Category: Fr. Abraham’s Weekly Column

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

Is it right that the austerity of Lent is reduced or lessened halfway through Lent? That is what we are doing on this fourth Sunday of Lent, popularly known as “Laetare” Sunday or “Rejoice” Sunday. It may seem strange that the church has chosen to have a joyful celebration today, half way through this penitential season. But why? The Church wants us to remember that a Christian’s joy of living, as promised by Jesus, is not to be lost even in the midst of penance and austerity. In fact, the entrance antiphon of today’s liturgy, “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her…” is meant to affirm that there is much to rejoice about, no matter what our situation is.

A similar doubt can arise when we listen to the gospel of today about the way Jesus treated the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11. Was Jesus too “soft” on sin? Bible scholars have some interesting take as to why this passage is omitted by many ancient manuscripts of the gospel. This powerful narrative of Jesus and the accused woman is not found in the earliest and best manuscripts of John and appears in other important manuscripts after Lk. 21:38. Still, early Church authors, such as Papias (ca. A.D. 120) and the author of the Syriac “Teaching of the Twelve Apostles” (3rd cent.), knew of such an incident, and Jerome included it in his translation. For these reasons the story is judged canonical by Catholics.

It might have been omitted in some early rigorist traditions because the early Church, in its struggle to maintain strict penitential discipline, perhaps could not deal with the ease with which Jesus forgave the woman. In this episode Jesus seemed too “soft” on sin. Perhaps for this reason, the story was temporarily set aside by the early Church and was only later granted canonical approval. This precisely is the reason why we need to emphasize this forgiving nature of God all the more. During these Lenten Sundays, we have been reflecting on this merciful love and unconditional acceptance of the sinner as the very nature of God. Pope Francis says:

“Jesus’ attitude is striking: we do not hear the words of scorn, we do not hear words of condemnation, but only words of love, of mercy, which are an invitation to conversion. “Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.” Ah! Brothers and Sisters, God’s face is the face of a merciful father who is always patient. Have you thought about God’s patience, the patience He has with each one of us? That is His mercy. He always has patience, patience with us, He understands us, He waits for us, He does not tire of forgiving us if we are able to return to Him with a contrite heart. “Great is God’s mercy,” says the Psalm.”

We experience this in a very special way in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or ‘Confession’ – the name that we are more used to. As already announced, Fr. Lance and I have begun to be available for Confession on Saturdays. This will continue for the remainder of Lent and our parish Penance/Reconciliation Service will be on Monday, April 7, at 6:30 PM. Both of us have been noticing our parishioners utilizing these opportunities for “housekeeping for the soul” and to feel a sense of inner freedom to experience better relationship with God, self and one another. It is this inner freedom from the Lord that enables us to celebrate Laetare/Rejoice Sunday today, halfway through Lent.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Third Sunday of Lent

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

If you were present at the 10 am Mass on the first Sunday of Lent, you noticed the “Rite of Sending” four of our Catechumen to the Cathedral and acknowledging 13 Candidates – all preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter Vigil this year through our OCIA (RCIA) process. This Sunday at the 10 am Mass, we have “Scrutiny” for the Catechumen. Are all these terms strange for us? I think we will all remember that RCIA stood for the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults,” though few years ago, the US Bishops decided that RCIA should be more appropriately named OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). ‘Catechumen’ is the term used for an unbaptized person who is attending this preparation in OCIA, and ‘Candidate’ is the term used for a baptized person who did not receive Eucharist or Confirmation. This year we are privileged to have what is probably the largest class in our OCIA process.

So, what is the rite called ‘scrutiny’? “It is meant to uncover, and then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good.  For the scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.” (no.141) Essentially, it is composed of prayers of intercession and the laying on of hands so that the Holy Spirit may be invoked that they are freed from the spirit of evil. Doing the first scrutiny at Mass gives the whole congregation an opportunity to pray for and support those preparing for the Easter sacraments and to make the point that conversion is not only a personal matter but a communal commitment.

More importantly, this Rite of Scrutiny is also an opportunity for the rest of us, to self-examine and see the need for healing in our weakness, detect the sinful habits in our lives and to nourish the good within us so that we can bear good fruits for Christ. Lent is the time to learn from our mistakes of over-indulgence in food, drink, drugs, gambling, promiscuity, or any other addiction that may keep us from coming to the living waters of a right relationship with God.  We all have our short list, don’t we?  And we all know, honest to God, what it is we need to leave behind before we come to the Living Water and the Bread of Heaven – as the Samaritan woman shows us in the gospel of John.

I had done a 10 part bulletin series on the Jubilee Year 2025. Now I wish to begin another series on our Homebound Ministry – a wonderful ministry that benefits our parishioners who are homebound or in nursing homes. This is a ministry that is not so visible to the rest of us. How lucky we are that we have a dedicated number of parishioners who do this ministry joyfully but quietly, away from the limelight. We are very grateful to those who did this ministry in the past and are no longer with us or had to stop due to reasons of health or mobility. But there are a good number of our parishioners who bring Jesus and His Word to the homebound. (see their names on page 4). Read their personal experiences and reflections from next Sunday onwards in our bulletin. If you are inspired by their stories, you are welcome to join this wonderful ministry. Please contact Doreen Panick, our Coordinator, at: dsp999@aol.com

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Second Sunday of Lent

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

There are three major feasts that are not part of Lent but they occur almost always in Lent: St. Patrick on March 17 that is tomorrow, St. Joseph on March 19 and The Annunciation on March 25. Do we celebrate these feasts or stick to the austerity of lent? As one writer put it, “Although I know so many people talk about corned beef, Shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, Irish stew as indispensable Irish comfort foods, I have found there are many meatless dishes that are just as Irish and traditional.” Similar points of view can be made of celebrating the feast of St. Joseph. Instead of getting into any controversy, it is good for us to know that the Church instruction is one of understanding and accommodation so that we can celebrate these feasts without losing the spirit of Lent. What is more important for us is that these feasts give us an opportunity to learn lessons that will help us live Lent better.

Thanks to the Irish for bringing the legacy of St. Patrick to places they have settled, especially to the USA. The St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a wonderful way to connect with the motherland and to unite all the Irish worldwide. But the way it is celebrated only as a cultural festivity equating it with all things Irish and green, is to miss out on the religious and spiritual dimension of the life of this great saint. Hence, the church invites us to focus on the missionary nature of the life of St. Patrick who converted the Irish population to Catholicism in his 33 years of apostolate there. He taught the oneness of God from whom all of creation comes forth and that faith in the true God can transform people. He was so convinced of this truth that he was willing to take any risk to share this goodness with others. He boldly discussed faith with everyone he met, and he didn’t compromise his convictions even others put intense pressure upon him to change.

Another quality that endeared me to St. Patrick is his sense of extraordinary forgiveness. Remember he was kidnapped from his home at the tender age of 16 and was forced to work as a slave in Ireland. We know from his writings that after six years, he escaped from slavery in Ireland, by walking some 200 miles to a port and persuading a ship captain to take him back home. He not only forgave his captors but also decided to become a priest and a missionary so he could return to Ireland to share the gospel with the very people who hurt him and destroyed his young life. Instead of looking at his tormenters as people to be avoided because they brought such darkness in his life, he saw them as brothers and sisters in Christ who needed to hear the good news of Jesus. What an inspiration for us who need to give forgiveness to those who have hurt or offended us!

This Wednesday, on March 19, we have the solemn Feast of St. Joseph. Being a high ranking feast in the Liturgical calendar of the Church, the Mass celebrated very much like a Sunday Mass with Gloria, and all the readings. The solemnity in the church is certainly followed by the solemnity at the dinner table too! St. Joseph’s silence in the gospels is an indication of his interior disposition of openness to listening to God – something we all can benefit from especially in this Lenten season. Every Wednesday we have a short novena prayer for the intercession of St. Joseph.

Happy Feast of St. Patrick! Happy Feast of St. Joseph!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

First Sunday of Lent

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

The first Listening session in preparation for transition of leadership of St. Matthias to a new Pastor, according to the Diocese, was pretty well attended. The second Listening session is tomorrow (Monday, March 10) at 7 PM in the Church. All are invited.

In the midst of the steps for leadership change, we focus on our Lenten journey we began on Ash Wednesday. “Giving up” some food item for Lent is something many do. That is a good and admirable sacrifice that brings us discipline and self-control. While doing that, can we also consider giving up certain unhealthy habits in order bring about better relationship with others?

GIVE UP grumbling! Instead, “In everything give thanks.” Constructive criticism is OK, but “moaning, groaning, and complaining” are not Christian disciplines.

GIVE UP 10 to 15 minutes in bed! Instead, use that time in prayer, Bible study and personal devotion.

