We've Come This Far By Faith ~ by Barbara Williford

The opening song, "We've Come This Far By Faith", sung by all men present as they processed into church, set the tone for the celebration of the 29th Annual Men's Day. With a nearly full church, a feeling of thankfulness, joy and anticipation filled the air.

In his homily, our priest explained that the feast talked about in the Isaiah reading was God's banquet and our reward. In St. Matthew's gospel, he said the food at the banquet represented LOVE; but the message focused on "being prepared" to accept God's invitation to attend the banquet. Those of us sitting in the pews wanted to attend and we came; but preparation means even more. Are we worthy? Do we take our Baptismal vows seriously? Do we witness for the Lord? Individually, we have to answer to God. As St. Paul said, only by living our lives centered on God will we find our reward. Then as we face daily trials we can say, "I can do all things in him who strengthens me".

The Men's Group chose that verse, "I can do all things in him who strengthens me" as their theme. After Communion, the speaker for reflections was introduced. Rev. Dr. Morris Henderson, Senior Pastor of the Thirty-First Street Baptist Church, announced that he was "home again"! Rev. Henderson described himself as a "Bapt-o-Catholic". As a young man, he was baptized at St. Elizabeth's in 1970 and confirmed at Cathedral parish. Our church's loss was the Baptists' gain as he received his master's degree from Virginia Union University School of Theology and doctor of ministry degree from Howard University School of Divinity. His strong ties to Highland Park, where he still lives, make him a neighbor. He is often seen running along 2nd Avenue as he does his daily exercise.

His personal message to the congregation began with a reading from 2 Maccabees 6:18. The story told of a scribe named Eleazar who died rather than eat pork or pretend to eat pork as his friends suggested. Eleazar died for what he believed. Rev. Henderson asked those present to "stand like a man". When the world confronts you with many problems; if God is on your side, you can "stand like a man". How do we do this? Sometimes it is not what we do but what we don't do! Using the "3 C's" of Commitment, Conviction and Courage, he went on to describe Eleazar as an elderly man, wise and well respected who preferred an honorable death to disobeying the law. His commitment led to his courage since he was convinced he chose the right path and did the righteous thing. Oftentimes we may lose friends by our choices as Eleazar's friends turned against him. Rev. Henderson went on to say that today, "we are missing men as role models for our young men and women." We need men who show what it means to be in a right relationship with the Lord. Again going back to Eleazar who said, "Even if, for a time being, I avoid the punishment of men, I shall never, whether, alive or dead, escape the hands of the Almighty." Being true to himself even though he died, Eleazar set an example for an entire nation. Rev. Henderson's final words uplifted all of those present when he said, "Depend on the Lord! A better day is coming and we have the 4th "C" in Christ who is with us. Amen."

In addition to his excellent reflections, Rev. Henderson was accompanied by members of the Thirty-first Street Baptist Male Choir who gifted our Eucharistic celebration with song. A scrumptious St. Elizabeth-style banquet/breakfast was served after Mass in the Church Hall along with cake to celebrate the members who have October birthdays. The Hall, decked out in dark purple, silver and white decorations added a beautiful touch to the morning. The 29th Men's Day was indeed a very special celebration.


~ Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~