Dear Parishioners:
---The book of Wisdom, named after the wisest of all the Israelite kings - Solomon, was used as a manual or textbook for young Jews living in a Greek culture from 300 B.C. to 200 A.D. The Jews were awed by the brilliant culture around them, and perhaps feared that their traditional values might be inferior to those of Egyptian society. Wisdom consisted of a series of wise sayings, philosophical and moral discussions, religious apologetics, science, and rhetoric. The authors strove to educate and build up the Jewish faith in a foreign environment.
The final section of the book of Wisdom, from which today’s first reading is drawn (Wisdom 18:6-9) praises God as the liberator of his people. One of the high points of the text glorified God for his great power that destroyed the first born of the Egyptians, yet, at the same time, freed his people. Israel was saved because they listened to God’s word.
From the Second Reading present the letter to the Hebrews, whenever I have moments of frustration, discouragement or sadness about the state of things in the Church today, I go back and read chapter 11 of the Letter to the Hebrews. This chapter draws upon the people and events of the Old Testament to paint an inspiring portrait of religious faith, firm and unyielding in the face of any obstacles that confront it.
Finally, today’s Gospel passage reflects questions that arose from the early Christian belief that Jesus would soon return in his glory and the delay that had already occurred. Written more than half a century after Jesus’
death, this gospel needed to address concerns regarding laxity on the part of the members of the community who had already been waiting for Jesus’ coming and were discouraged at his delay.
-Is it not true that in some of the bleakest, most challenging moments of life, we find tremendous freedom?
-How many times has a painful period led us to joy and consolation far beneath the turbulence of the surface?
---It’s not too late to participate in the Annual Catholic Appeal this year 2022. If you did not have a chance to participate, you will receive a follow up mailing from the parish for this purpose; please see the reporting in the bulletin. “Thank You” for many families who continue to support our parish in the Annual Catholic Appeal this year; please join with your fellow parishioners to support the ACA by returning your completed envelop. Any amount, small or large, will help our parish goal and most especially, to help upgrade our parish audio and technology upgrade this year.
---It’s wonderful for the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adult) Team, formerly RCIA, is getting together in a good summer day to begin preparing for the upcoming path for the people who God call and through the help of all the parishioners of our parish community to recommend for exploring or renewing or deepening in the Catholic Faith. If you ever been asked to share or explain your faith and hesitate of how to start …!!! Consider come and join with “other inquirers” to learn, share and refresh the gift of our Catholic faith. Please check the bulletin or call the Religious Office for more information.
---On behalf of the Parish, I’d like to thank our Youth Minister Coordinator – Marylin Flores, Volunteers & Parent Chaperons and all members of Marylin’s team Faith Formation – for your love, generosity of your time, talent and treasure for planning and executing this first Youth Conference in Spokane this past July 29-31. May this event add to a “special memory” for the members of our Youth Group and their families Summer this year.
---Check with the Faith Formation Office and the bulletin for upcoming registration for First Holy Communion and information on Confirmation.
---While enjoying the “Summer rest”, please don’t forget our parishes – Prince of Peace and St. Gabriel. Have a wonderful week with Jesus - The True Treasure of our lives.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang