In Today’s Gospel
Three weeks ago, we returned to Ordinary Time. This season is symbolized by the green vestments that the priest wears. Green is a symbol of growth and hope. Ordinary Time is a season of hope.

We live in a time when we could use a little hope. Unfortunately, we will always be disappointed when we look to the world for our hope. Yes, we might receive the worldly things for which we hope. The Lions may win the Super Bowl, or at least make it to the playoffs, but that will never truly fulfill us. Our true fulfillment comes from God, the source of our hope.

In today’s gospel, we read that Jesus “resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.”
(Lk 9:51)  Jesus knew what fate awaited him in Jerusalem, but he was not afraid. Jesus was not afraid because he had hope in the Father. Because he had hope in the Father, Jesus knew that his physical death was not the end. He knew that there was something greater than suffering.

There will be suffering in this world. As Christians, we have an obligation to do what we can to ease the suffering of our brothers and sisters. But in the end, we know that our suffering is nothing compared to the glory of God, and that is the fulfillment of our hope.

Greeting from Mexico
The word Catholic means “universal.” Studying in Mexico allows me to experience the universal Church in a small way. Since coming here, I have said mass at the seminary where I am staying, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Cathedral for Mexico City, and a local parish. Although our language may differ, the mass is the same; the Church is the same.

The Church is universal, but we experience it locally. One of my classmates is from Oakland, California. He was confirmed by Archbishop Vigneron when he was the Bishop of Oakland. Another classmate, from Madison, Wisconsin, is originally from Michigan. When I was a deacon, I was assigned to his home parish. I traveled nearly 2,000 miles to meet two people I have a connection with, one a direct connection and the other an indirect connection through the bishop. The Church is universal, but we experience it locally through the people.

Saludos Desde México
La palabra católico significa “universal”. Estudiar en México me permite experimentar la Iglesia universal de una manera pequeña. Desde que llegué aquí, he dicho misa en el seminario donde me hospedo, la Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, la Catedral de la Ciudad de México y una parroquia local. Aunque nuestro lenguaje pueda diferir, la misa es la misma; la Iglesia es la misma.

La Iglesia es universal, pero la experimentamos localmente. Uno de mis compañeros de clase es de Oakland, California. Fue confirmado por el Arzobispo Vigneron cuando era obispo de Oakland. Otro compañero de clase, de Madison, Wisconsin, es originario de Michigan. Cuando era diácono, me asignaron a su parroquia de origen. Viajé casi 2,000 millas para conocer a dos personas con las que tengo una conexión, una conexión directa y la otra una conexión indirecta a través del obispo. La Iglesia es universal, pero la experimentamos localmente a través de las personas.

Catholic Services Appeal
We continue to make progress toward reaching our goals for this year’s Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). St. Mary has already reached more than 25% of its goal. St. Richard is close to 20% of its goal. The goal for St. Richard includes $50,000 to help replace the roof of the church. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to CSA so far. You can make your CSA contribution online by going to stmarywayne.aodcsa.org for St Mary Parish or strichard.aodcsa.org for St. Richard Parish. Only through your generosity can we reach our goal and continue to unleash the gospel in our community. Thank you.