​Beloved in Christ,
 
As I set out to write my reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings, which explored the theme of living faith in God as a remedy for struggles with temptation and unforgiveness, I was caught up in visions of the events that had taken place in the parish over the last few days. The most outstanding one that comes to mind and view is the parish picnic held last Sunday on our church's sacred grounds. The occasion also turned out to be a surprise celebration of the Silver Jubilee of my ordination to the priesthood. I was pleasantly surprised and still in the spirit of jubilation at the number of people present, including my younger brother, Paul, from New Jersey and my cousin, Agnes, from Maryland, as well as the gifts and cards, the food, drink, and the beautiful anniversary cake. The entire atmosphere was one of joy. Not only was it a lovely and happy celebration, but I also felt the love and support of my parishioners.
 
On that note, in view of the beautiful and pleasant way you celebrated my milestone in the priesthood, I offer gratitude and praise to the entire parish. I know many of you worked behind the scenes to plan and execute all that took place, and although I couldn't identify each one of you in person, I would still like to mention a few people and groups. I am thankful to my entire office staff, who worked seamlessly with members of the parish pastoral council planning committee and were supported by the CCW, Men's Club, the Forgiven band, and others. All in all, we had a successful picnic, and everyone looked happy, with the children in particular seeming to truly enjoy the thrills of playing in the bouncer.
 
We returned from a parish pilgrimage to Italy only a few days before the picnic and silver jubilee anniversary celebration, and we had a lifetime experience because we had the privilege of walking through all the Holy Doors in Rome and the opportunity to gain a plenary indulgence. We will soon be able to share the spiritual and beautiful moments with the entire parish through picture and video displays in the parish social hall. I am equally thankful to all the pilgrims who traveled with me. I pray it turns out to be a life-changing experience for you all.
 
On a final celebratory note, on behalf of the parish, I would like to wish Joseph Fliss on a happy hundredth birthday. His hundredth (100) birthday is on Tuesday, October 7. Reaching a century is a remarkable phenomenon and milestone! I promised Joseph at his ninety-ninth birthday last year that if he reaches his hundredth birthday, the parish will celebrate with him. I hope to fulfill my promise by inviting us to come together in the parish hall next Sunday, October 12, after the 10:30 a.m. Mass to wish Joseph a happy birthday.
 
Remember, October is dedicated to praying the Holy Rosary. I encourage you to pray the rosary with the parish daily before Mass.
 
In Christ,
 
Fr. Alayode, OP
 

Beloved in Christ,
  
What's God's plan for us after death? Eternal life in His presence. God sent us his Son, Jesus, to save us for everlasting life with him in heaven. However, he also gives us the freedom to choose otherwise. An eternity of separation from God is what we call hell. We were not called or chosen for hell. When God chose or called us in Christ Jesus, He intended for us to see him face to face after death. We find this claim in the verses from this Sunday's gospel, John 6:37-39. Jesus says to us the following words of comfort: "I will not reject anyone who comes to me" and "I should not lose anything of what he (God) gave me." Jesus never dismisses anyone or sends them to hell. Those who choose eternal life can have it, but they cannot choose to live against God's will at the same time.
 
As I said earlier, verses from this Sunday's pericope are encouraging and consoling to us who remember and mourn loved ones. We pray for our departed brothers and sisters because we know God will not abandon those who lived for Christ while alive after death. God will not reject those who follow Jesus. If they followed the path of salvation, we have in God's promise "hope that does not disappoint (Rom 5:5). How does this work? Jesus describes the path to eternal life when he says: "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life."
 
As it turns out, the popular aphorism, "Seeing is believing," is false. Some see and do not believe. To have everlasting life after death, we must see and believe in Jesus. What does this mean and entail? What does it mean biblically to "see" and "believe"? Let us turn to that. In biblical spirituality, seeing Jesus is recognizing him as God and developing a desire for a relationship with him. It is a desire for communion and friendship with him. To believe in Jesus is to have absolute faith and trust in his power to save us. In other words, believing in Jesus is to entrust oneself totally to Him who died and rose to save us. A life of trusting in Jesus, with whom we have a relationship, is the guaranteed pathway to eternal life with God after death.
 
Why do we pray for our dead friends and relatives if they belonged to Jesus; if they believed in Jesus while they lived? We pray for them because, though they might have died in a state of grace and in friendship with God, it is possible that their will and heart were still attached to the sins they had repented of and forgiven. There is a likely scenario in which our righteous loved ones in Christ are not fully purged and purified of attachment to sin. While they may be on their path to God's presence, the beatific vision, there may still be a need for purification from temporal punishment due to sin. Our prayers, penances, and almsgiving hasten their purification. Purgatory is the word that describes this process of purification that advances them into heaven. If we must express our charity to our faithful departed, our belief in the communion of saints gives us reason to pray for the repose of their souls. 
 
Pray for the souls of your dead loved ones that they may attain God's plan for them post-mortem. God chose them for eternity with him. Help them achieve this purpose. We remember them at our 10:30 am mass and at Eucharistic adoration at 3:00 pm.
  
In Christ,
 
Fr. Alayode, OP
 

Beloved in Christ, 
 
"Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, my soul; I will praise the LORD all my life, sing praise to my God while I live." These words of praise from Psalm 146, from which our responsorial Psalm for this Sunday's Mass is derived, clearly express the ongoing emotions in my heart since the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of my priestly ordination on September 23rd.
 
 Praise is the apt word for the feelings I felt when I celebrated Mass at the grotto of St. Michael the Archangel last Tuesday. I praise God for the privilege of the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ, which He bestowed on me, his unworthy son. My soul praises God for the pilgrims of praise and many others who gathered in the pews of the sacred space at Monte Sant'Angelo to celebrate with me. I am particularly grateful for the choice gift of a grape-engraved chalice from the Pilgrims of Praise in honor of my priestly ordination anniversary.
 
I praise God for demonstrations of sincere affection from all of you, my beloved ones of St. Peter Catholic Church in Elizabethtown. I'm eternally grateful to God for bestowing the awesome grace of ministerial priesthood on me, "To him be honor and eternal power. Amen" (1 Timothy 6:16).
 
In Christ, the Eternal High Priest,   
Fr. Alayode, OP 
 
The collage of pictures from San Giovanni Rotondo on my anniversary gives you a picture of why my soul praises the Lord.
 

​The dishonest steward in Jesus’ parable is no hero. He does not use the talents he is given to earn more or to forgive the debts of a person in dire straits. No, he discounts the debts of his masters debtors because soon he will be out of a job looking for help from them. He is a wily self-centered manipulator who cannot be trusted with his master’s wealth, cannot be trusted with his own wealth, and cannot be trusted with what Jesus calls true wealth. True wealth, as Jesus hints in the final verse, is found in the kingdom of heaven. It is not money, or assets, or the accumulation  of material possessions. In fact, it is neither material nor a possession. True wealth is spiritual; it is a share in what is God’s. Jesus himself gives us a model to follow when he places all his “wealth” in the service of others, whether feeding the thousands, healing the sick, or suffering for us all. This is how we serve God, not mammon.
 
How can you find a prudent steward of your material possessions, aware that true wealth is found in God? (Lect.135)
 

​Beloved in Christ,
 
Our parish, St. Peter, will embark on a spiritual pilgrimage to Italy this Sunday as part of the 2025 Jubilee of Hope. We hope it will be a springtime of new and living hope in our Catholic faith. I am humbled to lead a group of pilgrims, thirty-one in total, parishioners and non-parishioners. Pilgrimage, especially during the Jubilee year, is a grace-filled time and action to seek after the things above, even as we walk on and about this earth. Please pray for us to have a safe, spiritually renewing, and transforming pilgrimage.
 
Let me briefly describe what our pilgrimage entails. As part of our pilgrimage itinerary to Italy, we walk through four holy doors, celebrate Masses in basilicas, grottos, shrines, and chapels, visit sites of Eucharistic miracles, and in the process grow in our knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Christian faith. Our pilgrimage will offer us opportunities to encounter the Lord in all His grandeur and majesty in the eternal city.
 
As we celebrate the Exaltation of the Cross this Sunday, and as I write this reflection with a frequent gaze on the Crucifix in the sanctuary of the Historic Church of St. Peter, I would like you to know that our itinerary is also marked by contacts with the cross of Christ. For example, on September 17, the group of pilgrims will walk to bring the Cross from Piazza Pia to St. Peter Basilica, the biggest, grandest and most beautiful of all world's churches; on September 16 we shall proceed to the Church of San Marcello al Corso to see the miraculous Crucifix, which in 1522 was carried in procession through the city's districts to end the "Great Plague of Rome; and On September 21, in Assisi, we shall see the cross that spoke to  St. Francis, "Rebuild my Church." The Christian must walk the way of the Cross; it is the path of love.
 
May we embrace the Cross of Christ on which hung the Savior of the world. On the cross is our victory achieved, and on it we ascend to heaven.
 
In Christ,
 
Fr. Alayode, OP
 

 Beloved in Christ,
 
"Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple" (Lk 14:27).
 
The high cost of discipleship. Do we truly understand what we are getting into when we choose to follow Jesus? Following Jesus will cost us everything that we own. Is there any demand of Jesus that we will say no to? If there is, then we are not yet ready to carry our cross and follow Jesus. It means we have not contemplated and counted the cost of followership. Following Christ sincerely demands prioritizing him above everything, including people and things that are most dear to us. 
 
To be a true disciple of Jesus is to give absolute, infinite, unlimited, unflinching loyalty to Him. There is no room for compromise here; Jesus demands the totality of our commitment to him and over others. We must love him above all persons or things. We must love him alone with all of ourselves: with all our heart, mind, soul, and body. Nothing, not even dearest and nearest family members or things, must compete with our total surrender to the demands of Jesus. Following Jesus is either everything or nothing; He does not accept choosing between them.
 
It is essential to take time out to consider the cost and renew our commitment to Jesus if we wish to continue the process of discipleship. Ask questions and ponder over statements of faith. Am I willing to make Jesus the absolute leader of my soul? When my family and friends that I love stand in the way of my total surrender in conscience and action to the demands of Jesus, would I idolize them and say no to Jesus? What in the world would make me say "no" to Jesus? These are questions we should engage in recollection and retreat. 
 
As I prepare to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of my priestly ordination during our parish pilgrimage to Italy, which begins next Sunday, I intend to engage with these and similar questions. Are there things or people I have loved or preferred over Jesus? These are questions that need to be answered during spiritual retreats (which I don't get to do as often as necessary because of pastoral needs). I encourage you to take time out to be alone to address these questions: Do I love Jesus above my family, friends, and things, or am I addicted and possessed by them? I conclude with words borrowed from Keith Nester: "What would make you say 'No' to Jesus? This could hurt." With Mary, whose nativity and holy name we honor this week, let us dare to say and mean "God, thy will be done."
 
In Christ,
 
Fr. Alayode, OP
 

Beloved in Christ,
 
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk 14:11). This Sunday’s readings beautifully emphasize the themes of humility and hospitality. The scripture invites us to embrace humility as the essential virtue in overcoming pride and vainglory, which lead us astray. As the saying goes, pride goes before a fall; humility is the uplifting force that elevates us. Our spiritual journey and growth are rooted in the foundational principle of humility. The English word "humility" itself comes from the Latin "humilitas," meaning lowliness or lowness, and originally from the Latin "humus," meaning earth, soil, or dirt. The book of Genesis reminds us that we are created from this earth, into which God breathes life. To ascend to spiritual heights, we must return to our humble beginnings. The Blessed Mother Mary teaches us that God exalts the lowly (see her Magnificat- Lk 1:51-52). Remember, being humble does not mean devaluing oneself. As C.S. Lewis insightfully remarked, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
 
One of the most profound expressions of humility is the litany attributed to Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val y Zulueta, Secretary of State to Pope Saint Pius X. Though it may seem daunting, it serves as a powerful reminder in our practice of humility. Recite this prayer regularly and strive to embody its teachings in your life. Here it is:
     
 LITANY OF HUMILITY
 
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being praised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being approved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I go unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.            Amen.
                                                    
 
Tomorrow is Labor Day, which traditionally marks the end of summer vacation and the beginning of regular school and parish activities. Most of our students and teachers have already returned to their classrooms, and we wish them a blessed school year. This week also includes First Friday and Saturday. As we dedicate our devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, let us pray for students, teachers, and those seeking employment, that they may lead dignified lives.
 
