Dear Parishioners:
PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL – A Strategic Pastoral Planning
---The public launch of PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL - A Strategic Pastoral
Planning effort taking place across the Archdiocese of Seattle to re-invigorate and renew
our local Catholic Church has begun on January 22. If you have not seen the video
message from Archbishop Etienne, please go to our parish website to hear about this
important process.
Here is the first part of the timeline, of the key milestones for Partners in the Gospel:
-January 2023 Public launch
-Fall 2023 Invitation to provide feedback on parish families
-Early 2024 Final parish family structures announced
As we are being asked to pray for this process, I want to share with you the second part of
Meditating on the Scriptures (the first Meditation on last week bulletin) that we did
together at the “Convocation – Gathering of representatives from parishes” for your own
reflection.
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven, and said:
“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their
word.
So that they may all be one, as you, Father are in me and I in you.
That they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.
And I have given them the glory you have me, so that they may be one, as we are
one,
I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one,
That the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you
loved me”. (Joh 17:1, 20-23)
1. Today, what words in this reading resonate with you, giving comfort or offering
challenge?
2. What kind of unity does Jesus want for his disciples? Where have you glimpsed
that unity in your life?
3. What needs to change in you, in us, in order for us to grow in unity?
After reflecting on the Scripture passage, please pray the Partners in the Gospel Prayer
that you received your personal card prayer or you can find it on our parish website.
---This week is the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time; Jesus of Nazareth was a master
teacher and a great storyteller. We can easily picture him teaching and preaching to his
young friends as they sat on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, on hillsides, in deserted
places or in the temple precincts in Jerusalem. These qualities of Jesus are clearly
evident in today's Gospel - the continuation of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's
Gospel.
The concern that "salt has lost its flavor" is difficult for us to understand today,
especially because of the purity of the salt we use. In the time of Jesus, salt was not
purified in the way that we know but was collected from deposits left by the Dead Sea as
it dried. This salt was exposed to the elements and could break apart and lose its flavor.
Such salt is a very appropriate metaphor for discipleship, which can and does lose its
vigor over time if care is not taken to keep it alive.
In addition to being salt for the earth, Jesus called his followers to be the light of the
world. In the memorable sermon on the Galilean hillside, Jesus transfers his light to
those who follow him: "You are the light of the world." Jesus is the light of the world.
Jesus calls us to be that same light.
---Looking ahead … about 19 days from the time you read this bulletin letter, the
Church will lead us to another Liturgical Season called LENT. Lenten Season will begin
on February 22 - ASH WEDNESDAY. This is a special time for us as Christian to
renew our commitment in following Jesus and most especially for those who prepare to
receive the sacraments of – Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation and Eucharist –
including those in R.C.I.A, High School and Adult Confirmation Candidates, Children
preparing for First Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Please, keep these people
in your prayer as they prepare for these Sacraments.
Have a wonderful week in the Joy of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang