GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE October 4, 2026 Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 21:33-43 Have you ever felt like your attempts at prayer are a waste of time? I have. Early in my priesthood, I noticed that my prayer life was weakening. Awe and eager expectancy of contact with God had given way to routine. I gradually spent less and less time praying. Nothing dramatic had happened, but my attitude toward God had changed, and I was losing the desire to pray. Jesus’ parable of the insane vineyard tenants speaks into this kind of experience. He says the landowner “leased it to tenants and went on a journey” (Matthew 21:33). The key to this message is that the vineyard does not belong to those who work it — they are entrusted with it. But little by little, they view it as their possession, and ungrateful entitlement follows. The servants sent by the owner are treated as intrusions. Even the owner’s son becomes a means to their delusional self-will. The central tragedy is not violence but the forgetfulness that spawns it. They need reminding how lucky they are to be given so much. Eventually, God sent friends to remind me that my relationship with Him and my prayer time are not my possessions, but rather God’s tremendous gifts to me. Perhaps you are feeling discouraged for some reason or other these days in your walk with God. Ponder this parable and let it be a gentle reminder that you and I are fortunate stewards, and God is the generous giver. This allows us to rediscover the beauty of the vineyards in our lives and to remain energetic in cultivating his gifts. — Father John Muir ©LPi

This weekend, we celebrate Respect Life Sunday, a time to recognize and uphold the God-given dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. Join the conversation! Finish this sentence in the comments: "Life is sacred because..." We look forward to seeing you at Mass!

Tomorrow, October 2nd, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels! Fun Fact: Angels are spiritual beings created by God. St. Augustine calls them "the mighty ones who do His word, harkening to the voice of His word."

Virtues, EXPLAINED! The virtue of equity means attending to the letter of the law, but doing so using our God-given human faculties and the mercy required of a Christian. It’s looking at the whole picture — especially the divinely crafted person at the center of it.

Prayer for Autumn — Dear God, As the weather changes, the birds migrate, and autumn’s flowers, colors, and clouds make their entrance, we thank You for the gift of this beautiful season! Help us use this season to draw closer to each other and to You. Amen.

GOSPEL QUESTION OF THE WEEK — In the parable of the two sons, Jesus warns the chief priests and elders to be open-minded and willing to change. What are you hoping will change in your life?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE September 27, 2026 Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 21:28 32 This Sunday, Jesus tells a short, uncomfortable story. A father asks two sons to go work in the vineyard. One says no, but later goes. The other says yes, but never shows up. It is a parable so simple, we almost miss how sharp it is. Jesus is clear about who it is for. This is not aimed at pagans or outsiders. It is aimed squarely at religious people, people who know the right words and sound obedient. Jesus is not condemning unbelief so much as disobedience. The polite hypocrisy that says the right things while quietly resisting the Father’s will. St. John Chrysostom put it bluntly, “Not words, but deeds, are what God requires. Nothing so exasperates Him as insincere obedience, while nothing so delights Him as repentance.” Every disciple must face that mirror. Do I publicly profess faith in Christ while privately resisting what He asks of me? It is easy to say, I believe in God in my heart. But if faith never becomes action, it slowly becomes an illusion. Jesus does not expose hypocrisy to shame us. He reveals it to heal us. He wants our hearts and our deeds to speak the same word, to let our yes truly mean yes. Like the second son who initially refused but afterwards changed his mind and went, Jesus invites us to step into the Father’s will, however late, however imperfectly. Challenge: Where are your public faith and private obedience divided? Where do you say, I will go, but never enter the vineyard? Go, get to work, even if it is late. The Father’s vineyard is still open. — Father John Muir ©LPi

A Gratitude Examen Gratitude is one of the greatest spiritual practices. It opens our minds, calms our hearts, and rids bitterness of it’s power. The “examen” is a spiritual practice to reflect on how we have responded to God’s work in our lives. This Thanksgiving, consider your own reasons for thankfulness! What Gifts have You given me? How have I Received love from others? How is grace at work in Aspects of my life story? Do I Trust You to continue to bless me? Where have I missed Your movements? Have I used my Talents at the service of other? Do I see a purpose for my life Underway? How can I have the Discipline to thank You daily? Help me give Everything back to You! ©LPi

This Priesthood Sunday, we give thanks for the priests who have answered God’s call with faith and generosity, both throughout history and in our communities today. Through their service, compassion, and devotion, they bring Christ’s presence to His people in countless ways.

Fun Fact: We remember God's love and Jesus' resurrection when we gather as a community for Sunday Mass. Staying "prayed up" keeps us spiritually strong!

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Liberality means giving of one’s resources freely and abundantly, according to what we possess. For some, it will be time; for others, it will be talent. For many, it is wealth. Whatever we have, we are called to be generous with it.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK— The master rewards the latecomers with the same wage as those who labored all day, upsetting the construct of who deserves what — and why. May we never seek to be the judge of what others deserve. May we labor in our vineyard with joy and gratitude.

This week, the Church celebrates National Migration Week! During this special time, we reflect on Christ's call to welcome the stranger and care for all our neighbors. As we remember the Holy Family's flight into Egypt, let us pray for migrants and refugees seeking safety, dignity, and hope — just like they were.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE September 20, 2026 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 20:1-16 Every December, the priests of my diocese gather for a Christmas dinner with our bishop. Nearly 200 of us in one room: newly ordained and long retired, pastors of large parishes and quiet confessors, men full of energy and others moving more slowly. Some carry visible success; others bear hidden wounds. It is a tapestry of vocations and lives. When the bishop thanks us, I am always moved. For a moment, none of our differences matter. What matters is that we belong to one another. I usually leave that evening with a deep sense of peace, but also with a sober realization. Nothing drains joy from the vineyard of the Lord faster than comparison. The quiet habit of measuring, ranking, and resenting can creep in even among those who sincerely serve God. That is what Jesus exposes in today’s parable of the workers in the vineyard. The early laborers are not upset because they were treated unjustly; they are angry because others were treated generously. Their resentment blinds them to the gift already in their hands. When the landowner asks, “Are you envious because I am generous?” he names the real wound. This tension echoes throughout salvation history: the elder brother resenting the prodigal, the faithful servant scorning the latecomer. Jesus does not deny the labor of those who have borne the heat of the day, but he refuses to let God’s mercy become a zero-sum game. In the end, the vineyard’s reward is not about fairness but belonging. The joy offered is communion with a generous Father, who delights in gathering early and late, strong and weak, into one household of grace. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Advent Wreath Question: What’s the story behind the Advent wreath? Answer: Each season in the liturgical calendar comes with its own local and regional rituals. During the Advent season, wreathes adorn church sanctuaries and family dining room tables. You may have said Advent wreath prayers in childhood or taken a turn lighting the candles. The Advent wreath is full of symbolism about Christ and his coming at Christmas. The wreath is made of evergreen boughs, reminding us that the life of grace doesn’t falter with the changing seasons. It always remains fresh and new. Similarly, a circular wreath reminds us of the eternal, never-ending nature of God’s love. Candles remind us that Christ is the light of the world, the One who “shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We use four candles to represent each week of Advent. Traditionally they come in the liturgical colors of the season. Purple has historically represented penance and sacrifice. We see the same color for the season of Lent. On the third Sunday of Advent, however, we light a rose color. The priest will wear rose vestments at Mass. This is Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. On the third Sunday of Advent, we’re roughly halfway through the season. The Church chooses the midpoint to remind us to celebrate in the midst of our anticipation! Whatever the color and whatever the day, the Advent wreath is a beautiful practice to focus our attention on Christ’s coming at Christmas. ©LPi

Happy Catechetical Sunday! On this special Sunday, we give thanks for the catechists in our parish who faithfully proclaim the Gospel and help form disciples of every age. Their commitment to teaching the faith is a true blessing to our community. We hope you'll join us at Mass as we recognize our catechists and pray for God's continued guidance in their ministry.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Without practicing the virtue of friendliness, known officially as affability, we cannot properly evangelize the Gospel. This virtue is more important than ever in the modern world, where we so often encounter people who think differently than we do.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — In the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus teaches Peter the importance of forgiving others from the heart. How do you know your forgiveness of others is sincere?

Throughout September, and especially today, the Church honors Our Lady of Sorrows. On this feast day, we are invited to contemplate Mary's deep love and faithfulness amid suffering. By reflecting on her Seven Sorrows, may we find strength in times of trial and grow in compassion for others. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. This feast reminds us that what once symbolized suffering became the instrument of our salvation through Christ's sacrifice. How has the meaning of the cross shaped your faith and hope?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE September 13, 2026 Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 18:21-35 In my parish, there was once a new employee who frequently told me she was sorry for various imperfections in her work. It could be a little tiring. I finally told her, “You know, you don’t have to say ‘sorry’ so often.” She looked me right in the eyes and said, “Father, you’re right. I’m sorry.” Her ear-to-ear grin betrayed that she enjoyed the irony — and that she would keep asking for forgiveness as often as she needed it. The Gospel reading this week proclaims to us that God, in Jesus, delights in numerous requests for, and the granting of, forgiveness. To Peter’s question, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus responds, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” In other words, Peter, stop counting. Christian life should be marked by a commitment to frequent forgiveness. God never tires of forgiving us. His limitless love has overcome the power of vengeance, hatred, and division. We tap into that each and every time we ask for forgiveness or extend it to another. How beautiful our hearts become when they become accustomed to frequent forgiveness! How joyful and attractive become our marriages, families, and parish communities! How light our souls feel when unburdened by the habit of keeping score. Challenge: Name one thing, small or large, for which you could ask forgiveness from someone in your life. Then do it. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Why Do Catholics Baptize Babies? Question: Why do Catholics baptize babies? Answer: For adults who want to be baptized, the celebration only takes place after a long, guided, and thoughtful process through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is also true for many Protestant Christians, who are baptized later in life, often after a personal, transforming religious experience. So, it seems fair to ask why our Catholic tradition includes infant baptism. After all, if we make adults who want to become Catholic wait months and even years as they grow in their understanding of Christ and his teachings, why should babies — who “do nothing” — be baptized? Our custom of infant baptism dates back to the earliest days of the Church, when St. Paul baptized entire households, including, we presume, children (see Acts 16:15, 33; 18:8). That had become common practice by the second century. When Christianity was legalized 200 years later, infant baptism became the normal practice throughout the Church. We recognize that in Baptism, we are given the grace to overcome original sin — the human tendency to choose ourselves and our own wills over God — and to become members of the Church. This is the gift we give to infants in Baptism. In its essence, the baptism of infants also reminds us adult Christians that the gift of salvation and membership in the Church (i.e., the Body of Christ) is God’s initiative. It is freely offered to us, regardless of where we might be in life’s journey. Salvation isn’t something we earn. Instead, we see that Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong process of growing into the kind of disciples that Jesus wants us to be. To learn more, see the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” (no. 1250-1252 and 1262-1270). ©LPi

Today, we join together in prayerful remembrance of the victims of that tragic day. We ask God to surround their loved ones with His peace and healing, to bless the first responders whose courage inspired a nation, and to keep alive the spirit of compassion and unity that emerged in the face of loss. May we always remember on this Patriot Day.

History of the Rosary Question: What is the history of the rosary? Where did this prayer come from? Answer: Although a longstanding tradition attributed the rosary to Saint Dominic and the Dominican Order, the practice of using beads to count prayers predates the Dominicans by a few hundred years. In fact, it seems that what we now think of as the rosary (which means “garland of roses”) was first developed by illiterate peasants and religious brothers and sisters as a way of offering 150 “Our Fathers” to replace the praying of the 150 psalms in the Divine Office. The practice of reciting 150 Hail Marys (which was later subdivided into 15 decades of 10 Hail Marys) arose during the late Middle Ages. Devotion to the rosary began to flourish in the nineteenth century, especially as new devotions to Mary began to spread throughout Europe and the New World. An annual liturgical celebration of Our Lady of the Rosary was introduced into the Church calendar in 1573 and it has been observed on the date of October 7 since 1913. In the apostolic letter On the Most Holy Rosary, Pope Saint John Paul II not only added five new mysteries to the traditional fifteen, but he also reminded Catholics that the rosary is, at its core, an opportunity to go deeper into the life of Jesus: “The rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer … It has all the depth of the Gospel message in its entirety, of which it can be said to be a compendium. It is an echo of Mary’s prayer, her perennial Magnificat … With the rosary, the Christian people sit at the school of Mary and are led to contemplate the beauty of the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love” (no. 1). ©LPi

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — Plenty of people are drawn to Jesus. Curious about him. Inspired by him. But can they carry the cross? Today, Jesus tells us that we cannot have one without the other — it is Christ and the cross, or nothing at all. Which will we choose?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE August 30, 2026 Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 16:21-27 Do you know what it is like to be thrilled by the power of Christian faith one moment and then utterly fail in it the next? I do. That is Peter in today’s Gospel. After last week’s bold confession, he now hears Jesus speak of suffering and death, and something in him recoils. He takes Jesus aside and tries to correct him. Jesus responds with the shocking rebuke, “Get behind me, Satan.” Peter is the mirror of every disciple. We love Jesus until he contradicts the script we have written for our lives. Peter does not reject Jesus. He rejects a suffering Jesus. So do we, whenever we avoid a hard responsibility, resist a demanding relationship, or cling to comfort instead of choosing love. We want a Lord who supports our plans, not one who overturns them. Yet Jesus does not discard Peter. He redirects him. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” In effect, Jesus says, stop trying to lead me. Let me lead you. Discipleship does not begin with heroism or clarity but with surrender. It means trusting that God’s path to life often passes through places we would never choose. Peter is all of us. We move from insight to confusion, from confidence to correction. That is why we should have hope. Jesus patiently teaches us again and again. Trust me. Get behind me. Follow me. When we stop fighting the crosses that come and start carrying them with him, we discover a freedom deeper than comfort and a love stronger than fear. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Discernment Question: How do I discern if a call to do something big is really from God? Answer: Each day we face plenty of decisions about following God: whether or not to pray, how to treat people, and how to prioritize our time. Sometimes there can be something much more significant we discern: a vocational call, a promotion at work that requires a move, or a new ministry position at church. In addition to a pro-con list or a cost-benefit analysis, here are a few things to prayerfully consider and to talk over with trusted individuals. Does it conform to God’s will revealed in the Church? God doesn’t call us to do something that contradicts the moral law. Will it encourage spiritual growth? Sometimes we need to choose between multiple good options. Consider the personal impact on you and others you are responsible for, like family. Other times we might be invited to do good for others, but when we assess our other life commitments, we see that saying yes to this would actually impede our prior responsibilities in the long run. Does the call seem consistent? This isn’t to say that God won’t do something new. Even so, consider if the call is consistent with your gifts and abilities. Can you see a “through-line” so to speak, with how your experiences have led you to this point? Do others confirm it? Share your reflections with trusted, insightful confidantes. Have they seen the same things you have, or are they bringing up new points to consider? Humbly add their relevant points to your considerations. Don’t forget your gut. After you’ve carefully considered everything in your mind, don’t neglect your instincts. Does your heart say yes or no? ©LPi

This weekend at Mass, we'll hear in the Gospel reading, "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Mt 16:25) See you at Mass!

Prayer for the Pope — Dear God, �Be with Our Holy Father in his ministry. Bless, anoint, and protect him in his comings and goings. Inspire his words, direct his interactions, guide his prayer. Amen.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Though valor itself is not a cardinal or theological virtue, as a Latin-based word that means “strength,” we associate it with the gift of fortitude. It conjures an image of fortitude on the battlefield — of fidelity to the good fight, regardless of the coming attack.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK— “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus asks his apostles. Peter is the first to answer. He knows who Jesus is. Do we? In everything we do and everything we are, let us say together with Peter: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Today is the Feast of St. Bartholomew! Fun Fact: St. Bartholomew was one of Jesus' closest friends. Tradition holds that he served as a missionary after Jesus rose from the dead, traveling as far as India and Armenia to preach the Gospel.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE August 16, 2026 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 15:21-28 Does God ignore or act a bit rough with you? Jesus crosses the border into the pagan region of Tyre and Sidon, the territory long outside the covenant. There, a Canaanite woman calls out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David.” At first, he is silent. Then he rebuffs her. “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” But the Church Fathers saw this not as an insult but as an initiation. Christ draws out of her heart a deeper faith. She presses on. “Please, Lord, even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Jesus’ silence and response solidify her humility and trust. She thus becomes a model for prayer for centuries of Christians. St. Augustine said she shows how sinners come to grace by moving from silence to humility to perseverance. This woman is the Church. She is you and me. She is every soul who dares to cry out from the margins, who endures divine silence until it turns to compassion. When Jesus says, “O woman, great is your faith,” it is the joyful cry of God discovering faith where the world least expects it. Even the smallest crumb of Your mercy, Lord, is enough to heal the soul. Do we have the courage to show faith like that? — Father John Muir ©LPi

