Fr. Murray's column from the 12/6/20 bulletin

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Happy New Year! I have written this every time we’ve started a new liturgical year since I became responsible for a weekly column. This year’s liturgies were planned by the Church a long time ago, and every liturgical year is based on Easter.

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and hopefully you've survived all the carbo-loading, family zoom calls, and the dish-washing marathon. By the end of this weekend, we'll be starting Advent, preparing for Christmas, and bracing for winter.

There are so many unknowns as I write this final bulletin message of the liturgical year. We are still waiting for the final numbers in the presidential election.

I’ve worked and lived with people over the years who take Advent seriously. As in, no Christmas decorations before Christmas day! Only purple bows on our wreaths! Nativity scene: yes, but no baby Jesus in the manger until Christmas Eve!

The rich man in today’s parable was well aware of the abilities of his servants. Before he set out on his journey he entrusted his property “to each in proportion to his ability.” He knew what each of his three servants was able for, and he only gave as much responsibility to each of them as each could carry. The man who received five talents of money was capable of making five more; the one who received two talents was capable of making two more; the one who received one talent was capable of making one more. The first two servants worked according to their ability. The third servant did not, giving his master back the one talent he had been given, instead of the two talents he was capable of gaining. What held this servant back from working according to his ability was fear.  (source)

As I write this, I am looking out the window at the first snow of the year. The forecast was for some precipitation, but these few inches were a surprise. The original forecast was for snow that would not stick, and now it looks like we are getting a few inches.

Parishioners and friends, This week I had lunch with a friend, who was reflecting on the difference between our lives right now, and what they were like a year ago. She said “I never could have guessed that not only would I be wearing a face mask regularly in public, but that I’d have face mask preferences; in this new world, I know which masks fit me, which are more comfortable, and I have different masks for different situations. Year-ago me would not have dreamed it.”

As of last week, we've added an option to the ways you can attend Mass with us here at MQOA. That's a sentence I never thought I'd write! Growing up, Mass was a required activity in my house, unless you were sick (and the proof was required!). And of course, going to Mass is a requirement for Catholics- it's one of the precepts of the Church.

Welcome back--inside! This is a big month for us as we slowly add the option of gathering in the church to worship. As I have stated before, we are going slowly paying strict attention to scientific information as it develops, to keep everyone safe. I am grateful to the staff, leadership team, and many volunteers who have continued to step forward as they are comfortable to help and offer insight. I am also very grateful to those who have given us constructive feedback about the Mass as it is helpful to us as we try to determine how best to gather for worship.

This week I heard a news story about a family who was struggling to make ends meet, due to pandemic-related underemployment. It really struck me when I heard it, and I prayed a quick prayer for the family. Somehow, that morning, I heard that story four separate times, and I realized that God may be inviting me to do something beyond a quick prayer.