16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon Tim’s Column
7-19-09

On this 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel (according to Mark) sets out two very important aspects of ministry. The first is rest. The second is availability. Please keep in mind that this is ministry, not just ordained ministry but the ministry that all of us are called to by the very fact of our baptism. None of us are exempt from this call to ministry.
The Apostles had been teaching and healing and they reported the same to Jesus. His response was that they should go away by themselves and rest.
Probably one of the hardest aspects of any kind of ministry is to take your own advice. Jesus saw the need to rest. So many in ministry can’t appreciate that. Rest! There is so much to do, so many to help, so much to teach. For so many, it’s give me a phone booth and I’ll change into “Super Minister.” Able to leap tall buildings and to do extra-human tasks no matter what the cost. It is a liability of ministry. One example you might want to consider is the comparison between ministry and flying. Before you take off the flight attendant gives some instructions. First is how to use the seat belt. Most of us don’t need that particular instruction, we’re faced with it day in and day out. Then they say, “if the cabin loses pressure, oxygen masks drop down. If you are traveling with someone who needs help, put the mask on yourself first!” If you pass out, you are no good to anyone else. The same is true of all ministry—if you aren’t healthy then you can’t help anyone else.
In the Gospel though, Jesus goes on to tell us that it is so important to attend to the needs of others. Despite his desire to rest and his desire that the Apostles rest, they respond to the needs of those who needed ministering to. Each of us has to recognize that in order to be successful ministers we have to be well balanced. We have to realize that while the Spirit gives us strength and guidance, we have to cooperate.
How can something so simple be so difficult? Spirit gives us the strength, desire and ability to minister. Spirit also gives us the wisdom, the understanding, the fortitude and knowledge of how much we can do and when we can do it.
For all of you who minister to our brothers and sisters by your gifts, talents and generosity, “THANK YOU!” Without you, no outreach, no ministry would be successful.
Grace and peace to you and your families.
Deacon Tim 734-502-1818
deacontim@tds.net
http://shamrockdeacon.blogspot.com

DEACON TIM –AVAILABILITY
Wednesday - OPEN – (4p until 6:30p) After the 8a Mass M- F (9a – 10a)
Before Tuesday devotions (5p - 7:15p) By appointment anytime M - F (9a- 6p) Deacon Tim (734-502-1818)

PBJ: In this extremely difficult time, we are, just like every other charity. We are being stretched to our limits. Probably 90% of the requests that we have for help now are coming not from downtown (Cass Corridor) but from Western Wayne County. Please pray for our brothers and sisters who are going through horribly extreme economic times. Families and seniors are being evicted from their homes, health considerations are driving people to bankruptcy and despair. In the following weeks I’m going to be covering this new aspect of our ministry in greater detail.

CLOTHES CLOSET: At some point we hope to be moving our operation from the “Gathering Space” to the garage at the old rectory. Until that time, we WILL BE OPERATING FROM THE GATHERING SPACE. I know this isn’t the ideal situation but please bear with us. The clothes we have received are absolutely incredible. ANYONE who needs business clothes (whether you are entering the job market for the first time or re-entering the job market) please give me a call. I’m available most of the time. There is no cost to this service and it is completely confidential.