31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

10-30-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Chris Nunes

Dear Fellow disciples, peace. 

The episode of Zacchaeus in today’s Gospel describes the journey to salvation. This rich man from Jericho becomes the perfect example of a disciple of God’s kingdom. 

The first step in  his and our journey is to desire to see Jesus and to overcome all difficulties to encounter Him. His low stature (like someone I know) and his effort to climb a tree proves his desire to overcome the hindrances whatever they may be.

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30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

10-23-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Javier Suarez

One of the biggest mistakes in our Christian life is believing that we are good and that what we do is enough for our salvation. It is a big mistake because it makes us fall into mediocrity, and even worse it makes us assume that we have earned salvation just by being good or following some rules. This is what happens in today's gospel. We have the Pharisee who is sure that for following some laws and regulations God will reward him and save him. The problem is that for this Pharisee salvation does not depend on God but on his own life and ability to follow the rules and laws. The main thing for this man is to be faithful to the law, but this gives him a dangerous confidence since it makes him believe he is good, religious and perfect.

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29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

10-16-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Chris Nunes

Dear fellow disciples,

Jesus promises that God “will do justice on behalf of all his chosen ones, those who cry to Him day and night”. He will not delay but will answer them promptly.

What does “justice” means in relations with God? In the context of the gospel justice means the plan of God for every human being. It is the will of God that the petitioner wants to see accomplished and he/she nurture in his/her heart the desire to put it in practice.

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Have Hearts of Gratitude

10-09-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Chris Nunes

Dear fellow disciples,

The gesture of gratitude of the leper healed caught Jesus' attention. In fact, of the ten only one came back to say “thank you”. He was a Samaritan, in other words, he was part of the people who hated the Jews. The other nine never thought about coming back and, probably, took it for granted. It was this “enemy” of Jesus who comes back, prostrates himself and give thanks.

The narratives of miracles do not report that those healed gave thanks to Jesus or required a thank you note. Why then is Jesus impressed by the gesture of this Samaritan?

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27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

10-02-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Chris Nunes

Dear Fellow Disciples,

To serve the Kingdom of God implies that the servant, minister, has the conscience that he or she is just a servant, a minister of God. Our decision to accept the call and embark in discipleship is free. It can't have expectations of rewards or worldly honors. "We are just servants, and have done just our duties". This is the attitude of a real servant of God's kingdom.

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