DO NOT BE AFRAID!
Today’s gospel comes at the end of a long instruction Jesus gave his disciples before sending them out on mission. His words pertain to us as well. At times, there is a high cost in being faithful to that mission, but the Lord says: “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul."
Those who opposed Christianity at its origins accused it of secrecy. This was necessary only because of persecution. We Christians are open in preaching the Gospel. In pulpits, from housetops, in the full light of day, we proclaim the goodness and mercy of God and the redemptive power of the life and death of our Savior. We do so openly, joyfully, confidently!
El evangelio de hoy llega al final de una larga instrucción que Jesús dio a sus discípulos antes de enviarlos a la misión. Sus palabras también nos pertenecen. A veces, hay un alto costo en ser fiel a esa misión, pero el Señor dice: “No temas a nadie. Nada está oculto que no será revelado, ni secreto que no se sabrá. Lo que te digo en la oscuridad, habla en la luz; lo que oyes susurrar, proclama en los techos de las casas. Y no tengas miedo de aquellos que matan el cuerpo, pero no pueden matar el alma.”
Quienes se opusieron al cristianismo en sus orígenes lo acusaron de secreto. Esto fue necesario solo debido a la persecución. Los cristianos somos abiertos en la predicación del Evangelio. En los púlpitos, desde los techos de las casas, a plena luz del día, proclamamos la bondad y la misericordia de Dios y el poder redentor de la vida y la muerte de nuestro Salvador. ¡Lo hacemos abiertamente, con alegría y confianza!
Fr. (Padre) Anthony, SSS
Pastor
June 21, 2020
Notes
St. Joseph's Church Downtown is open with the usual schedule of weekday and weekend Masses, sacraments, and ministry. Because of increased coronavirus cases locally, the practice of social distancing and the use of a face mask during church services are observed during church services, in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.
A video of Sunday Mass at St. Joseph's is posted on YouTube at the St. Joseph Church Downtown Media page starting this weekend. We thank the Strelchun Family and John Francis for filming and editing the video so beautifully. Visit the St. Joseph Media (Downtown) page on YouTube. Mass for each Sunday and major feasts will be recorded.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred twice this week: Wednesday, June 24, at 6:00 p.m. for our youth; and Saturday, June 27, at 5:00 p.m. for our adult candidates. Join us in person or in a spirit of prayer for our candidates.
Continue to pray for St. Joseph's former pastor, Fr. Mario Marzocchi, SSS, who is in good spirits but facing very critical health issues. His mailing address is: Regina Health Center; 5232 Broadview Road; Richfield, OH 44286.
In a spirit of caring for each other in these difficult days, we encourage you to support efforts to feed our neighbors in need via Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio and local food banks.