In Matthew’s Gospel today, it is apparent that the Disciples have a misunderstanding of what Jesus is calling them to be.  Jesus knows that they will someday be the leaders when He is no longer on earth.  He preaches “whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”  But, instead the Disciples worry more about gaining entrance into heaven rather than accepting that the path to heaven is one of suffering and sacrifice.
 
Everyone suffers.  We can’t escape from it.  So, what can I do to shine for Jesus, amidst my suffering, that humbles me to be exalted?  I can hug more.  I can smile as I hurry past people.  I can write nice notes to let others know I am thinking of them.  I can slow down and actually converse with others.  And certainly, I can pray!  I am acutely aware of the fact that God gave me the gift of connecting the dots between people and their needs.  Often, my ministry at OLC grants me the platform to make these connections as “I work for God!” 
 
I asked parishioner, Michele DeSantis, to research the needs of parishes that suffered so much loss during all of the hurricanes so that we could “adopt” the perfect match for us.  OLC has adopted the Shrine of the True Cross, a parish of about 2500 families, in Dickinson, Texas (just off the Bayou; southeast of Houston).  They suffered "catastrophic" and “unimaginable” losses after Hurricane Harvey.  The parish grounds and surrounding town were submerged under 50 inches of water.  The Church, Parish Office, and Catholic School are all uninhabitable.  Many of their parishioners are still displaced.  Some live in RV's in the driveways of their homes.  Others remain in shelters.
 
After the hurricane, the Knights of Columbus were very helpful in providing 2 meals a day for those in need and assisting with clean-outs.  The Knights are still serving dinners daily.   Masses are being held at the K of C Hall.  The Parish Office was relocated to space in a parishioner's business.  A neighboring parish, St. Mary’s in Texas City, welcomed Shrine's Catholic School, Religious Education, and Confirmation Programs to use its school building.  Although we are unable to roll up our sleeves and help, they are in "dire need" of our assistance and sacrifices.  OLC Youth Group raised funds and purchased their new Confirmation Curriculum to get them started.   With your help, OLC will now humbly focus on the “Bricks and Mortar” stage of rebuilding their parish so that the Shrine of the True Cross shall be exalted!