Dear St. Gabriel Parishioners:
- As we coming to the end of the month of August, the preparation time, for the start up for a fuller participation in Liturgical Celebration in our Community, I ask that you fill-out a survey form and put into the Collection Basket at Mass, submitted online through the Parish Website to help our Staff and Leadership of the Parish to prepare for the successful of the Re-Opening for our Parish Community in this coming Fall.
- This is the last week in which the Church reflects with us the important of John’s Gospel Chapter 6 entitled “The discourse on the Bread of Life” (John 6:60-69) as a part of our Eucharistic celebration. Then, we’ll be back to the Gospel of Mark as we’ve been reading for this year.
In today's Gospel, we hear of the mixed reactions of Jesus' disciples to the Bread of Life discourse that we have heard over the past weeks. Jesus provided bread, but His Bread is not like the Manna that God provided in the wilderness; this bread is HIMSELF, his very life; and those who eat it "will live forever." Jesus' challenge sets up a critical turning point in the Gospel. Not only are we told that one of Jesus' followers would betray him; we also learn that some of those who had been following Jesus "turned back and no longer went about with him."
When we are faced with the difficult teachings of Jesus and the Church, do we also wish to go away? Is it not true that many times, because of the complexity of the issues and the pressures of the society around us, we may wish to "go away"?
Peter's response to Jesus' question -- "Do you also wish to go away?" -- in today's Gospel is striking. Peter answers back with another question: "To whom else can we go?" It is an honest answer. Peter and the others stay with Jesus precisely because he has been a source of life for them.
This week, it’s decision time … For Joshua, the leader of the Israel, gathered the 12 tribes together he declared to choose God and the disciples of Jesus also declared to choose Jesus, although some have left Jesus.
What is “our decision?” … May we choose to follow JESUS and let Him nourishes us daily in Word and Sacraments.
- If you ever been asked to SHARE or EXPLAIN your faith and hesitate of how to start …!!! Come and join with “other inquirers” to learn, share and refresh the gift of our Catholic faith. Please talk to the RCIA Team Members. Please check the bulletin in regard to any Religious Program or call the Religious Office for more information.
- While we still in the Summer time, I’d like to take this opportunity to thanks all of our parish Liturgical Ministers – Mass Attendants Check-in, Greeters, Ushers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Sacristans, Altar Severs, Church Environment Committee, etc… – who have served our parish Liturgical Functions throughout the last 1-1/2 years, in this difficult time of Coronavirus.
- While enjoying the “Summer rest”, please don’t forget our parishes – Gabriel and Prince of Peace.
Enjoy the rest of the Summer’s month with the Blessings of our Gracious God.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang