Holy Infant Catholic Church
Father Michaels Weekly Thoughts
WEEKLY THOUGHTS THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 23rd 2025.
Dear friends, welcome to the celebration of the 3rd Sunday of Lent. Last Wednesday we celebrated the Solemnity of St Joseph spouse of Mary, foster father of Jesus and Patron of the Church. St Joseph is emulated with his faith, prudence, humility, obedience, love, and silent prayerful life. Sincere congratulations to all named Joseph and Josephine.
Holy Infant Church will host a Lenten Reflection of the Elkton Area Churches on Sunday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Please endeavor to attend this unique Ecumenical Prayer Reflection in this Holy Year of pilgrims of hope.
The Gospel Reading for our meditation; Luke 13: 1-9 we hear Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of heaven and the importance of repentance that leads to conversion of heart. Repent and believe in the Gospel were the words said to us when we received the ashes on our face, as an invitation to conversion.
While Jesus was on his ministry of teaching and healing, people questioned him about the people Pilate had massacred after enduring much pain and suffering. Did these people suffer because of their sin? This question was based on the popular thought that people suffer because they have sinned. Jesus’ response challenged the miss interpretation of suffering. People suffer not because they have sinned. Jesus called instead for repentance.
In the parable of the barren fig tree, Jesus contrasts the patience of the gardener and landowner on the barren fig tree. Here we find the image of God’s patience and hopefulness as he prepares his kingdom for the people.
The failure to repent would lead one to miss the kingdom. Ability and willingness to repent would lead to producing the fruits of the kingdom. These would include self-denial, cutting off or pruning off things offensive to your neighbor and God.
Thank you very much for your generous donations to the Annual Diocesan Appeal for 2025. So far, Holy Infant collected $7,770 and Shepherd of the Hills collected $2,370. This is a great start to the 2025 Collection Year! Thank you all for your sacrifices and I look forward to giving you the next update.
Tuesday March 25th is the Annunciation of the Lord. Mass at Holy Infant will be at 10:00 am and Shepherd of the Hills at 12:00 noon.
Have a wonderful week.