From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear parishioners,
One indisputable fact in our existential struggle is that we all seek “happiness.” This explains why the great philosopher unequivocally asserts that “happiness is that which all [men] seek.” Our lives are configured around the pursuit of happiness, whether that be eating what we want, visiting friends, making money, buying things, traveling, or bearing and raising children. Interestingly, happiness is an inside job that begins with seeking the Lord. We seek the Lord because it is the Lord who gives shelter, food, children, friends, wealth/riches, or enduring pleasure and happiness. As we begin this new year, let us recalibrate our lives by seeking the Lord first in all we do and asking Him to make us happy because “happy people are blessed people.” That is what it means to get our priorities right. Unfortunately, we often fall into the trap of looking for happiness in the wrong place(s), and the result is always a short-lived or ephemeral kind of pleasure. In today’s gospel, Jesus gives us a roadmap to the kingdom and where to look for happiness and blessedness. For him, true and lasting happiness is found in 8 powerful attitudes of blessedness. In other words, anyone who is poor in spirit, mourns with others, shows meekness, thirsts for righteousness, shows mercy, is clean of heart, or is being maltreated or victimized because s/he identifies with the Lord, should hang on because enduring happiness or blessedness awaits the person. Although these attitudes appear unpopular and sound antithetical to happiness, they are, in fact, where true happiness is found. To guard against the misconception of looking for happiness in the wrong places, St. Paul advises us to shun our wisdom and choose God’s direction even if deemed as foolishness (cf. 1 Corinthian 1:25). Whatever the case; we cannot go wrong with choosing the Lord. At any rate, Jesus advises us to seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness first; and all other things shall be added to us (Matthew 6:33).
St. Martin de Porres Parish Black History Month Mass & Celebration
As we prepare to enter the month of February, we as a community will celebrate Black History Month. Each year we as a parish celebrate a special Mass highlighting the history and accomplishments that people of color have had on our society and in our Church. Our parish Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving will take place on Sunday, February 5 at Our Lady of Victory Church beginning at 10:00AM. Please note that there will not be a 9:00AM Mass at Holy Rosary and an 11:30AM Mass at St. Peter Claver. There will be a 5:00PM Vigil Mass on Saturday February 4 at St. Peter Claver in addition to the 7:30AM Mass on Sunday at Our Lady of Victory. Following the Mass of Thanksgiving, there will be a light reception in McGuinness Hall.
Diocese of Brooklyn Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving
The Diocese of Brooklyn, in collaboration with the Diocese of Rockville Centre will hold the annual Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, February 11 at the Cathedral of St. Agnes in Rockville Centre beginning at 2:00PM. There will be a bus leaving from St. Matthew Church in Crown Heights at 12:30PM for a $20 donation. If you plan on taking the bus, you must call to reserve your seat. You may call the Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns Office at 718-924-2549.
Parish Superbowl Sunday Party Save the Date
For those of you who are football fans, the most important game of the year, the Superbowl, will take place on Sunday, February 12. As has been the custom, the men of the Holy Name Society and the Knights of St. Peter Claver will sponsor a Superbowl party this year. More details will be coming forward within the next week. Please save the date!
Wishing you a blessed week,
Father Franklin Ezeorah