From the Pastor – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 9, 2020

From the Pastor – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

How easy it is, especially in these times, to be consumed by the cares and distractions of the “here and now,” forgetting about what matters most — living for the Kingdom of Heaven. The stewardship way of life, with its emphasis on the virtuous use of our Time, Talent, and Treasure, allows us to embrace daily life and all its demands — with eternity in mind.

How do we keep focused on the Kingdom of Heaven? St. Paul shares his secret for an eternity-driven life. In our Second Reading from his Letter to the Philippians, Paul says, “I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things, I have learned the secret of being well fed and going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.” In other words, Paul has learned to live the stewardship way of life.

What is the secret? It is this: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” How? Through this: “My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” It is so simple! But it is not easy. It takes both courage and humility to live this way. God will supply these to us if we ask. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2020

Pastoral Pondering

Over the past several weeks, I have been asked by a number of people for some guidance regarding the upcoming national election. We do have an Election 2020 page on our parish website, stmarknc.org. I would encourage you to look there for more resources. You can also find helpful information at usccb.org.

First and foremost, it is important to remember that as Catholics, we have a responsibility to engage in public discourse and to exercise our rights as citizens. As Pope Frances noted, "We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern." -9/16/13

In order to fulfill this responsibility, we are obligated to ensure that our consciences are formed by perennial Church teaching, including her understanding of the human person. As the US Bishops point out in paragraph 17 in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: “The Church equips its members to address political and social questions by helping them to develop a well-formed conscience. Catholics have a serious and lifelong obligation to form their consciences in accord with human reason and the teaching of the Church. Conscience is not something that allows us to justify doing whatever we want, nor is it a mere "feeling" about what we should or should not do. Rather, conscience is the voice of God resounding in the human heart, revealing the truth to us and calling us to do what is good while shunning what is evil. Conscience always requires serious attempts to make sound moral judgments based on the truths of our faith. As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already completed. In all he says and does, man is obliged to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right" (no. 1778).”

In considering issues upon which our political action is based, we need to remember that there are “ethical distinctions between different kinds of issues involving human life and dignity” (Faithful, 28). Hence, “the direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. It must always be opposed” (Ibid.). Further “"When political activity comes up against moral principles that do not admit of exception, compromise, or derogation, the Catholic commitment becomes more evident and laden with responsibility. In the face of fundamental and inalienable ethical demands, Christians must recognize that what is at stake is the essence of the moral law, which concerns the integral good of the human person. This is the case with laws concerning abortion and euthanasia. . .. Such laws must defend the basic right to life from conception to natural death" (Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life, no. 4).”

The Church identifies the following as critical issues that need to be examined in the public square in light of Church teaching. This is not an exhaustive list, but these are among the highest areas of concern:

  • Address the preeminent requirement to protect human life.
  • Protect the fundamental understanding of marriage as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman.
  • Achieve comprehensive immigration reform.
  • Help families and children overcome poverty and ensure access to education.
  • Ensure full conscience protection and religious freedom.
  • Provide health care that respects human life and dignity.
  • Oppose unjust discrimination.
  • Establish and comply with moral limits on military force.
  • Pursue peace, protect human rights and religious liberty, and advance economic justice and care for creation.

These matters need to be approached prayerfully and intelligently. We should never act on emotion or feelings. We are to evaluate party platforms and candidate positions in light of Catholic moral and social teaching while keeping in mind that a Catholic could never vote for a candidate because he or she supports an intrinsically evil position. This would entail formal cooperation with a grave evil.

As I believe everyone can see, there is much to consider, and we know how much division and rancor are present in our society today. Let us first turn to prayer for our country and beg the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the enormous task that is before us.

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • July 18, 2025
In today’s Gospel reading from St. Luke, we receive a reminder about the proper use of the gift of time, a fundamental aspect of a stewardship way of life. Our passage highlights one of the most famous dinner parties ever thrown, recalling the day that Martha and Mary hosted our Lord in their home. We are told that Martha, as a good steward, welcomes Christ in but then becomes “burdened with much serving” while her sister and fellow hostess chooses to simply sit with Jesus, listening to Him speak. Martha becomes indignant at Mary’s behavior and complains to Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” But Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, refuses to get pulled into this sisterly spat. Instead, He offers Martha a fresh way to look at the situation. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.” What is that one thing? It is to put Jesus first in our lives and above all other things; to “sit at his feet” and listen as Mary did, giving Him the priority of our time no matter how busy we think we are. When we truly commit to putting Christ first in our daily lives through a regular time of prayer and frequent participation in the sacraments, we will find that all our other concerns become less pressing, less overwhelming. Why is this so? Because the time we invest in our relationship with God saturates all aspects of our lives with His grace. And because God cannot be outdone in generosity. He will abundantly reward any sacrifice we make to spend time with Him. ©Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025 Pastoral Pondering In the Catholic tradition, prayer is a foundational practice, understood as a personal and communal relationship with God. It’s seen as a dialogue, not a monologue, where the individual lifts their heart and mind to God, seeking communion, guidance, and alignment with His will. Below is a concise overview of the Catholic understanding of prayer, grounded in Church teaching and tradition: Definition and Purpose : The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2559) defines prayer as “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” It’s an act of love, trust, and dependence on God, fostering a covenant relationship. Prayer’s primary aim is communion with God, aligning human will with divine will, as modeled by Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Types of Prayer (CCC 2626-2643): Adoration : Worshipping God for His infinite goodness and majesty (e.g., Eucharistic adoration). Petition : Asking for personal needs or forgiveness, acknowledging human dependence on God. Intercession : Praying for others, reflecting charity and solidarity (e.g., praying for the living and the dead). Thanksgiving : Expressing gratitude for God’s gifts, as seen in the Eucharist (“thanksgiving” in Greek). Praise : Glorifying God for who He is, beyond what He does. Forms of Prayer : Vocal Prayer : Spoken prayers, like the Rosary, Our Father, or Hail Mary, engaging both body and soul. Meditative Prayer : Reflecting on Scripture or sacred mysteries (e.g., Lectio Divina or meditating on the Rosary’s mysteries). Contemplative Prayer : A silent, loving gaze toward God, seeking deeper union, as taught by saints like Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross. Theological Foundations : Prayer is rooted in the Trinity: Catholics pray to the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit (CCC 2655). Jesus is the model of prayer, seen in His constant communion with the Father (e.g., John 17). The Holy Spirit inspires and sustains prayer (Romans 8:26). Mary and the saints are intercessors, not mediators, whose prayers join ours to God (CCC 2673-2679). Role in Catholic Life : Prayer is essential for salvation, as it nurtures faith, hope, and charity (CCC 2558). It’s a daily obligation, often through practices like morning/evening prayers, Mass, or the Liturgy of the Hours. The Eucharist, as the “source and summit” of Christian life (CCC 1324), is the highest form of prayer, uniting believers with Christ’s sacrifice. Prayer strengthens against temptation and fosters virtues, as seen in the lives of saints like Thérèse of Lisieux, who called prayer “a surge of the heart.” Practical Expressions : Liturgy : The Mass and sacraments are communal prayers, uniting the Church on earth and in heaven. Devotions : Practices like the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, or novenas deepen personal devotion. Spontaneous Prayer : Heartfelt, unscripted prayer is encouraged alongside structured forms. Challenges and Growth : Catholics are taught to persevere in prayer despite distractions or dryness, trusting God’s presence (CCC 2729-2733). Prayer requires humility and openness, as St. Augustine said: “Man is a beggar before God.” Supporting Evidence : The Catechism (Part Four, CCC 2558-2865) provides a comprehensive guide to prayer, emphasizing its centrality. Vatican II’s Sacrosanctum Concilium highlights liturgy as the primary expression of prayer, uniting the Church. Saints’ writings, like St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises, offer practical methods for deepening prayer. For further exploration, consult the Catechism of the Catholic Church or resources from the Vatican (vatican.va). Prayer, in Catholicism, is not just a practice but a way of life, drawing believers into God’s love and mission.

From the Pastor - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • July 11, 2025
In today’s Gospel passage, from Luke, we read the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan. Here, Jesus teaches us in rich detail what stewardship in action looks like. In fact, this parable could just as accurately be called the parable of the Good Steward. The first thing we note about the Good Samaritan is that he is aware of the needs of those around him and responds generously. While the priest and Levi brush right past the man on the side of the road, the Samaritan is watching for those who might be in need. He has a hospitable way of looking at the world around him and so he is able to “see” in a way that the others did not, and he was “moved with compassion at the sight” of the man. Next, we see the Good Samaritan spring into action to serve this man, setting aside his own schedule and plans to meet his needs. He does not just give the man a few dollars or offer quick words of encouragement from across the road. He goes right up to the man. He cleans and bandages his wounds. He puts the man on his own animal and brings him to an inn where he can heal. He ensures the innkeeper would continue to look after him, and he commits to re-turning to the man on his way back. That is how we live out God’s commandments. That is true hospitality and service.  That is how a good steward springs into action when he comes upon a neighbor in need. And Jesus says to each of us personally, just as He did in today’s Gospel, “Go and do likewise.” ©Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025 Pastoral Pondering I want to welcome Father Christopher Angermeyer to St. Mark as Parochial Vicar. As many of you know, Father was ordained in June. After completing his undergraduate studies at Belmont Abbey and St. Joseph College Seminary. He completed his theological studies and priestly formation at Mount St. Mary’s in Cincinnati. His home parish was St. Thomas Aquinas in Charlotte. We are happy to have Father Angermeyer with us. I know you will do your part to make him feel welcomed here at St. Mark. I will be away for the next couple of weeks on pilgrimage with a group of seminarians and faithful. Please know that the parish will be in my prayers, and I take all of your intentions with me to the Shrine of Our Lady.
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