June 13, 2021 - The Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
June12,2021
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Years ago, I once heard someone say that common sense is all that is required; and then he added with a little smile, that, unfortunately, common sense is not always that common. We can easily become sidetracked from right reason and lose the way. We can be blinded to the Lord in our lives, missing out on what really matters. That is why the Lord, as Divine Master and Teacher, through His parables makes clear what we must do to partake of His kingdom here and now in preparation for His eternal kingdom in heaven.
The early Christians were glad to know “The Way” set down by the Lord and handed down by the apostles. Bit by bit many would soon see the wisdom of renouncing the world in order to fully live the Christian life. It would require a change in priorities so as to see things in a Christ-like way. We see this change of mind in a charming but profound way in the parable of the mustard seed. We should take the Lord’s simple by eloquent message to heart.
Like the little mustard seed our obscure lives matter to God. The choices we make or do not make add up. We are important to Him. Thus, it makes a difference if we live upstanding and holy lives day by day. The kingdom of God is in our midst. Each must do his part to further that kingdom come what may. The Lord will take care of completing the good work that we have begun. Let us water the mustard seed with devoted prayer in faith, hope, and love. Let us pray for the light to see that in the end all is grace.
Next Saturday, June 19 at 10am in the cathedral, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone will ordain two new priests for the Archdiocese: Deacon Nick Case and Deacon Cameron Polette. I have known these men for many years and they are ready and willing to serve as faithful priests. Please pray that men from our parish will step up to accept the Lord’s call to priesthood. Keep all our priests in your prayers.
Yours in our Lord and our Lady, Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor