September 24, 2022
Dear Friends in Christ,
Unlike the nuanced Gospel narratives of the past few weeks, this Sunday’s Gospel reading carries a straightforward message. In the Gospel from Luke 16: 19-31, Jesus recounts to the Pharisees a parable about a rich man who lived large during his time on Earth, while Lazarus, a poor man, begged at his door for table scraps. When both the rich man and Lazarus died, the wealthy one writhed in torment in Hell, as Lazarus finally sat in comfort at Abraham’s bosom. Yet, when the once affluent man called for Abraham’s pity, he received little.
What particularly resonates for me in this Gospel is the truly paternal role Abraham – the Father of all Jewish people – fulfills. When the rich man asks for his compassion, Abraham is both stern and unmoved, yet fatherly enough to offer him insight into his place of rest. Like all good fathers, Abraham provides the wealthy man – and us – some inferred advice:
- Use your time and gifts wisely on this Earth.
- Listen to men and women of God who guide us in living the Gospel truth.
- Our actions here have consequences. When you come before the Lord, live in such a way that the gates of Heaven will swing open for you.
The Second Reading from 1 Timothy 6: 11-16 likewise contains a wise nugget for us in this earthly life: “But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.” Fathers may not always know best, but we certainly do try.
Please remember to RSVP below for lunch at the Parish Picnic from 12:30-4 pm next Sunday, October 2. And don’t forget to spread the word regarding our new Spanish Mass, which Fr. G will begin celebrating weekly, beginning at 1 pm Sunday, October 2, in the church. See flyers in Spanish and English below.
I wish you all a blessed and wonderful start to your week!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John
Saturday, September 24:
- Vigil Mass at 5 pm in the church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon. Mass readings.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
Sunday, September 25:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
- Mass at 8 am in the church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon. Mass readings.
- Mass at 9:30 am in the church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon. Mass readings.
- Note: We have concluded offering our Sunday virtual Mass. See the archdiocesan TV Mass.
- Mass at 11:15 am in the church. Celebrated by Fr. Roberto Amoruso. Mass readings.
- Mass at 5 pm in the church. Celebrated by Fr. Grzegorz Okulewicz. Mass readings.
- Youth Group at 6:30 pm in the Parish Center. Staffed by Youth Minister Travis Tomon and adult volunteers.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
Monday, September 26:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
- Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by Lois James.
Tuesday, September 27:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
- Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. Grzegorz Okulewicz.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
Parish Resources:
St. Martin Food Pantry Needs
The St. Martin Food Pantry has an urgent need for the following items:
- Pasta sauce
- Stew, canned pasta, and chili
- Dry unsweetened cereal
- Pasta
- Canned fruit
- Canned beans
- Diapers in sizes newborn, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and baby wipes
- Pediasure and Ensure for adults
- Large adult unisex pullups
- Paper and plastic grocery bags
- Plastic newspaper bags and plastic egg cartons that hold 12 eggs
Please place all donations in the St. Martin Food Pantry box in the Gathering Space or in the bin on the Rectory porch. This weekend, all donations placed in the St. Martin Food Pantry box will benefit the Mulholland Foundation’s Summer in the City Food Drive, which benefits people in Washington DC’s low-income communities. Please do not donate anything in a glass container. Thanks for your support!
