In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples in pairs, instructing them to go ahead of Him to every town and place He intended to visit. As they embark on this mission, Jesus offers them these powerful words: “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” This is not just a message for then—it is for now. Our world, our Church, our very community needs witnesses to Christ’s love and mercy, of laborers willing to serve the Gospel with courage and humility. It is a mission that continues to call each of us in unique and powerful ways.
In a timely reflection published in the July edition of Give Us This Day, theologian Ann Garrido explores a parable tucked deep within the Book of Judges. In it, the trees of the forest seek a king. They first turn to the olive tree, then the fig tree, then the grapevine—but each refuse, not wanting to give up their fruitful work to “sway over” the trees, a phrase implying aimless or even drunken wandering. Eventually, the bramble accepts the role—offering empty promises of shade and a threat to consume everything in fire if disrespected. Ann Garrido warns that when gifted leaders step back from service, the void may be filled by those less virtuous and more self-serving. She reminds us that Jesus’ call to pray for laborers is not just about others—it may also be about us. Leadership in parish life, schools, and communities is often underserved not because of lack of need, but because so many feel too busy or hesitant to say yes. But God is still calling—and often that call comes through the voice of our own community. I hope everyone will hear that call and give a positive answer to serve.
This weekend, we are blessed to welcome a brand-new laborer in the vineyard of the Lord—Father Thanh Ho, who was just ordained last month to the priesthood! Father Thanh has come to serve us and give his life away to this community in the name of Christ. What a wonderful gift! He will be at all the Masses this weekend, and I invite you to come say hello and offer him a warm St. Simon welcome. Being newly ordained is both an exhilarating and vulnerable time, and your encouragement and support can make all the difference. Let us surround him with prayer, friendship, and appreciation as he begins this sacred journey of priesthood. We are honored to walk with him in these early days of his ministry.
I am also thrilled to share the continued fruitfulness of our SEEL program—Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Living, rooted in the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This past year, 44 people from St. Simon completed the first-ever cohort of this year-long prayer journey. Their lives have been deeply transformed through daily prayer, spiritual direction, and communal reflection. Beginning this September, we will launch our second cohort—and we invite you to learn more at an Information Night on Sunday, July 13 at 6:00pm in the Church (after the 5:00pm Mass).
We are officially welcoming Sr. Gloria Jones, OP—a Dominican Sister who lives in the convent on our parish grounds—onto our staff part-time as the new Coordinator of SEEL and Spirituality Programs. Sr. Gloria brings decades of experience as a spiritual director, retreat leader, and wise guide in the interior life. Her presence is truly a blessing, and I could not be more excited about what this means for the future of spiritual formation at St. Simon. Please come meet her and consider joining SEEL if you’re longing for a deeper spiritual life.
Yesterday we celebrated Independence Day, and I hope you and your families enjoyed a restful and joyful Fourth of July. This national holiday invites us not only to celebrate our freedoms, but to reflect on our responsibilities. May we continue to pray for our nation—especially in times of division and challenge—and recommit ourselves to building a society that reflects the values of justice, unity, and peace. We are called to serve all people, as one nation under God, with liberty and compassion for all. I’m happy to share “The Fireworks” poem by Christine Moore, whose words beautifully remind us that we shine brightest when we live not for ourselves, but for one another.
Lastly, on a personal note, I’m grateful to share that I have just completed the final draft of my book on death, grief, and the Christian hope of eternal life called From Here to Eternity: How to Live and Die Well. After many months of writing (and re-writing!), I’ve sent the manuscript to the publisher for review. It’s in God’s hands now! I humbly ask for your prayers as we wait to see what comes next. May it be a small offering to help others learn how to live and die well, rooted in our faith.
Let us all respond to the call of Christ: to be laborers in the harvest of love, mercy, and justice. The harvest is indeed abundant—and we are the ones God is sending. Link to “The Fireworks” poem here.
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan