Thank you to all who were involved in the recent OLP Drama Production of Willy Wonka Jr. The shows were a spectacular performance by our young students. The set designs, props, and costumes added to a most joyful celebration. Blessings to all of you and thanks to all who attended these performances and for your support of the arts.
Nine months until Christmas! Make that list and check it twice! Yes, this Wednesday we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.
The words that the angel Gabriel uses to assure Mary, The Blessed Mother are – “The power of the Most High will overshadow you.” To be overshadowed can be frustrating. Overshadowing indicates that someone gave a tremendous performance only to be eclipsed by another’s exceptional performance. Both performances were noteworthy but one took it to a higher plateau.
Sometimes we try to overshadow God. We know what is best and we attempt to have God cooperate with our will rather than cooperating with God’s will. Mary’s Fiat, her yes to God, indicates the proper sense of overshadowing. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your Word.”
The Blessed Mother lived her life with this sense of overshadowing. Mary pondered the greeting of the Archangel, she holds all things in her heart, she encourages others to “do whatever he tells you to do,” she “hears the Word of God and acts on it.” Mary welcomes and encourages us to welcome the overshadowing presence of God.
What does it feel like to be overshadowed by God? Do you allow yourself to be overshadowed by God? Do you cooperate with the will of God or expect God to cooperate with yours?
The Christmas season, while still three-quarters of a year away, often overshadows Autumn, Thanksgiving, and Advent. We pray and we trust that the Holy Spirit is always an overshadowing Advocate for all, in season and out.
This weekend, at our 11:30 Mass, is the final of the three Scrutinies for our elect in preparation for their reception into the church at the Easter Vigil. The following prayer accompanies this scrutiny. Thank you for your continued prayerful support for our elect and blessings to their sponsors and catechists and all who have accompanied them in their preparation.
Lord Jesus, who in raising Lazarus from the dead gave a sign that you had come, that people might have life and have it more abundantly, free from death those who seek life through your Sacraments, release them from the spirit of wickedness, and endow them with faith, hope, and charity through your life-giving Spirit, so that they may live with you always and share in the glory of your Resurrection. Who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
Fifth Sunday of Lent Readings and Reflection questions – Cycle A – 22 March 2026
Ezekiel 37:12-14 – What are the graves that Jesus is asking you to arise from? What help do you need to do that? / What promises has God made to you? What promises have you made to God?
Responsorial Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 – R. With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption. – What are your supplications that you need the ears of the Lord to be attentive? / The people of Israel waited for the Lord to end the Babylonian captivity. Martha and Mary were waiting for the Lord to come and heal their brother, Lazarus. What is the purpose of waiting? What does God expect of us while waiting?
Romans 8:8-11 – This reading from Romans is post-Resurrection while the reading from Ezekiel is pre-Resurrection. Compare and contrast them.
John 11:1-45 – What are some events that you would have wanted to attend but were unable to do so? / What are some events that you were required to attend but wish that you did not need to? / Jesus cautions his fearful disciples that there are “twelve hours in a day,” meaning that they need not live in fear all the time, but occasionally they can come up for air. Do you trust that there are twelve hours of day when you feel frightened or anxious? / In what ways was St. Thomas being prophetic when he said: “Let us also go to die with him.” / Compare and contrast Jesus’ conversations with Martha and Mary. / “Untie him and let him go.” Connect these words of Jesus with our understanding of purgatory.