A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
I appreciate the mission statement inscribed on the wall of our Church Narthex, which proclaims that our house of worship is a place for everyone. No one who enters should face discrimination in word or action. This spirit of inclusion reflects the universal nature of our Catholic faith and gives us reason to be proud.
All the readings show that God cares for everyone. The exclusive mindset of the Jews is challenged by God’s own words. In the second reading, St. Paul affirms this truth by identifying himself as the Apostle to the Gentiles. In the border region of the Gentiles, Jesus performs a miracle after an exchange that may sound harsh to us. His intention is not to discriminate against the woman, but to reveal to His disciples the depth of her faith—and He praises her for it.
Without the Canaanite woman’s conversation with Jesus, we Gentiles might not be gathered around the altar each week. Likewise, the world would not be united as God’s children if Jesus had not been sent by the Father. As His ambassadors, we are called to promote inclusion by caring for those who are marginalized, vulnerable, abused, and discriminated against.
Please remember the messages I have shared with you over the past three weeks: each person has a Summum Bonum to seek and reveal; miracles can be simple and may happen through us when we bring them to Jesus; and Jesus longs to remain with us.
And therefore, we are His children; all are God’s Children and let us care for each other!
On Monday, August 17, our new shepherd, Bishop Emilio Biosca, will visit our parish to introduce himself and become better acquainted with our community. Although this will not be his first time here—his episcopal ordination took place in our church—this visit will give him the opportunity to meet with our pastoral staff, Pastoral Advisory Council, and clergy. He will conclude the day by celebrating Mass with all parishioners at 5:30pm. Please make every effort to attend.
God Bless,
Fr. Jay Raju
- Reading 1: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
- Reading 2: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32
- Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
