Just a word before we go...Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time...September 18, 2022

Our readings today focus on two basic topics...the inherent dignity of each person and the historical biblical command to care for the poor and marginalized among us.  Amos emphasizes that the Lord sees the deeds of those who would take unfair advantage of others to increase their own wealth.  And Luke, in his telling of Jesus’ parable of the crafty servant who uses his position to insure his future, enjoins his listeners to be careful that they manage their resources in such a way that they take heed of other’s needs.

These lessons from Amos and Luke are echoed by Pope Francis, in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti,  when he writes that many people are suffering for the financial benefit of other parts of society. Francis calls for a new perspective to develop, one that sees the people of the world as interconnected and interdependent, regardless of their station in life, the color of their skin, the language they speak, or the religion they profess.  Promoting the common good, treating each person as worthy of dignity and not as an instrument to be used  for one’s personal gain, together with the basic quality of kindness, can go a long way toward changing our current situation. In fact, the pope goes so far as to declare that we are all saved together, or none of us is saved. 

We here at St. Anthony’s are not perfect, but we do strive to be faithful to today’s scriptures by sharing our resources, be they of time, talent or treasure. The ways in which we do this, individually and collectively, are many.  Today I would like to call attention to two parishioners in particular who freely share their resources with the poor and marginalized among us.  These parishioners are being honored by the Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs on Sunday, October 2.  Anne McCrory, the chief legal and real estate officer of the diocese, is being honored with the Leadership Award for her commitment to the mission of the Center as a resource and advisor in many areas. Jerry Hemenway is being recognized for his Volunteer Service, advocating for the Center and being especially helpful during the pandemic.  Both Anne and Jerry work to protect the dignity of each person and personify the pope’s hope for our future.

When you see Anne or Jerry, please congratulate them on receiving this honor.  They are exemplars of the care and dedication of so many in this parish, and we are so proud of them.