Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Pacoima, California

Life is Hard, but Have No Fear

"Not a hair on your head will be destroyed." (Lk 21:18)

Confidence in the Lord

"The King of the universe will raise us up to live again forever." (2 Mc 7:9)

The Miraculous Draught of Fishes, by Raphael, 1515

Relationship with God

"O God, be merciful to me a sinner." (Lk 18:13)

The Healing of Ten Lepers (Guérison de dix lépreux), 1886-1896. James Tissot (French, 1836-1902).

Healing and Salvation

“Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” (Lk 17:13)

A Little Faith

"We are unprofitable servants." (Lk 17:10)

Illustration of Lazarus at the rich man's gate by Fyodor Bronnikov, 1886.

Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Today’s readings are again directed to believers, communities of faith. As in last week’s reading, Amos confronts us with a condemnation of those whose lives are focused on pleasure and self-absorption. The psalm contrasts that focus with the Lord’s—justice for the oppressed; food the hungry; freedom for captives; sight to the blind; raising of those who are bowed down; loving the just; protecting strangers, orphans, and the widow; and by doing so, thwarting the way of the wicked. Timothy urges the pursuit of righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Luke tells the familiar tale of the wealthy man and the poor beggar at […]

The Return of the Prodigal Son (1773) by Pompeo Batoni

Lost & Found

"Rejoice, your brother who was lost has been found." (Lk 15:24)

Welcome the Stranger

"They shall bring all your brothers and sisters from all the nations..." (Is 66:20)

Listen to Jesus and the Prophets

Prophets have always had a tough row to hoe. Their words, often unwelcome, are used against them to persecute and even kill them. Such was the fate of the Old Testament prophets, and Jeremiah is a great example of this. Jesus endured opposition from sinners, and did not turn back from a shameful death in order to rise to a glorious new life. The ultimate prophet, Jesus sought to warn the people of his time and ours of the divisions that his words would cause, showing himself to be the prophet of all time. We all need to look at our divisions and dilemmas in light of Jesus’ teachings and […]