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From Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekanem, MSP

The Bells of St. Mary’s

The Church of the Immaculate Conception

Fourteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

From Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekanem, MSP

“COME TO ME ALL YOU WHO LABOR …”

At times all of us find life burdensome and frustrating. Today, Jesus addresses us with these comforting words as we celebrate our Independence this weekend amid the unrest in the country. These words are very reassuring as we return to the Church after many weeks. So, let us gather in hope rejoicing in the spirit of freedom, for our burdens can be made lighter only by God Himself.

This short passage is said by many to be the most beautiful words that Jesus speaks. And the irony is He is addressing it to people in the Gospel (Matthew 11:25-30) who will not listen to Him.

In the First Reading, (Zechariah 9:9-10), the prophet presents the Messiah and His dominion uniquely by saying: "See, your king shall come to you; a just savior is he, meek, and riding on an ass, on a colt, the foal on an ass." He comes on a Donkey. Donkeys were regularly associated with royal figures in the ancient Near East. The fact that He arrives on a donkey rather than on a horse tells us something about His kingship. This animal suggests "just savior" who will be humble and peaceful. He will end warfare in both the former kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Jerusalem. The mention of Israel points toward the divine will to bring all of God's people, currently scattered around the world, back to the land. How do you see the tension among people of various races and religions today?

Jesus has just proclaimed that Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum will face judgment for not repenting after witnessing His mighty deeds; they have not recognized who Jesus is. He invited these Jewish Christians to come to Him, take up His yoke, and they will rest. Their burdens are most likely the 613 rules taught by the Pharisees, who do not lift a finger to help people carry them (Matthew 23:4). In contrast, Jesus' yoke, His teachings, are simple and straightforward, and He accompanies His disciples as they put them into practice. This First Reading characterizes Jesus and His rule over all who choose to live under dominion. If you are weary, submit to our Lord's will, and you will find rest. You may ask how?

With Jesus working beside them, living His way is not only "easy" but encouraging because He is "humble of heart." This phrase conveys that He is not just a leader who makes His superior position felt, but He accompanies them to make it easy. Unlike an aloof boss, who piles work on his subordinates, Jesus comes to ease their loads and refreshes those who are weary provided they surrender themselves to His ways. It is only a "childlike" faith that can understand that Jesus is doing the work of His Father. Only those willing to take on the yoke of discipleship can discover the source of refreshment. Not just because of the subject matter (God), but because their teacher (who reveals God) is gentle and kind to those who wish to learn from Him.

Like the savior whose coming Zechariah announced, Jesus does not spread His kingdom by conquering others. But He quietly works alongside

those who belong to Him and His Father,
with those who are willing to respond to His call to discipleship,
With those who are humble and strive to bring divine justice and peace into a world inclined to protest and war.

How has your faith helped you carry your cross during these trying times?

Stay safe! (Ushers, please help us sanitize and disinfect our place of worship before and after our Masses)

Thank You!

Stewardship

Sat 27 / Sun, 28 June Collection 5:00 pm, 7:30 am 11:00 am Mass $1,528.00

Ways To Support

Continued Financial Support:

We urge all who can to please consider joining the online We Share automated giving program by going to: https://icmary.churchgiving.com/

Please, continue to bring your collection envelopes or any contribution you wish to make to help support our parish, by mailing or dropping your envelope at the Parish Office. Thank you and God bless!

Mass for our 2020 Graduates

Our Parish Community is planning to celebrate your academic achievements on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at 11:00 am Mass. Please call the Parish Office to give your name.

First Holy Communion

Our young ones will receive their First Holy Communion on Sat., July 25 at 10:00 am and at 3:00 pm. Please, pray for them.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Bishop Walsh will be here on Sat., Sept 19, at 3:00 pm to confirm our Candidates. Remember them in your prayer. Thank you!

Sundays Readings:

First Reading: Zachariah 9: 9-10

The prophet foretold the coming of the savior and king who would proclaim peace to all the nations of the earth.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145: 1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.

Second Reading: Romans 8: 9, 11-13 Paul wrote that the Spirit of God lives in all who are Christ’s. They should live not according to the flesh but in God’s Spirit.

Gospel: Matthew 11: 25-30 Jesus invited the people, saying “come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

(You can take the Seasonal Miissalette home)

Religious Education Program

We have a new registration form of our Religious Education program on the website. First Holy Communion Celebration Sat., July 25, at 10:00 am - 3rd Graders 3:00 pm - other Grades 3rd Grade Confession on Sat., July 11, at 9:00 am. All children from Group 4, 5 & 6 Sat., July 18, at 9:00 am Please, wear your mask!

Archdiocesan Appeal

Update of 2020 Appeal Goals Pledged: $31,502.00 Paid: $24,950.00

Thank you very much for your contributions towards our Annual Cardinal’s Appeal and Re - new and Re - build Campaign. We still need more pledges to reach our parish goal. God bless!

May Update of Renew & Rebuild Pledges: $420,984.30 Paid: $232,251.50 Left: ($188,732.80)

Thank you for all your generosity!

Mass Intentions for the week of

July 4 to July 12, 2020

Saturday, July 4, 2020

12:05 pm - Pedro Santacruz+ *Lourdes & Silvia Santacruz

5:00 pm - Saturnino Rodriguez + * Marta Vega

7:30 pm - Legion De Maria

Sunday, July 5, 2020

7:30 am - For the Parish/Para la Parroquia

9:00 am - Alfredo Blanco Carbajal + * Esposa e Hijos

11:00 am - Rachel Garcia + * From the Family

Monday, July 6, 2020