SATURDAY: 8:00 AM ADORATION: Thursdays 12:00-8:00 PM SUNDAY: 8:30 AM (Upper parking lot) Livestream RECONCILIATION: Saturdays 3:00-4:00 PM 11:00 AM (Church) Livestream Only *Appointments are also available-please call the office. Drive-thru Communion after the 11 AM Mass DAIILY ROSARY: Monday - Saturday 7:30 AM Pre-Online registration required for attendance at DAILY MASS: 8:00 AM (Church) Livestream the 8:30 AM weekend outdoor mass DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: 8:30 AM

LITURGY SCHEDULE

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church Martinez, California

PARISH OFFICE: (925) 228 - 2230 FAX: (925) 228 - 1318

Fr. Anthony Huong Le,

Parochial Administrator - Ext 6 franthonyl@stcmtz.org

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CHURCH LOCATION: 606 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA

PARISH OFFICE/CENTER & MAILING ADDRESS: 1125 Ferry Street Martinez, CA 94553-1720 PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcmtz.org OFFICE HOURS: M-TH 8:30 - 1:00 PM 2:00 - 5:00 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

Sylvia Lloren Ext. 2 Office Administrator/Sacramental Coordinator/Bulletin sylvial@stcmtz.org Troy Killorn Ext. 3 Director of Music Ministry / Maintenance Manager troyk@stcmtz.org Karen Glen Ext. 4 Bookkeeper / Safe Environment Coordinator / RCIA kareng@stcmtz.org Andrea Watkins Ext. 5 Director Religious Education (K-8) Family Sunday Faith Formation Ministry andreaw@stcmtz.org

Deacon Albert Dizon Ext. 7 dcnalbertd@stcmtz.org Deacon David Holland Ext. 7 dcndaveh@stcmtz.org Paul & Jennifer Holland Ext. 8 Co-coordinators, Confirmation Ministry paulh@stcmtz.org & jennyh@stcmtz.org ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ST. CATHERINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jessica Griswold, Principal jgriswold@csdo.org SCHOOL K-8: 604 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA 94553 TELEPHONE: 925-228-4140 FAX: 925-228-0697 OFFICE HOURS: 9AM – 2 PM SCHOOL WEBSITE: http://school.stcatherinemartinez.com

ST. CATHERINE PRE-SCHOOL Mea Auld, Pre-School Director mauld@csdo.org scpreschool@comcast.net

PARISH & SCHOOL STAFF

SAFE ENVIRONMENT: Before serving or continuing in your ministry or organization, please complete the Diocesan required Safe Environment for Children Project Training @ www.virtusonline.org

“Let’s stay connected” via one of our many social media platforms:

Parish Website: www. stcmtz.org Bulletin: stcathmtz@yahoo.com

Facebook: https://OfficialStCatherineof SienaChurch Myparishapp: Please download: myparishapp to your phones.

Step 1. Text App to number 88202. Step 2. Download the app via the link. Step 3. Search for St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Martinez.

Our Sunday bulletin is an important way for us to communicate with you, especially during these days of the Coronavirus pandemic. It might be the only way that we can reach some of you. Every bulletin that you receive is paid for through the generosity of the busi-nesses that you see advertised on the back cover. Most of these advertisers are members of our local commu-nity, and many belong to our parish. We urge you to think of them when you decide to have a meal or other item delivered to your door. Tell the business owners that you appreciate their support of our parish through their advertisements in the bulletin. This is one small way that we can work within our own community to weather the challenges that we face. Together we can help each other make it through. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

The Catholic Voice is now available online at www.catholicvoiceoakland.org

Baptisms are currently being scheduled for one family per weekend. Check our website for requirements. Or call the parish office for information.

St. Catherine of Siena Parish follows Jesus by

welcoming all, sharing our gifts, and giving glory to God.

Weekly bulletins are now available outside of the church for your reading pleasure.

