From the Pastor - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 24, 2025

In last week’s readings, we were encouraged to remain persistent and constant in our prayer life. Today, we focus on the proper attitude of a steward at prayer.


In the Gospel passage from Luke, Jesus illustrates the humble attitude we must have as we approach God in prayer through a parable of two praying men. One is a Pharisee, a man with respected status, theological training, and all the right credentials. He marches right up to the front of the temple to speak a prayer “to himself,” thanking God for making him just a little bit superior to everyone else!


The other man is a tax collector, known by those of his day to be a cheater and a sell-out to his fellow Jews. In contrast to the Pharisee, he stands near the back and cries out to God in a simple and honest way: “Be merciful to me a sinner.”


Jesus tells us that it is the tax collector and not the Pharisee who leaves the temple justified. Why?


The Pharisee was full of self as he approached God. He felt no real need for God as he rattled off his resume of good works and spiritual practices. He was simply going through the motions of prayer. His lack of humility prevented him from entering into a real dialogue with the Father. He was not transformed by his time of prayer because he was so full of himself that He left God no space to enter in.


The tax collector, by contrast, emptied himself as he approached God. He recognized who he truly was (a sinner) and asked simply for mercy, leaving all the rest up to God. This is the kind of attitude that God can work with! This is how a good steward prays — with trust, with complete openness to God’s will, with a listening mind and heart, ready to serve as God leads. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025


Pastoral Pondering

November is the month which begins with All Saints and All Souls. It is a good time to reflect on the importance of our connection with those who have gone before us “marked with the sign of faith.” We have a special obligation (spiritual work of mercy) to pray for the dead, especially remember the souls in purgatory. Here is an outline of Catholic teaching to help us make better use of and have a better understanding of this important Catholic obligation.


Importance of Praying for the Dead in Catholic Theology

In Catholic theology, praying for the dead holds profound significance as an act of communion of saints, mercy, and **solidarity** within the Church. It is rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and the Church's magisterium, affirming that the living can aid the deceased in their journey toward full union with God. Below, I'll outline the key theological foundations, biblical and historical support, and practical implications.

 

1.  Theological Foundation: The Communion of Saints

·  The Catholic Church teaches that the faithful—whether on earth (Church Militant), in Purgatory (Church Suffering), or in heaven (Church Triumphant)—form **one mystical Body of Christ** (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] 946–962).

·  Death does not sever this bond. Prayers from the living can remit the **temporal effects of sin** for souls in Purgatory, a state of purification after death for those destined for heaven but not yet fully sanctified (CCC 1030–1032).

·  Why it matters: This practice underscores human interdependence in salvation. Just as saints intercede for us, we intercede for the dead, fostering charity and hope in the resurrection.

 

2.  Biblical Basis

Catholic theology draws directly from Scripture, emphasizing prayer for the dead as an ancient practice:

 

   Scripture Reference | Key Passage | Theological Insight

 2 Maccabees 12:38–46 | Judas Maccabeus offers sacrifices and prayers "for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin." | Explicit endorsement of prayers and offerings for the deceased to atone for sins; foundational for Purgatory doctrine (accepted in Catholic canon).


1 Corinthians 15:29 | "Otherwise, what will people accomplish by having themselves baptized for the dead?" | Implies a custom of rites benefiting the dead, supporting intercessory prayer.


 2 Timothy 1:16–18 | Paul prays for mercy on Onesiphorus, who has died.  | Shows apostolic practice of praying for the deceased by name.

   

These texts affirm that such prayers are **pleasing to God** and effective, countering Protestant objections by highlighting pre-Christian Jewish roots (e.g., Maccabees) and New Testament continuity.

 

3.  Historical and Doctrinal Development

·  Early Church: Inscriptions in Roman catacombs (2nd–3rd centuries) request prayers for the dead. St. Augustine (Confessions, Book IX) recounts his mother Monica's prayers for his father. Tertullian (c. 200 AD) describes annual Masses for the deceased.

·  Councils: The Second Council of Lyons (1274) and the Council of Trent (1563) dogmatically affirmed Purgatory and suffrages (prayers, Masses) for the dead as meritorious.

·  Modern Teaching: Pope Benedict XVI's Spe Salvi (2007) explains Purgatory as "God's mercy transforming us," where our prayers "help complete what is lacking" (cf. Colossians 1:24). Pope Francis echoes this in Misericordiae Vultus (2015), calling it an act of divine mercy.

 

4.  Spiritual Benefits and Practices

 Aspect | Importance | Common Practices

 For the Dead | Accelerates purification; applies merits of Christ's sacrifice through the Church's treasury (CCC 1477). | Offering Masses, Rosary for the deceased, indulgences (e.g., All Souls' Day).


For the Living | Purifies our own sins via charity; gains plenary indulgences (e.g., visiting cemeteries Oct. 1–8). | November's Month of the Holy Souls; Eternal Rest prayer ("May they rest in peace").


Communal Impact | Strengthens parish unity; reminds us of judgment and heaven's reality.| All Souls' Day (Nov. 2) Masses; Book of the Dead in parishes.

   

Key Prayer Example: Eternal Rest – "Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen." Recited after Masses or privately.

 

5.  Addressing Common Objections

·  “Purgatory isn't biblical": While the term "Purgatory" is post-biblical, its reality is inferred from 2 Maccabees, 1 Corinthians 3:13–15 ("fire will test... works"), and Matthew 12:32 (forgiveness "in the age to come").

·  “Why pray if salvation is by faith alone?": Protestants reject it, but Catholics affirm faith *works through love* (Galatians 5:6); prayers apply Christ's merits, not "earn" salvation.

·  Evidence of Efficacy: Miracles (e.g., St. Gregory the Great's Mass freeing a soul) and near-death experiences reported in Catholic lore reinforce its reality.

 

In summary, praying for the dead is essential to Catholic soteriology (theology of salvation), embodying hope in God's mercy and the interconnectedness of salvation history. It transforms grief into active love, urging Catholics to "remember their mercy" (Sirach 7:33). For deeper study, consult the *Catechism* (CCC 958, 1030–1032) or Vatican documents like Indulgentiarum Doctrina (1967).

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - Baptism of the Lord

By John Putnam • January 9, 2026
Today marks the close of the Christmas season, but before we return to Ordinary Time, we have one more great feast to celebrate — The Baptism of the Lord. Today’s feast is a perfect opportunity to consider the privileges and responsibilities we all share as Christian stewards by virtue of our own Baptism. At the moment of our Baptism, we became adopted sons and daughters of God, members of his holy, Catholic Church. Though we may not have realized it, the moment of our Baptism is also the moment we become Christian stewards, disciples of Jesus Christ, tasked with the work of following in His footsteps day by day and sharing the Gospel message with all those around us. In our second reading from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter gives us a glimpse of the person of Jesus we should imitate. “He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” We must live our lives like Jesus, seeking to do good to everyone we encounter; not just those in our inner circle of family and friends, but everyone in our community since the Father loves us all and Jesus sought out everyone with His saving message. In the Gospel passage from Matthew, we see yet another aspect of Jesus in action, this time as he humbly stands before John to be baptized by him. What humility and what willingness to unite Himself to us our Lord demonstrates by this act. We can do no less as we live out our daily lives as his disciples. And when we do strive with all our might to live out our Baptismal call to Christian stewardship, we will experience the deep honor of knowing that we, too, are God’s “beloved” sons and daughters “with whom He is well-pleased.” © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025 Pastoral Pondering As many of you know, on December 17 Bishop Martin issued a pastoral letter concerning the reception of Holy Communion. In that letter, he directed that non-fixed altar rails and kneelers be removed no later than January 16. I want to acknowledge, very simply and honestly, that this has been difficult for many in our parish. I feel that weight as well. I love St. Mark, and I am grateful for the reverence and devotion so many of you show toward the Holy Eucharist. I do not take lightly the concerns, questions, or disappointment this has raised. I am also aware that some of the faithful have made use of the appropriate channels within the Church to petition for clarification or reconsideration, and those processes may continue. At the same time, as your pastor, I am entrusted with leading this parish in fidelity to the Church and her discipline in those matters that do not contradict Catholic law. While there are sincere and thoughtful discussions about posture for receiving Holy Communion, the current liturgical discipline in the United States indicates that Communion is ordinarily received standing, whether on the tongue or in the hand. It is important to state clearly that the right of an individual communicant to kneel remains fully intact, and no one may ever be denied Holy Communion for choosing to do so. Therefore, unless a suspensive decision is issued by the Bishop or by the Dicastery for Divine Worship, we will comply with the directive and remove the kneelers from around the sanctuary. To assist with the reverent and timely distribution of Holy Communion, we will also increase the number of Communion stations. I know this change will be challenging for some. It is not something I approach lightly. My hope is that we can carry this moment together, offering whatever frustration or sorrow we may feel as a personal sacrifice, united to Christ present in the Eucharist. Crosses come in many forms, and how we bear them matters greatly. Let us remain united in prayer and charity, so that anger, bitterness, or division never take root at St. Mark. The weight of the Bishop’s office is a heavy one. I pray for Bishop Martin daily, and I ask that you do the same. Bishop’s office is a heavy one. I pray for him everyday, and I hope that you will as well.  On a happier note, as we come to the end of the Christmas season, I want to thank everyone who dropped off Christmas greetings and goodies. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

From the Pastor - Epiphany

By John Putnam • January 2, 2026
Today we celebrate the Epiphany — the manifestation of Christ to the world. The stewardship way of life is nothing other than a grateful response to God’s countless manifestations in our lives, and a commitment to make His love manifest to others through the sharing of our gifts. St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians that the grace given to him was “for your benefit.” Every gift we have received is meant to benefit others and give glory to God. The Magi show us how to live this out: Worship is their highest priority.They travel far, ask openly, and refuse to let anything stop them from honoring the newborn King. Is Sunday Mass the non-negotiable center of our week? 2. They are watchful. “We saw his star at its rising.” Good stewards stay alert to God’s presence and gifts in daily life. 3. They persevere through difficulty. Herod deceives, dangers threaten, yet God guides and protects them. Our stewardship journey will have twists, but God is faithful. 4. They are overjoyed True stewards radiate the deep, lasting joy that only comes from encountering Christ. 5. They prostrate and open their treasures. Overwhelmed with awe, they give totally of themselves and their gifts — the perfect act of worship. This year, let us rejoice in every manifestation of God in our lives, stay watchful for His star, and open our own treasures — our time, talent, and treasure — in generous gratitude to our King.  Come, let us adore Him — and then go and make Him known.