GIVE UP looking at other people’s worst points. Instead concentrate on their best points. We all have faults. It is a lot easier to have people overlook our shortcomings when we overlook theirs first.

GIVE UP your worries and anxieties! Instead, trust God with them. Anxiety is spending emotional energy on something we can do nothing about: like tomorrow! Live today and let God’s grace be sufficient.

GIVE UP TV one evening a week! Instead, visit some lonely or sick person. There are those who are isolated by illness or age. Why isolate yourself in front of the “tube?” Give someone a precious gift: your time!

GIVE UP buying anything but essentials for yourself! Instead, give the money to God. The money you would spend on the luxuries could help someone meet basic needs. We are called to be stewards of God’s riches, not consumers.

GIVE UP judging by appearances and by the standard of the world! Instead, learn to give up yourself to God. There is only one who has the right to judge, Jesus Christ. (“What to Give up for Lent” by Craig Gates, Jackson, MS)

The Parish Retreat next Saturday 9 AM to 12 PM (March 15) is something that will make Lent special. Our presenter is Sr. Terry Rickard OP, PhD, who is a conference speaker, retreat leader, preacher, and author. She holds a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in

St. Louis, Missouri. The theme is: “Hope Renewed: A Lenten Path to New Life.”  Come and renew your hope in the midst of chaos and suffering in our world. This retreat will explore hope grounded in resurrection faith. Come as you are, but leave feeling refreshed, spiritually uplifted, and ready to continue the Lenten journey from the cross to the resurrection with a heart full of hope.

Let us all make this a meaningful and fruitful Lent!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

A Message From The Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Parishioners of St. Matthias Parish,

Father Orapankal has informed you that he will be stepping down as your Pastor this summer.  Bishop Checchio is grateful for Father’s service here at St. Matthias for more than the past 6 years and also for the support you have given him.

Bishop Checchio and the Priest Personnel Board will now take up the matter of choosing a suitable priest to succeed Father Orapankal.  Pastors are appointed by the bishop to lead local parish communities and to provide for their pastoral care. They share in the bishop’s ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and governing. With the bishop’s mandate, and with the assistance and support of other clergy and the lay faithful, the pastor has full responsibility for shepherding the local church community.

To facilitate this appointment, Bishop Checchio has initiated a consultation process to elicit input from your entire parish community, including the staff, ministry leaders, and all parishioners, to determine what the people of St. Matthias hope for in its new Pastor. This consultation process includes meetings with both parish staff and interested parishioners.

The meetings for parishioners will be held on Monday, March 3rd, at 1:00 PM and Monday, March 10th, at 7:00 PM in your parish church.  These general meetings will be facilitated by Rev. Msgr. John Fell, Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese. They will welcome staff and ministry leaders of your parish community and all parishioners—everyone is invited and encouraged to participate.

During these guided listening sessions, information will be gathered from parishioners that will assist the Bishop and Priest Personnel Board to better understand the parish’s current status and needs. Please understand that these sessions are for information gathering only and that the data collected from parishioners at these meetings will be one factor among several that the Priest Personnel Board will consider in recommending candidates and the Bishop will consider in ultimately choosing your next pastor.  This consultation is not to solicit the names of individual priests, and these will not be discussed.

For any parishioners who might be unable to attend in person, there is also an option to be heard by emailing Msgr. Fell at jfell@diometuchen.org by March 12.  If you choose this option, please reflect on the following points:

  • the nature and current status of St. Matthias Parish and its ministries, programs, facilities, etc.,
  • the qualities you feel would be most needed by the new pastor,
  • the most salient features of the parish that the new pastor should be aware of,
  • what you are most proud of at your parish, and
  • the most pressing needs that you think the new pastor must be able to address in the short term.

All parishioners are asked to join in prayer that the Holy Spirit may guide and illumine this process and are invited and encouraged to participate in person or by email to help the diocese more fully understand the status and needs of the entire St. Matthias Parish Family.

Thank you so much for your kind assistance in this important matter.

Rev. Msgr. John Fell

 

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

In another week, we will be at the threshold of the holy season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is on March 5 – a day of fast and abstinence. The Jubilee Year 2025 makes this Lent special as both remind us of the journey of life with the Word of God. During Lent every year, our Small Faith-sharing groups become more active than ever, reflecting on the Scriptures. The participants are greatly enriched with their experience in small gatherings – at church and at homes. Some may wonder why this insistence on small groups? Here are some reasons:

  • Small groups are biblical.
  • Small groups allow us to dialog with people of differing views.
  • Small groups give us a place to talk about personal and spiritual things in a safe environment.
  • Small groups help us to experience the power of love and prayer.
  • A small group provides us with much needed support and encouragement.
  • A small group helps facilitate our faith journey.

This year a special faith-sharing resource based on the jubilee theme: “Pilgrims of Hope” has been prepared by RENEW International. They have aptly titled it as “Jubilee: Join the Journey of Hope.” I found them very helpful. The six sessions include topics such as:

  • Materialism versus gospel values
  • Care for those in poverty, the sick, and the elderly
  • Concern for young people
  • Compassion and encouragement for prisoners; rejection of the death penalty
  • Welcome for strangers
  • Forgiveness and reconciliation

These sessions call us to grow closer to God and one another. The testimonies you hear from our own parishioners speak for themselves as to what these small group meetings can do to you personally and for your family.

As I often mention while inviting us all to join small groups, there is no requirement for a long term commitment, but a desire to attend just six sessions during the six weeks of Lent. Let us listen to the promptings that the Spirit of God is giving us and act upon them without procrastinating.

Many Catholics will take part in the Jubilee by traveling to Rome or to the Holy Land. But for most of us the more practical way to be a part of a Church “on the move” is through personal reflection and sharing in a small group during Lent. For signing up, please contact Debbie Schurko, our Director of Religious Education, at:  dschurko@stmatthias.net

Give yourself a chance, and see the difference it will make in your life, especially this Lent!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

My home visit was very refreshing. My time with my family, especially with my 91-year-old mom, was very uplifting. I thank God she is amazingly healthy for her age as she can move about in the house and attend Mass online regularly. I’m very grateful for the prayerful support of so many of you before, during, and after my trip. In particular, I’m very grateful to Fr. Lancelot McGrath for taking care of the parish with the help of our Office staff.

On my way to India, I had a two-day break in Dubai/Sharjah to be with my sister Dolly and family. The next day of my arrival was a Sunday and so we went to Church for Mass. The Islamic/Arab government has given a church for Catholic Mass. Even though that church has a seating capacity of 800, they have 10 Masses on Sundays as the immigrant Catholic population is so huge. We went early and stood outside with a sizable crowd waiting for the previous Mass to be over so we could get a seat. By the time our Mass began, all seats were taken and over a hundred people were standing on the sides and back of the church. It was a sight to see when the Eucharistic Ministers came in from the Sacristy in their white uniform. I counted 23 of them. As we came out of the Mass, the next crowd was already waiting to get in for a seat! I was so touched to see the sincere devotion, prayerful silence and the total participation of the entire congregation in the liturgy. What an inspiration for me!

As we came out of the Church, there were volunteers distributing a booklet, containing prayers and devotions to help the parishioners celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025 well. It was prepared by the Diocese or Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. I thought of the Jubilee Year inauguration we had last month – on January 12. At that time, I had mentioned two easily accessible resources that we all could use: Catholic Brain (with lots of informative and fun stuff for growing in our faith) and Rosary Podcasts (for practicing one of the timeless devotional prayers of our church). These can be used at our own convenience. As part of our efforts to deepen our spirituality, we are offering:

1)   A Retreat for the whole parish on Saturday, March 15. Do you know Lent begins in a couple of weeks? Ash Wednesday is on March 5. The theme, “Pilgrims of Hope Renewed …a Lenten Path to New Life” is very appropriate for this Jubilee Year. So I invite all of us to keep that Saturday morning free for this Spiritually enriching time.

2)  Anointing Mass on March 22:  Our Mass with Anointing of the sick will be on Saturday 11 AM, March 22. Kindly note the date so that families can plan to bring to church those in need of prayers for healing and the Sacrament of Anointing.

I wish to conclude by repeating part of the Jubilee Prayer that Pope Francis has penned: “May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the  treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever, Amen.”

Let us joyfully and prayerfully make this Jubilee Year 2025 a time of grace and an opportunity to grow in holiness.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

A Message from Deacon Ron

Dear Friends,

Gratitude is a powerful force that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. It is the reconditioning of the things we have, the people who support us, and the opportunities we are given. When we cultivate a grateful heart, we open ourselves to a deeper sense of joy, peace, and fulfillment. In the bustle of our daily lives, it is easy to take things for granted.

