Friday of the Second Week of Easter

As I reflect on the Gospel reading of today, which tells the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, I am struck by the power of faith and the abundance that comes from sharing what we have with others. Jesus took a few loaves of bread and fish and was able to feed a multitude of people, showing us that when we trust in God’s provision, miracles can happen.

I know that I am being called to share the gifts I have, though they may seem inadequate compared to the great mission I’ve been entrusted with. I trust God’s goodness and generosity to supply whatever is lacking! I am excited to share with you today about my new role as the pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Parish. It is a great honor to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I am eager to see what God has in store for us on this great journey.

In many ways, the message of today’s Gospel is a reflection of the challenges that lie ahead for both my Congregation as well as St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish. For the past 100 years, the community of St. Ignatius has been building upon the foundation of the Jesuit tradition. With the arrival of the Congregation of Saint John, the Parish will embark upon a new era, one that comes with the offer to encounter “another Consoler.” May our Lord grant us the grace and wisdom of St. John the Apostle, our father, to bear witness to this same Spirit. Jesus said to his disciples at the Last Supper, “I tell you the truth: it is good for you that I go away. If I do not go, the Comforter cannot come, but if I go I will send Him to you.”

I recognize that it is never easy to say goodbye – and difficult to welcome new and unexpected persons. There will be some who will want everything to remain exactly as it is, but that is impossible. I am confident that if we approach this new chapter in the story of St. Ignatius Parish with the same spirit of generosity and compassion that Jesus demonstrated in feeding the 5,000, we will be able to continue to grow ever stronger and more vibrant.

I am humbled by the opportunity to be a part of this community and to lead us forward in faith. With God’s grace and the willingness to share our gifts with one another, anything is possible.

Daily Readings

Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
by USCCB on November 21, 2024 at 9:30 am
Readings for the Memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary Reading 1 RV 5:1-10 I, John, saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who sat on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a mighty angel who proclaimed in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to examine it. I shed many tears because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to examine it. One of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. The lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed, enabling him to open the scroll with its seven seals.” Then I saw standing in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures and the elders a Lamb that seemed to have been slain. He had seven horns and seven eyes; these are the seven spirits of God sent out into the whole world. He came and received the scroll from the right hand of the one who sat on the throne. When he took it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones. They sang a new hymn: “Worthy are you to receive the scroll and break open its seals, for you were slain and with your Blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth.” Responsorial Psalm PS 149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A AND 9B R. (Rev. 5:10) The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.or:R. Alleluia.Sing to the LORD a new songof praise in the assembly of the faithful.Let Israel be glad in their maker,let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.R. The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.or:R. Alleluia.Let them praise his name in the festive dance,let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.For the LORD loves his people,and he adorns the lowly with victory.R. The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.or:R. Alleluia.Let the faithful exult in glory;let them sing for joy upon their couches;Let the high praises of God be in their throats.This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.R. The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia PS 95:8 R. Alleluia, alleluia.If today you hear his voice,harden not your hearts.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel LK 19:41-44 As Jesus drew near Jerusalem,he saw the city and wept over it, saying,“If this day you only knew what makes for peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes.For the days are coming upon youwhen your enemies will raise a palisade against you;they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides.They will smash you to the ground and your children within you,and they will not leave one stone upon another within youbecause you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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