Happy Labor Day!            
   
Fr. Alayode, OP

​Beloved in Christ,

"Lord, will only a few people be saved?" Someone asked Jesus as he made his way to Jerusalem. Jesus responded with a complex and indirect answer: "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough" (Lk 13: 23). If you were to see Jesus walking through Elizabethtown today on his way to the Capitol in Harrisburg, what question would you ask him? "Why is there evil in the world? "Will there be a medical cure for cancer?" Or perhaps you will ask him a mundane sports question like, "Will the Dallas Cowboys ever make it to the Super Bowl again in my lifetime?" These are inconsequential questions. The most pertinent question of all those mentioned is the very first one because it addresses the quest to know what will follow after our soul departs our body someday. The question is related to that asked Jesus by the rich young man in the Gospel reading for last Monday: "Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?" (Mat 19:16). The question can be distilled and rephrased this way: "What path must I follow to be saved or make it into heaven?"

Jesus gives us an answer that requires us to review how we perceive and live our Christian faith. Jesus takes our attention away from the trivial question of how many will be saved to how I will be saved. This question is a personal one: How will I make heaven? The immediate reality from Jesus' answer is that the path to salvation or heaven is not an easy one. "Strive to enter through the narrow gate." The teachings on true discipleship that we have received in the past weeks have now reached a crescendo: the way to salvation is arduous. It is narrow, which means it involves struggles and agony. There is no easy way. It is a path of grace, but not a cheap one, a costly one. Being a Christian, a nominal one, is not enough. God requires us to cooperate or complement his grace with our efforts and sacrifices. God expects a Christian life lived with passion and integrity- a life on fire!

What does this entail? Or what does it not entail? It is not enough that we are notional Christians who know a lot and study a lot about Jesus and the faith. Salvation is walking the way of the Cross. We must endure the crucible. To live for Christ and enter into eternal life entails total commitment to the way of the cross, a demanding life of discipleship. Making sure I attend mass on Sunday and days of obligation, praying the rosary daily, giving a tenth of my income to church and charity alone may not cut it. In addition, a deep love and commitment to Jesus and his teachings, a challenging path to follow, is needed. As Jesus said to us last week, he wants to set the world, including our hearts, on fire; he wants a radical expression of the faith, not a nominal or half-hearted approach. The way to salvation or eternal life with God is rugged and demands our willingness to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. We must turn to Jesus for grace. We must constantly examine our lives, repent and live a life united to Christ Crucified. It is the only proper way to salvation or eternal life.

Many Christians have preceded us in this narrow way. We call them saints, the cloud of witnesses the writer of the letter to the Hebrews 12 spoke about last week. We celebrate this week three of many such interesting and instructive saints to inspire us. Monica and Augustine are saints who remind us of the power of persistent prayers and hope for the most sinful or unworthy Christian. The passion of John the Baptist will also be celebrated this week, and it illustrates the narrow gate we must approach and struggle to pass through to attain salvation.

Our children go back to school this week. Please let us remember them in our prayers. I will be blessing all students and their teachers at all masses, sending them forth in the power of the Holy Spirit to bear witness to Christ as they go about the task of learning and teaching, respectively.

In Christ,          Fr. Alayode, OP
 

 Beloved in Christ,
 
What would happen if we decided to take the teachings of Jesus seriously and not just learn or know about them? Jesus has been teaching his followers different aspects of discipleship. Last Sunday, we heard about the necessity of preparedness for his coming. He could return for us anytime. We must be prepared. To be prepared is to be found witnessing to the truth of his teaching. What if we take the truth of the Gospel seriously? If we choose to practice true love, what would happen? If Jesus's wish were to come to realization, if we are filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit and purified by the passion of Christ, what would discipleship look like? Are we ready to pay the price of discipleship? Are we prepared to deny ourselves, pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus? These are pertinent and fundamental questions we must respond to if we want to take discipleship to its logical conclusion. If we make that choice, if we decide to follow through with bearing witness to the Gospel of Christ, there is a guarantee that divisions will arise between us and the world, including our family and friends. Are we prepared to pay the cost?
 
"Do you think I have come to give peace on earth?" (Lk 12:51). Apparently, the prince of peace did not come to bring about the peace as the world understands it. A peace brought about by power and might, a peace regulated through a compromise. No, Jesus came to confront the status quo and turn things on their head. He comes to heal through fire and salvific suffering. Any Christian worth the name must be willing to face opposition and suffering like Jeremiah, the most Christlike figure among the Old Testament prophets. Jeremiah was cast in the mud of trial because he spoke against the grain, against the false compromise that offers peace (Jer 38:5-6). He was not deterred by the hostility and divisions his proclamation of divine oracle caused. He was willing to pay the cost.
 
When we take discipleship seriously, not just a thought or idea we talk about, we enter into a costly lifestyle, a relationship with Jesus that may lead to rift and division with the people we care for, family and friends. But we can't be sentimental about it. When commitment to Christ comes into collision with the demands of family or friends, we must always be willing to pay the cost. Grace is not cheap; it is expensive. But it is worth it when we are on the side of Christ and the truth. May we be trusting in God as Jeremiah was. We must also remember that "a great cloud of witnesses surrounds us" (Heb 12:1); we are not alone in this holy task. When you are facing conflicts and hostility from the world or family, call on your guardian angel or patron saints. We should do this more often. Who is your patron saint or favorite saint? Can you begin a spiritual friendship with them? My patron saint is St. Bernard of Clairvaux, whose feast is on August 20. You should consider attending mass to celebrate my feast day with me, and I promise to seek the intercession of St. Bernard to come to your aid in your effort to live seriously your commitment to discipleship.
 
In Christ,
 
Fr. Alayode, OP
 

​Beloved in Christ,
 
"You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come" (Lk 12:40). Jesus continues to teach lessons on discipleship and the Kingdom as he continues to head towards Jerusalem. Last week, He taught them to avoid attachment to material things, which St. Paul calls "the greed of that is idolatry" (Col 3:5). A couple of weeks before that, He instructed them on the one thing necessary and how to pray. This Sunday, He speaks on a subject that we are often uncomfortable about, the end of our life, and how to prepare for death.
 
A call to be watchful, alert, and ready for the coming of Christ is usually associated with Advent. Still, we get to hear about it during the liturgical season of the Ordinary Time. We hear about it from Christ himself: "You must be prepared" for his coming. St. Bernard of Clairvaux, whose feast we celebrate on August 20th, wrote of the third coming of Christ, the middle coming between the other two, when he comes as our rest and consolation. Christ's coming in this instance is associated with the end of life. Then we meet Jesus instantly. We must be prepared for this inevitable moment. This unavoidable coming must not put fear in us but bring about a re-awakening, a metanoia. It must awaken us to see things in the proper perspective.
 
This awakening and new consciousness that the reality of the end triggers desire for the good. We as people of faith, instead of living in morbid fear of this end, must seek to live a Christ-like life at the present moment- do not procrastinate. We can trust in Christ; He wants all of His flock prepared. He is a compassionate and merciful shepherd. He only asks us to act right and fast, no delay or postponement. It is NOW that we start living for that inevitable encounter with the coming of Christ. Let us gird our loins, let us stay alert, let us seek to reflect all that Christ is NOW, not later or tomorrow. Tomorrow may never happen. What do you need to do NOW to prepare for the unavoidable coming of Christ for you?
 
I want to express my appreciation for those who attended our parish Eucharistic adoration last Monday. We prayed together as one parish family, and I do not doubt that Jesus heard all our prayers. We must continue to pray and be prepared. We have a good companion and intercessor in Mary, the Mother of God. Let us be reminded that we celebrate the Solemnity of her glorious Assumption this week (Thursday/Friday), a Holy Day of Obligation.
 
In Christ,
 
Fr. Alayode, OP
 

​Beloved in Christ,
 
Jesus teaches us a valuable life economics: "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions" (Lk 12:14). Jesus never condemns material possessions but warns us not to turn them into idols, and not to be possessed by them. We must approach material possessions with detachment because they are like breath that soon disappears after they come to life. Riches are temporary goods, holding on to them with all our being is vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!" (Eccl. 1:2).
 
The rich man in this Sunday's parable idolizes his wealth. He sees only himself as the author of his riches and defines himself by them. He places his trust in his riches and looks to them to sustain his life and soul. He stores up treasure for himself and leaves out God. The rich man places his trust wrongly in material things that will vanish someday. Instead, Jesus teaches, he should store up treasures in heaven by being "rich in what matters to God" (Lk 12:21). The heavenly treasures are infinite and eternal matters. They are the key to infinite and immortal joy and peace in Christ.
 
As Christians, St. Paul says, we should "seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth" (Col. 3 1-2). We should center our love on Christ and heavenly matters that endure. If we place our love and attachment on riches and wealth, we turn them into idols. St. Augustine was right when he said we become what we love. If our life is attached and focused on the blind and inordinate pursuit of material things and pleasure at the detriment of heavenly joy, we will become miserable and unfulfilled.
 
If we want to have infinite and lasting joy and peace, we must be detached from love and greed for material possessions and instead strive to become rich in what matters to God. How do we go about this? Our mind and body must be attuned or aligned to heavenly matters. We find this enduring heavenly wealth in the spiritual wealth of Christ and his Church: from prayers, meditation, acts of charity, devotion to the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation. We must seek the help and guidance of spiritual directors and the teachings of the Church of Christ. We must seek to practice theological and cardinal virtues of faith, justice, prudence, hope, temperance, fortitude, and charity. Growing in spiritual wealth is what matters to God, and they are the right way to store up treasure.
 
August is here! It is a "holy'' month with opportunities to store up treasures of eternal values. For example, every day of this week, the church celebrates amazing saints and mysteries of faith. Summer time is a good time to attend the parish's monthly Eucharistic adoration with your family. I invite you to attend daily masses and Eucharistic adoration.
 
We had a mass and reception in honor of Dr. Linda Itzoe last Sunday. It was a joyful occasion. She was overwhelmed and happy. I want to express gratitude to those who came to honor such a remarkable life of sacrificial service to Christ and his Church. Thanks for your gifts and presence; she appreciates you all. I thank those who spearheaded the event, from the Choir to those who planned the reception. Thanks to all of you. May we all be inspired by the exemplary life of service to Christ and his Church, as exemplified by Linda Itzoe.
 
In Christ,
 
Fr. Alayode, OP
 

​Beloved in Christ,

"Lord, teach us to pray"  (Lk 11:2), Jesus' disciples appealed to Him after He concluded a period of prayer. Disciples of Jesus must have observed that he prayed so frequently and seen the necessity of prayer for effective Christian discipleship. Indeed, prayer is the soul of Christian faith. By teaching them the prayer we call the "Lord's prayer" or "Our Father," Jesus established the pattern or model for prayer. The Lucan version proclaimed at Mass this Sunday has five petitions, while the Matthean version has seven petitions. We are always confident that we pray correctly when we pray the way Jesus taught us- by praying for what is necessary for our holy living. However, praying in the proper order of importance is only part of the prayer process. To pray effectively and adequately requires that we pray in line with God's will and do so consistently.

Prayer demands persistence. In the second part of this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus gives an exhortation on the necessity to pray importunately, insistently, and in the literal translation of the Greek word used in the passage, "anaideia," to pray with "shameless persistence". We must never flag in our zeal for prayer. When we pray, we must do so with deep and unflagging faith and unabashed consistency. This disposition and attitude are illustrated for us in Abraham's intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah in the first reading from Genesis 18:20-32. In what sounded like a negotiation but one done in humility and trust in God's love and mercy, Abraham appealed to God to spare the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah if he finds fifty, and downward to forty-five, thirty, twenty, and ten righteous people in them. Abraham prayed with "unembarrassed boldness."
 
Whenever we call to God for help in our time of need, He will answer us (Ps. 138:3). However, we must pray or ask in humble faith, in line with God's will for us, and with "shameless persistence," that is, persistently. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, but do it without wavering faith and pray without ceasing. In praying this way, we strengthen our relationship with God and grow in holiness and virtue. Pray always: in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, and at night. Pray while carrying out active service and when you are at rest. Pray with your heart and your voice. Do not stop praying for that intention that you consider essential, even when it appears you are not getting the answer you want. That is only your understanding or perception; God may have his plans, and his plans are always the right ones for our salvation. He knows what is best for us because he is our loving Father in Heaven who will give "the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him" (Lk 11:13).

On this World Day for Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly, we pray that they find joy and hope in their grandchildren and those they bestow sacrifice of love.

We pray for Linda Itzoe, who served as our parish organist for over 50 years. We celebrate her dedication and devotion to prayer through music today. We will hold a reception in her honor after 10:30 a.m. Mass this Sunday. All should please stop at the parish hall to thank her for her generous services over the years.

In Christ,

Fr. Alayode, OP

When we hear the word love, we tend to think of the tender feeling we have for our spouse or significant other or those closet to us. But Jesus reminds us today that love is much more than a feeling. Love requires doing. After Jesus affirms that in order to inherit eternal life we must love our neighbors as ourselves, the lawyer asks, "And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). In this his story of the good Samaritan, Jesus clearly broadens the concept of neighbor, which at the time it was used in the Torah -”You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) - was thought to mean one’s fellow Israelite. But he also broadens the concept of love. Yes, Jesus says that the Samaritan feels compassion, but he goes into much greater detail about everything the Samaritan does out of love: stopping and approaching the injured man, treating and bandaging his wounds, lifting him up on his animal, taking him to an inn, caring for him all through the night, and paying the innkeeper generously. This is what love really is. This is how we love our neighbor and love God.
 
What will you do this week to put your love for someone else in action?
(Lect. 105 - Year C)
 

 
                                            FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
 
“The harvest is abundant,” Jesus begins, likely sending feelings of joy and anticipation rippling through the gathering (Luke 10:2). “But the laborers are few,” he continues, “Behold, I am sending you like the lambs among wolves” (10:2-3). That puts a damper on things! Then he sends them off on this daunting work with nothing more than the clothes in their backs. But he has given them something much greater  than what they could put in a money bag or sack: the power to proclaim that the kingdom of God is near. Indeed, they return rejoicing, having cured the sick and driven out the demons. These are truly signs of the kingdom. We are those laborers for the kingdom now. We can bring peace to our households by offering forgiveness and understanding. We can heal suffering by giving comfort and care to those in need. We can drive out demons of sin, injustice, and oppression when we work to defeat them. It is not easy. Saint Paul attests to that when he says that he bears the marks of Jesus on his body. But the reward is great, for the power of Jesus’ cross, of which Paul boasts, makes God’s harvest of souls into the kingdom abundant.
 
What will we do to help manifest the Kingdom of God in the world?
(Lect. 102-Year C)

​Beloved in Christ, 
 
Last Sunday was amazing! It was primarily because it was Corpus Christi, and Jesus was the center of our worship and life. But it was also a remarkable day because many of you walked in the procession under the scorching sun. I prayed for you and Elizabethtown as I carried Jesus in the monstrance from the church on the hill to the historic church. What a blessed day!
 
I thank everyone who worked hard to make it a smooth spiritual experience. Thanks to the Guards of St Michael, the CCW, the young altar servers, the traffic controllers, the photographers, the canopy holder, those who set up and decorated the station altar, and Sandy, the sacristan. 
 
I am writing this from Nairobi, Kenya, where I am presenting a paper at a conference on African literature. Nairobi is beautiful!
 
Sacred Heart of Jesus,  have mercy on us. Happy Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. 
 
In Christ's Heart,      Fr. Bernard Alayode,  OP