Jesus is telling us today that, although the tax collectors, prostitutes and sinners are ignorant of the law, they believe faster, and always open to the spirit of conversion; not like the Pharisees - experts of the law, but their hearts are closed to the spirit of reconciliation.

The Kingdom of God is characterized by we-us-community-in-unity, and the value that is being practiced is generosity. While a society is characterized by we-them-survival of the fittest, and the overriding practice is envy.

In today’s gospel, Jesus illustrates dramatically the dynamics of correcting one another in the forms of: dialogue, forgiveness and prayer. Let us compartmentalize Jesus’ words and see the progression of winning the confidence and trust of others whom we’ve hurt and those who hurt us:

Carrying the cross – with hearts focused on the “Love of God” and “Love of Neighbor,” redirect our vision of delivering Christian service as: we look not for happiness but holiness; seek not being a celebrity but act with humility; build not personal fame but character; not seeking personal gains but building people’s faith in God.

Placing our faith in Christ is not a guessing game nor magic. It’s surrendering our will to God with Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In other words, we are not afraid to say in public and in private: “In God we trust!”

Along our journey in life, many of us have experienced rejection and insult in one way or the other. We know that the impact is very dehumanizing and humiliating, but let our life’s spirit be like that of the Canaanite woman. That we become persistent and courageous in our approach to life’s challenges. At the end, Jesus might tell us: “Great is your faith! Let it be done to you as you wish.”

Today, we the Christians in this planet, we can change the image of our world. We are not factory defects, but completely God’s creation in his own image and likeness. Therefore, we have that divine dignity to hang on. Like Jesus, let’s be daring to stretch out our hands to a friend, family members, people in need, even to our enemies, and sincerely say the words, “I LOVE YOU!” or to assure them security and friendship, and say: “It is I; do not be afraid!”

In today’s gospel, Jesus reveals our integrity and character as essential disciples in his kingdom, and what we can become in the world today. He describes us as: “You are a treasure buried in a field which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field!” (Mt 13:44)

Update from Director, Jeanie Kiefer on 2020-2021 Catechetical Registration

Update from Director, Jeanie Kiefer on the First Communion Ceremonies scheduled for July 25th.

Governor Newsom’s order is for us to “shelter in place.” There is only one letter difference between the instruction to “Shelter in place” and “Sheltering place.” That letter is “g!” “God” begins with a letter “g”. You add the letter “g” in to “Shelter in place,” and it will read “Sheltering place.” God is our “Sheltering place.”

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Regretfully, the COVID-19 situation has not improved within the state. As of today, the Governor has once again closed all Houses of Worship and the Diocese has returned to the operational protocols that were instituted in March of 2020.

Now, immersed in these challenging times of COVID-19, let’s cultivate our hearts to be the rich-soil-sacreddwellings of God’s Word. And God’s Word changes us to be the best version of ourselves; that is: our eyes see the best in the drifters; our hearts forgive the back stabbers, and our ears become bionic ears and listen to the stone-hearts, and with understanding melts them to become hearts of love.

Jesus is sensitive of our personal needs, and very concern of our spiritual desires, so he tells us today: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart… my yoke is easy and my burden light.”

In our gospel today, there are two values that Jesus wants us to hold in our hearts and practice in our daily lives: love and hospitality. They compliment each other: love enables hospitality to be loving; while hospitality makes love hospitable! Both bring harmony in our life and convey trust in our relationship.

And our time has come to REOPEN St. Paul the Apostle Church for public Masses last June 13th and June 14th. As we entered the Church’s courtyard, WELCOME signs greeted us. Although limited in number (100 attendees), this was the call of the time to be “reborn, rebuild and regather.” Opening slowly but surely, we have to abide with Diocesan Guidelines, State and County orders.

Parish office now reopened. Mass intentions will be accepted at the parish office as follows: For month of July – Wednesday June 17 in Maher Hall Please check back when additional months will be open. Face masks required to enter Maher Hall

Today, as we come back in-person in the celebration of the Eucharist, let’s rebuild a sacred space of Christ’s body and blood in our hearts – so that we can concretely experience God’s real presence in our lives. When this happens, we are not far then from the words of Pope Francis, when he said: “Eat this sacred food, so that your bond of unity with Christ may never be broken. Drink this sacred blood, the price he paid for you, so that you may never lose heart because of your sinfulness.”

Starting June 13, 2020, our church is open for Mass with limited seating. CLICK HERE for details and guidelines...