Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

When the disciples drop their nets to follow Jesus to accompany him in his ministry, they first call him “teacher” and “rabbi.” Gradually, their perception of him begins to change, and they see him as others see him–as a prophet. Then this understanding deepens further; they recognize Jesus as the Messiah the world has been waiting for.

All along, Christ has been revealing his divinity to his disciples, teaching them that their discipleship comes with a cost, and preparing them for his coming suffering and death. 

For Peter, James, and John, the Transfiguration is “proof positive” that Jesus is the fulfillment of what the prophets have been promising. If Jesus’ face shining like the sun and his clothes becoming white as light is not telling enough, the voice of the Father clearly states, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Talk about a teachable moment! 

Light dispels darkness. The hope of the resurrection is stronger than the pain of the Passion.  

Initiatives like the Together in Mission Annual Appeal make tangible God’s light and love and give hope to those in our community who need it the most. Please prayerfully consider if this is one way you can share the promise of the resurrection by making a gift today. 

Peace and blessings,

Father Gil

For our immigrant sisters and brothers living in fear of deportation, may the Lord accompany them through the ministry of the Christian community:

For the healing, comfort, and peace of the sick, for Madeleine Lord, Victoria T. Picard, Amparo Haber, Bruno Raineri, Shirley Ruess, Sister Irene Wright, Melinda Nadres, Greg Tinsley, Jack & Vicki Phillips, Tel Ramon, Mary Pat Cooper, Todd Wiench, Bernadette Tee, Estrella and John Monzon, Charles Candel, Marisa Kavanau, Carol King Wolcott, John Wolcott, Angel Appleton, Clark Gassan, Lohriena Lohrie Counts, Nora McCormick Heinen, Weldon Tilley, Paul Lannan, Eileen Gaffney.

For the eternal rest of our beloved departed, Terry Casey, Darrel Bengry, Joan Doyle, Cristina Mirendolf, Elaine Vucelich, Marietta Lavin, Jeffrey Graham, Renee Good, Alex Pretti, Robert J. Burns, John 'JJ' Goldrick, Dellie Abad, James Kennedy, José Fernandez, Terry O'Malley Seidler, Rich Puppione, Christie Farmer, Alfred Ruess, Christohper Hudlin, Alan Culver, Laura James, Anne Marie Hannick, Father Greg Goethals, SJ, Ron Schuster, Bobby Burks, Father Jack Lynch, CSP, Arlene Havel, Phil Duncan, Michele Kearin, Father Brad Schoeberle, CSP, Mary Tokuza, Haruko Hiromura, Donny Kie, Cesar Robeniol, Nellie Scholar, may they rest in peace.

For peace in every nation: may the light of the Holy Spirit transform hearts so that all may seek the way of peace together and comfort the wounded and grieving, let us pray to the Lord: