Fr. Craig’s Contemplations
 
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
Dear Friends,
 
We hear the scribe “quizzing” Jesus and by the end of the conversation, it’s documented that the scribe “takes to heart” our Lord Jesus’ words, “not far from the kingdom of God.” The scribe had an encounter with Jesus, who was in His midst and became his neighbor.
 
Scholars note that this conversation was different in tone from preceding “quizzes” from the Pharisees, the Herodians, the Sadducees and even other scribes.  This particular scribe approaches our Lord Jesus with good will in his mind and heart. This scribe was essentially asking for the “overriding principle” of the 613 commandments listed in the Torah.
 
Our Lord Jesus responds by quoting Duet 6:4-5; “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone.”  Jesus is again reiterating the teaching that there is one God, who has created all things and who holds all things in existence because of his goodness and power.
 
And so, how do we respond?  We are asked to respond at every level of our being.  Brothers and Sisters – to love God is to have a profound reverence and affection for him, to give ourselves over to Him and have a genuine desire to please Him.  Through the lens of scripture, to break open the meaning of the whole person, there are four distinctions.  The heart (kardia) – inner depth of each person.  The soul (psyché) the whole self.  Jesus adds another term, mind to emphasize our thoughts and reasoning. The last phrase, with all your strength, meaning that love for God isn’t “sentimental” it is a commitment which calls for every ounce of our energy.  You may ask, how?  Only by first knowing and experiencing God’s love for us (Rom. 5:5, 8; 1 John 4:11).
 
The second part, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus speaks very plainly, our love for God is concretized and expressed in our love for others. To love others “as yourself” means to make their well-being as high as our own priority. (see Phil 2:3-4)
 
As we prepare for the great Solemnity of All Saints on November 1, may God bless you!
 
Fr. Craig Marion



READINGS FOR OCTOBER 31, 2021

31^st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

1^st Reading—Deuteronomy 6: 2-6— Moses told the people they must follow God’s law. Above all they must know that the Lord alone is God, and they must love the Lord with all their heart, soul and strength.

Responsorial Psalm: 18: 2-3, 3-4 47, 51— “I love you, Lord, my strength.”

2^nd Reading—Hebrews 7: 23-28—Before Jesus, all priests died and had to be replaced, but “because he remains forever,” his priesthood does not pass away. Jesus saves “those who approach God through him.”

Gospel Acclamation—Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! “Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him and we will come to him.” Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Gospel—Mark 12: 28b-34—The greatest command is this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.



PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

1) Let us pray for the Church:
          God, you alone are the Lord, the One God.
          May we, the members of your Church, love you with all our heart              and  serve you in one another. Bring a renewal of faith to our                      parish..
         
2) Let us pray for peace in our world:
          Jesus, you loved all persons and respected the dignity of the poor.
           Help us love our neighbor as ourselves. Bring peace to our world               and safety to all military personnel.
         
3) Let us pray for the sick and suffering:
          Lord of every time and season, lift up those who are burdened
          with physical illness.  We pray especially for --
          Fr. Ron Anderson   Betty Morici    Herman Greif      Joan Ball
          Elaine Corkins   Christopher Lee     Mary Simon    Marty Levin
          Mike Beckmann
          We pray to the Lord…

4) Let us remember the dead:
          God, be our strength, remember all who have died especially—
          (5:00 Mass) Patrick Mooney, Teri Luckey
          (8:30 Mass) Richard Moon
          (10:30 Mass) Stanley Kowalski


 

ANNOUNCEMENTS – OCTOBER 31, 2021

 

1. Monday, November 1^st is the Feast of All Saints. We will have Mass at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

 

2. Tuesday, November 2^nd is the Feast of All Soul’s, when we honor those who have died, especially those who died this past year. Mass will be at 9 a.m., with a brunch to follow, and 7 p.m.

 

3. Our Faith Formation Series—33 Days to Morning Glory, begins on Tuesday, November 2^nd at 9:30 a.m. in the Conference Room.

 

4. The quilt and craft group will meet next Saturday, November 6^th at 10 a.m. in Solanus Hall.

 

5. Ladies, our Advent Tea is Sunday, November 28^th from 2-5 p.m. Please call the parish office and let us know if you would like to attend.

 

6. We are now utilizing VANCO Financial Solutions for you to make your online donations safely and securely. Your gift will be automatically debited from your account or processed with a credit card. For more information, please read your weekly email blast.

 

7. It’s that time of year already. If you would like to adopt a family for Christmas, please contact Diane Maxey in our parish office and she will get you signed up.

 

8. During the month of November, we remember the dead in a special way. 

               In the church there are the names of those who were buried                       from  our parish this past year and a Book of Remembrance.                       You may wish to  write the names of your deceased loved ones                   in that book.
 

9.  Next Saturday, please join us in Solanus Hall for our monthly potluck dinner.

 

10. (Sunday) Please join us in Hardy Hall for coffee, donuts and fellowship.