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Dear Parishioners and Visitors:
As I begin, I would be remiss if I did not mention that today is the anniversary of death of our former pastor, Msgr. Joseph Corbett. His ministry inspired many laity to take leadership in the ministry of the parish. One area where this is most evident is in the area of Social Concerns.
Today we celebrate this Hunger Mass in the context of a time of unprecedented suffering from the world-wide pandemic. The physical, emotional, and financial toll is overwhelming. We also cannot ignore the detrimental effects of climate change on our environment. The people to our South are in our prayers in a particular way in this regard on this cold evening!
What message does God want us to hear tonight from the Scriptures? I believe the Lord wants us to recognize his presence in our midst. The “Bridegroom” is made present in the Eucharist – the source and summit of our lives – in order to empower us to “be” Eucharist for others. Thus, let us reflect on the proper form of fasting as outlined by the Prophet Isaiah:
- Releasing those bound unjustly (Is 58:6): I am reminded of the imprisoned and of the recovery programs sponsored by Catholic Charities.
- Untying the thongs of the yoke (Is 58:6): I am reminded of the RCIA candidate some years ago who was reluctant to have her marriage validated for fear that her husband would be caught by ICE and deported.
- Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke (Is 58:6): I reminded of those who have been bullied, victims of sex abuse, racism, and prejudice of all kinds.
- Sharing your bread with the hungry (Is 58:7): That’s specifically what we are doing here tonight and what the Mullholland Foundation does all year long!
- Sheltering the oppressed and the homeless (Is 58:7): the very purpose of the networking of our Social Concerns Ministry.
- Clothing the naked when you see them (Is 58:7): the witness of our school urging people to donate good used clothing into a big bag each day of Lent (40 items).
- Not turning your back on your own (Is 58:7): perhaps the most difficult one! With whom in your household do you need to make peace?
Only then, will our light shine before the world!
If you were unable to attend the Hunger Mass on Friday, February 19th and you would like to make a donation, kindly send your donation, made out to Blessed Sacrament Hunger Mass, to Pat Kavanaugh, Director of Social Concerns and Outreach, 3630 Quesada Street NW, Washington DC, 20015. You may also drop a check in an envelope into the Collection Box and label it "Hunger Mass." The donations received from the collection will go to the John S. Mullholland Family Foundation, offering low income individuals and families fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, chicken and seafood. The following parishes will receive the donations: St. Thomas More, (Blessed Sacrament’s Sister School and Parish,) St. Vincent de Paul, St. Luke and Holy Name.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pat Kavanaugh in the Social Concerns Office, 202-449-3987, or pkavanaugh@blessedsacramentdc.org.