Today's readings focus on the importance of letting our light shine in the world through our bold witness, especially to the poor. Prophet Isaiah asks us to share our “bread with the hungry”, the Psalmist tells us that the just gives lavishly “to the poor“, St Paul in his first letter to Corinthians testifies to the power of God “in weakness” and in the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus instructs us to let our light “shine before others.”
All these teachings are made concrete in the ministry of St. Vincent De Paul here at St. Peter. Thanks to the credible witness of Andy Gladfelter and his team, our parish SVDP ministry is serving the poor by working to make sure they retain their human dignity. I am using this opportunity to remind us that the Society of St Vincent De Paul Poor Box by the door opening into the church is for us to drop in whatever we deem fit to support this important ministry. Please, the box is NOT a trash collector but money collector for the needs of the poor. Thanks for your generosity.
Also inline with this week's message on justice to the poor, we shall welcome next weekend a guest priest from Cross Catholic Outreach to address us on the importance of the option for the poor to our Catholic faith. Outreach Priest, Reverend Richard T. Kunzman, ordained for the Diocese of Camden in 1963 will celebrate all the masses next weekend, sharing the mission of “delivering food, shelter and hope to the poorest of the poor” with us. Please let us be welcoming and supportive of his mission.
In what particular ways am I called by Jesus to shine the light of Christ to all, especially the poor?
Fr. Bernard Oniwe, OP
P.S. I want to recognize and express our thanks to St. Peter's Knights of Columbus' Blood Drive this past weekend. They had 25 parishioner donors, collected 19 units of blood that will help 57 people in need! Thanks to Dr. Gregory Martin and his council members. What a beautiful way to make sacrifices for others. May Jesus renew all our donors.
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