This Sunday, we hear John the Baptist’s powerful testimony: “Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” These words carry the weight of certainty born from genuine encounter. John doesn’t simply repeat what he’s heard or offer a theory about Jesus. He speaks from direct experience. He has seen. He knows. And now he testifies.
This is the heart of our Christian calling: to be witnesses to what we have encountered in Christ. But witnessing requires something fundamental—a commitment to truth. We cannot testify to what we do not know, and we cannot authentically proclaim what we do not believe. John’s testimony rings true because it flows from his lived experience of God’s presence breaking into the world.
In the second reading, St. Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—that we are called to be holy. This might sound daunting, even impossible. How can ordinary people like us be holy? But holiness is not about perfection. It’s about alignment with truth. It’s about living in a way that reflects the reality of who God is and who we are as His beloved children.
Holiness begins in the small decisions we make every single day. It shows itself in how we speak about others when they’re not present. It emerges in whether we choose honesty over convenience in our professional lives. It manifests in our willingness to stand up for what is right, even when silence would be easier. These everyday choices, these moments of choosing truth over compromise, are the building blocks of holiness.
We live in a time when truth itself seems under siege. We encounter misinformation in our news feeds, manipulation in our politics, and pressure to shade the truth in our workplaces. We see relationships damaged by dishonesty and public discourse poisoned by half-truths and deliberate deceptions. In such an environment, our commitment to truth becomes a radical act of holiness. Living the truth means more than avoiding lies. It means actively seeking what is real and good, even when that search is difficult. It means refusing to participate in gossip, resisting the temptation to exaggerate for effect, and having the courage to speak honestly when others expect us to go along with convenient fictions. In our personal relationships, professional environments, and political engagements, truth must be our foundation.
Like John the Baptist, we are called to testify—not with words alone, but with lives that embody integrity. When we choose truth consistently, we become living witnesses to the Son of God who declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Our witness may not always be dramatic, but it will always be powerful.
Last Saturday morning, I had the joy of witnessing another kind of preparation for testimony. Our children preparing for their First Reconciliation gathered for their retreat, and what a beautiful sight it was! Their eagerness and genuine excitement about this sacrament filled my heart with hope. They approached the idea of God’s forgiveness not with fear, but with wonder. They asked thoughtful questions and engaged deeply with what it means to examine our consciences and return to God’s embrace. What a grace!
We were also blessed this week by Bishop Oscar Cantú’s visit to our school on Wednesday. The children absolutely loved him! His warmth, his joy, and his genuine presence with them was a beautiful witness in itself. Bishop Cantú took time to speak with the students, to answer their questions, and to share his own journey of faith. Seeing their faces light up in his presence reminded me that we encounter Christ not just in grand moments, but in the simple gift of someone giving us their full, authentic attention. His visit was a living example of what it means to be a shepherd who knows and loves his flock.
I have to say I simply love our St. Simon flock and am constantly amazed at the dedication you have for our community! This evening we celebrate and thank many of you who serve St. Simon Parish and School. It takes a village to sustain the life of our parish. From our welcoming Donut Sunday team to our liturgical ministers—altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, musicians, greeters, ushers, and tech team—to those who decorate, prepare and care for our church; from those who teach and form children, youth, and adults in faith. To those who serve on our retreat, leadership, and fundraising committees and offer their professional skills with generosity. And then we have those who serve our school by supporting the faculty and staff in the classroom, on field trips, at class activities and more! Another group of you go beyond our parish and reach out to build community, care for creation, advocate for justice, serve the hungry, provide for the poor and visit the homebound, hospitalized, and grieving—each act of service matters. Seen or unseen, whether preparing meals, cleaning linens, tending gardens, praying, and writing cards, every “yes” makes Christ present here. We simply could not be St. Simon without you. The Pastoral Staff and I look forward to seeing you tonight at 5:00 PM Mass followed by dinner in the Parish Center.
Tomorrow at our Sunday 11:15 AM Mass, we will celebrate the Feast of Santo Niño with our Filipino community. This beautiful tradition honors the Christ Child and reflects the deep devotion and vibrant faith of our Filipino brothers and sisters. All are welcome to join us for this special celebration, which will include traditional customs and a joyful expression of Filipino spirituality. Our parish is enriched by the gifts our Filipino community brings—their warmth, their strong family bonds, and their profound love for the Eucharist. Please come and celebrate with us as we give thanks for the cultural diversity that makes St. Simon such a welcoming home for all. Pleaser register for the reception here.
As we begin this new week, let us ask ourselves: Where am I called to be a witness to truth? In what areas of my life do I need to strengthen my commitment to honesty and integrity? How can I, in my own small way, testify that Jesus is the Son of God—not just with my words, but with my choices?
May we have the courage of John the Baptist to see clearly, to know deeply, and to testify boldly to the truth we have encountered in Christ.
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan