Message from our Pastor
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 29, 2023
We had our quarterly board meeting for Joseph House of Cleveland last Friday. We have a dedicated group of people who serve on our board, and they strive to do many things in serving refugees, and the local neighborhood with clothing. Joseph House is located at 6108 St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland. We currently have four refugee families who are living in Joseph House. Families from the local neighborhood visit our clothing pantry the days it is open during the week. In 2022, over 1300 local residents made a visit to Joseph House for clothing and over 650 refugees visited to seek clothing.
We have a dedicated group of people from Divine Word that give their time to assist at Joseph House. Much of what they do is hands-on with the people who visit Joseph House. They help those in need pick out the right kind of clothing. Joseph House needs more help. The demand for clothing is always there and has increased over time. I am wondering if anyone from our parish would be willing to help during those hours in which we have people looking for clothes.
I can tell you this, the process of people coming for clothes is well organized. Each person makes an appointment and when they arrive one of the helpers will follow along with the person looking for clothes to make sure they find the right size and fitting. The hours for Joseph House are Wednesday and Friday from 10am- 1pm; Tuesday from noon until 3pm; and one Saturday morning of each month. Please call the parish office if you are interested in assisting with this ministry.
The Beatitudes may be the most recognized section of scripture next to the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. These famous words from the lips of Jesus reflect his acknowledgment of those who are following him. Of course, the setting is on a mountain often considered in scripture a place where the divine reveals Himself. Jesus, if you can imagine, scanning the vast number of followers and offering these words, “Blessed are the …” The fact he is calling them blessed helps them appreciate that God is with them, when they are meek, mourning, righteous, or even insulted. Jesus even says in these moments you should “rejoice and be glad.”
Many scripture scholars believe this section of Matthew’s gospel is the quintessential preaching moment. Jesus has the perfect words to offer if you take in the context and moment he is facing. The people
following him need to be inspired. They have been beaten down by injustice and persecution and Jesus tells them they are “blessed.” I wonder how many if not all of the followers of Jesus that day walked away feeling so much better about themselves and with a greater inner strength to carry on in life despite what they were facing as a nation and as individuals.
The countdown continues to Lent (Ash Wednesday is only 24 days away). I hope you are reflecting on what you can do during this great liturgical season. In my prayer, God is calling me to do something I have never done before in my sixty years during this season of Lent. If you have any ideas let me know or at least an idea I can take to prayer. God will reveal to you and me what he wants us to do in the next few weeks.
Please keep our second graders in your prayers. They made their First Confession this past week. I always underestimate how much they comprehend. They do know the difference between right and wrong or at times will point out when something they see is wrong or unfair. I am most grateful to our teachers and parents who prepared them all for this day. Of course, we know that Confession also prepares us for Holy Eucharist. A good Confession helps us to receive Holy Eucharist with a more open heart that is ready to be in relationship and to serve the Lord.
As I finish up my reflection this week it is snowing on Sunday afternoon. Someone told me we have been lucky with the mild winter, maybe that person spoke too soon. I have learned when you cannot change something not to worry and accept what is in front of you. Actually, the snow looks amazing on the trees and throughout our beautiful parish property! Have a great week of Ordinary Time!
