From the Parochial Vicar’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
It is a beautiful day! We are entering another week of good news, and God is offering us a message of hope – promising us redemption and restoration. In the first reading of the 16th Sunday in the Ordinary Time of Year B, the prophet Jeremiah condemns those who maltreat other people and spells out God’s intent to redeem and restore the chosen people of God through his appointed shepherds to extricate the children of God from fearing and trembling (cf. Jeremiah 23:1-6). Are you in any form feeling lost in your work, in your family/relational life, in politics, in your intellectual life, and, more importantly, in your spiritual life? If that sounds like you, or you are facing other challenges not enumerated above, the psalmist assures us that “the Lord is [our] shepherd; [and] there is nothing [we] shall want” (Psalm 23:1). Whether or not we face difficulties in life, let us not be discouraged, for God is for us. Saint Paul reminds us that Christ intends to preach peace to both the successful and the hopeless – “those who are near and those who are far off” (Ephesians 2:18). The good news in all of this is that through Christ, all of us have access to the Father. The Father’s interest in caring for our wellbeing is further emphasized by Jesus in today’s gospel passage when he invites his disciples (and by extension, all of us) to “come away… and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Taking some time off on a Sunday to worship God, decompress from life challenges, relieve worries, and evade the noise of life are ways to come away and rest awhile in God. Thank you for being a part of today’s Sunday worship!
2021 Diocese of Brooklyn Annual Catholic Appeal
We continue to offer our profound appreciation to all who have already contributed to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA). Our goal here at St. Martin de Porres remains $63,586. So far, we have received a pledge of $39,775. We remain optimistic that we are sure to reach or even exceed our goal with our collective participation. May God bless you as you participate in this year’s ACA. Your support is deeply appreciated.
May we try to internalize God’s promises to us by praying today’s Psalm 23:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.” Amen!
Have a blessed and joyful week.
Fr. Franklin Ezeorah