Dear Parishioners,

We continue to read through the Gospel of Luke, following Jesus and the way He reveals God’s love for us. Today, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. They are Jewish men who knew how to pray. What they recognize is that Jesus’ way of prayer is different. He prays in a personal manner with His Father. It is more than duty; it is a conversation with the one He loves and is loved by.

Dear Parishioners,

The story of Martha and Mary is always memorable in the Gospel. It is memorable because it reveals a fundamental reality; God desires to be in human relationships, even in their imperfections. Jesus’ relationship with Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus must have been special, as He visited them on several occasions. God is a God of relationship, and He created us to be in relation with Him. It is what we are made for—to be in relationship with God, one another, and His creation.

Dear Parishioners,

This week, we hear the memorable story of The Good Samaritan. It is one that sticks in our mind as Christians because it reminds us that treating others with mercy is the best way to show our love for God and faith in Him. To love our neighbor as ourselves is a key statement because we must first remember that God’s love for us is what makes us confident to truly show His love and mercy to others. When we know God’s love, we no longer compete and compare, we avoid seeing others as outsiders or enemies, but rather as our neighbors.

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend, we return to the regular ordinary cycle of Sunday readings. We witness Jesus sending forth 72 others in pairs – so 36 pairs going out to different towns to spread the Gospel message. They are told to travel lightly yet full of humility and peace. They return rejoicing because of the way God works in their evangelization efforts. He reminds them not to rejoice in power but rather to strive for humble personal holiness and a commitment to God's will.