We often focus on what we lack rather than what we have. But when we pause to reflect on our blessings, we begin to see the abundance that surrounds us. Gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance, from negativity to positivity. Being grateful does not mean ignoring the challenges and difficulties we face. Instead, it means acknowledging them and finding the silver linings within them. It means recognizing that even in the midst of hardship, there are still things to be thankful for. This mindset helps us build resilience and find strength in adversity. Gratitude also fosters a sense of connection and community. When we express our appreciation to others, we strengthen our relationships and create a ripple effect of kindness. A simple “thank you” can brighten someone’s day and remind them that they are valued. By practicing gratitude, we contribute to a culture of positivity and support. Let us take a moment each day to reflect on the people and the things we are grateful for. It could be as simple as the warmth of the sun, the smile of a loved one, or the opportunity to learn and grow. By making gratitude a daily practice, we can transform our lives and the world around us. May we all strive to cultivate a grateful heart and live each day with an attitude of gratitude.

Amen.

 

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

A Message from Debbie Schurko

Dear Friends,

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas—one of my favorite Feast Days in the Church. It holds so much: the Holy Family, the prophet Simeon, and Anna. This feast marks a significant moment in the life of the Holy Family, with the public recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and His role as the light that guides us—hence, the title Candlemas. It is during this time that Jesus’ name, “Jesus,” meaning “God saves,” would be recorded. His name reflects both His identity and His mission.

This Feast is a pivotal moment in the life of the Church, as it is also the 4th Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. Simeon and Anna waited in joyful hope for the Messiah, and when the Holy Family entered the Temple, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and blessed God. This was the central moment of Simeon’s life. However, this joyful occasion is tempered with the anticipation of future sorrow, as Simeon prophesied that Mary’s heart would be pierced with grief. Salvation comes at a cost, as Jesus will one day give His life for us.

Simeon and Anna offer us an example—showing us that we, too, can rewire our hearts and minds to be in God’s presence in our daily lives. In the ordinariness of our daily “temples”—our homes, workplaces, schools, and churches—we can listen for God’s Spirit, perceive His presence in the mundane, and live in constant expectation of God coming into our lives. We can experience the power of Christ’s presence daily and share it with others: a candle never loses its light when it lights another. Let’s keep the light shining.

Jesus Christ is God’s light to the world.

Fun Fact 

February 2nd is also a day that celebrates a secular news event known as “Groundhog Day”.  Many do not realize Groundhog Day, the folklore of rodents’ shadows and weather predictions has its roots in the tradition of Candlemas Day in Europe and the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

Candlelmas Poem

If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter, and come not again.

Our Catholic Christian Takeaway

No matter what the groundhog sees, let your light shine for all to see that we may always reflect the light of Christ to the world around us.

 

Debbie Schurko

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Catholic Schools Week 2025

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

This year we celebrate Catholic Schools Week from January 26 through February 1, 2025.

 In his recent exhortation Christus Vivit, Pope Francis tells us, ‘Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, and full of life. The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!’

Pope Francis is reminding us that at the heart of each of our Catholic schools is Jesus Christ. Our schools strive to ensure each student reaches their full potential, irrespective of class, creed, or ethnicity. Each person is welcomed and included because we share a common humanity, each made in the likeness and image of God. It is Jesus who reveals to us how much God loves us and it is Jesus who models what it is to be fully human, in our thoughts, words, and actions. When we live as Christ taught us, we too become more fully alive, flourishing into the people we were made to be.

This Catholic Schools Week, we recognize and celebrate the unique contribution our Catholic schools make to the well-being and flourishing of our students. In Christ, we have the ultimate role model, the one who shows us how to live authentically and to our full potential, through faith, hope, and love. In our Catholic schools, we are called to bring about God’s reign by following Christ’s example. For when we are alive in Christ, we flourish, becoming the people we are called to be.

‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’  (Jn 10:10)

Join us today for the Catholic Schools Week opening Mass at 10 am followed by St. Matthias School’s Open House from 11 am – 1pm.

 In honor of Catholic Schools Week, graduates, parents of graduates, or parishioners who are able to, please consider donating to Tuition Angels, a parish managed, confidential fund. Your gift helps a family to continue to provide a strong, Catholic, Christ-centered education to a child.

You may donate through Parish Giving, online, with a check in the donation basket, or a donation mailed to the Parish Office. Simply indicate on the envelope that the donation is for “TUITION ASSISTANCE” and kindly make a note on the check memo line”.  You may make a one-time donation, or an ongoing regular contribution to the fund. Our school continues to be a nurturing, vibrant and essential part of our parish community. Your donations will help to assist this critical component.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of the Tuition Angels fund.