Dear Parishioners:
- Happy Veteran Day - Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
A special word of “Thanks” to all parishioners from St. Gabriel and Prince of Peace Parishes who minister to the veterans at “Retsil – Washington Veteran Home in Port Orchard” every Wednesday of the week. Since the beginning of Covid-19, our Ministry Team hasn’t been able to go there, but, we are looking forward to resume this ministry when it is permitted again.
- As the Liturgical Year is concluding in next few weeks in the Feast of Christ the King, the Church shares and reflects the Gospel of Matthew on chapter 25 through 3 different parables.
This week, we will hear the message of “the Need for Watchfulness”, as the virgins will be prepared and ready to welcome the Bridegroom to the Wedding feast. Next week, we will also hear the message of “the Faithful Servants” who receive and multiply the talents that will be entrusted to them. The third week, the Liturgical Year will be ended with the understanding of “the Last Judgment”, as those who take to heart God’s commands to care for God’s people (feeding the hungry, quenching the thirsty, welcoming the strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick and visiting the imprisonment) as it is to God’s own life.
As with all parables, this one has a double meaning: it is about a wedding celebration but it is also about something else – namely, how God relates to human beings. The simplest meaning, and probably the one most relevant to Jesus’ historical situation, is that those who were in tune with the wisdom of God had “ears to hear” and accepted his message. Those who rejected it found themselves rejected. The lesson to be learned is “watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (25:13).
On another level, the parable can refer to the Church and her individual members. Could Matthew have been telling this Gospel story to settle a disagreement within his community as to what the delay of Christ’s return meant? The delay of the parousia (second coming of Christ) is symbolized by the wait for the bridegroom. Everything else was ready at the marriage feast; only the bridegroom was missing. If indeed Matthew told this story to settle such a disagreement, then the lesson passed on to those who first heard the story is how to live with the delay of the return of the Messiah yet remain prepared for his glorious second coming. The parable is clearly a warning to live lives of watchfulness and prudent preparedness. Such virtues are the result of careful attentiveness to the words God has spoken to us.
- In renewing Christian Stewardship – our ability to share our gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure – with others with no string attached and no conditions; we are living the message of the Gospel.
As we begin celebrating Stewardship Week would consider renewing your support to the parish in living the Gospel message. Thank you for your support to our common ministry in following Jesus’ way of life.
- Lastly, a special tradition throughout the month of November is that, our parish remember and pray for all our deceased members at Mass, especially those names that have been written on the parish prayer book. Please join us in the daily Mass or at the weekend Mass in these celebrations. It’s not too late to send in the All Souls’ envelop with the names of your loved ones who have passed away and wanting our parish to pray for them.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang