A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
This weekend, the readings tell us that God is a ‘God of life’ and not of death (Reading 1 and the Gospel.) He provides life through humility and equality (Reading 2). In the Gospel, we have an interesting report of two stories that happened, one with a 12-year-old girl and another with a woman who had been suffering hemorrhages for 12 years.
These girls had many afflictions. 1.) Being a girl/woman; 2.) Being sick girls; and 3.) Women with flow of blood. As per the law, they are considered impure subjects. When they publicly touch others, they could very well be stoned to death as punishment for polluting others. But Jesus gives graceful, gentle, and kind words of healing and touches them. With His healing words and touch, He not only healed the girls but also the crowds with the truth that He is the God of life. Let us remember Jesus’ kind words, “Talitha Koum”. There are so many in the world today who are being discriminated against or abused for being girls, children or older in age. For anyone in vulnerable situations, let us bring the words of Jesus, “Talitha Koum.”
As we celebrate Independence Day, our nation’s most patriotic holiday, on July 4th, let us remember to remind the people of our country that our God is a God of life. Leading to a culture of death is not American and excludes the right of freedom, as well.
This past week, we were thrilled having the children attend VBS (Vacation Bible School. ) They certainly had a lot of fun! Thank you for sending your children and supporting their journey. The Religious Education Team and Youth Ministry provided many creative efforts, and we thank them!
Fr. Simon Dao, our Parochial Vicar will be going back to his religious congregation on July 12th after serving the last 4 years at St. John XXIII. Soon, another Vietnamese priest from his congregation will be appointed by our Bishop. Therefore, next weekend, July 6th and 7th after each Mass, there will be a small reception planned for him in the Parish Life Center. Please grace him with your blessings and gratitude for his service to our community.
Happy Independence Day and God Bless America!
Fr. Jay Raju
- Reading 1: Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24
- Reading 11: 2 Corinthians 8:7,9, 13-15
- Gospel: Mark 5:21-43
