Today is the Sunday of the Steward

Sunday Messenger

THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
March 12, 2023

Today is the Sunday of the Steward

STEWARDS oversaw the finances and all the affairs of the house for wealthy families of ancient times. The steward in this parable (often translated as the “shrewd manager”) is farsighted about his own welfare. When his master accuses him of wasteful ways, demanding an accounting and threatening his dismissal, the steward reduces the moneys owed to his master by others so that they might employ him should it come to that (he was actually lowering his own built-in commission in every negotiation). He is commended by the master. Although a challenging parable, it is easier to understand when we see that Jesus is asking us to be as diligent and ambitious about our spiritual welfare as we are about our worldly security (8-9). Reflection: What masters pull at you for allegiance?

Scripture Notes From Today’s Readings

Luke 16:1-31 – Parable of the Steward (1-13). Today’s reading also includes the renowned story of the unnamed rich man and Lazarus. The rich man ignores the poor and ailing Lazarus and after both have died, he sees that Lazarus is in heaven at Abraham’s side. Lamenting his own torment far from God, he asks that Lazarus be sent to warn his brothers of what can happen when they live selfish lives. Abraham tells him they had already been well informed by the Law and the Prophets so nothing more could help. Discuss/reflect: What do you think Jesus means when he says “No one can serve two masters” (13)? What “masters” pull you away from God? What makes it so difficult for people to be convinced of God’s ways?

Ephesians 4:17-5:14 St. Paul notes that ‘children of light’ must set aside past behaviors, having become renewed in Christ and created to be like God in true holiness (vv.23-24). The way of love excludes all the vices we might have once considered acceptable. Discuss/reflect: What specific ways does St. Paul cite as examples of “new self” behavior? (25: speak truthfully, 26: let go of anger quickly, 28: engage in useful work so we’re able to help others, 29: speak to build others up, 31: do not be bitter, or angry or slander others, 5:1: imitate God, 2: live a life of love, 3: avoid sexual immorality or any kind of impurity or greed, 7: avoid the people who encourage you to behave immorally.) Of those listed, what one behavior do you need God‘s help with?

Isaiah 56:1-57:21 Isaiah shares God’s exhortation to his people to maintain justice, do what is right, keep the holy day holy and welcome all people, even “outsiders,” removing obstacles in their way. To these he promises joy and blessings. He rails against the selfishness and ignorance of Israel’s leaders who seek their own gain with “mighty appetites.” Discuss/reflect: Why the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy? How do you dedicate the day to the Lord? Does your church family or your Sunday worship service present obstacles for someone of another background?

REQUIEM SERVICES: Hokehankist today will be for: Arpena (Penny) Hajatian – 1st anniversary, requested by Mike and Lynn Hajatian and Family in loving memory of their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister.

Coffee Hour today is sponsored by: Mike and Lynn Hajatian and Family in loving memory of Arpena (Penny) Hajatian.

Seeking Part-time Organists – the Choir of Holy Trinity is looking for multiple talented musicians who would be seriously interested in playing the organ for the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy (Badarak) on a rotating schedule. Organ lessons will be provided to the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person.  For further information, contact Karinne Andonian @ karinne.hov@gmail.com.

CHURCH CALENDAR (please mark your calendars)

Sunday March 19 – Mitchink luncheon
March 26 – Film: Amish Grace
March 31 – Zoom: Rev. Flora Keshgegian
Sunday April 2 – Palm Sunday
Thursday April 6 – Holy Thursday
Friday April 7 – Holy Friday
Saturday April 8 – Easter Eve
Sunday  April 9 – Easter Sunday

***Every Wednesday, 7 pm, Zoom Bible Study with Fr. Hakob

ANNUAL MITCHINK LUNCHEON
Please join us on Sunday, March 19, to enjoy our Mitchink luncheon, following church services.  Advance reservations are appreciated as we plan our cooking needs.  A special program is planned with guest speaker, Chris Zakian, who will once again inform and enlighten us in our history.  Cost per person is $15 and can be reserved by mailing a check to church (memo: Mitchink) or online at https://holytrinity-pa.org/donation.  Any questions can be addressed to Jeanette at 215-672-4188 or choirboss@hotmail.com.

THE KISS OF PEACE: After the gifts of the Eucharist are brought to the Altar Table, the deacon proclaims, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”  The person giving the greeting says, Kristos ee mech mer Haydnetsav – Christ is revealed amongst us.  The recipient would respond, Orhnial eh Haydnootiunun Kristosee – Blessed is the revelation of Christ.

Bookstore News:  We are pleased to inform our faithful that we are offering Dn. Albert Keshgegian’s “My Lenten Journal: A Spiritual Journey to Easter” at half price! Now available for $5.00, it is the perfect companion for the Lenten season. The book takes us day by day (a mere three pages for each day) through Lent, then through Holy Week and ultimately to our journey’s end–the glorious day of Resurrection. Ideal for your bedside table or as a gift. The bookstore is open every Sunday following the Divine Liturgy.

BOOK SIGNING EVENT
Author Rina Gallo will be signing her book The Heart of a Rock a story about two Armenian teenagers and their friendship that blooms in the midst of the Armenian Genocide. The signing will take place at St. Stepanos Armenian Church 1184 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740 on Sunday, March 19, 2023 following Badarak.

200 CLUBThe March drawing of the Men’s Club “200 Club” was held on Sunday 3/5. Please visit the HTAC Website for the results under MEN’S CLUB.

ATTIC TREASURES – BAZAAR 2023 – Please do not bring your Attic Treasures to the church until September 15th. While we appreciate the donations, we ask you to store them at your homes as we do not have a storage area.  Thank you.

SEASONAL REMINDER – Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 12, 2023, so please remember to turn your clock forward one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night (March 11th). Remember: Spring forward, Fall back!

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS: In an effort to inform parishioners and guests when a Holy Trinity church service or program needs to be canceled or delayed due to inclement weather or other reasons, we request that you check our website (www.holytrinity-pa.org) or facebook page (www.facebook.com/holytrinitypa) for the most accurate information.