THE TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SEPTEMBER 20, 2020

Notes on the Gospel

"The Kingdom of heaven is like this story," Jesus said to his followers. "Just after the sun rose, a businessman went out to hire some workers for his vineyard. After he agreed to pay them what they usually received for a day's work, he sent them into the vineyard.

About nine o'clock, he went out and saw other men standing around the without any work. "Go work in my vineyard." At noon and three o'clock, he did the same thing. About five o'clock, he went out and found more men standing around. "Why have you stood around all day doing nothing?" the owner asked them. "Because no one has given us work, " they answered.

Just before sunset, the businessman told the man in charge of the workers, "Call all the workers together and pay them. Begin with those hired last and finish with those hired first." They were all paid for a full day's work. They complained against the head of the household, saying, "These last (arrivals) worked one hour and you made equal to us, having borne the burden of the day and the blazing sun. Take your (pay) and leave.

Jesus told this story to emphasize how the Kingdom differed from people's expectations. According to Jesus, the faithful, even those who practiced faith all life long, did not earn the Kingdom . The Father gave his children the Kingdom as a gift.

Four images dominated the parable: the vineyard, the owner, the workers, and the pay. Jesus' audience clear saw the owner of the vineyard as the Father. The Kingdom was immanent. so the owner hired any migrant workers at any time of day to harvest the grapes. The Father chose anyone, not just the learned community elders for ministry in the coming Kingdom. Credentials and dedication were secondary to the Lord's work. Only the Father's call mattered, and his call leveled the "playing field."

In the time of Jesus, the marketplace acted as their gathering area. The employers sought the workers out, hired them only for the day, and paid them the same night. Some workers travel seasonally to gain work. Others remain within a local area. When Jesus addressed this parable to his followers, they could easily relate to the image of the day laborer, for they lived such a life.

The pay scandalized Jesus' followers the most, however. Imagine the most dedicated and hard-working were paid the same as the others. And they were paid last! Beyond the question of money lie the question of social treatment. The owner treated those who worked for only an hour as he would treat his own family. Those hired at dawn were treated as mere workers. The owner gave greater honor to those who worked the least by paying them well and paying them first. The owner belittled those who worked all day long by paying them so little and paying them last. And, when the workers grumbled, the owner rebuked them in public.

Jesus had a bitter message for Christians, especially their leaders. The followers of Jesus would sacrifice a sense of fairness for the Kingdom. Those who grew in the faith would feel lonely. Those who grew in ministry would feel abandoned. God did not have favorites in the Kingdom. But He did have the saved community where the most senior and the neophyte shared equally in God's very life. Indeed, the first would be last and the last would be first.

PILGRIMAGES TO THE BASILICA

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption welcomes all visitors encouraging them to come, pray, and enjoy our beautiful church. If you are a member of a group who would like to tour our Basilica or make a spiritual pilgrimage, please let us know how we can be of assistance. ______Special Events & Scheduled Pilgrimages at the Basilica:

Oct. - 9, - Eucharistic Congress for 40 hours Oct. - 23, - Closing of the 75th Anniversary of the Diocese (Bishop – live-stream) Nov. - 8, - Diocesan Women Religious Celebration – (live-stream) Nov. - 22, - Marriage Anniversary Mass (Noon - Bishop (live-stream) Mar. - 20, - DCCW Lenten Day of Spirituality for Women May - 19, - PCHS Baccalaureate Mass (Basilica) ______REVERENTIAL QUIET IN THE BASILICA

It is an ancient tradition in the Church to have a reverential quiet tone in a Catholic Church – especially in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. More and more, this tradition is being ignored in the Basilica. Sometimes, people are trying to pray before or after Mass – we need to respect them. Please observe a quiet tone when you are present in the Basilica. ______Perpetual Help Devotions This Monday

Perpetual Help Devotions will be offered this Monday evening at 6:15 pm. Perpetual Help devotions are the official devotion celebrated in this Basilica. We thank all parishioners who regularly attend the devotion.

______ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT AT THE BASILICA

Jesus Christ Himself invites us to a personal visit with Him in our basilica. When we place ourselves in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament we place ourselves before the gaze of Christ who loves us and wants us to experience that love.

Adoration of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament is making Jesus the very center of our lives and the very center of our Parish. Jesus stays with us in the Blessed Sacrament to refresh us in mind, in heart and in spirit.

Take advantage of Eucharistic Adoration which takes place at our Basilica. Come and visit the Lord in Adoration this Wednesday and/or Friday.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK

Monday, September 21, Saint Matthew (Apostle & Evangelist) Matthew was a tax collector called to be an Apostle and Evangelist. He composed his gospel in the year 85. He preached in Judea and Ethiopia where he was martyred. His gospel was composed for a Jewish-Christian audience.

Wednesday, September 23, _____ Saint Pious of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) Padre Pio was born in Pietrelcina. He became a Capuchian priest who received the stigmata. He spent 50 years in the monastery of San Giovanni Rotondo, where he was sought after as a spiritual advisor, confessor, and intercessor. He was devoted to the Eucharist and to prayer. He died September 23, 1968.

Saturday, September 26, Saints Cosmas & Damian (Martyrs) Cosmas and Damian were brother physicians known as “moneyless ones” because of their free care for the sick. They were martyred in 300 in Syria. ______EVENTS & MASSES FOR THE WEEK

Monday, September 21, Friday, September 25, 7:45 am. - Mass 7:45 am. - Mass 12:05 pm. - Mass 8:20 am. - Adoration 6:15 pm. - Perpetual Help Devotions 12:05 pm. - Mass 7:00 pm. - RCIA Saturday, September 26, Tuesday, September 22, 9:00 am. - Mass 7:45 am. - Mass 1:00 pm. - Wedding 12:05 pm. - Mass 3:30 pm. - Confessions 5:30 pm. – Mass Wednesday, September 23, 7:45 am. - Mass Sunday September 27, 8:20 am. - Adoration 8:00 am - Mass 12:05 pm. - Mass 9:30 am. - Mass - (St. Henry’s) 7:00 pm. - Reposition of the Eucharist 10:00 am. - Mass 12:00 pm. - Mass Thursday, September 24, 7:45 am. - Mass 12:05 pm. – Mass ______SECURITY CAMERAS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED Security cameras were installed in the Basilica last week. The cameras will provide another layer of security and safety for Basilica property. We have much to be proud of here at St. Mary’s and we want to keep it that way!

THE BASILICA OF SAINT MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION ______

506 4TH STREET • MARIETTA OH 45750 • 740-373-3643 September 20, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

This past week, we recalled acts of terrible violence imposed on our nation. As we remember and pray for the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, we must restrain our rage and desire for vengeance. That day of suffering and tragedy may, by the power of the cross, become a day of mercy and peace.

The Feasts of last week - The Triumph of the Holy Cross, and Our Lady of Sorrows remind us that we are the debtors that owe “a huge amount” to God. On the Cross Christ paid off that debt for us. Through baptism and confession, we have been freed from the debt of our sins and therefore we can likewise forgive our neighbor’s injustice. God forgives us first, in order that we may be capable of forgiving others. Ultimately God’s grace sets us free from the unbearable weight of anger, enmity, and frustration. He sets us free to live for the Lord.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be a people of faith, hope, and trust. We must also be a people of forgiveness. We must remove every desire, every temptation, every instinct for vengeance. By the power of God’s grace, we can be the Lord’s workers, clinging not to the ways of this world, but to the ways of Christ Himself.

When another person hurts us, the hurt is very deep. When we hold on to hurt, we are emotionally and cognitively wounded, and our relationships suffer. Forgiveness is strong medicine for this. When life hits us hard, there is nothing as effective as forgiveness for healing deep wounds. Forgiveness does not necessarily come easily; but it is possible for many of us to achieve, if we are willing to put in the effort.

Forgiveness is about goodness, about extending mercy to those who’ve harmed us, even if they don’t “deserve” it, but it’s well worth the effort. Working on forgiveness can help us increase our self-esteem and give us a sense of inner strength and safety. Forgiveness can heal us and allow us to move on in life with meaning and purpose. Forgiveness matters, and we will be its primary beneficiary. Studies have shown that forgiving others produces strong psychological benefits for the one who forgives. It has been shown to decrease depression, anxiety, unhealthy anger, and the symptoms of PTSD. Forgive others, and forgive yourselves.

Sincerely,

Rev. Msgr. John M. Campbell

DECEASED PRIESTS OF THE DIOCSE

On Tuesday of this week, we remember 67th anniversary of Fr. Vincent Schiele. On Wednesday, we remember the 8th anniversary of the death of Bishop Albert Ottenweller – our second Bishop. On Thursday, we remem- ber the 18th anniversary of Msgr. Robert Punke – former pastor of St. Mary’s. On Friday, we remember the 54th anniversary of the death of Fr. Roger Brisgal. Next Sunday, we remember the 24th anniversary of the death of Fr. Robert Marrer. These priests served the Diocese to the best of their ability, may they rest in peace. ______Vatican Cardinal Tagle tests positive for coronavirus

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the head of the Vatican’s evangelization congregation, tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, but is asymptomatic.

The Vatican confirmed Sept. 11 that the Filipino cardinal was swabbed and tested positive for COVID-19 after landing in Manila Sept. 10. Tagle “has no symptoms and will remain in isolation in the Philippines, where he is,” Matteo Bruni, director of the press office said. Bruni said that checks were being carried out on anyone at the Vatican who recently came into contact with the cardinal. He added that Tagle was tested for the coronavirus in Rome on Sept. 7, but the result was negative.

Tagle is the archbishop emeritus of Manila and the current president of Caritas Internationalis, a global Catholic charity network. He is mentioned as a possible successor to . Around the world, 10 Catholic bishops are believed to have died from COVID-19 since the start of the outbreak. ______ANNUAL ROSARY CONGRESS

The annual Rosary Congress will take place on April 9th. These 40 hours are set aside as a time for prayer for an end to the virus, and to pray for peace, healing, and renewal in our families, our country, or parish and our school. The Congress will open on Friday October 9th, after the 12:05 Mass, and close on Sunday morning at 6:30 am. The Congress will be held in the main basilica.

Archbishop Gänswein hospitalized ‘with severe kidney problems’

Archbishop Georg Gänswein, prefect of the papal household and personal secretary to Benedict XVI, has been hospitalized in Rome. The 64-year-old had been admitted to hospital “with severe kidney problems.” Gänswein was born in Riedern am Wald, Germany, in 1956. In 1995, 11 years after his ordination, he left Germany for the , serving first at the Congregation for Divine Worship and later at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In 2003, he became personal secretary to the future Pope Benedict XVI. He was appointed prefect of the pontifical household in 2012, continuing in the role after the resignation of Benedict XVI and the election of Pope Francis the following year. He graciously sent a letter to our Basilica with the zucchetto’s of Pope Benedict and Pope Francis for our Basilica. ______Man who went on vandalism spree at Louisiana Catholic church arrested

A man who went on an hours-long vandalism spree on Wednesday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Tioga, Louisiana has been arrested and has confessed to the crime, according to local authorities. During the act of vandalism, which lasted more than two hours, the assailant broke at least six windows, beat several metal doors, and broke numerous statues around the parish grounds. The church’s pastor indicated that the damage took place between 12:30-3:00 am Sept. 9. No one saw or heard anything while the vandalism was occurring, but the entire incident was captured on the church's security cameras. The Sheriff's Department announced Sept. 11 that they had arrested Chandler D. Johnson. Johnson, 23, has been charged with one count of criminal trespassing and one count of institutional vandalism. Johnson broke numerous small flowerpots around the church and knocking over some larger concrete ones. He beat one of the metal doors with a statue that he uprooted from outside the church, and beat another metal door with another statue. He also threw a statue at part of the church's siding, and broke the heads of Mary and Jesus off of a concrete statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. A number of parishioners helped to clean up and board up the broken windows the morning the vandalism was discovered.

Milwaukee Archbishop Listecki Reinstates Sunday Obligation

Catholics in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will once again be required to go to Sunday Mass if they are healthy and not caring for those who are sick. The announcement for Catholics to attend Mass follows months of disruption and the suspension of the canonical obligation during the coronavirus pandemic.

In early September, the Wisconsin Catholic Conference announced that the state’s five Catholic dioceses would be lifting the dispensation from the Sunday Mass attendance obligation, but that each diocese would set their own conditions regarding who was still excused. “On September 14, 2020, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation will expire, and it will be the responsibility of those who are capable and not prohibited by other circumstances to attend Sunday Mass,” said Archbishop Jerome Listecki. “Those who deliberately fail to attend Sunday Mass commit a grave sin.”

Archbishop Listecki explained that there are “circumstances where the obligation cannot be fulfilled,” such as when churches are closed and public Masses are suspended. Masses will continue to be held in line with archdiocesan guidance on social distancing, and on the necessary sanitization of churches in between Masses.

The Archbishop also detailed those who should continue to not attend in-person Mass to guard their own health, and that of the community. “If a person is ill, especially during this pandemic, they should remain at home. Likewise, if a person is at risk because of age, underlying medical conditions or a compromised immune system, one would be excused from the obligation. If a person is caring for a sick person, even if they are not sick, they would be excused from the obligation out of charity,” said Archbishop Listecki.

Archbishop Listecki wrote that simply being afraid of contracting the coronavirus is not enough of a reason to skip Mass, unless there are other factors. “Fear of getting sick, in and of itself, does not excuse someone from the obligation. However, if the fear is generated because of at-risk factors, such as pre-existing conditions, age or compromised immune systems, then the fear would be sufficient to excuse from the obligation,” he said.

A September 10 press release from the diocese reiterated that healthy, low-risk Catholics in the archdiocese will be obligated to attend Mass from the weekend of September 19. “Therefore, Catholics are obliged to return to Sunday worship the following weekend. A dispensation remains for grave reasons, such as illness or the care of those who are sick,” said the Archdiocese.

English bishop urges Catholics to come back to churches

Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth wrote Sunday to the people of his diocese encouraging them to return to churches for Mass and private prayer. He wrote to Catholics and “to everyone of good will, to those 'with ears to hear', to anyone searching for God, and to all who wish to meet His Son, Jesus Christ and to know more about His Gospel. I say to you all: Come back! Come back to Mass! Come back to church for private prayer! Come back to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament! You are truly welcome – we have missed you!” He called the recent months of the coronavirus pandemic 'extraordinary', and noted the hard work of medical staff and key workers, as well as what has been done in the Diocese of Portsmouth by priests, parishioners, and chaplains. “Now that schools and many others are returning to work, let us keep up this good work,” he exhorted. “Let us keep safe. And let us ask the Lord for an end to the pandemic, the invention of a vaccine and the restoration or ordinary life.” Bishop Egan wrote that “in inviting you back to Mass, I am aware that in some places and for some of you – those self-shielding, the sick, the vulnerable – this will not yet be possible. Moreover, we are aware too that the infection-rate is varying, and we might even face a local lockdown. Indeed, for everyone it will require care, prudence and adjustments. It might mean attending Mass on a weekday instead of a Sunday. The pandemic has shown us how fragile modern life is,” he reflected. “It has caused us to review our priorities. It has made us face our mortality and the question of God.” The bishop said that “it is in our churches that the Lord sanctifies, teaches and guides us, uniting us together, giving us the Sacraments of eternal life, and sending us out on mission and service.” While many “followed Mass online,” he noted that “online has its place and we thank God for all the work done to enable this. But online is not the same as 'inline' and being there. It's not the same as actually receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. It's not the same as participating in the presence of the Eucharistic community. This is why I say: Come back to the Lord to be nourished by His Word and His Sacraments,” Bishop Egan exclaimed. ______