August 6, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

Trust rooted in experience is at the heart of our faith. First there was Abraham, our father in faith. The second reading recalls his story: God called him in his old age, promising a change in his life, a new season of prosperity and fruitfulness in a new land. Abraham trusted God and left his home in obedience. He began to receive what was promised, the realization of what he hoped for. 

Abraham died before entering the promised land, never seeing it himself. But his life experiences were evidence enough for him never to lose trust in God’s providence. As God continued to provide, Abraham’s trust grew and deepened. Thus, his faith was a gift from God, who chose Abraham to be the father of faith to all his people.

Generations later Abraham’s descendants, the Israelites, become captives in Egypt. They know how God provided for Abraham and what has been promised to them as their inheritance. With this evidence, they trust in God and have courage as they wait to see his justice. Like Abraham, they obey God’s instructions although imperfectly. Thus, as the Book of Wisdom tells us, their households are spared on the night of Passover as their adversaries are driven to surrender. Now they, too, have seen the realization of what was hoped for.

The Israelites inherit the land God promised – though by the time of the Gospel it is under occupation. Still, the disciples have the privilege of seeing and knowing the Messiah, fully realizing what generations had hoped for. Jesus assures them that they can be confident in God’s desire to fulfill his promises to them. He says, Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. The true promised land – heaven – will be opened to them by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Indeed, God is fulfilling his promises through Christ in ways the Israelites never would have expected.

As God provided for Abraham, the Israelites, and the disciples, we can trust him to continue to provide for us. We can be like the vigilant servants, ever ready for the realization of what we hope for. Our waiting will not be in vain.

The Eucharist is our nourishment as vigilant servants, as it is Christ himself and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet and eternal union we are offered in him. As evidence of things we have yet to see, Jesus’ self-gift in the Blessed Sacrament grows and deepens our trust if we receive him with love. 

God Love Ya,
Fr. Reilly

Blessing Over College Students 

Heavenly Father, please be with these students as they go where they do not know. 

As they seek to grow in knowledge, we ask that they grow in faith.

As they start to conquer the world, we hope that they conquer their fears.

As they strive to find their place, we pray that they find YOU.

Please go where we cannot, protect when we cannot,

Give strength that we cannot and bring them safely home.

Amen.

A Few Odds and Ends

Saturday Morning Mass/Confessions

Beginning September 6, Saturday morning Mass will be permanently changed from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM.

Confessions will be heard from 8:00 AM to 8:20 AM.

The 2026 Mass Intention Book will open on 
Wednesday, September 17 at 9:00 AM in the Parish Center