14^th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Cycle C

  Over the last several weeks we celebrated the feasts of the Ascension, Pentecost, the Most Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi, and Saints Peter

  and Paul.  Now we find ourselves settling back into Ordinary Time where we return once again to reading from the Gospel of Luke.  But

  before you get too comfortable, please recognize that today we are being presented with an enormous challenge; Jesus is asking us

  to go out and share His message with others. 

  For most of us, sharing our faith with others can be pretty scary.  So just imagine how Jesus’ followers felt when, as we hear in the

  Gospel, He appoints 72 others to go out ahead of Him to every town He was going to visit.  Then Jesus tells them “Go on your way;

  behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.  Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.”

  The challenge just got a whole lot scarier, didn’t it?  Over 2000 years ago Jesus recognized that speaking about our faith would make

  us feel like lambs among wolves.  Some will say that it’s even more difficult today, but it’s a mission that we must embrace. 

  In 2013, one of Pope Francis’ first acts was to write an Apostolic Exhortation titled Evangelii Gaudium, which translates to The Joy of the

  Gospel.  In the opening paragraph Pope Francis tells us that “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.

  Those who accept His offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness.  With Christ, joy is constantly born

  anew.”  His letter makes it clear that there is great joy and peace that comes from a relationship with Christ.  In the relationship we

  experience a joy and peace that is not meant to be kept to ourselves.  Rather, it is a joy and peace that we should share with others,

  because if we truly love our family, friends, and all of God’s creation, why would we want to keep knowledge of Him to ourselves?

  I’m sure that the 72 were scared when they left on their journey.  But the Gospel tells us that they returned rejoicing!  And that’s the

  way that we also return when we share our faith with others. We rejoice because we are sharing the peace and joy of Christ.

  Who are the 72 that were sent out?  We really don’t know but just imagine that you were one of them. Imagine that Jesus asked you

  to bring His joy to others.  Although you are a little scared and nervous you do what He asks. Imagine that you brought the Gospel

  message to your children who have left the church, or your family members who have no faith to call their own, or even to a stranger

  who you can see is sad and struggling with life.  Now imagine that you returned and tell Jesus what you did and together you rejoice

  in your good work.  As Pope Francis taught us, “For if we have received the love which restores meaning to our lives, how can we fail to

  share that love with others.”

  Certainly this week’s Gospel challenges us to share our faith with others, and certainly it’s a little scary, but as Jesus told us so many

  times, “Fear not” because Our Lord will strengthen and  support you every step of the way.

  Wishing you a joyful journey as Missionary Disciples.

  Deacon Anthony

2025 APPEAL

This year’s theme: “Our Journey United in Hope,” is inspired by the theme of the Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope.”

 It reflects our collective commitment to walk on the path together with the hope Christ has provided us.

It invites us to be renewed in hope by bringing hope to others through individual gifts. Through our various ministries across the diocese your gift is shared and brings comfort, relief, encouragement and support to many.

Next weekend, February 8^th & 9^th, we will be holding our Catholic Ministries Appeal In-Pew Weekend. In preparation, you should receive a mailing from Bishop Sullivan that will include the 2025 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal materials. I ask that you please consider donating to this year’s campaign. It is important that we come together to support our ministries. They need the resources necessary to continue serving those in need.

By supporting the Catholic Ministries Appeal, you are supporting those who comprise the programs and ministries of the Diocese of Camden. These ministries serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the hungry and challenged. When we support the Catholic Ministries Appeal, we can bring the light of hope to those in the Catholic community of South Jersey.

Please prayerfully consider joining us once again.