This passage from Matthew highlights the astuteness of Jesus in navigating through the complexities of life. The authorities, who usually opposed each other, united in an attempt to trap Jesus. They sought to force Him into a dilemma, where whatever answer He gave could be used against Him.

In this parable of the wedding banquet, Jesus gives profound insights into the nature of God's kingdom and the response expected from those who are called. The king's preparation of a grand wedding feast for his son mirrors the divine invitation extended to all humanity by our heavenly Father—a call to partake in the joyous union with His Son, Jesus Christ.

“To heal wounds, to bind what is broken and to bring home those who were lost.” This was the entire life and mission of Saint Francis of Assisi, and it is clearly a prophetic mission for our day.

This parable, known as the "Parable of the Unforgiving Servant," teaches us about the boundless mercy and forgiveness that God offers us and the importance of extending that same forgiveness to others. As Catholics, we are called to reflect on this passage and apply its teachings in our lives.

Many people have had the experience of praying for something in earnest and just the opposite happens! This experience leads us to questions in our life: Has God been deaf to our entreaties? Are we not good enough to have our prayer answered according to the outcome we desire? Are we being punished by God?

Labor Day, a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers, invites us to reflect on the inherent dignity of human labor and its connection to our faith as Catholics.

As many of you know on October 1 at 10am, we are celebrating Welcome Home Sunday here at Assumption. — Do you remember the first time you felt welcomed at Assumption Church?

In many years of ministry, I have heard people comment that Franciscan priests are different from diocesan priests. Yet, when I’ve asked them what makes us different the usual response is, “I don’t really know – you’re just different.”

In this week’s gospel, we encounter Jesus walking on water and Peter's brief struggle with doubt. This narrative holds powerful lessons for Catholics to reflect upon and draws our attention to the enduring presence of Christ in the midst of life's storms.

In the liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Transfiguration commemorates the pivotal event when Jesus revealed His divine nature to three of His closest disciples: Peter, James, and John. This extraordinary occurrence on Mount Tabor holds great significance for Catholics and serves as a beacon of hope and assurance in our spiritual journey.

We live in an unforgiving age. We see a public figure who commits sins or makes very public mistakes or even commits crimes get caught and then ask for forgiveness.

In Matthew 13:44-52, Jesus shares a series of parables to convey profound truths about the Kingdom of God. As Catholics, we are called to delve into the depths of these teachings, uncovering the spiritual riches hidden within each story. Let us embark on a reflective journey into the treasures of the Kingdom, guided by the wisdom and love of Jesus.

As a Catholic, I approach the parable of the weeds among the wheat in Matthew 13:24-30 with reverence and a desire for spiritual understanding. This parable, shared by Jesus, contains profound lessons about the Kingdom of God, the reality of evil, and the importance of patient discernment.

In Matthew 11:25-30, we find Jesus offering a profound reflection on the nature of God's kingdom and the path to true rest and spiritual fulfillment. As Catholics, we are called to delve deeper into these verses and contemplate their significance in our lives.

Like many families in our nation, my own family’s history in this country only began at the turn of the 20th century. Like many others, my grandparents were poor, un- skilled immigrants looking for the promise of a better life. I doubt they ever heard of the 1776 Continental Congress or ever read the Declaration of Independence. But like millions of others before and after, they came searching for work and a place to build a better life in their new land.

Saints Peter and Paul are two prominent figures in the history of Christianity, and their contributions continue to shape the faith to this day. Their remarkable journeys and their unwavering faith have made a profound impact on the spread of Christianity.

On Father’s Day, we reflect upon the profound role of fatherhood in the lives of families and communities. As Catholics, we are called to appreciate and honor the gift of fatherhood, for it is a reflection of God's own paternal love and care. Father's Day invites us to deepen our understanding of father- hood in light of our faith, to acknowledge the joys and challenges faced by fathers, and to offer prayers and gratitude for their presence in our lives.