Jesus asks His disciples a question, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ— the Son of the living God.” Simon Peter didn’t “figure out” Jesus’ identity on his own. Rather, it was revealed to Peter by God our Father. When we say “Amen”, let it be our personal affirmation of Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question.

Isaiah, the prophet, reminds us today that the Lord’s house is truly a “house of prayer for all people.” We are gathered here today in a house of prayer, and so we welcome all people who have come here today to join together to pray to God in praise, in petition, and thanksgiving.

Tuesday, August 15th is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. Vigil Mass at 5:00 P.M. on Monday, August 14th. Mass on August 15th will be at 6:30 A.M., 10:00 A.M., and 6:00 P.M.

Welcome Meeting for the parish High School Confirmation Preparation Program will take place on Sunday, August 20, 2023 starting after 11:00 am mass in Church. All students need to attend with a parent. Registration packets have been mailed out to enroll in our Confirmation preparation program. Students attending Catholic schools or students who were not enrolled in the CCD program (especially 9th graders) should contact the rectory for registration information.

This weekend we take up The Catholic Relief Services Collection to reveal Christ’s love to our brothers and sisters in need. This collection helps six (6) Catholic agencies to provide relief and support for struggling communities and to work for peace and reconciliation among our marginalized brothers and sisters here and around the world.

There is a ‘break” from the usual Sundays in Ordinary Time today. August 6 th is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. It is a major feast, so when it falls on a Sunday, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration. In Scripture’s symbolic language, mountains aren’t just places; they are experiences that put us closer to God. The Apostles, Peter, James, and John had a unique experience on top of the mountain; they experienced Jesus being transfigured before their eyes. Transfiguration promises that within our ordinary lives is the life changing presence of God, if only we listen for it.

Today, we hear the conclusion of the thirteenth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. For three weeks, we have been listening to Jesus instruct His disciples, the crowds, and us about the kingdom of heaven. He describes the great value of the kingdom of heaven. The Gospel reminds us of the great gift that we have been given by our loving God. Our faith, like the kingdom of heaven, is a treasure. Jesus’ gift of His Body, broken and shared for us all, is a treasure. In this year of Eucharistic Revival, let us thank our God for bestowing us with the greatest gift and treasure of all—the Body and Blood of Jesus the Christ in the Eucharist.

In our daily lives, it can be challenging to persevere in faith, in charity, and in kindness in dealing with others who are different than us, especially if they have different opinions or different ways of life. In the Gospel today, Jesus continues to teach us by using three parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. Contained within the three parables of today’s Gospel are words of caution as well as consolation. In the parable of the Sower, we are warned against judging others. To judge and uproot the “weeds” prematurely will harm the wheat, final judgment rests with God. In the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, we are consoled by the message that God can work wonders and produce abundance from even the smallest beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Today’s Gospel begins with the words, “On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea.” Many of us may wish to do the same thing on this midsummer day. We can imagine the feeling right now, leaving our home and finding a nice refreshing spot where we can relax. We can further imagine being part of the crowd that walked down to the seashore to listen to Jesus as He got into a boat and preached. Jesus teaches the crowd and us today using the image of a seed. The parable today calls us to see more clearly and to listen more carefully to the voice of Jesus

The summer is flying by! Hopefully, you have or will have some “down-time” this summer before the start of school. As we come here to celebrate the Eucharist, the burdens of life may weigh heavy on our minds, our hearts, and our bodies. We may be tired from working all week. We may be anxious about the health of family members. We may be mourning the loss of a loved one. We may be just plain weary, physically or emotionally. In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites all of us to go to Him. He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” May we listen to and accept Jesus’ invitation.

The Scripture Readings today reflect on what we gain through  sacrifice. Sacrifice is not just about what we give up, but rather, what we discern to be unnecessary or in vain.  When we put these things aside, we then can find what is most important. In today’s Gospel, Jesus highlights for us the importance of hospitality in the Christian life. To  welcome another in Jesus’ name is to extend hospitality to Jesus Himself. We are given many opportunities in our daily life to reach out to others— to be a welcoming presence and a sign of God’s love.

Throughout this season of Ordinary Time, we are reminded of our call to discipleship and the cost of that call. Self-sacrifice and proclamation of the good news are the crux of the message. As followers of Jesus, we are called to spread the good news and care for those in need.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! To all of our Dads, may you share God’s greatest gift in your life—your children. May you have the most relaxing, enjoyable day with those you love. I will remember all Dads today in my prayers at Mass and there will be a special blessing for all fathers after Communion.

Today, we celebrate a second solemnity during this period of Ordinary Time. We celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This feast was once called Corpus Christi, which is Latin for “Body and Blood of Christ. In the revised Lectionary, the name for this day is expanded to reflect more completely our Eucharistic theology.

This week we return to the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This Sunday, and next, however, are designated as solemnities—special days that call our attention to central mysteries of our faith. Today, on Trinity Sunday, we celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity, one God in three persons. It is through God’s self-revelation to us through Jesus the Christ and His Paschal Mystery, that we come to know the Triune God from whom all life flows. As we hear proclaimed in today’s Gospel: God so loved the world that he gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life (John 3: 16).

The Easter Season concludes today with today’s celebration of the Feast of Pentecost. On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem. This event marks the beginning of the Church. The story of Pentecost is found in the first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles. We ourselves were filled with the Holy Spirit at our baptism, along with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. May the Holy Spirit energize us on our Christian journey of faith.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. Traditionally, it was observed on the Thursday prior to the Seventh Sunday of Easter. Over twenty-five years ago, most of the dioceses of the United States, received permission from Rome to transfer the Ascension to the Seventh Sunday of Easter. This year we read from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, where Jesus gives the “Great Commission” to the Apostles and the early Church—telling them “Go out into the world and tell the Good News—know that I will be with you always until the end of the world.” Jesus is with us here today in the Word proclaimed, and in the Eucharist, His Body and His Blood. We are also commissioned to bring the Good News of Jesus into the world.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!! A very happy and blessed Mother’s Day to our moms. May your day be filled with God’s blessings on your special day. I will remember all mothers, living and deceased, at Mass this weekend.

As we journey together on this Fifth Sunday of Easter, we give praise and thanks to God for sending us the Son, who sacrificed His life to save us, who has shown us the way to eternal life. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples that He is preparing a place for them in His Father’s house. Jesus tells the disciples and us that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us place our trust in the Lord that one day we will reach God’s dwelling place.