Look for the clear boxes hanging by the choir side and between the school and front door of the church.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Gathering Hymn: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven LAUDA ANIMA / John Goss / Henry F. Lyte 1. Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; To his feet they tribute bring; Ransomed, healed, restored, for-given, Evermore his praises sing: Allleuia! Allleuia! Praise the everlasting King. Text: 87 87 87; based on Psalm 103; Henry F. Lyte, 1793–1847, alt. Music: John Goss, 1800–1880. Penitential Act: Gloria: Glory to God in the highest… First Reading: 1 KGS 3:5, 7-12 The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered: “O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to suc-ceed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this re-quest. So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this— not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for un-derstanding so that you may know what is right— I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.” Responsorial Psalm PS 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 R. (97a) Lord, I love your commands. I have said, O LORD, that my part is to keep your words. The law of your mouth is to me more pre-cious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. R. Lord, I love your commands. Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. R. Lord, I love your commands.

For I love your command more than gold, however fine. For in all your precepts I go forward; every false way I hate. R. Lord, I love your commands. Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. The revelation of your words sheds light, giv-ing understanding to the simple. R. Lord, I love your commands. Second Reading: ROM 8:28-30 Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called ac-cording to his purpose. For those he foreknew he al-so predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified. Alleluia: R. Alleluia, ,alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. R. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia . Gospel MT 13:24-43 OR 13:24-30 Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like 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. Again, the king-dom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls . When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. “Do you under-stand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been in-structed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

Every 1st Thursday of each month a group of men and women meet before the presence of our Eucharistic Lord during Adoration to pray for all priests all over the world, including by name, those priests nearest our hearts and those who may be troubled or struggling. It feels really good to give back to our priests who sacrifice all they have for us, for Christ, and for His church. If you are intrigued by the idea of a prayer cenacle for priests, and want to see more good and holy priests doing Christ's work here on earth, -then come and join us at 6 pm on August 6th. There is an opportunity after the cenacle for silent prayer, reading or reflection until the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 8 pm.

BENEATH HIS CROSS

Presentation of the Gifts: Jesus, Savior, Friend and Brother Kevin Keil/Kate Bluett 1. Jesus, savior, friend and brother, Jesus, sweetest

joy in life, Jesus, let us love each other; Bring your peace to still our strife. Give us grace to love our Father Truly as He loved us first, And to love the poor and offer Food for hunger, drink for thirst.

2. Jesus, teacher, guide, companion, Jesus, teach us what to do. Jesus, grant us each your wisdom; Teach us how to love in truth. “This is all the law and prophets, On this do they all depend: Love your God with all God gave you; Love your neighbor without end.” 3. Jesus, this is all you ask us. Jesus, this is what you said: “Love as servants, not as masters; Share your-selves and share your bread. What you do to all the smallest, That same thing you do to me. Feed them, clothe them, give them shelter, Love them for the love of me.” 4. Jesus, trusted and beloved, Jesus, lead us on the way. Hold us, help us, when we falter; Guide us when we go astray. As you gave and held back noth-ing, So may we, too, give our all. As you lead so may we follow; May we listen when you call. Text: 87 87 D; Kate Bluett, © 2012, Kate Bluett. Music: MAT-THEWSONG, © 2012, Kevin Keil. Text and music published by OCP, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. All rights re-served. Communion: O How Blessed, Dan Schutte 1. O how blessed are the poor in spirit, the kingdom

of God is theirs. O how blessed those who dwell in sorrow, they surely will be consoled.

Refrain: Rejoice and be glad, beloved of the Lord, the king-dom of heaven is yours. The first shall be last, the last shall be first, for such is the wisdom of God. 2. O how blessed are the meek and lowly, for they shall possess the earth. O how blessed those who thirst for justice, they surely will have their fill. Refrain: 3. O how blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall behold God’s face. O how blessed those who mend with mercy, forgiveness is their reward.

4. O how blessed those who fight for peace, the chil-dren of God are they. O how blessed those despised and hated, who bear it because of me. Text: Based on Matthew 5:3–12. Text and music © 2015, Dan-iel L. Schutte. Published by OCP. All rights reserved. Sending: The Spirit Sends Us Forth AZMON / Delores Dufner OSB 1. The Spirit sends us forth to serve; We go in Je-

sus' name To bring glad tidings to the poor, God's favor to proclaim.

2. We go to comfort those who mourn And set the burdened free; Where hope is dim, to share a dream And help the blind to see. 3. We go to be the hands of Christ, To scatter joy like seed And, all our days, to cherish life, To do the loving deed. 4. Then let us go to serve in peace, The gospel to proclaim. God's Spirit has empower'd us; We go in Jesus' name. Text: CM; Delores Dufner, OSB, © 1993, The Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN. Published by OCP. All rights re-served. Music: Carl Gotthilf Gläser, 1784–1829.

Faith Formation & Sacraments IGNITE ~ DISCIPLESHIP ~ FAITH FORMATION ~ CONFIRMATION ~ RCIA

FAITH FORMATION (Grades K-8) – Andrea Watkins (Director of Religious Education) (925) 228-2230 Ext 5 or email: andreaw@stcmtz.org Coming together after Shelter in Place, the completion of our Sacramental program for the prior year 2019 – 2020 has the following dates scheduled: • Monday, Sept 21: Final Holy Communion Class for parents and children • Saturday, Sept 26: First Holy Communion Retreat • Monday, Sept 28: First Reconciliation • Saturday, and Sunday, October 3 and 4: First Holy Communion Masses CONFIRMATION (Grades 9-12) - Jenny and Paul Holland (Youth Confirmation Leaders) (925) 228-2230 Ext 8 or email: jennyh@stcmtz.org Confirmation Gatherings: Beginning again on Sundays @ 12 noon in the Upper Yard. Watch for upcoming details. • Parent Gatherings will be coming soon. • Date of Confirmation to be scheduled with the Diocese of Oakland, TBD Rite of Christian Initiation - RCIA – Karen Glen (RCIA Leader) (925) 228-2230 Ext 4 or email: kareng@stcmtz.org • Catechumens, Candidates and Confirmandi are receiving their sacraments in private Holy

Masses by the end of June 2020. • Continued education, known as the Mystagogy period will continue via Zoom meetings

through July 2020. • New classes will begin August 26th.

NEW FOR 2020-2021 FAITH FORMATION YEAR

IGNITE – Cindy Buscaglia (Ignite Leader) cindyb@stcmtz.org Keep a look out for IGNITE, our Discipleship Team that includes all components of

Formation (Faith Formation, Confirmation, RCIA, Bible Study, etc.) Registration available online for all Faith Formation programs beginning July 1st. Look for upcoming information for Bible Study, Small Group Studies and many other

Adult Faith Formation opportunities.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

DISCIPLESHIP

To empower a community of Christian people walking together as

disciples of Jesus in order to share His good news.

St. Catherine Parish offers deepest sympathy and prayers for the family; and, the repose of the soul of all who entered into eternal life.

Victims of the Coronavirus Jovina Essex

Lenor Nunez-Nongaray

SAT 7/25 8:00 Sarah and Anthony DeVenuta† 4:30 Joe Balestrieri† SUN 7/26 7:00 Int. Jay Chambers- 75th Birthday 8:30 Int. Thomas and Joaquin Families 11:00 Antonio Da Conceicao† 1:00 Dolores Cardenas & Julia Polina† MON 7/27 8:00 Gingee Sirzum† TUE 7/28 8:00 Int. Fran Tavormina and Jane Austin WED 7/29 8:00 Int. Cynthia Buscaglia - Birthday THU 7/30 8:00 Special Intention FRI 7/31 8:00 Howard Coloyan† SAT 8/1 8:00 Donna Souza† 4:30 Walter & Michael Narodzonek† SUN 8/2 8:30 Olga Maria Araujo 11:00 All Souls in Purgatory†

Prayer for the Pandemic Corona Virus Situation

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by

day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things

that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transi-ent, but the things that are unseen are eternal”

(2 Corinthians 4:16-18). “I will be with you always” (Jesus)!

Yours in Christ, Fr. Anthony and Pastoral Staff

Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Although we are separated through social distancing, sheltering in place, physical infir-mities or other reasons, we want you to know that you are not alone. You are always in the heart of God, and you are continually in our hearts and prayers. To assist in staying close as a parish family we have assembled this Spiritual First Aid Kit with worship aids and sacramentals that have been blessed by Fr. Anthony.. Our hope is that as you use them in faith, that they will bring to mind our Lord's great love for you and that they will aid you on your spiritual journey with God; the Fa-ther, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Ignite & Parish Discipleship Team to-gether with Our Hospitality Team

If you are interested in receiving a kit contact Debbie Pelizzarri debpelizzari@comcast.net or (925) 370-3874

FIRST AID KIT includes: Breaking Bread book, Holy Water, blessed Salt, prayer cards & pamphlets, blessed Miraculous Medal, & a blessed Brown Scapular.

For Emergency Anointing of the Sick (Only for those who are experiencing an imminent death)

Call (925) 228-2230 Ext 6 Please leave your name, phone #, address

STEWARDSHIP To create a culture in the parish rooted

in gratitude and generosity.

WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS

July 19, 2020

ON-LINE Weekly Offering: $ 1433.00 $ 1945.00 St. Vincent de Paul: $ $ 125.00 Parish Maintenance: $ 350.00 School Support: $ 200.00 Divine Renovation: $9,200.00 Organ Fund: $ 28.00

Activity Center/Gymnasium: PACE I, II, FTP Repurposed Donations: # Households/Individuals: 24 Amount $ 105,024.06 Reclaimed Donations: # Households/Individuals 19 Amount: $ 82,080.28

Year to Date

Repurposed: $432,634.38 Reclaimed: $136,143.08

WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS

July 12, 2020

Weekly Offering: $ 4,657.00 St. Vincent de Paul: $ 120.00 Divine Renovations: $ 8,000.00 School Support: $ 10.00 Peter’s Pence : $ 150.00

Thank you for your continued support,

both spiritual and financial.

WORSHIP

To facilitate a transforming encounter with God as we come together

in worship.

Jesus said to his disciples, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire” (Mark 9:43). What is Jesus referring to? What is Gehenna? First of all, Jesus used the word “Gehenna” to emphasize the punishment to be found in Hell, the place where souls freely choose to go when they reject God and his love. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains this briefly. Jesus often speaks of “Gehenna” of “the unquenchable fire” reserved for those who to the end of their lives refuse to believe and be converted, where both soul and body can be lost. Jesus solemnly proclaims that he “will send his angels, and they will gather . . . all evil doers, and throw them into the furnace of fire,” and that he will pronounce the condemnation: “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire!” (CCC 1034) The reason why Jesus uses “Gehenna” is because Jews at the time were already familiar with the word and its association with fire and “the damned.” The Catholic Encyclopedia explains the history of this word and the real-life location. Gehenna is the Hebrew gê-hinnom (Nehemiah 11:30), or the longer form gê-ben-hinnom (Joshua 15:8), and gê-benê-hinnom (2 Kings 23:10) “valley of the sons of Hinnom.” Hinnom seems to be the name of a person not otherwise known. The Valley of Hinnom is south of Jerusalem and is now called Wadi er-rababi. It was notorious as the scene, in earlier days, of the horrible worship of Moloch. For this reason it was … held in abomination by the Jews, who, accordingly, used the name of this valley to designate the abode of the damned. It is believed that worship of Moloch included throwing children into a fiery furnace as a sacrifice to the pagan god. This horrible scene was then associated with Hell a place of unfathomable pain and suffering. Some scholars claim Gehenna later became a “garbage dump,” where refuse was subsequently burned. This view is frequently debated, as there exists little evidence to confirm the existence of a garbage dump at the Valley of Hinnom. Nevertheless, the fires of Gehenna are only representative of the suffering to be endured in Hell, as the prima-ry pain is separation from God, as the Catechism explains. The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, “eternal fire.” The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs. (CCC 1035).

Gehenna was the “Valley of Hinnom” outside Jerusalem, where children were burned in sacrifice to the god Moloch.

What is the “Gehenna” in

the Bible?

Dear Families In Christ, In today's Holy Gospel (Matthew 13: 44-52), Jesus expounds on the priceless parables that the Kingdom of God seeks us instead of the other way around. He said the Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in the field. The treasures hidden are almost visible to our naked eye, and we are given equal opportunity to find and possess this precious gem. We must employ all available means to keep, hide the valuable treasure. But Jesus is not endorsing such illegitimate, spurious ideas. He said, acquiring the Kingdom of God by using questionable behavior is not the sacred path. It must be earned, possessed by humility, service, and by journeying with Him to the Holy cross. The dragnet story of catching criminals reminds us of their encompassing reach. The net collects treasures of every kind—good and bad. In the end, evil will be excluded for a good reason. The Gospel made it clear that the treasure of heaven could be attained in both the old law of the prophet and the new law of Jesus, our Savior. Matthew reveals to the world a fundamental truth about Jesus-- His Kingdom and the path to our human flourishing. Jesus's teaching method is a work of art to study and learn. Many times, Jesus holds the crowds around Him, spellbound by His wisdom and authority. On numerous occasions, He chastises individuals for their pride and hypocrisy. The parables in this story are good examples of His syntactic/logical wisdom. Jesus is a consummate teacher of His eager disciples—and us. The three images Jesus offers with excitement and purposes—the treasure buried in a field finds and hides again. A merchant finds pearl sells and buys it. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a net thrown into the sea. Then the angels separate the good and the bad—the wicked are thrown to the fiery furnace and burned. All images are a portrayal of ultimate judgment. The Gospel relates to our ministry of situating the old truth of our faith into new realities of our time. The first parable having encountered a valuable treasure, one must employ all means to secure it, hide it from its rightful owner to purchase it without their knowledge. On the other parables, Jesus creates a character who employs questionable behavior to make His point that acquiring the Kingdom of God is worth revisiting to whether means are the moral choice. Each parable calls and stresses the rewards of sacrificing everything for God's reign. Good and evil coexist in the Kingdom. Only at the end will evil be excluded. Judgment rings through the lines throughout without a sense of loss. The message that to be counted among the righteous as with the acquisition of the treasures, no sacrifice will be too high. The Disciples must ponder and study Jesus teaching until we see how to put them into practice. Jesus portrays His followers as evangelized scribes and likens them to heads of households who bring from their treasure both the new and old to nourish God's people. The new refers to knowledge of Jesus' life and teachings, and the former refers to the scripture of Jesus' days. Through the divine revelation and parable, God chose to show forth and communicate Himself and the eternal decision of His will regarding the heavenly treasure-- the salvation of men. Jesus wanted to share with us those divine treasures which totally transcend the understanding of our human mind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1: 1-5). Because we love and obey Jesus' commands. His decrees are lovely, and He always leads by example. To observe them, the revelation of His words sheds light giving the parables understanding to the simple—humble--innocent. A Divine treasure dearly buried in our hearts is our Church. The handcrafted gem that stands heaven-high that offers a stunning view from all angles: hand-painted pictures of saints, apostles illuminate festive ornament, marbled altar, gives blessings to our hearts, timeless expression of faith, a reminder of God's flesh and blood and His effusive hugs. Amen. May God bless you all. C.C. Salonga

“LORD, I LOVE YOUR COMMANDS”

READINGS & REFLECTIONS Join in the Weekly Scripture Reflection with the Clergy

Tuesdays (via ZOOM) 7:00 – 8:15 PM Please call the office (925) 228-2230 Ext 4 or 7 to be connected to the link.

Sunday, Jul 26, 2020 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Treat the children well Happy Parents’ Day! Children are the treasure in every society. For a viable future, we have to invest deeply in their upbring-ing. Golden-mouthed saint John Chrysostom offered ps on childrearing: Let the saints enter your home through the nam-ing of your children. Teach your kids Bible stories. Raise them singing psalms and hymns. Encourage in them a bold, not m-id, spirit. Disciplined self-possession will benefit them all their lives. Show them ac ons have consequences, now and in eter-nity. Finally, give more care to your children than you do for your job, home, wealth, and possessions. TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12; Romans 8:28-30; Ma hew 13:44-52 (109). “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field.” Monday, Jul 27, 2020 What is the parable of your life? Jesus used a lot of parables to teach his followers—so many that his disciples asked him why. So that the “mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are revealed to you,” he answered. Para-bles offer a relatable way to understand an abstract spiritual lesson. Most of us know what it is like to plant, cook, eat, manage money, run a business, deal with rela onship conflict. What Chris an truths would you like your own simple life sto-ry to reveal to others? How that parable unfolds is up to you. TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 13:1-11; Ma hew 13:31-35 (401). “All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables.” Tuesday, Jul 28, 2020 Sow the seeds of faith Blessed Stanley Rother, a missionary and the first U.S. priest to be declared a martyr, died this day in 1981. Not only did he love and serve his flock of indigenous Guatemalans, he helped build a medical clinic, school, and radio sta on. But it was his upbringing as an Oklahoma farm boy that endeared him even more to his modest agricultural community—a priest who preached but also plowed their fields. As a farmer, he under-stood the parables of Jesus more than most: how seeds must die, how flocks need a shepherd, how the harvest requires extra help—our help. Play your part. TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 14:17-22; Ma hew 13:36-43 (402). “The field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom.” Wednesday, Jul 29, 2020 MEMORIAL OF MARTHA

Let Martha be an inspira on We remember today a friend of Jesus who with her brother, Lazarus, and her sister, Mary, provided a home of friendship that was a place of respite for the Lord. She could prepare a meal and manage the many details of hos ng a gathering of friends. She could speak her mind honestly and trust that she would be heard. She recognized that Jesus was the Messiah. She was human enough to be crabby yet faithful enough to

believe that Jesus was able to bring life out of death. Saint Martha, in these challenging days, pray for us. TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21 (403); John 11:19-27 or Luke 10:38-42 (607). “Yes, Lord, I have come to believe that you are the Messiah.” Thursday, Jul 30, 2020 Deliver us from evil The United Na ons has declared today “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.” Church leaders have been outspoken on this global issue that targets poor and marginalized people, robbing them of their God-given dignity. In today’s gospel Je-sus envisions the kingdom of heaven as devoid of wickedness. Today is a good moment to oppose the wickedness of traffick-ing by adding your voice to the many who are commi ed to raising awareness and roo ng out this evil. TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 18:1-6; Ma hew 13:47-53 (404). “The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous.” Friday, Jul 31, 2020 MEMORIAL OF IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, PRIEST

Soldier us through Saint Igna us of Loyola died in 1566 of Roman fever, a type of malaria. During a me of pandemic, it seems appropriate to call on the aid of a saint known for his survival ins ncts and spiritual prowess. A er all, most thought Igna us, a Cas lian soldier, would die from injuries sustained in ba le at age 30, but instead he lived another 35 years. During his me of con-valescence, he experienced a spiritual conversion that led to the development of his popular Spiritual Exercises and the founding of the Jesuit order that has as its mo o “For the greater glory of God.” What can you do today, following Igna-

us’ example, to give God glory despite mes of confinement and uncertainty? TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 26:1-9; Ma hew 13:54-58 (405). “A prophet is not without honor except in his na ve place and in his own house.” Saturday, Aug 01, 2020 MEMORIAL OF ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Speak plainly Alphonsus was a bright and gi ed youth, earning doctorates in both civil and canon law in Naples at 16. He was so small at the me of his gradua on, he later wrote, that his doctoral robes swallowed him up, causing spectators to erupt in laugh-ter. But faith was no laughing ma er to the young man, who in short order le the legal profession and dedicated his life to the church to serve those on the margins. This brilliant doctor of the church believed in plain speech. "I have never preached a sermon which the poorest old woman in the congrega on could not understand,” he said. Let your own witness be sim-ple and direct. TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24; Ma hew 14:1-12 (406). “For in truth it was the LORD who sent me to you, to speak all these things for you to hear.”

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