Dear Parishioners and Friends,

There is life after death. Death is not the end but a door to something more. The gospel we read today shows us that there is one of two eternal destinations beyond that door.

As you may know, God is full of surprises! He surprised me two years ago when I was assigned to St. Francis Xavier parish. Now, He has surprised me again as I have been assigned to the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, California.

The gospel reading for today is very familiar to us. It is the story of the Prodigal Son. The late Fr. Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) wrote a renowned book, "The Return of the Prodigal Son."

On the first Monday of September, the U.S. observes Labor Day, a celebration of the strength and contributions of the nation’s work force. The holiday goes back many years. Congress passed an act establishing it in 1894, and it was promoted by labor unions as they grew in power.

Recently I met with my Pastoral Council to discuss how we will move forward this Fall following up on the Synod feedback we got from many of you in the Spring. More than a few commented on the fact that they did not really expect anything to come from their sharing of cares and concerns. It is for this reason that I feel it is important that we make every effort to follow up on the suggestions and comments made.

In today’s gospel Jesus doesn’t sound anything like himself! The Jesus we know and love usually talks about love, peace, kindness and mercy. At the Last Supper, Jesus said that he was giving his peace to his disciples, a peace that the world could not give and that no one could take away. That is still the essence of Jesus.

The gospel reading from Luke quoting Jesus: “Do not be afraid. Gird your loins. Sell your goods and give generously to those in need. Don your traveling clothes; keep the porch light on; stay by the door awaiting your Master’s return.”

We have been celebrating the Ignatian Jubilee year, from the 500th anniversary of the cannonball at the battle of Pamplona in 1521, to the 400th anniversary of his canonization in 1622. And now as we draw to the close of the Jubilee year, it’s time to ask, “what next?”

A prominent theme in today’s Gospel parable is generosity. Late at night, a sleepy friend responds to his neighbor’s request for food for an unexpected guest. Jesus suggests that it would be unthinkable for a friend to deny a friend in need. A friend would most certainly give what is asked and more. Through this story, Jesus illustrates God’s generosity. Good stewards realize the extraordinary love and graciousness with which God showers us. We need never convince God to be generous. God is already that generous friend. His abundant love bathes us in goodness. This week, prayerfully reflect on God’s generosity to us. What should our response be to that generosity?

Martha and Mary are the focus of this weekend’s Gospel, which abounds with rich themes about hospitality, service, and finding the right balance between action and prayerful attention to the Lord.

Christians who are good stewards of their faith life realize that if they are too busy to enjoy peaceful, private time with the Lord, then something is out of balance in their spiritual lives. If we make time for Mass, but then carry on with our busy schedules without prayer, meditation and reflection, we are missing out. If we find ourselves anxious and harried by life’s routines, could it be a sign that something in our spiritual life needs some serious attention?

After many centuries of recounting Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) the story seems to have lost the “sting” Jesus intended for it. At the weekend Masses of July 9 and 10, we will once again hear the proclamation of this Gospel story which reveals Jesus’ encounter with the legal scholar and his response to the question: Who is my neighbor? Perhaps now is a good time to reflect more deeply on Jesus’ teaching and its practical implications for our lives today.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I rejoice with pro-life advocates everywhere in light of the Supreme Court decision striking down Roe v. Wade. The snuffing out of human life in the womb highlights the culture of death which permeates our capitalistic culture. As Pope Francis is quick to remind us: if it doesn’t produce, it is disposable. I also rejoice as I see this as a great opportunity, a new beginning.