losses?

As we already know, the church in the United States has embarked on a 3-year Eucharistic Revival, which will culminate with the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in 2024. The aim of this revival is to re-direct the church’s focus toward her Eucharistic Lord, really and truly present in the sacrament of the altar. Every day and every week we are privileged to participate in the Eucharist and receive the Lord into our souls.

We also have the opportunity to adore the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Our participation here and now in the Eucharist not only nourishes our souls and prepares us for our heavenly homeland; it is a foretaste of our participation in the heavenly banquet of the Lamb. We are so fortunate for the richness of the Church’s treasury, especially on this august sacrament. In the coming weeks I will be drawing from this treasury, comprising of sacred scripture, the writings and teachings of Church Fathers, Councils, Saints, the magisterium and theologians, and inviting us to reflect on the mystery of the Eucharist, the sacrament per excellence.

Finally, we want to thank you for your contribution to the support for victims of the hurricane and other natural disasters. Thank you also for your donations to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. We are gradually advancing toward our goal. We appeal to those yet to give to please consider donating to help our bishop in his pastoral ministry of charity. May God reward your generosity as always. Amen.

May Jesus bless you, and may Our Lady protect you!