This weekend as we gather to celebrate and reflect, we are called to focus on the beautiful imagery of Christ as our Good Shepherd. The Gospel of John reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep intimately and calls us each by name. In a world brimming with distractions, His voice is one of peace, guidance, and unwavering love. Let us strive to listen attentively, to discern His voice amid the noise, and to follow the path He gently lays out for us.
That sounds so easy, but it is really hard to consistently do because there are so many constant distractions and so many “voices” competing for our attention. I am reminded why I love St. Ignatius and his Spiritual Exercises so much. Ignatius recognized this problem and developed 14 rules for discernment that stress test whether the “spirit of God” or the “evil spirit” is at work. As Zac Davis from America Magazine recently put it, “One of Ignatius’s great gambles in his teachings is the idea that God does speak to us in our inner lives, but discerning God’s voice requires practice and community. The rules for discernment are helpful frameworks for spiritual directors guiding someone asking about God’s work in their life. For example, when someone is living a thoroughly sinful life, the spirit of God will speak through small breakthroughs of their conscience (Rule 1). The inverse is also true: If someone is living in virtue, the evil spirit will bite with doubts and obstacles to encourage turning away (Rule 2). These are just two of the 14 rules, all of which are much easier to understand with a patient priest nearby.”
During our Lenten Retreat, Fr. Kevin O’Brien, SJ highlighted the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The Pastoral Council has discerned that we will put together a program in the fall of 2024 to help people formally take the Spiritual Exercises here in our community through the guidance of a team of spiritual directors and companions. We are now putting plans together to develop the framework and recruit volunteers and part time position. More information will be coming in the months ahead.
This Sunday, known as “Good Shepherd Sunday,” is a time when we reflect on how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, watches over His flock, always guiding us to safer, greener pastures. It’s a profound reminder of the security and care we are promised under His watchful eye. God loves us just where we are now and we are called to listen for His voice, be inspired to embody His love and guidance in how we interact with one another within our community and beyond.
This Sunday, together with Catholics around the world, we observe World Vocations Sunday, a special day to pray for all those discerning a call to the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life. Our community thrives on the dedication and service of those who have answered God’s call. Let us support them in prayer, that many more will have the courage to follow a life devoted to Christian service.
Furthermore, we have the opportunity to extend our support through the second collection for the Diocesean Priest Retirement Fund. Our beloved priests have devoted their lives to serving the Lord and His people. As they age, many continue to serve in various capacities, despite the expectation of a quieter retirement. With people living longer, the need to support our retired priests in their golden years has grown. Your generous contributions help ensure that those who have shepherded us so faithfully can receive the care and support they deserve in their retirement. We thank you for your support, you can give online here.
Farewell to Father Thuc
With much sadness, we announce the reassignment of Father Thuc to St. Elizabeth Parish in Milpitas, effective July 1. Father Thuc has been a beacon of light and strength in our community, and his dedication has deeply enriched our spiritual lives. I will personally miss him a lot as he has been a joy to live and work alongside. While we are saddened by his departure, we trust that God’s guiding hand is at work in this transition.
We are also blessed to welcome Father Dat Luong, who will be joining us from Our Lady of LaVang. Father Dat brings with him a vibrant spirit and a deep commitment to pastoral service. We look forward to the new perspectives and enthusiasm he will bring to our parish community.
As we prepare to bid farewell to Father Thuc, please join us in expressing our gratitude for his hard work and heartfelt dedication. We will celebrate his time with us before he departs, and we encourage everyone to send him notes of gratitude and appreciation, which can be sent to the parish office.
Let us walk together this Sunday with the Good Shepherd, aware of His presence, tuned in to His voice, and let us also extend our support to those who have dedicated their lives to being shepherds in our community.
God bless,
Fr. Brendan