5th Sunday of Lent - April 7, 2019
THIS WEEK’S REFLECTION
The Wisdom that Comes with Age
“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. John 8:7-9
This passage comes from the story of the woman caught in adultery when she is dragged before Jesus to see if He would support her stoning. His response is perfect and, in the end, she is left alone to encounter the tender mercy of Jesus.
But there is a line in this passage that is easily overlooked. It is the line that states, “…beginning with the elders.” This reveals an interesting dynamic within human communities. Generally speaking, those who are younger tend to lack the wisdom and experience that comes with age. Though the young may find it hard to admit, those who have lived a long life have a unique and broad picture of life. This enables them to be far more prudent in their decisions and judgments, especially when it comes to the more intense situations in life.
In this story, the woman is brought before Jesus with a harsh judgment. Emotions are high and these emotions clearly cloud the rational thinking of those who are ready to stone her. Jesus cuts through this irrationality by a profound statement. “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Perhaps, at first, those who were younger or more emotional did not allow the words of Jesus to sink in. They probably stood there with stones in hand waiting to start throwing. But then the elders began to walk away. This is age and wisdom at work. They were less controlled by the emotion of the situation and were immediately aware of the wisdom of the words spoken by our Lord. As a result, the others followed.
Reflect, today, upon the wisdom that comes with age. If you are older, reflect upon your responsibility to help guide the younger generation with clarity, firmness and love. If you are younger, do not neglect to rely upon the wisdom of the older generation. Though age is not a perfect guarantee of wisdom, it may be a far more significant factor than you realize. Be open to your elders, show them respect, and learn from the experiences they have had in life.
MyCathloicLife.com
ROBERTA’S HOUSE
Today we take up a special collection to help support Roberta’s House Family Grief Support Center and their mission of Grief Awareness through the “Healing Hearts & Minds” Campaign. The Center provides free services to bereaved children, teens and adults and was founded by Annette March Grier and named in loving memory of her mother, Julia Roberta March, who spent her life in loving service to bereaved families with a special love and concern for children. For more information call 410-235-6633 or visit www.RobertasHouse.org. Thank you for your kind generosity for this great cause.
LENT
As we get closer to the end of our weekly Lenten services, we offer you a wonderful opportunity to join us this Wednesday, April 10, for our final session and meal of soup and bread at 6:30 pm, followed by a presentation and discussion on the theme of “Welcoming the Stranger.” This week’s special guest speaker will is Dr. Kirk Gaddy, PhD.
Devotional Materials. A Lenten prayer book “The Word Among Us” offers scripture readings, prayer and action for each day of Lent. We invite you to take a copy for you and your family.
Fast and Abstinence. As a communal witness to our Lenten penance we are asked to abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent and to eat only one full meal on Good Friday.
EASTER FLOWERS
Envelopes are now available in the back of church for those who would like to remember a loved one with an Easter Flower to be placed on the altar. The offering for Easter Flowers is $10.
SISTA CIRCLE
The Sista Circle meets this Tuesday, April 9, 6:00 pm in the Anchorage. All members are encouraged to attend.
PALM SUNDAY
Next Sunday, April 14, is Palm Sunday. We will have prayer and blessings of the Palms in the PRAYER GARDEN next to the church at 10 am followed by a procession through the neighborhood. We encourage all who can, to come and witness to our community God’s great love for his people as Holy Week begins. Mass will begin at 11 am in ST. ANN’S CHURCH.
LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE
A communal celebration of the sacrament of penance for our Pastorate will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church next Tuesday, April 16, 7:00 pm. Fr. Xavier Edet, S.S.J will preside and preach at the service. Available priests will also be present for confessions during the evening. The sacrament of penance is an important part of our Lenten call to conversion and our preparation for Easter.
SEDER SERVICE
St. Ann’s will host a Seder Service on Wednesday, April 17, 7:00 pm at Mother Seton Academy. We observe this traditional Jewish Passover meal as a representation of the Last Supper of our Lord with his apostles. Please use the sign-up sheet in the back of church if you are interested in joining us. Volunteers are also needed to assist in the preparation of the service. If you are interested please contact the parish office at 410-235-8169 or see Mary Middleton.
ST. ANN’S CHOIR CONCERT
Save the Date for Saturday, April 27th 7:00 pm as the St. Ann’s Choir presents a Gospel Music Celebration Concert, “I Come to Magnify The Lord.” This event will be performed at St. Ann’s Church. Donations are $10. Please join us!!!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please also continue to pray for all of our sick and homebound, especially Msgr. Lloyd Aiken (Sacred Heart Glyndon), Cornelia Bailey,Florence Barber, James Butts, Elaine Cousin, Elaine Edmonds, Gregory Epps, John Frederick, Pat Haley, Rita Hardy, Tom Lutz, Nelson Outlaw, Penny Palmer, Bernadette, Wallace, Kevin Scott, Sharon Johnson-Stewart Wallace, Rita Watkins and ask that God grant them strength, comfort and healing
APRIL 2019
Sun., Apr.7 5th Sunday of Lent
11 am Mass
Tues., Apr.9 Sista Circle Meeting
Anchorage, 6:00 pm
Wed., Apr.10 Soup and Scripture
Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Kirk Gaddy
6:30 pm, Anchorage
Thurs., Apr.11 Evening Mass 7pm
Anchorage Chapel
Sun., Apr.14 PALM SUNDAY
Palm Sunday in the PRAYER
GARDEN 10 am
Prayer and procession through the neighborhood
Palm Sunday Mass 11 am
St. Ann’s Church
Mon., Apr.15 Chrism Mass, Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, 7 pm
Tues., Apr.16 Penance Service
St. Francis Xavier Church
7:00 pm
Wed., Apr.17 SEDER MEAL
7 pm Mother Seton Academy
Thurs., Apr.18 HOLY THURSDAY
Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Washing of the Feet, 7 pm
St. Ann
Fri., Apr.19 GOOD FRIDAY
St. Ann’s, Stations of the Cross 12 pm, “The Seven Last Words of Christ” 12:30 pm
Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, 3 pm, St. Wenceslaus
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
1st Reading Isaiah 50:4-7
2nd Reading Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel Luke 22:14-56