A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
We all believe in the real existence of heaven. We have some sort of sense or imagination about it and probably have some stories to tell. The readings this weekend invite us to have the foretaste of such a heaven. In every religion, there is some type of portrayal of God as avenging or revengeful God, especially when there is an issue of distrust and disbelief by God’s subjects, and that includes the God of the Old Testament, as well.
1st Reading: David recognized Saul as the anointed one by the Lord. Therefore, he would not kill Saul and this sent a message to the entire handpicked army of three thousand that we are all called to fight the war of God and not of the individual’s ego.
2nd reading: Paul writes that we, as Christians, are blessed to share the image an of earthly Adam as well as the image of a heavenly new Adam – Jesus. We are called to be different.
Gospel: This is a radical challenge to those who wanted to listen to Jesus. Jesus tells them to remove their negativity, bring peace and reconciliation and share the joy generously.
In a world that raises swords and guns against each other due to the rage of injustice, exploitation, poverty, hatred, racial or territorial discriminations, God is asking us, as Christians and Catholics to raise our hands for blessing others. God challenges us to remove fears and love everyone unconditionally. After all, we are called by Him to be different.
Last week, I spoke at the Masses that we are dedicating this week for parishioners to make the pilgrimage to renew our spirituality. We will be waiting for your arrival, for confessions, Masses and visitation to the 9 Prayer Locations, Monday through Friday at our church – the pilgrim site. Please look for details in the bulletin.
This week, there will be some disciples waiting for your visit at their booths in the Narthex from the Ministries of the Adoration Chapel, Journey to Hope, the committee for new parishioners and the Knights of Columbus. Please visit them and get to know them a bit more on what they do and discern what God is calling to you.
God Bless,
Fr. Jay Raju
Reading 1: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 15: 45-49
Gospel: Luke 6: 27-38
