BULLETIN July 11, 2021 JESUS SAYS to EXPECT REJECTION and DUST IT OFF Today’S Gospel Offers Details About Jesus the Strategist
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312 Ridgedale Avenue East Hanover, New Jersey 07936 BULLETIN July 11, 2021 JESUS SAYS TO EXPECT REJECTION AND DUST IT OFF Today’s Gospel offers details about Jesus the strategist. We witness how Jesus prepares the Twelve Apostles for their missionary work. The instructions reveal some of the obstacles that emerged during the early Chris- tian movement, and they can inspire us as we approach tasks where we might encounter resistance. The Gospel reading, from Mark, is short but packed with nuggets of information about early Christian mission- ary work. First, Jesus advises his followers to go out in pairs, envisioning the spread of the Gospel as a group effort, not a task that needs to be performed alone. By going with another person, the apostles are given companionship and a sense of security, especially when traveling to unfamiliar areas. They are also given authority to cast out unclean spirits and anoint people with oil. This integrates blessing and healing into their mission, modeling their actions on Christ’s own. Recall the beginning of Mark’s Gospel. When Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee, he calls his disciples and then preaches in the synagogue, teaching as “one having authority” through his words and actions. Jesus’ first sign of power was to rebuke an unclean spirit. Then he cured Simon’s mother-in-law of her sickness, followed by curing various other diseases (Mk 1:21-34). The mission that Jesus gives the Twelve mirrors his early ministry. In addition, the apostles are instructed not to take essential items like food, bags, money or extra clothing. Why? Wouldn’t Jesus want the apostles to be prepared for the journey? Jesus likely has two goals in mind: first, to distinguish the apostles from other traveling preachers of the time; and second, to encourage the apostles to rely on hospitality. This second goal is confirmed when he instructs them to stay in people’s homes while doing their work. Jesus’ vision for the apostles is not overly idealistic. While instructing them to preach a message of repentance, he alerts them to expect some rejection. Not everyone would greet the early Christians with open arms, and Jesus tells his followers to anticipate rejection and move on: “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” This gesture visually condemns rejection of the Gospel and inhospitality. Moreover, it symbolically helps the apostles to move on quickly with their work, not becoming discouraged by rejection. In modern times, Jesus’ attitude might be compared to Jay-Z’s “Dirt Off Your Shoulder,” Idina Menzel’s “Let It Go” or Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” depending on your preference in music. Jesus is very clear that the disciples are not to focus on those who reject the Gospel. The first reading, from Amos, also has echoes of this sentiment. When the prophet traveled from Judah to Israel to condemn Israel’s religious and political leaders for their corruption, he was rejected: “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah!” Many of Israel’s leaders were not open or receptive to Amos’ critiques, yet he still persisted in delivering his prophecies. Today’s Gospel and first reading offer examples of how to approach an important mission. The readings re- mind us to be realistic and recognize that not everyone will respond favorably, especially if they are being criticized or called to change their behavior. Despite this, the work must go on, and we can benefit from a persistent attitude that anticipates rejection but is not discouraged by it. Jaime L. Waters teaches Scripture at DePaul University in Chicago. She is an associate professor of Catholic studies. Reprinted with permission of America Press, Inc., 2021. MASS INTENTIONS Sunday, July 11th 7:30 For The People of The Parish † Richard Borkowski by Marie Smith † Ann Perrotta by The Smolen Family ALTAR BREAD & WINE 9:15 † Mairead Dowling by Jeffrey Wall & Richard Kelly For the week are offered for: † Angelina Liggeri by Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Richard Mirocco Benevento From: Donna Mirocco and Cathy Perrotta 10:30 † Arthur Rizzo by Arleen Sannitti † Joanne Ply (3rd Ann.) by Alena Galante ALTAR CANDLES 12:15 † Dolores Matilde Lopez by Deborah Bregna For the week are offered for: † Marilyn O’Connor (1st Ann.) by Eddie O’Connor Maria A. Teta 7:00 † Ralph Politi Sr. by Friends of East Hanover From: Ines D’Onofrio † Leonardo Mascola by Ed & Carol Seborowski OFFERTORY COLLECTIONS Monday, July 12th July 4th $11,542.25 9:00 † Gaetano A. Jaquindo by Sarracino Family We are very grateful for your weekly contribution to St. † Edward Long by The Manno Family Rose! Your generosity is vital to meet our expenses and continue our many ministries. Please note that you can Tuesday, July 13th give online by visiting our website, mail your envelopes 9:00 † Deceased Members of our Parish to the rectory office, use our “drop-off” box by the office † Robert Vogler by Andrew Lim entrance, use one of the donation boxes in the church. Wednesday, July 14th PRAY FOR THE DECEASED 9:00 † Christopher Hammer by Stephen Rudy We remember and give God thanks for our beloved dead † Kathy Liebhauser by The Colasurdo Family especially: Marcia Davis Thursday, July 15th 9:00 † Marie Torsiello by Maxine Freedman ROSARY PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JULY † Mary and Fred Hildebrandt by April Weber Glorious Mysteries: For Father Kerwin as he begins his ministry at Morristown Hospital. Friday, July 16th Sorrowful Mysteries: For the men and women in the 9:00 Lydia Costello (Birthday) by Donna Costello Armed Forces that they will be safe. † Anna DeFranco by Teresa Falduto Joyful Mysteries: As we celebrate July 4th we pray that we as Americans will keep aloud the name of God Saturday, July 17th in our country. 9:00 † Helen C. Lynch by Dolores Lynch Luminous Mysteries: That every Catholic in America † Leonardo Mascola by The Roake Family will pray for the protection of Religious Liberty. † Aldo Venturi by Vincenzo Onorato Sr & Jr and Family PRAYER BY POPE FRANCIS † Marcia Davis by The Facchino Family & “I will even share with you a personal confidence. Jacqueline In the evening, before going to bed, I say this short 5:30 † Anne Porzio by Joseph & Teresa Pannullo prayer: “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean!” And I † Ralph Politi by Joseph & Teresa Pannullo pray five “Our Fathers,” one for each of Jesus’ wounds, because Jesus has cleansed us with his wounds. If I Sunday, July 18th do this, you can do it too, in your home, and say: “Lord, 7:30 For The People of The Parish if you will, you can make me clean!” and think about † Vecchiarello Family by Mary & Bob Jesus’ wounds and say an “Our Father” for each of † Salvatore Davino by Bill & Patti White them. Jesus always hears us.” 9:15 † Lori Pompei 10:30 † Angelina & Euplio Rinaldi by Frances White Pope Francis † Julia Da Silva and Avelino Goncalves by Maria Gonçalves 12:15 † Nicole Ciccolini by Angela Amoresano † António Teixeira by Maria Gonçalves 7:00 † William H. Wahlers by william wahlers † Czeslawa Barbara Betleja, mother of Bobbi Michaels by Deacon Ron & Linda Forino 2 PARISH NEWS FOOD PANTRY contact Gina (reled@saintroseoflimachurch.org) or Only prepackaged bags to those who come due to Bernadette (bcaponegro@saintroseoflimachurch. org) COVID-19 restrictions until further notice. Thanks to your • generous donations we are able to help many people who Catechists are needed for Grade 3 - 6: We are in need of catechists for grades Kindergarten come to our food pantry. The food pantry is in need of: and 3 – 6. This is the most beautiful gift you coffee, tea, baking products, mac & cheese, condiments, could give to a child, the handing on of your faith. fruit drinks, water, Cup of Noodles, small condiments, Families who volunteer for the full program year peanut butter, snacks, jelly, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, will receive a 25% discount to the total Religious body wash, cleaning products, laundry detergent, Education program fee for your family (this does toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, & not include the Confirmation Program). If interested deodorant. The food pantry will be opened on the 2nd or if you have questions, please contact Gina and 4th Saturday each month from 10:00 – 11:00am. (reled@saintroseoflimachurch.org) or Bernadette (bcaponegro@saintroseoflimachurch.org) PARISH CENSUS • Preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a two Saint Rose of Lima is implementing a Parish Census. year program in the diocese of Paterson. If your Please help our Parish to update your records by child is entering the Second Grade in September visiting saintroseoflimachurch.org/census. The Parish and has no First Grade Preparation (in class or Census needs to be completed by everyone who supported home study), a supplemental program already is a parishioner, who would like to become a will be provided to your family. We look forward to parishioner, or who participates in our parish life online. hearing from you. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONFIRMATION • Registration: Early Bird Registration for the 2021 Confirmation is a two year program beginning in Grade 7. 2022 program year has closed. Families with Please use this link to register and pay for the program: children entering grades Kindergarten to Sixth Grade https://www.osvhub.com/saintroseoflima/religious-ed/ in September, who would like to register for our parish confirmation-registration-2021-2022 Please contact Religious Education Program, please contact us by Lisa Paradiso at lparadiso@saintroseoflimachurch.org email and we will forward the registration form to you.