From the Desk of Father Mark - Our Pastor
October 5, 2025 - Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Not Available in this Bulletin Edition

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From the Desk of Father Mark - Our Pastor
September 28, 2025 - Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented”.

Last weekend, the St. Linus School class of 1975 came to 4 pm Mass and went on a memory tour of the school. As they walked through the building, stories were recalled and shared. Memories and people recognized are vital to our human experience. I too, graduated grammar school in 1975. While I did not return to the school for a 50-year visit, I did recall the teachers and students that I experienced. The more we reflect on what we have been given, the more likely we are to be appreciative and the more likely we are to notice others.

In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, there is a great divide. In this world the rich man is incapable of recognizing or understanding the needs of the beggar at his door. In the next world, the rich man is incapable of recognizing his now inability to be served and thus is in torment.

Lazarus however is capable of recognizing God as his protector, God as his savior. Lazarus knew has was not forgotten by God. What the rich man could not see, God could. Thus, looking at life through God’s eyes is at the center of discipleship.

A few years ago, there was an exhibition on homelessness in Belfast. Each panel was a depiction of some dimension of poverty and homelessness. Each panel also had a brief written description. A few of those descriptions follow:

- Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul.

- The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution which must start with each of us.

- I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least.

- We must talk about poverty, because people insulated by their own comfort lose sight of it.

Remember to notice the forgotten, God does not forget his people.

Have a great week!

Fr. Mark Walter
Pastor of Our Lady of the Ridge - St.Linus Parish