This past year has been a great challenge as we have tried to stay home and away from others to slow down the spreading of the Corona virus. Because of the isolation we have felt, we should be able to identify more readily to the lepers in today’s Gospel.
Lepers were required to leave their homes, and be exiled to the hills or the caves, usually until their death. Jesus knew very well what healing would mean. The real miracle may have been that now the man could return from exile in the leper caves, and be reunited with his mother, his wife and children, his church community. Jesus always brings people back from isolation. Jesus tried always to “bring release to the captives… and to set free those who are oppressed.”
St. Paul says, “Never do anything offensive to anyone,” yet we know we treat insiders and outsiders differently. The simple question for us is, “How do we relate to the outsiders each day?” Do we offer any degree of charity or patience to the “different ones”? Do we glare, look forbidding, or refuse to have eye contact?
If people seem like an annoyance in our lives, we need to picture Jesus touching us, as he touched the leper, freeing us from our disease of disgust… and setting us free to BE the healing of Christ to others. We should be the first example of love and inclusion that anyone meets!
As we begin our new parish, one tool that we wish to embrace to communicate to our parishioners is Flocknote. This app can use either text messaging, email or a website to communicate with the parish and between the different ministries and organizations. To sign up for this free service from your phone text the phrase: Resurrectionpgh to the number: 84576. You may also go to Flocknote.com and search for Resurrection Pittsburgh. You may receive messages in any method that you choose.
Some people have inquired, how to we get items placed in the bulletin, on the web page, on Facebook or Flocknotes. The following email addresses will direct your items to the right people. Please note, that items have to relate to the parish and that in some cases, like the bulletin there may not be enough space for a lengthy article. If using graphic images, please speak with Kate for assistance.
Bulletin articles: [email protected]
Web page, Facebook, Flocknotes: [email protected]
Technology (live streaming): [email protected]
By now, you should have received a Lenten mailing from the parish. This mailing contains a booklet of daily meditations and a brochure that contains the many services and activities that we are able to do during this holy season.
Although the restrictions that we have this year are not as bad as last year, they force us to think of unique ways that we can pray, serve others and socialize. We thank you for your patience as we try our best to give Glory to God!
Please note that on Ash Wednesday, all Catholic churches have been asked to follow the European method of distributing ashes. The priest or deacon will pray the prayers from the altar and then will stand where we normally stand for the distribution of Eucharist to sprinkle ashes on the head of person receiving the ashes. Ashes will not be traced on the forehead. No words will be spoken. All of this is being done for an abundance of caution to avoid contact that might result in the spreading of the Corona virus.