Immaculate Conception Question: I’ve heard people call Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit being “immaculately conceived.” Is that what the Immaculate Conception is? Answer: While these two events are often confused, they are not the same thing. We celebrated the conception of Jesus on March 25th, the feast of the Annunciation. While that was surely miraculous, it isn’t what we refer to as the “immaculate conception.” The Immaculate Conception is Mary’s conception, and we typically celebrate it on December 8th. If the 8th happens to be a Sunday, the Church moves the feast to December 9th. It is a holy day of obligation. Why does the Church consider it so important to celebrate? Mary’s conception is immaculate because she was conceived without original sin. The angel Gabriel acknowledges this when he hails Mary as “full of grace” (Luke 1:28). Scripture scholars identify several theological ideas that confirm this. In the Old Testament, the sacred, pristine Ark of the Covenant held the presence of God. The presence of God is now held within a new “arc” — the womb of Mary. Genesis 3 also prophesies of a woman who would oppose the devil and whose child would crush the devil’s head. Christ is the “New Adam.” This passage sets up Mary, then, as the “New Eve.” Jesus and Mary are the beginnings of a new creation, one we all can participate in through the grace of our baptism. After all, God’s love is more “original” than our sin! ©LPi

The Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary is this weekend! In ancient Israel, the king's mother was honored as the Queen Mother, and so we do the same with Mary today. Hail, Holy Queen!

Prayer for Conversion in Our Communities — Dear God, �Move in our community: Bring Your light to the darkness, Your justice to the oppressed, Your hope to those in despair, Your healing to those in pain. Work in us, Lord, and change our hearts, making us more loving, more merciful, and more compassionate. Amen.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! They say that wisdom comes with experience, and it does — but only if you accept it. Wisdom originates in both our will and in our intellect, meaning we must ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of wisdom — and remember to be ready when it comes.

August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. With many Mary-centered feast days in August and in the summer in general, we cherish the chance to honor our Blessed Mother's Immaculate Heart all month long! Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — This weekend at Mass, we heard about the Canaanite woman who did not take Jesus’ initial refusal as rejection, but rather as an invitation to engage with God, to show him the depth of her faith. When our prayers are not answered as we wish, will we have the courage to do the same?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE August 9, 2026 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 14:22-33 As a young, newly ordained priest, I admired a senior priest who was gifted, beloved, and had changed countless lives. But soon I learned that he had fallen in catastrophic and destructive ways. The painful juxtaposition of good and evil was complex to process. How could someone so seemingly good also be so broken and deceptive? It forced me to confront a sobering truth: leadership in the Church is no guarantee against weakness or sin. Peter teaches that truth in this week’s Gospel. When he sees Jesus walking on the sea, Peter does what leaders do. He goes first. “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” But when he sees how strong the wind is, he becomes frightened and, beginning to sink, cries out, “Lord, save me.” Immediately, Jesus stretches out his hand and catches him. St. Thomas Aquinas observes that Peter overcomes the greater danger of the waves but falters before the lesser threat of the wind. This is the paradox leaders often face. It is not always the great trials that undo us, but the smaller, quieter temptations, such as subtle fears and compromises, that lead us to sink. The good news is that Jesus does not abandon Peter. He saves him before it is too late. Our frail humanity lives within a rhythm of grace, risk, failure, and mercy. Jesus helps Peter overcome both the obvious and hidden sources of fear, and he promises to do the same for us. So, let us pray for all, especially our spiritual leaders. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Mary, Mother Of God Question: If God is eternal and infinite, how can He have a mother? Why don’t we call Mary just the mother of Jesus? Answer: The title of “Mary, Mother of God” can be confusing. We aren’t implying that Mary existed from eternity or that she is divine herself. We aren’t promoting some kind of Marian superpowers. The Church has fought for this title throughout the centuries for one simple reason: Christ’s identity is at stake. As the Church grew in the early centuries, theologians wrestled with what it meant for Jesus to be both God and man. Many distortions of his identity began to emerge. One of these was propagated by a man named Nestorius. Nestorius and his followers denied that Jesus’ human nature and his divine nature were inseparable. Following that logic, Mary could have only conceived Jesus’ human nature. But people don’t give birth to a “nature.” They give birth to a whole person. For Jesus, his whole person is both human and divine. In 431 A.D. the Council of Ephesus denounced Nestorius. The bishops affirmed that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine and proclaimed Mary Theotokos. Translating the Greek to English, that means “God-bearer.” Note that this isn’t “God-generator” or “God-creator.” Mary bore Jesus, God and man, in her womb and gave him birth. She is mother to the whole person, the whole Jesus, and therefore Mother of God. ©LPi

Tomorrow, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary! This day commemorates the Catholic belief (dogma) that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. This places Mary in an ongoing intercessory role for those of us on Earth. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us! Vigil Mass On August 14th at 5:30 pm Feast day Mass on Augsut 15th at 8:30 am This year it is not a day of Obligation.

Prayer in Faith in Trial Dear God, In this time of difficulty, be with me. When I don’t feel Your presence or hear Your voice, sustain me. When I don’t see the path ahead, guide me. When I don’t know the next step, support me. In every day and in every moment, be my strength. Amen.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! What is serenity? It is an attitude of calm, one that can only be identified when contrasted with turmoil. It is stillness in a storm. It is Christ, walking steadily across the raging waves. It is the feeling we find when we are reconciled to God’s mercy.

LIVE THE LITURGY — In the midst of life’s greatest storms, Jesus comes to us, but we may not recognize Him. We may test Him. In doing so, He will test us — and likely, we will fail. But when we falter, His saving hand is there.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — In the second reading this past weekend, Paul grieves over the unbelief of his fellow Jews. How can you help family members or friends who do not believe in Jesus?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE August 9, 2026 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 14:22-33 As a young, newly ordained priest, I admired a senior priest who was gifted, beloved, and had changed countless lives. But soon I learned that he had fallen in catastrophic and destructive ways. The painful juxtaposition of good and evil was complex to process. How could someone so seemingly good also be so broken and deceptive? It forced me to confront a sobering truth: leadership in the Church is no guarantee against weakness or sin. Peter teaches that truth in this week’s Gospel. When he sees Jesus walking on the sea, Peter does what leaders do. He goes first. “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” But when he sees how strong the wind is, he becomes frightened and, beginning to sink, cries out, “Lord, save me.” Immediately, Jesus stretches out his hand and catches him. St. Thomas Aquinas observes that Peter overcomes the greater danger of the waves but falters before the lesser threat of the wind. This is the paradox leaders often face. It is not always the great trials that undo us, but the smaller, quieter temptations, such as subtle fears and compromises, that lead us to sink. The good news is that Jesus does not abandon Peter. He saves him before it is too late. Our frail humanity lives within a rhythm of grace, risk, failure, and mercy. Jesus helps Peter overcome both the obvious and hidden sources of fear, and he promises to do the same for us. So, let us pray for all, especially our spiritual leaders. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Summer Fest night at St. Sebastian.. With the theme “Phantom of the Opera”. Amazing performance by Colleen and Jake, great food and company. A special thanks to the entire Jordan Family!!!

Practicing Faith Question: I’d like to make some new resolutions about practicing the faith in our family during the new year. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: The family is the most essential space for the formation of values and character. Practicing your faith as a family can happen both internally and externally. Consistent prayer together builds habits that can last a lifetime. With younger children, praying together as a family in the evening or at dinnertime could be fairly doable most nights. In the evening, select a few common prayers such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, or Guardian Angel prayer. Ask each of your children to thank God for three things that day and include a time for children and adults alike to pray out loud for special needs in your family. This practice could be done with older children, committed to intentional efforts in the midst of increasingly busy schedules. Look for other opportunities to practice the faith outside the home as well. Sunday Mass should already be part of your family’s weekly routine. Consider setting other monthly goals as well. This could be a family service project in your city, attending the sacrament of Confession together, or hosting a hospitality night in your home. Get your children involved in the planning process. Ask them where they’d like to volunteer or who they think is having a hard time and might need a special night just for them. Rather than simply imposing new practices, your whole family can have a dynamic role understanding and integrating faith and life. ©LPi

At Mass this weekend, we'll learn about how Peter musters the courage to step out onto the water when Jesus calls him. What are some fears the Lord could help you face? See you at Mass!

Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Take time to meditate on Christ's spiritual transformation and shining divinity. You could pray: "Lord, please transform my heart and mind to better love Your word and commandments."

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Respect, wrote the theologian Fr. Romano Guardini, is the “everyday form of reverence.” It is an admiration of the sacredness of a thing, and so respect for those made in God’s image flows naturally from our primary respect for God himself's discernment.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — In the first reading this past weekend, Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s invitation to all to join in His feast of rich food and drink without cost. To whom can you show generosity to this week?

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — When Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes, he didn’t create only what was needed — there were leftovers that could be saved and shared again. God is lavish in bestowing His grace upon us. He always gives enough to share.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE August 2, 2026 Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 14:13-21 In his song, “Lose Yourself,” the artist Eminem raps, “the mood all changed.” We all know that moment when the mood changes, when life turns from lighthearted to deadly serious. That happens in today’s Gospel. Jesus has just heard that John the Baptist, his cousin, forerunner, and friend, has been murdered. As Matthew tells us, “When Jesus heard of it, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.” Until now, he had been teaching in parables and healing quietly. But John’s death signals a new phase. The shadow of the Cross begins to fall. Evil shows its teeth. And how does Jesus respond? Not with rage or despair. He goes to a lonely place to go into deep communion with his Father. From that silence comes action. He feeds the multitude. Out of grief comes generosity. Out of sorrow, life. This is the rhythm of every disciple’s life. When tragedy or violence breaks our hearts, we face a choice. We can react, or we can retreat into prayer — like and with Christ. This is the hidden place where pain becomes compassion and compassion becomes self-gift. Lord Jesus, when life intensifies, draw me into Your quiet strength. In that hidden place with You and the Father, turn my heartbreak into the bread of love for the world. Amen. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Prophets Question: The Church teaches that, through our baptism, we are made priest, prophet, and king like Christ. What does it mean for us to be prophets in the world today? Answer: We are indeed sharers in the threefold mission of Christ. We live our “kingship” when we serve others in justice, work for the common good in society, and overcome sin in our own lives. Our “priestly” mission is lived when we unite our lives to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, offering them up as a gift of love. We are also called to be prophets. Our lives may not look like Isaiah and Jeremiah of old — and perhaps desert living and locust eating like St. John the Baptist might feel out of reach — but this doesn’t nullify our invitation and obligation. As baptized Christians, we have accepted the Gospel in faith. We’re also called to proclaim the Gospel as well. This may mean by giving Christ-centered advice to another person or defending truth when it’s threatened. It also means living our faith in deeds. St. John Paul II writes that we are “called to allow the newness and the power of the Gospel to shine out every day in [our] family and social life” (On the Lay Members of Christ’s Faithful, 14). A prophet points to a higher truth beyond himself or herself. We live prophetically when we treat others as Christ treated people and when we arrange our schedule to prioritize those to whom we have the greatest obligation, including our families, as well as the poor and vulnerable around us. We live prophetically when we think critically about the culture around us and we allow our faith to inform our public life. ©LPi

