The central theme of today’s Gospel is hospitality—especially toward strangers. We are reminded of Abraham, who welcomed three unknown visitors, and of Martha, who worked hard to receive Jesus and His disciples. These stories show us how hospitality was embraced in the past—not just as a kind gesture, but as a deeply rooted tradition, regarded across cultures as both a social duty and a moral obligation. It is a beautiful and praiseworthy value.
Interestingly, the issue of hospitality remains relevant—and even controversial—today, especially when it comes to immigration. I’m reminded of the years following the fall of Saigon, when countless Vietnamese fled political and religious persecution. Many risked their lives at sea, hoping that some nation would welcome them. Hundreds of thousands perished in the ocean, but thanks to the generosity of countries like the United States, many were received and given a new start. Without that hospitality, they would have had nowhere to go.
What goes around comes around. Many of those same Vietnamese refugees have since flourished in America and contributed greatly to their communities. One example is Dr. Huy Nguyen, who fled Saigon as a 12-year-old. His family arrived in the U.S. with nothing and depended on public assistance. Years later, after becoming a chiropractor, his father felt deeply moved to give back and repay the generosity they had received—especially the support from the welfare system.
Hospitality bears great fruit. It transforms both the giver and the receiver. As a nation and as individuals, may we continue improving our immigration systems so we can extend the blessings we’ve received from God to those who are in real need.
Our parish, together with St. Julie’s Parish, is also living out this call. We are not just waiting for people to come to us—we are going to them. Right now, Joan Mibach, Business Manager, with many of our parishioners who are part of the Tijuana Ministry mission team are in Mexico building homes for the poor, providing bags of food and a summer children’s program. May their work honor God and bring hope to those they serve. You may not be able to travel to Tijuana but perhaps you can help donate food to the St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry (leave donations in the wooden bins at the Church entrances) or take a tag from students after Masses this weekend and next for the Kinship Center backpack drive by providing new school supplies to local students in need.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus also praises Mary over Martha, reminding us of the importance of sitting at the feet of God. He is our strength, our endurance, and the source of purpose behind our work. Without God, we can’t finish the race. We can’t give what we don’t have. But when our hearts are full of God’s love, what we offer to others becomes a reflection of that same love.
Many of those who welcomed the first wave of Vietnamese refugees were people of deep faith—priests, pastors, ministers—who opened their own homes to strangers. Their courage came from their love of God. May we be inspired by their example to continue this sacred tradition of hospitality in our own time. If you are interested in deepening your relationship with God, we encourage you to consider our Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Living here at St. Simon with trained and experienced Spiritual Directors. You can contact Sr. Gloria for more information at seel@stisimon.org and visit our webpage for more information here
God bless,
Fr. Dat