Date: Sunday, November 09, 2014
Today we commemorate the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Rome. The ancient church, ravaged by war, fire and earthquake, and still a place of worship says something significant of the multiple generations of people who sacrificed in the building and reconstruction of the edifice. But also it speaks of the ministry, counsel and charity that have been provided by believers assembled within its walls. Ezekiel, the great Jewish prophet, has a vision of fresh water flowing from the temple bringing life to all on its path to the sea. St. Paul writes to the Church at Corinth using a metaphor of the “community” as a “building” built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you?” In the Gospel according to John, Jesus speaks of his own body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Before weekend Masses, Deacon Jim Jaworski (pastoral associate – administration) placed baskets of pennies at each entrance to the church inviting the congregation to take a penny. Referencing the words: “In God we trust” inscribed on the penny, Deacon Jim asked everyone to take his/her penny home as a reminder of God’s trust in us. We must ask: “What have I done with the time and ability God has given to me?” “What will I say to God on the day of accounting?” Deacon Jim thanked the parishioners for their financial support to the parish but pointed out that our income is basically the same as last year. With increasing expenses and assessment to the Diocese, Annunciation will not be able, in the long run, to do all that we need to do to fulfill our mission. Your support is critical and deeply appreciated.
Deb Keenan (pastoral associate – ministry) has placed cards in the pew holder where you will see possibilities of greater involvement, of serving the Lord and of sharing your gifts with others – in, around and beyond the church. You can indicate your interest and return the card in the collection. The person responsible for that society or service will contact you.
St. Teresa of Avila, a Spanish Carmelite mystic and reformer, composed this prayer about God’s trust and investment in us.
Christ Has No Body
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.