At Mass this weekend, we'll hear how Jesus, moved with pity for the crowds, healed the sick among them and fed thousands with only five loaves and two fish. Can you think of a time when someone showed compassion toward you? See you at Mass!

Fun Fact: Jesus renamed Simon to "Peter," a name that means "Rock." Biblically, name changes mark a significant moment in a life of faith.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! The virtue of hospitality is characterized by kindness and welcome, particularly to those who are strangers. It is the practice of true Christian love — love purely for the sake of the one “who loved us first” (1 John 4:19).

Blessing for Our Parish — Dear God, Pour Your blessing upon our parish, in need of Your renewal and inspiration. Prune the places that need pruning, and pour fresh grace and courage into our midst. Help us to find You and, with great joy, follow You wholeheartedly. Amen.

LIVE THE LITURGY - Christ compares the kingdom of Heaven to buried treasure — the find of a lifetime, one you would risk everything to keep. Are we doing all we can to hold onto this treasure that we have been lucky enough to discover? What is Heaven worth to us?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE July 26, 2026 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 13:44-52 Around the time that the gold rushes ended in the nineteenth-century West, a curious phenomenon arose in New England known as money diggers. These were men who roamed the countryside with shovels, divining rods, and superstitious hope, convinced that treasure lay buried beneath their feet. Surely there must be gold under our feet. But there was not. The craze of these wild goose chases caused many to lose farms, families, and sanity. In this week’s Gospel, Jesus inaugurates a new era of spiritual money digging. He announces, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field.” He invites us to become treasure seekers who search in the right place. What is of greatest value is not money beneath our feet, but the infinite treasure hidden deep in the humanity of Jesus himself, God’s own blessed life. The glory of heaven lies veiled in his ordinary life, his teaching, his suffering, his Church. This teaching about the Kingdom changes things. Now we see the Church’s doctrinal and moral teachings are not arbitrary rules. They are a treasure map. Follow them, and we will uncover divine happiness. Ignore them, and we will wander aimlessly, spade in hand, digging in empty fields, discouraged. Where have we wasted energy seeking treasure in the wrong places? How have we given up on seeking the treasure of truly finding God’s love for us? If so, let us repent of both. Then let us dust off our shovels and get back to digging deep into the field of Christ Jesus and his Church. After all, He never ceases seeking his treasure in us. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Responding to God Question: I can’t explain it. I feel a nudge from God to something out of the ordinary. How do I respond? Answer: You’re in good company! Abraham was asked to leave all he knew and loved for a strange land, with only abstract divine assurance that such a sacrifice would be worth it. Plenty of prophets protested against God’s call, whether it was claiming they were too young (Jeremiah) or running away entirely, only to end up in a whale’s belly (Jonah). St. Joseph was asked to do something very strange. He was asked to believe — on the word of an angelic appearance in a dream — that his betrothed was pregnant not from another man, but by a miraculous intervention of God. Then he was called to marry her. Author Flannery O’Connor once wrote, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd.” Sometimes God’s invitation might seem strange or challenging. It might require sacrifices we never expected to make. Our life might look different than we had always imagined. But as we all know, life throws its own curveballs, regardless of whether or not we’re listening for God’s will. Better, one would think, to be open to the promptings of God and to follow along the strange trails that they lead. We have the assurance that, eventually, we will find green pastures. ©LPi

This upcoming Sunday, we hear in the Gospel reading, "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Mt 13:44) See you at Mass!

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Generosity is a hallmark of Christian discipleship. Christ placed our needs above his own, so we likewise place the needs of others above our own. Our concern for our brothers and sisters must be evident not just in what we do but in how we do it — with cheerfulness and love.

Blessing for Summer — O God, Pour Your blessing upon these summer months of sun and clouds, flowers and growth. In this season of cultivation, cultivate us as we worship, work, play, and rest in You. May this season, and all the others, serve to draw us closer to You. Amen.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — The mustard seed was the smallest seed, but it grew to be the largest plant because it was well-tended. This is faith: looking past what is to see what can be, if only we make the necessary choice.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE July 19, 2026 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 13:24-43 A man recently told me he was losing patience with the Church. “It’s supposed to be God’s Kingdom on earth,” he said, “but it’s full of contradictions and hypocrisy. Why can’t the Church just be better?” That last word landed with a judgmental thud. It hurt. Because at times the Church can look painfully ordinary, even disappointing. But Jesus’ parables in today’s Gospel meet that frustration head-on. He says, “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field,” yet the weeds grow up with the wheat, and the master allows both to grow together until harvest. To his listeners, this sounded strange, even offensive. They expected God’s reign to be pure, powerful, and glorious, anything but mixed up, hidden, or small. Jesus is showing us something essential. The Kingdom always begins small and grows amid imperfection. Grace and weakness exist side by side until the harvest. That is why the Church often looks messy. Yet within that mess, God’s quiet work continues. The weeds do not stop the wheat from growing. When we see the Church’s flaws or our own, it helps to remember that this is exactly the field in which Christ chose to plant. The miracle is not that everything looks perfect, but that his Word keeps taking root anyway. Lord, give me patience with Your field, the Church. Help me see Your hidden life growing even among the weeds. Amen. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Testifying to Faith Question: The Bible talks a lot about “testifying” or “giving testimony” to our faith. That makes me think of a courtroom. What does testifying to faith look like in everyday life? Answer: The courtroom image isn’t too far off for some Christians. The Church has often been persecuted, and it was especially intense in the early days of the Church, when Acts and the various epistles were being written. For persecuted Christians, it did mean attesting publicly to their faith in Jesus Christ, sometimes before harsh judges. To testify is to bear witness, and this is something we are all called to do. The call of Jesus is, first and foremost, a call to conversion of life. It is a repentance from sin, a casting off of old ways of seeing and moving in the world. The Christian life is one of transformation, becoming more and more like our God of love. In one sense, to testify to faith should happen naturally as we live like Jesus did. Our lives should bear witness in the respect we accord to others and the uncompromising dignity we honor in them. We bear witness in our gratitude, in our joy, in our hope in God’s power and grace. This is where we start! Sometimes others might inquire, as St. Peter puts it, as to “a reason for your hope.” Now you’re on the stand! It’s time to offer, “with gentleness and reverence,” the Good News of the Gospel (c.f. 1 Peter 3:15-16). ©LPi

At Mass this Sunday, we explore how, in the parable of the weeds and the wheat, Jesus warns the disciples of the presence of the devil active in the world. How do you stay on guard against the evil one? One great way to do this is by being an active member of your parish community. So, see you at Mass?

Fun Fact: This taco term means "shepherd style" in Spanish and was inspired by Lebanese immigrants who made lamb in Mexico. Mexicans adopted the style and made their own (yummy) version. "Pastor" means "shepherd," something he does for his congregation.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Forgiveness is love in action. It is mercy extended for no other reason than a desire to be like God, who forgives us out of sheer goodness. The Catechism says that forgiveness proves that “love is stronger than sin.”

Did you know that Catholics dedicate July to the Precious Blood of Jesus? This beautiful devotion is rooted in the earliest days of Christianity. Jesus, thank you for your selfless sacrifice and the gift of your redeeming love!

LIVE THE LITURGY — Our hearts are fertile ground for the Word of God, but we must be careful gardeners. Be conscious of what damages and depletes the soil of your heart. Pay attention to what nourishes it, so that the goodness of the Word can bloom forth into the world.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE July 12, 2026 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 13:1-23 Sometimes I feel capable of absorbing almost anything except God’s Word. My mind soaks up song lyrics, sports trivia, and endless online content. But what was the reading at Mass this morning? I struggle to recall. That realization discourages me, and it leads to an uncomfortable question. What is my heart really for? Is it shaped for constant information and distraction, or is it truly designed for God? Am I capable of deeply receiving His Word? Jesus speaks directly to this today with a simple image. “The seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it.” By comparing the Word of the Kingdom to a seed, Jesus reveals something hopeful about us. The human heart is made for that seed. Soil and seed belong together. No matter how compacted, rocky, or overgrown the ground has become, the Sower never stops sowing. God loves our hearts. He sees them as a farmer sees his fields, full of potential. Human hearts can indeed “understand the Word.” Understanding does not mean mastering information. It means letting the Word sink in, interacting with it, and giving it a home. It means trusting that, beneath the surface, God is at work in quiet and hidden ways. When we allow the Holy Spirit to loosen the soil of our hearts through prayer, repentance, and simplicity, the same Word that created the universe begins to bear fruit in us, 30, 60, even a hundredfold. Lord Jesus, Sower of life, soften the soil of my heart. Let Your Word take root in me again, and bring forth the fruit You desire. Amen. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Jesus Is Light of the World Question: Why do we call Jesus “the light of the world”? Answer: In cultures around the world, light and darkness are chief symbols of good and evil, order and chaos, clarity and confusion, hope and despair. These symbols tap into something essential about the nature of things. God has given us the created world as a gift. His first work, as we see in Genesis 1, is to create light, giving meaning and insight to the abyss. It is in the light that rest of creation comes to be. A gathering darkness emerges in Genesis 3. Adam and Eve hide, shrouding themselves from the sun’s rays and the gaze of God. While God offers a promise of salvation and establishes a covenant with His people, the sense of fog and dim understanding still remain. The Hebrew people repeatedly betray the promises they have made to God, and all around them the nations actively worship idols. The promise of God is not in vain, however. In John 1, we see a depiction of Christ as primordial goodness, order, clarity, and hope. “The true light, which enlightens everyone was coming into the world … this life was the light of the human race” (John 1: 9, 4). Think of the last sunrise you witnessed (if you could wake up for it!). As you watched the lavender brighten to rose edged with gold, did your heart swell? Did you recall the goodness of the world? Did you feel rekindled hope? Such is the role of Christ in the soul. Such is his coming Incarnate in our world. ©LPi

This weekend at Mass, we'll hear how Jesus teaches his disciples to be open (be “rich soil”) to the often mysterious meaning of the parables about the kingdom of Heaven. Are you someone who is open to new or different ideas? See you at Mass!

