"While costumes are fun, it is in the moments of revealing our true self that we find the image of God.”
Feast of Masks; Day of Truth
October 29, 2020
This weekend our children will be celebrating a very different looking Halloween. They’ve been wearing masks for so long now that probably the idea of putting on a different one isn’t that exciting. However it’s an interesting time for us to reflect upon the deeper more serious masks we wear throughout our lives. Today I’m using the reading from this Saturday in order to reflect on this idea.
As I am aware of how many things are preoccupying our minds these days, I picked a song that we heard once earlier in the year to do again, “Praise His Holy Name,” which is one of (in my opinion) two of the most incredibly energetic songs that the choir has done in the past few years. I played the other one a few weeks ago (“I Sing Because I’m Happy) and thought I would share this one. I hope it offers a small chance to simply get out of our heads and enjoy the rhythm, style and exuberance. As well, I hope you take time to breathe and enjoy the weather that we have coming this weekend and find peace in the midst of a world that seems to be constantly arguing with itself.
MASS NOTES: As we all know Denver has moved into a stricter set of guidelines this weekend with regards to COVID and public health. This will limit the number of people we are able to sign up at the in-person masses each weekend, and we may be asking some of you to sit in the new parish center overflow for the service where you can watch on the screen and communion will be brought in. After hoping that we would get to signing up every other week, it seems we are going to be back to every three weeks.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE… We are suggesting people NOT come and “standby” for seats this coming weekend, as we already have the maximum number signed up for all masses. We will begin using the new parish center just to accommodate those who have signed up. I know this setback is disappointing, but again the faithfulness of this community is astonishing to watch and to be part of.
And finally - DON'T FORGET - Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be collecting face masks and new socks for distribution at the Samaritan House on Saturday, October 31, 2020, from 10am to noon in the church parking lot. Because of Covid-19, we need all donations to be new. If you have hand-made masks, please put them in plastic baggies. Children’s masks are also needed. Thank you for supporting our neighbors at Samaritan House.
I hope those of you with small children still find wonderful ways to celebrate this particularly kid-centered holiday!
God bless,
Father Pat
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In this same vein, as an accompanying song I went scavenging through my own archives to find a favorite piece that I used to sing fairly often. Not really a church composition, per se, it is a song by Stephen Schwartz about being open and prepared enough to recognize when something amazing comes along and being ready take a chance, make the change necessary and embrace the unimagined possibilities of a greater, joy-filled life.
I hope you are all continuing to be well and to actively and intentionally hunt the good moments and savor them when you can.
God Bless,
Fr. Pat
Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
‘Give your place to this man,’
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
‘Give your place to this man,’
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
"Praise His Holy Name"
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