Be His Disciple
The formation that we should all be seeking day by day is conformity with Christ. It’s within our reach and is the best pursuit, the highest one, offering the greatest rewards both in this life and for eternity: to be a disciple of Christ. Are you one?
The beauty of this pursuit is that it grants us access to true wisdom, freeing us from much human narrow-mindedness. It sharpens our vision to see correctly through the eyes of God, releasing us from much foolishness and clumsiness, leading us towards Christian maturity, divine dignity, and the freedom of being God’s children.
This journey will fill us with the fruits of the Spirit, the most desirable and precious things we can find in this world: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control. It also grants us access to His gifts: wisdom, strength, discernment, knowledge, counsel, and more. The call that Jesus made to his first disciples is the same one he makes to each of us today: “The time has come, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). It invites us to conversion, to open ourselves to living in His kingdom, to let Him be our king and lord. Allowing God to be God in our lives, in our minds, hearts, and strengths. This is the ultimate ideal to which we can aspire, for nothing is greater than living in His kingdom of love, joy, and peace in our hearts. Therefore, he will ask us to seek His kingdom first, above all else, and everything else will be given to us as well.
This requires conversion, from transient values to eternal ones, from selfishness to love, from earthly to heavenly perspectives—this is what Christ comes to give us. And Jesus instructs us, just as he did with his first disciples, to live this ideal as children of God. This is understood through the text that tells us: “…those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:29ss).
If we experience the Kingdom of God, we wouldn’t exchange it for anything else, we live fulfilled and do not set our hearts on the things of this transient world. What more could we desire? No other pursuit or achievement in this world assures us of such invaluable fruits and gifts. And the best part is, there’s no need to go to a specific place to study, pay fees, or adhere to a class schedule. This is the school of life itself, with Jesus as the teacher, constantly teaching us through His Church, always available wherever we are, each time we open our hearts to Him.
To learn with Him, the most prestigious teacher, who grants us true wisdom. There’s only one necessary condition or requirement: to want it. Genuine desire will lead us to seek and employ the necessary means, for if one does not seek, one does not find.
Weekly Readings
Sunday: Jon 3:1-5, 10; Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20
Monday: 2 Sm 5:1-7, 10; Ps 89:20, 21-22, 25-26; Mk 3:22-30
Tuesday: 2 Sm 6:12b-15, 17-19; Ps 24:7, 8, 9, 10; Mk 3:31-35
Wednesday: 2 Sm 7:4-17; Ps 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30; Mk 4:1-20
Thursday: Acts 22:3-16; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Mk 16:15-18
Friday: 2 Tm 1:1-8; Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10; Mk 4:26-34
Saturday: 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17; Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17; Mk 4:35-41
Observances for the Week
Monday: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
Wednesday: Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Thursday: Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
Friday: Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops
Live the Values of Heaven
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Luke 12:15
We Christians are called to seek the values of heaven more than any value of this passing world. Seek first the Kingdom of God,… Mt 6:33. We are citizens of Heaven. We are in the world, but we are not of the world.
If you have risen with Christ, seek the values of above, not those of the earth… For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)
We are resurrected with Christ from Baptism; for this reason we can no longer send ourselves alone, we belong to Him. Romans 14:8ss:
“For if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Because Christ died and rose again for this, and came back to life, to be Lord of the dead as well as of those who live… Because we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”
We do not own anything, not even ourselves; we belong to God. We must be good stewards of the talents that God has given each of us to multiply them, putting them at the service of others. Only in this way can we enter in the joy of the Lord (cf. Matthew 25:14ff.).
It is not about accumulating values of this earthly world, neither materials, nor titles, honors or riches or pleasures, recognitions, applause,… that is not what gives meaning, fulfillment and happiness to life, this is nothing compared to what that God wants for us, life in abundance, full and eternal. And this is received trusting in Him, with true faith, doing his will, paying attention to him; only this makes us intimate with him, as father, mother, brother, friend. Only this is true value, which gives us the great prize of eternal life, without which what would be the use of winning the whole world if we lose our life? This is, then, the only necessary thing that he mentions to Martha and Mary, which it is worth leaving anything else important as it may be.
All earthly value is temporary and fleeting and is nothing compared to what God wants to give us in his eternal Kingdom, for which we should strive much more than for everything in this world. Luke 12,19ff.
“Then I will speak with myself: My soul, you have many things stored here for many years; rest, eat, drink, have a good time." But God told him: “You fool! This very night they claim your soul. Who will keep what you have prepared?” This applies to every person who accumulates for himself, instead of accumulating in what is valuable before God.”
MAKE US WISE LORD TO RECEIVE YOUR GIFTS.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Jer 28:1-17; Ps 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102; Mt 14:13-21
Tuesday: Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22; Ps 102:16-21, 29, 22-23; Mt 14:22-36 or Mt 15:1-2, 10-14
Wednesday: Jer 31:1-7; Jer 31:10, 11-12ab, 13; Mt 15:21-28
Thursday: Jer 31:31-34; Ps 51:12-15, 18-19; Mt 16:13-23
Friday: Na 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7; Dt 32:35cd-36ab, 39abcd, 41; Mt 16:24-28
Saturday: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Pt 1:16-19; Lk 9:28b-36
Sunday: Wis 18:6-9; Ps 33:1, 12, 18-22; Hb 11:1-2, 8-19 [1-2, 8-12]; Lk 12:32-48 [35-40]
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: St. Alphonsus Liguori
Tuesday: St. Eusebius of Vercelli; St. Peter Julian Eymard
Thursday: St. John Vianney
Friday: Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major; First Friday
Saturday: The Transfiguration of the Lord; First Saturday
News for August
Calling All Married Couples
Would You Like to Share Your Sacrament with Engaged Couples? If you are married in the Catholic Church and would like to help prepare engaged couples for marriage in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, please contact Candy Metoyer at: cmetoyer@la-archdiocese.org or call at 213.637.7250.
Confirmation Registration
CONFIRMATION will be taking REGISTRATIONS beginning July through August. Monday-Thursday from 4-6pm in the Youth Ministry office. Be sure to bring Baptism and First Communion certificates along with a $100 deposit. CONFIRMATION YOUTH PROGRAM is looking for English Catechists. If you are interested please call the Confirmation office. Summer BIBLE STUDIES will be on Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm in the youth ministry office. All High School students are invited. For more information please call the Youth Ministry office at (818) 899-0278, ext. 7.
Catechist Needed
Our RCIA program is in need of experienced English Catechists. Those interested must have the following requirements:
- Experience as a catechist
- Fingerprints and VIRTUS training
If you wish to participate as an English catechist for the RCIA program, please call our parish office to leave a message for Deacon Martin Orea.
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry is now enrolling for our Youth Programs of EDGE and LIFETEEN. There is no cost to attend these programs. EDGE is our Middle School Ministry that meets on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00pm. LIFETEEN is our High School Ministry that meets on certain Fridays from 6:30-8:00pm. Please call the Youth Ministry office for more information (818) 899-0278 Ext 7.
First Communion Programs Accepting Applications
From 5pm to 7:30pm. For baptized children grades 2-8. Please bring baptism certificate, birth certificate, fee of $100. For more information please contact our office at (818) 899-2111.
Pledge Payment Sunday
To make it easier for families to keep up with their pledge payments, we will designate the 3rd Sunday of each month as PLEDGE PAYMENT
SUNDAY for the Called to Renew campaign. On August 21st, please bring your payment envelope to Mass and place it in the 2nd collection. Of course, if you prefer to mail-in your payment you may continue to do so.
Call to Renew Campaign
As today, being the 3rd Sunday of the month, we have a second collection for the Call to Renew Campaign. With each donation, we are able to meet our parish goal to build our pastoral center.
Please place your payment envelope in the 2nd collection. Please ask the ushers for any additional envelopes. Thank you!
Your generosity will help our parish community in numerous ways, specifically towards the construction of our pastoral center. To further aid the completion of our project, we invite families to make a pledge to continue to give in the second collection every 3rd Sunday.
Closing of the Jubilee Year and Mass of Thanksgiving
Join Archbishop José H. Gomez to celebrate the closing of the “Forward in Mission” Jubilee Year and the reopening of Mission San Gabriel.
Saturday, September 10, 2022
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel 20:00 a.m.
(seating in the Church will be reserved; the Mass will be live-streamed in the Chapel of the Annunciation)
Did You Know?
What makes a child run away?
An endangered runaway is a child under the age of 18 who goes missing on his or her own accord, and whose parents do not know where they are. These children are vulnerable to abuse, trafficking, homelessness, and substance abuse. A young person may think running away is the only option if he or she is subject to abuse at home, family conflicts, struggles with mental health, drugs, or alcohol, or becomes the victim of an online predator. For more information on endangered runaways, visit https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/runaways.
If You Listen to God, He Will Also Hear You
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9
If you do not listen to him and obey him, you leave him out of your life, so he cannot help; he can only help you if you let him in, and that’s what he wants most. He is knocking at the door; if you hear him and open, he will enter (Rev 3:17) His help comes to you by the fulfillment of his word; that’s the way in which he is let in, when he is given his place of head and good shepherd, his voice is heard and he is followed; this is what gives you energy, light, love, force, etc. saving you a lot of suffering and making it possible in you the happiness and abundant fruit of the Holy Spirit.
That is why Jesus insists us so many times to pay attention to him, for being active and passive, because he loves us and wants to save us a lot of suffering, just like the mother to her little son, for she knows what is best for him.
Unfortunately, stubbornness and foolishness are common, both in small children as in adults, relying more on their own clumsiness and ignoring what they tell us for our own good, as God always does.
John 15,7. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 10. “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, as I have kept my Father’s commandments and I remain in his love… 14 You are my friends, if you do what I tell you.
1 John 3:22…and whatever we ask we receive from Him, is because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
We want Him to listen to us always, but we in our clumsiness and selfishness we don’t want to listen to him; we want him to listen to us, but we don’t we heed Him.
In sin we carry the penance, as it always happens, because by ignoring him we suffer more for everything, because we are separated from him, and thus we do not receive his comfort, strength and help; we deprive ourselves from the abundance of gifts that he wants to give us, more and better than the crumbs and whims that we usually ask for. We should blindly trust Him and seek his will more than our own, knowing of our shortsightedness and lack of eternal perspective.
John 8,29. The One who sent me is with me; he has not let me alone, because I always I do what pleases him….31. If you remain faithful to my words, you will truly be my disciples, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
John 14,21. He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me; and whoever loves me will be loved by my Father; and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
By praying we receive vitamins and minerals; when practicing, we take them. Only then they give us vitality, health and strength. LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY.
Readings for the Week
Monday: 2 Cor 4:7-15; Ps 126:1bc-6; Mt 20:20-28
Tuesday: Jer 14:17-22; Ps 79:8, 9, 11, 13; Mt 13:36-43
Wednesday: Jer 15:10, 16-21; Ps 59:2-4, 10-11, 17-18; Mt 13:44-46
Thursday: Jer 18:1-6; Ps 146:1b-6ab; Mt 13:47-53
Friday: Jer 26:1-9; Ps 69:5, 8-10, 14; Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42
Saturday: Jer 26:11-16, 24; Ps 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34; Mt 14:1-12
Sunday: Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23; Ps 90:3-6, 12-14, 17; Col 3:1-5, 9-11; Lk 12:13-21
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time; World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Monday: St. James
Tuesday: Ss. Joachim and Anne
Friday: Ss. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
Saturday: St. Peter Chrysologus; Blessed Virgin Mary
And You, How Do You Decide?
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” Luke 10:40
Let Us Meditate with Jesus
The choices we make in life have deep roots and enormous consequences, however, we take them lightly, naively, as if try to choose between rice or spaghetti.
But when one sins, he is saying to God: I don’t believe you, I don’t love you, I trust you more. me than of you He is covering God’s eyes and mouth, or rather he is covering himself. himself to at that moment not see God because he wants to do something behind his back.
The person who decides not to believe in God, nor to approach Him, or to believe in the God that wants to invent itself in his mind, without entering the Church that He left us, to draw closer to Him, he is telling God the same thing: I don’t love you, I don’t believe you, I trust you, more about me.
But that is what he is also saying to the entire Church, to thousands of bishops and priests, to all the nuns and monks consecrated to God, to all the believers and saints of the past, of the present and of the future: you are wrong, you are wasting the. time, you have invested life uselessly, you have, you have based your life on a lie. They believe that studying theology, going on retreats, praying, writing about God, etc. it is pure waste of time or worse, damaging spread of repressive lies.
This happens without awareness of such a thing, without thinking about it, but if we put light and we make the implicit explicit, this is what we find behind these postures, taken lightly and with apparent innocence or naivety, seeming that everything is equally valid, as if it were any buffet to take or leave your own craving of each.
They believe that by not going to masses, congresses, retreats, etc., they are not missing out on nothing, they believe that praying or going to mass is fooling themselves or wasting their time. They believe that in confession nothing is received, not even in the Eucharist, they believe that it is not really the body of Christ, because if they believed it they would want to receive it and they would not miss it; but in reality they do not care about receiving it or not receiving it, it is a zero to the left.
They can see only the appearance, the exterior, the human, and admire some fruits humans, both those who believe and those who do not believe, for them that of believing is the least, because they only see the exterior, the apparent and superficial, they do not realize of the abysmal difference between the one who is united to God and the one who is not, for one is prepared to die without fear and the other should be terrified of that his life in this world is over.
Mary was at the feet of Jesus, listening to him. Jesus said that she chose the best part… The task is important, to function in this world. But she listens and Meditation of the Word of God is necessary to have divine and eternal Life.
Action and decisions must be illuminated and driven by the light of God, by meditating on his word, not by the world or by human selfishness.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Mi 6:1-4, 6-8; Ps 50:5-6, 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 12:38-42
Tuesday: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 85:2-8; Mt 12:46-50
Wednesday: Jer 1:1, 4-10; Ps 71:1-4a, 5-6ab, 15, 17; Mt 13:1-9
Thursday: Jer 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13; Ps 26:6-7ab, 8-11; Mt 13:10-17
Friday: Sg 3:1-4b or 2 Cor 5:14-17; Ps 63:2-6, 8-9; Jn 20:1-2, 11-18
Saturday: Jer 7:1-11; Ps 84:3-6a, 8a, 11; Mt 13:24-30
Sunday: Gen 18:20-32; Ps 138:1-3, 6-8; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11:1-13
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: St. Camillus de Lellis
Wednesday: St. Apollinaris
Thursday: St. Lawrence of Brindisi
Friday: St. Mary Magdalene
Saturday: St. Bridget of Sweden; Blessed Virgin Mary
Only God Can Fill the Heart
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:29
A story tells that the gods, angry with men for their wickedness, decided to hide happiness somewhere where they could not find it. One said, let’s hide it in the deepest part of the ocean. Another suggested, better on the highest mountain and under the ice. But another replied: I think it is not a good idea, because one day they will be able to explore even in those places. Better let’s get it deep into their hearts, that’s where I’ll never enter and I won’t be able to find it.
It’s like the one who sold his ranch to go in search of a diamond mine, he spent his whole life searching without finding. When the old man wanted to return to his little ranch, he realized that the one who bought it found the largest diamond mine ever seen under the house.
God does not hide happiness from us, on the contrary, he reveals to us the way to find it: Christ is the way. The good news is that: The Kingdom of God is within your reach. It is not far away; it is in your mind and in your heart.
What must I do to have eternal life? It is like asking: what do I do to have happiness, fullness of life, meaning to live…? Many young people and people wonder this, they live like sheep without a shepherd, adrift, confused by so many voices in this world, by so many proposals and different paths.
But we should all listen to the voice of the good shepherd. My sheep affirm my voice and follow me; they will not follow other voices, for they know the voice that must prevail over any other, that of God. That is why Jesus clearly responded to he who asked him this question: what is written, love God above all and your neighbor. Do that and you will live.
No one should continue to wander, aimlessly, without a north, as if in darkness, when God came to be our light and guide, to show us the way, to give us life in abundance, divine, full, eternal. Love like Jesus; and in order to do so, he receives a diary from him of his divine Love in you, so that you can give it. Do that and you will be happy, and you will have Life in your soul.
“You made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts will be restless until they rest in you.” Saint Augustine
Love Neighbor
What does it mean to love God with all our heart, being, strength, and mind? We turn our hearts to God in prayer, quiet
moments of reflection, and participation in the Mass and sacraments. Our whole being may turn to the Lord in trust in the midst of troubled times or when we need courage. We find strength to live as Christ’s people, even when faced with the questions, doubts, and derision of others. We may turn to the Lord with our mind as we prayerfully read sacred scripture and learn more fully the teaching of the Church. All of these things point to a singular desire to know God deeply. The love we have for God is, after all, a reflection of the great love God has for each of us.
Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan points to the impact our love of God is to have in our lives. The priest and Levite were more concerned with observing the letter of the law rather than living its essence. The Samaritan found himself unable to pass by without coming to the traveler’s aid. Who are the travelers whom we meet? What is our response? Are we so filled with the love of God that we cannot ignore the suffering of hunger or homelessness, the needs of the lonely and sick? Loving God necessitates loving our neighbor. We cannot have one without the other. Jesus shows us that the love we are to share is selfless, sacrificial. The Samaritan not only cared for the traveler’s wounds, but took him to find shelter and paid for his care. He went the extra mile on the journey of faith. Who is your neighbor today? How will you love him or her?
Readings for the Week
Monday: Is 1:10-17; Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 10:34 — 11:1
Tuesday: Is 7:1-9; Ps 48:2-8; Mt 11:20-24
Wednesday: Is 10:5-7, 13b-16; Ps 94:5-10, 14-15; Mt 11:25-27
Thursday: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Ps 102:13-14ab, 15-21; Mt 11:28-30
Friday: Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8; Is 38:10-12abcd, 16; Mt 12:1-8
Saturday: Mi 2:1-5; Ps 10:1-4, 7-8, 14; Mt 12:14-21
Sunday: Gen 18:1-10a; Ps 15:2-5; Col 1:24-28; Lk 10:38-42
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: St. Benedict
Wednesday: St. Henry
Thursday: St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Friday: St. Bonaventure
Saturday: Our Lady of Mount Carmel; Blessed Virgin Mary
News for July
Initial Greeting from Father Julio
I am very happy to start this new chapter with all of you, disciples of Christ who walk in this community of Mary Immaculate. As Saint Agustín once said, I am for you a shepherd and with you a Christian. I am a disciple that needs the support of each and every one of you to carry out the dream of God in this community where God has placed us.
And what is God’s dream? that we make present his Kingdom, that we be on earth ambassadors of Heaven, our homeland; because we are in the world, but not we are of the world. We have been sent to make the Kingdom of God present, to build it, putting love where there is lack of love, peace where there is disturbance, and communion where there is discord. In a few words, to be light in the midst of the darkness of this world.
We know well that we can only give light if we connect to the power source, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. To be temples of God, keeping his word, that He be our King and Lord. So we can take it to our families, jobs and wherever we go.
Seek first the Kingdom of God, the rest is not so important, the rest is it will be put in its place, it will be added to us, when we put God in his, of first.
If you are not born of water and the Spirit you cannot live the Kingdom of God. We need to open ourselves to the Spirit to be children of God, to live the fruits and gifts of him and thus do God’s desire comes true
“The spirit of Yahweh will rest on him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and fortitude, a spirit of knowledge and fear of Yahweh. And he inspire in the fear of Yahveh. He will not judge by appearances, nor will he sentence by hearsay. He will judge with justice the weak, and he will sentence with righteousness the poor of the earth. Justice will be the girdle of his waist, truth the belt of his flanks. The wolf will be neighbors and the lamb and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the bull and the cub shall graze together, and a small child will drive them. The cow and the bear will graze, their young will lie down together, the lion, like the oxen, he will eat straw. He will poke the suckling into the hole of the asp, and in the hura from the viper the newly weaned will put his hand. No one will do harm, no one will do wrong at all my holy mountain, because the earth will be full of the knowledge of Yahweh, as covered by the waters the sea.” Isaiah 11,2ss
Those led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. instinct no longer guides us carnal that divides us, but the Holy Spirit that unites us.
LET’S BE BUILDERS OF COMMUNION, LET US MAKE PRESENT OF THE LOVE OF GOD.
Confirmation / Youth Ministry Program
CONFIRMATION be taking REGISTRATIONS beginning July through August. Monday-Thursday from 4-6pm in the Youth Ministry office. Be sure to bring Baptism and First Communion certificates along with a $100 deposit. CONFIRMATION YOUTH PROGRAM is looking for English Catechists. If you are interested please call the Confirmation office. Summer BIBLE STUDIES will be on Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm in the youth ministry office. All High School students are invited. For more information please call the Youth Ministry office at (818) 899-0278, ext 7.
Did You Know?
Healthy vs. unhealthy relationships
Knowing the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships can help prevent human trafficking. Healthy relationships are based on respect, honesty, and trust. In these relationships, partners communicate and help hold healthy, safe boundaries. In unhealthy relationships, one partner holds power, forcing another to sacrifice friendships, family, and even emotional well-being. These relationships are often abusive. Talk with young adults and teenagers about these differences, how to build healthy relationships, and recognize the signs of unhealthy ones. For more information, read “Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships” at https://www.missingkids.org.
The Kingdom of God is at Hand
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20
Think about a typical day for you. From the time you awake until your day ends, you may be busy, focused on work or family with little time to pause except perhaps a few moments for lunch or dinner. Most of us would say this is an accurate description of life as we know it. And if we are honest with ourselves, we see much good that comes from the attention we pay to the people in our lives and the tasks that we accomplish. We may even be mindful of our call to do these things with and through the Lord as we go about our lives. Yet we must remember that we are also called to higher things. We are in the world but not of it.m Our ultimate goal is to be with God for eternity, and all our activities, tasks, and interactions must bear this great purpose in mind.
Jesus sent the seventy-two to proclaim the kingdom of God. They were to show people God’s love by the way in which they lived. They were to travel simply, with only the provisions that were needed, rely on the good will of the people they served, and care for those who were in need. While some of us are called to live as missionaries, visiting places far from the comfort of home, most of us are called to live faithfully in our daily lives, where we are, with family and friends, co-workers, fellow citizens of our local towns and cities, our Country, and the world. Whether we go to far-off lands to serve and share Christ’s message of mercy or we serve in simple ways at home and in our local place, we must remember that whenever we reach out to heal, forgive, and show compassion, the kingdom of God is at hand. Christ is with us and will remain with us.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Hos 2:16, 17b-18, 21-22; Ps 145:2-9; Mt 9:18-26; or, for Independence Day, any readings from the Mass “For Public Needs,” nos. 882-889, or “For Peace and Justice,” nos. 887-891
Tuesday: Hos 8:4-7, 11-13; Ps 115:3-10; Mt 9:32-38
Wednesday: Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12; Ps 105:2-7; Mt 10:1-7
Thursday: Hos 11:1-4, 8c-9; Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16; Mt 10:7-15
Friday: Hos 14:2-10; Ps 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-14, 17; Mt 10:16-23
Saturday: Is 6:1-8; Ps 93:1-2, 5; Mt 10:24-33
Sunday: Dt 30:10-14; Ps 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36-37; or Ps 19:8-11; Col 1:15-20; Lk 10:25-37
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: Independence Day
Tuesday: St. Anthony Zaccaria; St. Elizabeth of Portugal
Wednesday: St. Maria Goretti
Saturday: St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions; Blessed Virgin Mary
Be Ready
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Luke 9:58
What does it mean to follow Jesus? The Gospels show us that Jesus called each person individually, recognizing the things that stood in the way for each. He looked into the person’s heart and saw the true desires of the person standing before him. Each of us experiences Christ’s call uniquely as the persons we are. For some, following requires us to take stock of our lives and of the obstacles that keep us from the way of true discipleship. For others, the call may lead us to deepen the way that faith directs our lives, with more intentional time in prayer, regular participation in Mass, renewed attention to family, involvement in our parish, or new acts of service.
It is easy to say we want to follow Jesus, yet most of us feel competing desires that stand in the way of discipleship. We may be distracted by the constant swirl of activity so prevalent in our surrounding culture; we might be lured by worldly wealth and the status that often accompanies it; we may simply be comfortable with the way things are and find it difficult to risk changing anything. In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes it clear that we must stop putting off making the changes that will bring us closer to him and to God’s way of life. We must trust in the Lord, knowing that what he most deeply desires is that we be close to him. If you encountered Jesus today and said you were ready to follow him, what would he see in your heart, what obstacles or hesitations would he perceive? Go to Jesus in prayer this day. Listen to him say, “Follow me.” Prayerfully place your life in the Lord’s hands and be ready to follow.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Am 2:6-10, 13-16; Ps 50:16bc-23; Mt 8:18-22
Tuesday: Am 3:1-8; 4:11-12; Ps 5:4b-8; Mt 8:23-27
Wednesday:
Vigil: Acts 3:1-10; Ps 19:2-5; Gal 1:11-20; Jn 21:15-19
Day: Acts 12:1-11; Ps 34:2-9; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19
Thursday: Am 7:10-17; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 9:1-8
Friday: Am 8:4-6, 9-12; Ps 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40,131; Mt 9:9-13
Saturday: Am 9:11-15; Ps 85:9ab, 10-14; Mt 9:14-17
Sunday: Is 66:10-14c; Ps 66:1-7, 16, 20; Gal 6:14-18; Lk 10:1-12, 17-20 [1-9]
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: St. Cyril of Alexandria
Tuesday: St. Irenaeus
Wednesday: Ss. Peter and Paul
Thursday: The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church
Friday: St. Junípero Serra; Canada Day; First Friday
Saturday: First Saturday; Blessed Virgin Mary
Give Them Some Food Yourselves
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
“Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, Jesus said the blessing over them, broke them and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.” Luke 9:16
We do it so often, we could take it for granted. Yet, the mystery of the Eucharist, our participation in, reception of, and being sent to live as Christ’s Body and Blood is a gift beyond measure. In the desert with the crowd and on the night of the Last Supper, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, said a prayer of blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to those who hungered for physical and spiritual nourishment. Scripture scholars and theologians often remind us that we are to repeat Jesus’ actions of taking, blessing, breaking, and giving—with our lives, resources, and gifts—so that others may know the love of Christ. As Eucharistic people. we are meant to be changed, to become more like the One whom we receive.
Notice that Jesus sent his disciples to give the crowd the food they needed. Jesus could have done this alone. We could say he didn’t need the disciples to participate in the feeding of the great crowd. But Jesus did not act alone then, and Christ relies on us now, to feed those who hunger and thirst physically, spiritually, and emotionally. When we grow weary and want nothing more than to satisfy our selfish and self-centered impulses, it is good for us to remember who we are and whose we are. It is crucial that we hear in the depths of our hearts, “Give them some food yourselves,” and be ready to do so. On this solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, let us celebrate Christ’s living presence with and for us and recognize our call to share that presence with others.
Readings for the Week
Monday: 2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18; Ps 60:3-5, 12-13; Mt 7:1-5
Tuesday: 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36; Ps 48:2-4, 10-11; Mt 7:6, 12-14
Wednesday: 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3; Ps 119:33-37, 40; Mt 7:15-20
Thursday:
Vigil: Jer 1:4-10; Ps 71:1-6, 15, 17; 1 Pt 1:8-12; Lk 1:5-17
Day: Is 49:1-6; Ps 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80
Friday: Ez 34:11-16; Ps 23:1-6; Rom 5:5b-11; Lk 15:3-7
Saturday: Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19; Ps 74:1b-7, 20-21; Lk 2:41-51
Sunday: 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21; Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-11; Gal 5:1, 13-18; Lk 9:51-62
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ; Father’s Day; Juneteenth
Monday: Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Tuesday: St. Aloysius Gonzaga; Summer begins
Wednesday: St. Paulinus of Nola; Ss. John Fisher and Thomas More
Thursday: The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Friday: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Saturday: The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Look with Eyes of Faith
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
“O Lord our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:2
Have you ever paused on a clear night to look up at the stars, or taken time to notice the splendor of spring flowers, the changing colors of the autumn leaves, or the still beauty of a snow-covered landscape? Such moments of quiet reflection may lead us to a powerful sense of wonder. The same God who created the stars, flowers, trees, and snow created each of us. In sensing God’s presence in the beauty that surrounds us, we may be filled with awe in perceiving what cannot be seen. Moments of wonder and awe may take us by surprise. It may be invisible, yet in these moments we see the hand of God.
Not only in the beauty of God’s creation do we sense the presence of the Lord. In times of prayer, especially the celebration of the Eucharist, we are strengthened in faith to be assured of the mystery of the triune God. The Holy Spirit guides us to the truth—the truth of who God is and who we are in God’s sight. Even in times of great trial, we endure and find hope in the mystery of Christ’s love—Jesus, who gave his life for us on the cross and who rose in glory is with us in times of wonder and in moments of difficulty. We see the love of God in the acts of love of others and when we act as Christ’s people in service and care for others. We grow in the capacity to see with the eyes of faith, eyes that recognize God’s grace and are ready to respond by sharing the love of God, Father, Son, and Spirit, in the world.
Readings for the Week
Monday: 1 Kgs 21:1-16; Ps 5:2-3ab, 4b-7; Mt 5:38-42
Tuesday: 1 Kgs 21:17-29; Ps 51:3-6ab, 11, 16; Mt 5:43-48
Wednesday: 2 Kgs 2:1, 6-14; Ps 31:20, 21, 24; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Thursday: Sir 48:1-14; Ps 97:1-7; Mt 6:7-15
Friday: 2 Kgs 11:1-4, 9-18, 20; Ps 132:11-14, 17-18; Mt 6:19-23
Saturday: 2 Chr 24:17-25; Ps 89:4-5, 29-34; Mt 6:24-34
Sunday: Gn 14:18-20; Ps 110:1-4; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Lk 9:11b-17
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: The Most Holy Trinity
Monday: Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time; St. Anthony of Padua
Tuesday: Flag Day
Saturday: Blessed Virgin Mary
News for June
Fr. Julio Antonio Doménech
He was born in Valencia, Spain, after 4 sisters and later had another little brother. He entered the Verbum Dei missionary fraternity where he did his formation. He was sent to Lisbon, Portugal to study philosophy and theology at the Portuguese Catholic University. He was ordained a priest with 15 other young men in Madrid, Spain. He later was assigned to various missions, as a college teacher in Ireland, leader of missionary training in Colombia and Spain. He was also pursuing a master’s degree in Theology at the Pontifical Bolivarian University of Medellín. In 1998 he was sent to Mexico, where he lived with missionaries of the cross, participating in courses and congresses of SINE (Integral System of New Evangelization) founded by Fr. Alfonso Navarro, missionary of the Holy Spirit, with whom he lived with for several years. There he also studied Psychology and masters at the University of the Americas (Mexico). In 2014 he arrived at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and after serving in several Parishes he will arrive at our parish of Mary Immaculate on July 1, 2022.
Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers
Our ENGLISH LECTORS and EXTRA-ORDINARY MINISTERS of Holy Communion are in need of people interested in becoming part of their ministry. For those interested, please speak to Rosemary Magaña after Sunday 10 a.m. mass. Those interest must have received their Sacraments of Initiation, practicing Catholics, and must complete the requirements of VIRTUS and Fingerprinting per the Archdiocese.
RCIA
Our RCIA program is in need of experienced English Catechists. Those interested must have the following requirements:
1. Experience as a catechist
2. Fingerprints and VIRTUS training
If you wish to participate as an English catechist for the RCIA program, please call our parish office to leave a message for Deacon Martin Orea.
Fingerprinting
Mary Immaculate Church will be hosting FINGERPRINTING on Friday, June 10, 2022. Appointments are limited. Please call our parish office to make your appointment.
Did You Know?
Check for substance abuse in caregivers
Choosing a babysitter for your children is hard, and the prevalence of substance use and abuse makes it even harder. When parents are screening potential babysitters, it is important to check for any warning signs of drug or alcohol use. You may want to seek out references or ask for a background check or licenses. For more tips on choosing the right babysitter, read the VIRTUS® article “Is Your Babysitter or Caregiver Safe?” at lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.
Variety of Gifts
Pentecost Sunday
“Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” John 20:22-23
The Christian community gathered in the Upper Room, awaiting the Holy Spirit, has long stirred the Christian imagination. In our own time, when the Church has a long history of Christian faith but now faces many challenges, we might return to this image. Like the first disciples, we often don’t know what to do next. What used to work for us doesn’t work as well. We need to stay together, honor diversity, reflect upon the roots of our faith, and remain rooted in prayer.
Yet there is more. Pentecost has happened and is happening. The Spirit has already burst out into the world, already stirring among those who are confused about God. The Book of Acts tells the story of a Church continually pushed out by the Spirit, to join in what God was already up to, out in the world. We too are invited not only to remember our unity and our roots, but to pay acute attention to how the Spirit is working in our local communities.
In today’s second reading, Saint Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth, a community encountering tensions and divisions over spiritual gifts. Paul reminds them that the Spirit shares a variety of gifts; none is better than any other, and all are needed by the whole Church. The Spirit is revealed in the diversity of gifts offered by individuals and by distinct groups. The Spirit desires that the Church live as an interdependent, cohesive whole, as the Body of Christ.
A parish can be a collegial partnership where parishioners, clergy, and ministry staff can confidently share God’s gifts. Gifts from persons and groups of diverse backgrounds can be honored. Gifts that tend to be less visible, such as in finance, custodial work, or administration, can be celebrated as much as those in preaching and music. May we notice God’s grace in this diversity.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Gn 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14; Ps 87:1-3, 5-7; Jn 19:25-34
Tuesday: 1 Kgs 17:7-16; Ps 4:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 5:13-16
Wednesday: 1 Kgs 18:20-39; Ps 16:1b-2ab, 4, 5ab, 8, 11; Mt 5:17-19
Thursday: 1 Kgs 18:41-46; Ps 65:10-13; Mt 5:20-26
Friday: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-16; Ps 27:7-9abc, 13-14; Mt 5:27-32
Saturday: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3; Ps 16:1b-2a, 5, 7-10; Mt 5:33-37
Sunday: Prv 8:22-31; Ps 8:4-9; Rom 5:1-5; Jn 16:12-15
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Pentecost Sunday
Monday: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church; Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Thursday: St. Ephrem
Saturday: St. Barnabas
Witnesses
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Appreciating the Ascension within the larger story of Jesus can be difficult. This is partly because of the mystical features of Luke’s two descriptions, and also the lack of description in the other Gospels. The Ascension describes both the absence and the presence of Jesus, Why did Jesus have to leave? As Jesus told his disciples, his departure makes possible his continuing presence in a new way, through the work of the Spirit beginning at Pentecost.
The Ascension is more than a departure, for it describes how the bodily, human Jesus is now “at the right hand of God,” and that the Father exalts Jesus as Lord of heaven and earth. We need to hold these two together: that Jesus knows our human trials and joys and walks compassionately with us; and Jesus also is our Lord, who pushes us out of our comfort zones toward Christian maturity and holds us accountable.
In the descriptions of the Ascension in today’s readings, Jesus tells the disciples “You are witnesses” or “you will be my witnesses.” The image of witness evokes a legal proceeding, where a person affirms the truth of an event. Sometimes physical evidence, such as a DNA test, serves as witness to the truth, This same word is used again and again in Acts, as the apostles witnessed to the Resurrection, or to the whole story of Jesus. We are called to witness to the truth of the Gospel.
We might witness in at least three ways. In dialogue with others, we can speak the witness, by explicitly sharing the biblical story and what it means for us. We can do the witness, by aligning our actions and lifestyle so as to share love for others. We can be the witness, in our fundamental openness and faithful response to God, and in our grace-filled personal presence with others. We are the best evidence of the truths of our faith.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Acts 19:1-8; Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab; Jn 16:29-33
Tuesday: Zep 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16; Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6; Lk 1:39-56
Wednesday: Acts 20:28-38; Ps 68:29-30, 33-36ab; Jn 17:11b-19
Thursday: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11; Jn 17:20-26
Friday: Acts 25:13b-21; Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab; Jn 21:15-19
Saturday: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31: Ps 11:4, 5, 7; Jn 21:20-25
Sunday: Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b or Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104:1-2, 24, 35, 27-30; Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39
Day: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Rom 8:8-17; Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26
Saints and Special Observances
Sunday: The Ascension of the Lord; World Communications Day
Monday: Memorial Day
Tuesday: The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wednesday: St. Justin
Thursday: Ss. Marcellinus and Peter
Friday: St. Charles Lwanga and Companions; First Friday
Saturday: First Saturday;
Shavuot (Jewish observance) begins at sunset
What is Essential?
Sixth Sunday of Easter
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” John 14:27
Today’s passage from Acts captures the beginning and the conclusion of what became known as the Jerusalem Council. It is well worth studying all of Acts 15, meant to provide an example of responsible leadership for the wider Church. There was substantial conflict within the community over what is necessary for unity in the diverse community of Jews and Gentiles. We can notice some key characteristics of the actions of the leadership.
The leaders acknowledged the reality of a significant conflict without minimizing it. [hey received and fully honored the diverse experiences of persons of different backgrounds. They worked with an accepted authority structure and a process to move toward resolution. They were committed to discerning the action and will of the Spirit, with a deep respect for testimony about how the Spirit was working. They avoided placing unneeded burdens on anyone. And afterward, they continued to observe the ongoing action of the Spirit as the decision was implemented.
The issues weighed by the Jerusalem Council in our passage from Acts were related to circumcision as a requirement, and to table fellowship. A strong theological tradition held that traditional practices were essential, and the community genuinely sought to maintain continuity with the roots of their faith. Peter’s observation about how the Spirit was actively working in their midst pointed the leaders in a new direction. Then James reminded them that the scriptural tradition also pointed to fully welcoming the Gentiles into God’s community.
It is a profound challenge for leaders in Our Own parishes when encountering issues that can fracture a community. What is essential and what is not? What are we called to embrace, or called to lay down? Acknowledging conflict and working toward resolution is an essential function for our parishes, because Christ calls us to live in unity. We are called to open our hearts, mine our tradition, and observe the activity of the Spirit.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Acts 16:11-15; Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b; Jn 15:26 — 16:4a
Tuesday: Acts 16:22-34; Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8; Jn 16:5-11
Wednesday: Acts 17:15, 22 — 18:1; Ps 148:1-2, 11-14; Jn 16:12-15
Thursday: Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-9; Eph 1:17-23 or Heb 9:24-28; 10:19-23; Lk 24:46-53 (for Ascension); otherwise Acts 18:1-8; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 16:16-20
Friday: Acts 18:9-18; Ps 47:2-7; Jn 16:20-23
Saturday: Acts 18:23-28; Ps 47:2-3, 8-10; Jn 16:23b-28
Sunday: Acts 7:55-60; Ps 97:1-2, 6-7, 9; Rv 22:12-14, 16-17, 20; Jn 17:20-26 or (for Ascension) Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-9; Eph 1:17- 23 or Heb 9:24-28; 10:19-23; Lk 24:46-53
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Monday: Victoria Day (Canada)
Wednesday: St. Bede the Venerable; St. Gregory VII; St. Mary Magdalene de’Pazzi
Thursday: The Ascension of the Lord (unless transferred to Sunday); St. Philip Neri
Friday: St. Augustine of Canterbury
All Things New
“I, John, saw a new Heaven and a new Earth.” Revelation 21:1
We are introduced to the book of Revelation’s great concluding vision in our second reading. The completion of God’s project of salvation is described as a new Jerusalem coming from heaven, to form a new heaven and new earth. The image of a marriage articulates this a vision, in which the two sides of God’s good creation, earth and heaven, are joined in a final union. Earth (the physical universe) will not be destroyed, but instead be fully renewed.
This vision rejects any notion that the physical and the spiritual are ultimately separate and opposed to each other. It rejects the idea that heaven is an escape from a prison of earthly life. Like a marriage partnership, these two sides of reality are fundamentally made for each other. Life in heaven and life on earth are quite different now. But the life of faith, here and now, offers a foretaste of God’s promised future.
The new heaven and new earth described by Revelation is where God will dwell fully among God’s beloved creation. God’s reign will be a reign of love, where death will be no more. In Revelation, death fuels fear and resentment, which turn to cycles of violence and destruction, and to social systems that sustain injustice. These cycles of death will one day be broken by love. In Gad’s reign of love, new energies of creativity and human fulfillment can be released.
When God says “behold, | make all things new,” God is speaking of both the present and the future. God is working now, in every person and community, in every part of creation, to bring about this new reality. We the Church must learn to see God working in our lives, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods, breaking cycles of death. We are summoned to join in what God is doing, releasing new energies of love, anticipating the final fulfillment of God’s work.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Acts 14:5-18; Ps 115:1-4, 15-16; Jn 14:21-26
Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145:10-13ab, 21; Jn 14:27-31a
Wednesday: Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:1-5; Jn 15:1-8
Thursday: Acts 15:7-21; Ps 96:1-3, 10; Jn 15:9-11
Friday: Acts 15:22-31; Ps 57:8-10, 12; Jn 15:12-17
Saturday: Acts 16:1-10; Ps 100:1b-3, 5; Jn 15:18-21
Sunday: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Rv 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn 14:23-29
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Fifth Sunday of Easter
Wednesday: St. John I
Friday: St. Bernardine of Siena
Saturday: St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions; Armed Forces Day
White Robes
Fourth Sunday of Easter
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Today’s passage from the Acts of the Apostles is one of several turning points in the self-under-standing of the early Church. Paul evokes the image of “A light to the Gentiles.” Some thought that Gentiles, non-Jews, were somehow marginal in God’s eyes. The Gentiles in Paul’s audience rejoice, because they now see that they are not “second class” members of God’s family, but fully part of God’s beloved people. The story continues by noting the resistance from those who enjoy “first class” status in the community, as inclusion of the Gentiles was perceived as a threat to their self-image and privilege. The book of Acts continues to challenge today’s societies, churches, and organizations. Luke’s vision of God’s family, unit-ed as equal heirs to the Kingdom of God, confronts our many barriers of wealth, race, gender, and much more. We are invited to give witness to this vision in our life together as the Church.
Our reading from the Book of Revelation presents the image of God’s people before God’s throne, wearing robes that are washed white in the blood of the Lamb. A robe, especially when worn in God’s presence, is meant to express the real truth about the person. A white robe indicates their purity. The washing in the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) suggests that the people have met much suffering, and in some manner, have participated in the suffering of Jesus. These passages were written to a people experiencing great tribulations in living their faith. But the author of Revelation does not suggest that anyone should seek out suffering for its own sake. He does not make suffering somehow a necessary entry pass for salvation. Our sufferings come from many sources, and suffering is a profound mystery. The image of washing in blood suggests that God is present within our suffering. God accompanies our suffering, leads us toward refreshment, and will wipe every tear from our eyes.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Acts 11:1-18; Ps 42:2-3; 43:3, 4; Jn 10:1-10
Tuesday: Acts 11:19-26; Ps 87:1b-7; Jn 10:22-30
Wednesday: Acts 12:24 — 13:5a; Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Jn 12:44-50
Thursday: Acts 13:13-25; Ps 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27; Jn 13:16-20
Friday: Acts 13:26-33; Ps 2:6-11ab; Jn 14:1-6
Saturday: Acts 1:15-17; Ps 113:1-8; Jn 15:9-17
Sunday: Acts 14:21-27; Ps 145:8-13; Rv 21:1-5a; Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Easter; Mother’s Day; World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Tuesday: St. Damien de Veuster; St. John of Avila
Thursday: Ss. Nereus and Achilleus; St. Pancras
Friday: Our Lady of Fatima
Saturday: St. Matthias
News for May
Memorial Day
In observance of Memorial Day Our parish office will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2022.
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry is now enrolling for our Youth Programs of EDGE and LIFETEEN. There is no cost to attend these programs. EDGE is our Middle School Ministry that meets on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00pm. LIFETEEN is our High School Ministry that meets on certain Fridays from 6:30-8:00pm. Please call the Youth Ministry office for more information on how to sign up for these programs (818) 899-0278 Ext 7.
Did You Know?
Amusement park safety
Heading to a family amusement park this summer? Prepare your family with some easy safety tips. Amusement parks are crowded and exciting — and unfortunately, they can also be the perfect scenario for children to get distracted and separated from the family. Before you go, discuss the rules with your children: specify where they can go and who they can go with. Establish a buddy system and a family meet-up spot in case you get separated. For more tips, request a copy of the VIRTUS® article “Keeping Kids Safe at Amusement Parks” at lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.
Lectors
Our English lector and extra-ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are in need of people interested in becoming part of their ministry. For those interested, please contact Rosemary Magana. Those interested must have received their Sacraments of Initiation, practicing Catholics, and must complete the requirements of VIRTUS and fingerprinting per the Archdiocese.
Repeated Questions
Third Sunday of Easter
“Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, Son of John, do you love me more than these?'” John 21:15
In the first chapters of Acts, the apostles venture out energetically, soon after Pentecost, to proclaim the risen Jesus. Today’s reading shows the Sanhedrin, the formal religious body that had condemned Jesus shortly before, now threatening the apostles. The Sanhedrin likely feared that Jesus’ followers would, in vengeance for the Crucifixion, stir up a riot or even a violent revolt. The apostles, consistent with Jesus’ own dealings with the authorities, proclaim Jesus’ message of God’s forgiveness of everyone, and refuse to incite violence.
It is a great challenge, as Peter said, to “obey God rather than man.” Throughout history, when groups of God’s people, inspired by God’s dream for a just and free world, have spoken out non-violently against injustice and oppression, they have sought to obey God’s summons. We the Church, while always mindful of the dangers of self-deception, are similarly called to discern and obey God in our own time and place.
In today’s Gospel, John sets the scene for Jesus’ encounter with Peter, sitting by a “charcoal fire.” There is just one other mention of a charcoal fire in John’s Gospel: when Peter warms himself while awaiting Jesus’ trial, and Peter goes on to deny knowing Jesus, three times. The evangelist directly links Jesus’ three questions of Peter, “do you love me?”, to Peter’s three denials. Through his repeated questioning, Jesus helps Peter to face his actions fully, and to accept forgiveness fully as well.
When God invites us into prayer, we may be invited to enter into deep conversation with God about our lives. God can pose the same questions to us, again and again over time, to face what we might prefer to avoid: Can you forgive someone who has hurt you? Can you be more generous? Can you let go of obstacles to becoming more loving? And even: Do you love me? Jesus’ encounter with Peter suggests that we can face such questions with deep trust in God.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29
Tuesday: 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn 14:6-14
Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8; Ps 66:1-3a, 4-7a; Jn 6:35-40
Thursday: Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6:44-51
Friday: Acts 9:1-20; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Jn 6:52-59
Saturday: Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12-17; Jn 6:60-69
Sunday: Acts 13:14, 43-52; Ps 100:1-3, 5; Rv 7:9, 14b-17; Jn 10:27-30
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Third Sunday of Easter
Monday: St. Athanasius
Tuesday: Ss. Philip and James
Thursday: National Day of Prayer; Cinco de Mayo
Friday: First Friday
Saturday: First Saturday
Primary Dimensions
Second Sunday of Easter
“Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.'” John 20:19
In today’s Gospel, we notice there was a week between Jesus’ first appearance (without Thomas), and the following appearance (with Thomas). During this week, Thomas chose to stay with the community. But why? Perhaps he trusted his friends in some way. Perhaps he reflected on their life with Jesus and on the possibility their account was true. In the week between, Thomas stayed and lived with the questions, and with his doubts. Importantly, the disciples did not cast him out as an unbeliever. It seems they accepted and loved him, just as he was.
Perhaps many of us live in this “week between.” We have questions and doubts. We can choose to leave or to stay. We can either engage or ignore our deepest questions. If we embrace our questions with courage, we can live into them. Perhaps we will encounter, through God’s initiative, and with the help of our companions in faith, some of the answers— and new questions along the way.
We are currently in Year © of the three-year lectionary cycle. For the Second Sunday of Easter, in all three years, the first reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Year A (from Acts 2) tells of the new Christian community’s dedication to prayer. Year B (from Acts 4) tells of their sharing of goods and deep bonds of trust in each other. Today we hear in Acts 5 of the early Church’s ministry of healing to the community, performed by Peter and the apostles.
These represent three of the primary dimensions of those first Christian communities: prayer in relationship to God; sharing in relationship to each other; and service in relationship to the world around them. We are reminded that all three are fundamental to our identity as Church. We fail to live fully as Church when we neglect any of these relationships. We are called to encourage their full flowering in our own parish’s life.
Readings for the Week
Monday: 1 Pt 5:5b-14; Ps 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17; Mk 16:15-20
Tuesday: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93:1-2, 5; Jn 3:7b-15
Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-9; Jn 3:16-21
Thursday: Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20; Jn 3:31-36
Friday: Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Jn 6:1-15
Saturday: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; Jn 6:16-21
Sunday: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Rv 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19 [1-14]
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Second Sunday of Easter; (or Sunday of Divine Mercy); Julian Calendar Easter
Monday: St. Mark
Wednesday: Administrative Professionals Day
Thursday: St. Peter Chanel; St. Louis Grignion de Montfort; Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)
Friday: St. Catherine of Siena; Arbor Day
Saturday: St. Pius V