Parish Office Solutions

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Parish Office Solutions — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 01:55:53 +0000

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A Mother’s Faith: A Meditation on Matthew 15:21-28

In this scripture, Jesus withdraws to Tyre and Sidon, where a Canaanite woman approaches Him, pleading for her tormented daughter. At first, Jesus remains silent, testing her faith and perseverance. The disciples urge Him to send her away, but He reveals His mission to the lost sheep of Israel.

Undeterred, the woman persists, addressing Jesus as Lord, Son of David. Her humility and trust are evident in her plea for pity. Jesus responds, comparing her people to “dogs,” challenging her faith further. Yet, her unwavering belief shines through as she acknowledges that even scraps from the table can bring healing.

Witnessing her remarkable faith, Jesus praises her and grants her request. Her daughter is healed, demonstrating the transformative power of genuine faith.

This passage reminds us of the importance of persistent and humble prayer, especially during times of silence or apparent rejection. It encourages us to approach God with unwavering trust, confident in His boundless mercy and love for all who seek Him sincerely.

Let us learn from this Canaanite woman’s example, deepening our own faith and remaining steadfast in our belief that God hears our cries and responds according to His divine will. May we trust in His plan and open our hearts to His love, knowing that His mercy knows no bounds.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Parish Office Solutions — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 01:13:51 +0000

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Meditation: Trusting in the Storm

In this powerful scripture from the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter an incredible display of faith and doubt, of trust and fear, as Jesus and his disciples find themselves in the midst of a storm on the sea. As we delve into this story, let us seek spiritual insights and find personal applications to deepen our own faith journey.

The passage begins with Jesus taking a moment of solitude to pray after feeding the crowds. This act itself sets an example for us, showing the importance of seeking communion with God in prayer amidst the busyness of life. In our own lives, it is crucial to retreat to a quiet place and listen to the voice of God speaking to our hearts.

Meanwhile, the disciples are caught in a tumultuous storm while trying to cross the sea. This situation is symbolic of the storms we encounter in our lives – the challenges, uncertainties, and adversities that threaten to overwhelm us. Just like the disciples, we may feel tossed about, unsure of the path ahead, and at times, we might even feel that we are distant from Jesus.

However, in the midst of the storm, Jesus comes to the disciples, walking on the water. His appearance terrifies them, as they mistake Him for a ghost. Yet, Jesus reassures them with His comforting words, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” In our own storms, we can find solace in these words as well. Jesus is always present with us, even in the most challenging times. His love and power can calm our fears and give us courage to face the waves that threaten to engulf us.

Peter’s response to Jesus’ invitation is both remarkable and human. He asks to come to Jesus on the water, showing his desire to be closer to the Lord. This bold request mirrors our own longing to draw near to Christ and to step out in faith, seeking a deeper relationship with Him. Jesus responds with a simple word, “Come.” At that moment, Peter steps out of the boat, defying the laws of nature and walking on the water towards Jesus. This incredible act of faith reveals the boundless possibilities that open up to us when we trust fully in Christ.

However, as Peter starts walking, he becomes frightened by the strong wind, and doubt creeps into his heart. The waves and winds of life have a way of distracting us from our faith and causing us to lose sight of Jesus. When Peter begins to sink, he cries out, “Lord, save me!” In this moment, he acknowledges his need for Jesus’ help, an acknowledgment that we must also make when we find ourselves sinking in the storms of life.

Jesus, in His infinite mercy, immediately reaches out His hand and catches Peter. This action portrays the compassion of our Savior who is always ready to rescue us when we call out to Him. But He also gently rebukes Peter, saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” This gentle rebuke is not meant to condemn Peter, but rather to remind him and us of the importance of keeping our focus on Christ during life’s storms. It is a call to grow in faith, to trust more deeply, and to rely solely on Jesus in the face of adversity.

When Jesus and Peter return to the boat, the winds calm down. The storm is stilled by the presence of Christ. The disciples in the boat recognize this extraordinary display of Jesus’ power, and in that moment, they offer their homage, declaring, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” Through this experience, they come to a deeper realization of Jesus’ divinity and His loving care for them, even in the midst of the storm.

As we reflect on this scripture, let us take these lessons to heart. In the storms of life, we are called to turn to Jesus, to trust in Him without hesitation, and to keep our focus on Him despite the winds of doubt that may buffet us. Just like Peter, we may falter at times, but Jesus’ hand is always extended to lift us up, reminding us to have faith.

May we find the courage to step out of our comfort zones, to walk towards Jesus with unwavering trust, and to seek Him in prayer when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us. As we navigate the waves, may we discover that Jesus is the true anchor of our souls, the steadfast presence that calms our fears and leads us to the safe harbor of His love. In this way, we too will proclaim with the disciples, “Truly, you are the Son of God,” and grow ever closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Feast of the Transfiguration

Parish Office Solutions — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 02:23:56 +0000

Today’s Gospel passage takes us to a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus and His disciples. Jesus, accompanied by Peter, James, and John, ascended a high mountain. And there, something extraordinary happened: Jesus was transfigured before their eyes. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. Moreover, Moses and Elijah appeared and were seen conversing with Jesus.

Can you imagine the awe and wonder that filled the hearts of Peter, James, and John at this incredible sight? They must have been overwhelmed by the radiant glory of Jesus and the presence of these great figures from the past. So much so that Peter, in his enthusiasm, offered to build three tents or dwellings for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.

But then, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud, a voice spoke, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Upon hearing this divine voice, the disciples fell prostrate and were filled with fear. However, Jesus approached them, touched them, and said, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw Jesus alone.

This extraordinary event on the mountaintop reveals several essential truths about our faith. First, it shows us the divinity of Jesus. The transfiguration was a glimpse of His true glory, a revelation of His divine nature. His face shining like the sun and His garments becoming dazzling white testify to His divine radiance and majesty. It is a powerful reminder that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a wise teacher but the very Son of God, worthy of our worship and obedience.

Second, the presence of Moses and Elijah signifies the continuity between the Old and the New Testaments. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the prophets. Their appearance alongside Jesus reveals that He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, the long-awaited Messiah. The transfiguration affirms the authority of Jesus and His mission to bring salvation and fulfill God’s plan of redemption.

Third, the voice from the cloud emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus. The Father’s words, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him,” echo the proclamation at Jesus’ baptism. We are called to pay attention to Jesus’ teachings, to heed His words, and to follow His example. In a world filled with noise and distractions, it is crucial to prioritize listening to the voice of Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and the teachings of the Church.

Finally, as the disciples descended from the mountain, Jesus instructed them not to speak of the vision until He had risen from the dead. This instruction reminds us of the paschal mystery, the central event of our faith. Jesus would go on to suffer, die on the cross, and rise from the dead, triumphing over sin and death. The transfiguration foreshadows the glory of the resurrection and the hope that awaits all who believe in Jesus.

The transfiguration invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of Christ’s divinity, His role as the fulfillment of Scripture, the importance of listening to His teachings, and the hope we have through His resurrection. As we journey through life, may we seek moments of transfiguration in our own lives, where we encounter Jesus in His glory and allow His light to shine through us. May we listen to Him, follow Him, and share His transformative love with others.

Let us pray: Loving Father, we thank you for revealing the divinity of your Son, Jesus, through His transfiguration. Help us to listen attentively to His teachings and to imitate His love and compassion. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may be transformed and become radiant witnesses of your grace in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Parish Office Solutions — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 02:09:11 +0000

Today’s scripture reading presents us with a remarkable encounter between the Lord and King Solomon. In a dream, the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Imagine the weight of such an extraordinary offer from God Himself. Solomon, recognizing his youth and inexperience in leading God’s chosen people, humbly responded, “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.”

Solomon’s request reveals his deep humility, acknowledging his dependence on God’s wisdom and guidance. He recognized that leading such a vast and numerous people required more than his own limited knowledge and understanding. Instead of seeking personal gain or power, Solomon sought wisdom. He desired to govern with righteousness, justice, and discernment.

The Lord, pleased with Solomon’s selfless request, granted him not only wisdom but also a heart so wise and understanding that no one before him had possessed such wisdom, and no one after him would be his equal. God’s response to Solomon’s request illustrates the divine delight in those who seek wisdom, righteousness, and the ability to discern between right and wrong.

This story holds a significant lesson for us today. We, too, are called to seek wisdom and understanding from God in our lives. We may not have the responsibility of leading a nation, but each of us faces countless decisions and choices every day. We encounter situations where we must discern between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, justice and injustice. In these moments, we must turn to God, just as Solomon did, and ask for an understanding heart.

In our modern world, where information is abundant but wisdom is often lacking, it is crucial for us to seek the wisdom that comes from God. We can easily be swayed by the prevailing opinions and trends of our time, but true wisdom is found in the eternal truths revealed by our Heavenly Father.

Let us learn from Solomon’s example of humility and seek wisdom through prayer, reading Scripture, and cultivating a deep relationship with God. As we grow in wisdom, we can discern God’s will more clearly and make choices that align with His divine plan for us.

May we also remember that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a virtue that encompasses living a virtuous life. Let us strive to apply the wisdom we receive from God in our actions, relationships, and interactions with others. Wisdom should lead us to seek justice, show mercy, and practice compassion in all aspects of our lives.

As we reflect on this scripture reading, let us ask ourselves: Do we seek wisdom from God in our daily lives? Are we willing to set aside our own desires and humbly ask for an understanding heart to discern what is right and just? Let us pray for the grace to be open to God’s wisdom and to live our lives according to His will.

May the example of Solomon inspire us to seek wisdom with humility, to discern God’s will, and to act with justice and love in all we do. May the Lord grant us the understanding hearts we need to navigate the complexities of our lives and bring His light to the world.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Parish Office Solutions — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 03:23:59 +0000

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Today, Jesus shares a parable about the kingdom of heaven. A man sowed good seed in his field, but while everyone was asleep, an enemy sowed weeds among the wheat. When the crop grew, the weeds appeared along with it.

The slaves of the householder asked if they should pull up the weeds. However, the wise householder advised against it, saying that pulling up the weeds might harm the wheat. He instructed them to let the weeds and wheat grow together until harvest. At harvest time, the harvesters would gather the weeds for burning and collect the wheat into the barn.

This parable teaches us important lessons about the kingdom of heaven. It reminds us that good and evil coexist in our world. We may be tempted to eradicate evil immediately, but God’s wisdom prevails. He allows time for conversion and growth, giving us the freedom to choose righteousness.

We must recognize that evil exists, but we should not lose hope. Instead, we are called to nurture the good within us, relying on God’s grace to resist evil’s influence. God’s plan is to separate the weeds from the wheat at the appointed time, condemning evil and welcoming the righteous into His eternal kingdom.

Let us not be discouraged by the presence of evil. Instead, let us trust in God’s guidance, cultivating patience, forgiveness, and love. Through faithfulness and reliance on His grace, we will bear abundant fruit and find a place in His heavenly kingdom.

May this parable inspire us to persevere in our journey of holiness. May we trust in God’s wisdom, embrace His grace, and strive to bear fruit for His glory.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Parish Office Solutions — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 03:07:06 +0000

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In this parable, Jesus uses the metaphor of a man sowing good seed in his field to illustrate the kingdom of heaven. The man represents God, and the field represents the world. The good seed symbolizes the children of God, while the weeds represent the presence of evil and sin.

As the story unfolds, we see that while the man and his servants were unaware, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat. This intrusion of weeds into the field is analogous to the presence of evil in the world. It serves as a reminder that we live in a fallen world where sin and its consequences can manifest alongside the good.

The servants’ immediate response is to ask the master if they should remove the weeds. However, the master advises against it, recognizing that removing the weeds prematurely could also harm the wheat. This response is significant, as it conveys God’s patience and mercy towards humanity. God allows both good and evil to coexist in the world for a time, granting us the opportunity to choose righteousness and turn away from sin.

By allowing the wheat and weeds to grow together until the harvest, God demonstrates His wisdom and understanding. At the time of the harvest, the master instructs his workers to gather the weeds first and tie them in bundles for burning while the wheat is gathered into his barn. This separation of the wheat from the weeds symbolizes the final judgment, where God will ultimately distinguish between the righteous and the wicked.

This parable offers several important lessons for our spiritual reflection. Firstly, it reminds us that evil exists in the world and can affect even the most faithful. It is crucial to remain vigilant, discerning between good and evil, and striving to live according to God’s will. Secondly, it emphasizes God’s patience and mercy, allowing time for repentance and growth. We should not be quick to judge others, recognizing that each person’s journey is unique and God is working in their lives. Lastly, it points towards the ultimate judgment, where God will separate the righteous from the wicked. This encourages us to live with integrity and to seek righteousness, knowing that our actions and choices have eternal significance.

In our meditation, let us reflect on this parable and consider how it applies to our own lives. How do we respond when we encounter evil in the world or within ourselves? Do we trust in God’s wisdom and timing, or do we seek to take matters into our own hands? Are we patient with others, allowing space for growth and transformation? And are we actively striving to live according to God’s will, knowing that our choices will ultimately determine our destiny? May this meditation inspire us to seek righteousness, trust in God’s providence, and live with hope as we journey toward the kingdom of heaven.

Is your church paying for Microsoft Office Products? Stop!

Parish Office Solutions — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:43:46 +0000

Microsoft’s Office 365 is more than a set of productivity apps. Yes it does include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, but it is an online subscription-based ecosystem… a subscription that can get a bit pricey if you require several licenses.

But did you know that Microsoft has an amazing program for eligible non-profits? Yes! Your church office can be using the number one office suite FOR FREE!

Follow these 5 steps to get your church or organization registered and GIFTED with up to 10 free Microsoft 365 licenses.

The Process

First, register with Microsoft and provide proof of your organization’s eligibility (tax identification number or registered documentation from government entities, like a charity commission) as described on the their Eligibility page. You will also be asked to agree to our anti-discrimination policy.

Then, during registration you will create a Microsoft account. You will use this account username and password to log into the Microsoft Nonprofit Portal. (Note: The person completing registration will be the Global Administrator of the account by default. You can add additional administrators in the Office Admin Center once your account is established).

You then need to wait while Microsoft verifies your organization’s eligibility. Their eligibility validation partner, TechSoup or their local partner, may contact you for additional information.

Then, once validation is complete, you will receive an email with your eligibility results. If you are eligible, the email will include a link to the Microsoft Nonprofit Portal to access our nonprofit offers.

Need help?

It’s that easy! If you don’t think it is that easy, then let me help you. Parish Office Solutions has assisted parishes in their non-profit setup with Microsoft, Google and many other services. Contact me, and we can begin evaluating all of your options!

The mission of Parish Office Solutions is to assist busy pastors with simple solutions to everyday parish tasks. You can trust Parish Office Solutions to provide practical options for excellence in parish ministry.