“Stop giving your children Bible names without teaching them Bible lessons,” a man lamented. Curious onlookers asked, “What happened?” With a chuckle, he replied, “Well, yesterday I was robbed by someone named Abraham.”
This humorous anecdote highlights a deeper truth: the importance of aligning our beliefs with our actions. As followers of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, we endeavor to embody His virtues of goodness, justice, and mercy. This weekend’s Gospel challenges us, the modern-day disciples, to live out these teachings in our daily lives. While we may falter at times, our persistent effort is what truly matters.
Since joining St. Simon recently, I’ve witnessed our parish community wholeheartedly embracing Christ’s example through both words and deeds. We actively participate in initiatives such as clothing drives, backpack collections for needy children, and a noteworthy program dedicated to building homes for impoverished communities abroad. Father Brendan, a steadfast advocate for these causes, shared with me the initial challenges faced on one mission trip he went to in Nicaragua. Despite falling ill due to unfamiliar diets during their first visit, the team persevered by preparing their own provisions. Such setbacks didn’t deter them from their commitment to serving others and God.
Living out our Christian identity can have profound impacts beyond our expectations. For example, during a pastoral visit to Vietnam two years ago, Vietnamese priests from San Jose accompanied Bishop Cantu to a hospice in Saigon. Here, terminally ill patients, abandoned and lacking medical care, found solace in a facility built by the diocese. Care was lovingly provided by volunteers, including a non-Catholic woman who, once a patient herself, dedicated six hours daily to assisting others with personal and hygiene needs. Her commitment stemmed from the compassionate care she received during her own illness, compelling her to give back. In striving to live our Christian values, we not only enrich our own lives but also inspire others through our actions.
This past week, I would like to thank the volunteers who are preparing for the upcoming Rummage Sale and others behind the scenes who are helping with summer cleaning projects on campus. Pattie Sharrow and Nancy Perkins will need help sorting the rummage sale donations that start coming in on Sunday, August 4th continue until August 15th on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8pm in the Parish Center gym so please drop off some donations and stay and help sort items in the various departments. If you would like to help during the sale days, please contact Pattie Sharrow. You can email Pattie here or communications@stsimon.org.
God bless,
Fr. Dat