21st Week of Ordinary Time

Aloha to all!

As we say our farewells to “Saint” (Sr.) Ardis, may we always remember that love has no boundaries, physical, mental, spiritual, emotional.

Sr. Ardis has given her life in the service of others. May she be a shining example to us of this saying “yes” to God’s call to each one of us to do the same as best that we are able!

I want to thank all those who have been praying for me after my little episode at mass last Tuesday! It seems I became dehydrated and got some kind of infection that weakened me substantially. It kind of knocked me off my feet! The doctor didn’t think it was COVID-19 and the major test sent to Queens came back negative as did other COVID tests. I am getting my energy back.

This week, the 21st week of Ordinary Time, has a number of saints’ feast days to celebrate: St. Bartholomew (an Apostle), St. Louis (a King), St. Joseph Calasanz (a Priest), St. Monica (a Mother), St. Augustine (a Wayward Son) and remembering the Passion of St. John the Baptist.

The Scripture for next Sunday, specifically the Gospel, speaks of denial, sacrifice and discovery.

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16)

It does take sacrificing our lives to find new life in ways that we never knew were possible. Take the present pandemic. I am sure that all of us have discovered something new in our lives that we never knew was there through this time of global sacrifice. The words of Jesus ring true today just as strongly as they did over 2,000 years ago!

Let us take His words to mind, body, spirit and heart as we weather this storm that is passing over us.

May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of George Floyd and John Lewis, the God of Sojourner Truth and Queen Liliuokalani, the God of Auntie Kauila Poaha Reyes and Julia Siu help us all to find new life amidst the challenges in our lives!

Amen!

Blessings, pono and pule!

Fr. Brian Guerrini, ss.cc.
Priest
Molokai