Fun Fact: The term "Roman Catholic" distinguishes one rite of Catholicism from other rites, like the Maronite Church or the Coptic Church. Roman or Latin Rite Catholics make up the largest group of Catholics.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Empathy describes our ability to connect emotionally with the suffering of others, as Christ connected emotionally with our suffering in original sin. This virtue flows directly from the virtue of charity, and growth in charity will enable growth in empathy.

Did you know that Catholics dedicate July to the Precious Blood of Jesus? This beautiful devotion is rooted in the earliest days of Christianity. Jesus, thank you for your selfless sacrifice and the gift of your redeeming love!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — Jesus speaks of himself as meek and humble of heart, and invites us to find “rest” in him. What are some burdens Jesus could relieve for you?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE July 5, 2026 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 11:25-30 This weekend, our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Unlike most nations, the United States was not founded primarily on a shared ethnicity, language, or culture. Instead, our founders built a political community out of diverse peoples united by a shared vision of liberty. That vision echoes something deep in the Christian mystery revealed in today’s Gospel. Jesus returns to his hometown. The people see only what is familiar: the carpenter, the son of Mary, one of their own. As Mark tells us, “They took offense at him. Jesus said, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.’” Their narrow vision blinds them. Jesus has come to inaugurate a new communion that transcends geography, bloodlines, and culture. He has come to unite all people in himself. At its best, America’s national unity reflects this possibility, which fully subsists only in the Catholic Church. Our unity is not based on ancestry or tribe, but on a shared commitment to higher ideals. For this reason, we can love our country with gratitude while situating patriotism within the broader horizon of faith. Rooted in Christ, we are less vulnerable to the unholy tribalism that threatens civic life and faith. This weekend, let us thank God for our nation and pray that we also live as citizens of Heaven in Jesus Christ. — Father John Muir ©LPi

The Three Wise Men Question: Magi, Three Kings, Three Wise Men…who were they? Answer: We sing songs, give gifts, and move three mysterious men into our manger scenes. There’s a rich heritage in the Catholic Church of celebrating the magi, but their origins are steeped in mystery. The original Greek calls these men magoi. The word is translated elsewhere in Scripture to mean “magician,” but a similar word was used in ancient history to describe an entirely different set of people altogether. In what is now modern-day Iran, the ruling empire had a wealthy priestly caste known as the Magi. At the time of Christ, the Magi formed one of the ruling councils of the Parthian Empire. These priests interpreted dreams and read the stars to anticipate major events that could affect the fortunes of the empire. We’re not exactly sure where the magi of the Gospels traveled from. Matthew simply says “the east.” History tells us that the ancient regions of Persia, Assyria, and Babylon all had a magi priesthood at the time of Christ. Whichever region they hailed from, they likely traveled over one thousand miles over the course of several months to arrive at the Holy Family. Unfortunately for the classic song, there is no concrete evidence these men were themselves kings, though they did bear gifts “from afar” at the prompting of their astronomical calculations. ©LPi

This weekend, we celebrate the 4th of July! May everyone have a blessed and safe Independence Day.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — Whoever receives the one sent in Christ’s name receives Christ. Whoever loves the Word of God loves God Himself. Who is Christ sending to you in his is name this week? What Word do they speak into the stillness of your soul? Receive them. Receive him.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! When a person hears a “call,” he cannot simply go — he must first figure out where the call is coming from. It’s not enough to simply have an idea; the idea needs a good, thorough background check. This is discernment.

Today, we honor those who first lost their lives for the faith — the First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church. Jesus sets a high standard for those who choose to follow him. What have you found most rewarding about following Jesus?

Today is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. This feast celebrates their lives and honors their martyrdom in Rome. Despite having very different personalities, their friendship and unity in service to God's people made an incredible difference to the emerging Church. Sts. Peter and Paul, pray for us!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE June 28, 2026 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 10:37-42 I still remember the first homily I ever preached as a new deacon. It was at the seminary, and the Gospel was this one: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37-38) Standing before more than 200 classmates and professors, I stumbled awkwardly through my words and realized how strange — almost insane — this teaching sounded. If anyone else said it, we would call it narcissistic or cultish. And that is the point. I felt the weight of those words in my own heart then, as I still do today. Am I willing to live as though Christ’s claim on my love is absolute? Are you? Over the years, I’ve learned that the more I do, the more everything else makes sense. Family, friendships, vocation, even my very self: all of it falls into place when my love for Jesus comes first. That is why he dares to speak this way. Our Lord is not a cult leader hungry for control. He is the Son of God, the source of life and love itself. To put him before everything else is not to lose, but to find…everything, and everyone, in him. This week, name one thing or one person you are tempted to place before the Lord. Then consciously offer it back to him in prayer. — Father John Muir ©LP

Basilica Versus Cathedral Question: What is the difference between a basilica and a cathedral? Answer: Basilicas are churches that are so titled because of their antiquity, dignity, historical importance, or significance as centers of worship. A cathedral is the principal church of a diocese, which contains the chair of the bishop, or “cathedra” in Latin. The chair is the symbol of the bishop’s teaching authority. ©LPi

This upcoming Sunday, we hear in the Gospel reading, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Mt 10:39) See you at Mass!