In today’s Gospel, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a king who prepares a wedding feast for his son. The invitation is generous and joyful, yet many of those invited refuse to come. Some become too occupied with their own affairs, while others reject the invitation completely. The king then opens the invitation to everyone, good and bad alike, so that the wedding hall is filled with guests.

This parable reminds us that God continually invites us into communion with Him. His invitation is not limited to a particular group of people. His grace is offered freely to all. The question is not whether God invites us, but whether we are willing to accept His invitation.

The wedding garment represents the disposition of our hearts. Baptism gives us a new life in Christ, but we are called to live that life faithfully. We cannot simply accept God’s invitation with our lips while refusing to allow His grace to transform our hearts. The Christian life requires conversion, forgiveness, love, and a sincere desire to follow Christ.

Sometimes we become like those in the parable who were too busy with their own concerns to respond to God. Work, possessions, worries, ambitions, and even everyday distractions can take first place in our lives. Yet God continues to call us: “Come to the feast.”

The Eucharist is a foretaste of this heavenly banquet. Each time we gather around the Lord’s table, we are reminded of His immense love and invited to renew our commitment to Him.
Let us therefore not take God’s invitation for granted. May we open our hearts, put on the garment of love and holiness, and joyfully respond to the Lord’s call.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting us to the feast of Your Kingdom. Help us to recognize Your call, overcome our  distractions, and live with hearts filled with faith, love, and compassion. Clothe us with Your grace and make us worthy guests at Your heavenly banquet. Amen.

Thank you for your valuable prayers and support for me and my family.

With gratitude, love and prayers.

Fr. Charley

St. Francis of Assisi (born c. 1181, Assisi, Italy; died October 3, 1226; canonized July 16, 1228; feast day October 4) was the founder of the Franciscan religious orders of the Friars Minor, the woman’s Order of St. Clare (the Poor Clares, with St. Clare of Assisi), and the Third Order. He was also a leader of the movement of evangelical poverty. His evangelical consecration to poverty, charity, and personal charisma drew thousands of followers. Francis’ devotion to the human Jesus and the desire to follow Jesus’ example reflected and reinforced important developments in spirituality.

800th Jubilee of St. Francis of Assisi

– From the Vatican –

In this age, marked by so many seemingly interminable wars, by internal and social divisions that create mistrust and fear, St. Francis continues to speak. Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace. The Franciscan vision of peace is not limited to the relations between human beings, but also embraces the whole of creation. Francis, who calls the sun “brother” and the moon “sister,” who recognizes in every creature a reflection of divine beauty, reminds us that peace must be extended to the entire family of Creation. This insight resonates with particular urgency in our time, when our common home is threatened and cries out under exploitation. Peace with God, peace among human beings and with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation. Dear brothers and sisters, may the example and spiritual legacy of this Saint, strong in faith, steadfast in hope, and ardent in active charity towards his neighbor, inspire in everyone the importance of trusting in the Lord, of living a life faithful to the Gospel, and accepting and illuminating every circumstance and action of life with faith and prayer. —LEO PP. XIV

Regardless of one’s religion, see how Pope Francis has beautifully written about the family: Family, a place of forgiveness. There is no perfect family; we do not have perfect parents; you are not perfect yourself. We do not marry a perfect person and we do not have perfect children. We have complaints from each other. We cannot live together without offending one another.

We are constantly disappointed. Yes, for so many reasons at different times, we are disappointed by one another. There is no healthy marriage or healthy family without the exercise of forgiveness. Forgiveness is the medicine for family joy and happiness. Forgiveness is vital to our emotional health and spiritual survival, no matter the offense or who is the offender. Without forgiveness the family becomes an arena of conflict and a fortress of evil. Without forgiveness the family becomes sick and unhealthy.

Forgiveness is the antiseptic of the soul, the purification of the spirit, and the liberation of the heart. No sin is too big to be forgiven. He who does not forgive does not have peace in his soul and cannot have communion with God. Unforgiveness is evil and a poison that intoxicates and kills the one who refuses to forgive. Keeping the heartache of unforgiving in your heart is a self-destructive gesture. Those who do not forgive are physically, emotionally and spiritually ill.

For this reason, the family must be a place of life and not a place of death, a place of forgiveness, a place of paradise and not a place of hell, a healing
territory and not a disease, an internship of forgiveness and not guilt. Forgiveness brings joy where sorrow has brought sadness, healing where sorrow has caused disease. A family is a place of support and not of gossip and slander of one another. It must be a place of welcome, not a place of rejection. Shame to those who plant evil about others. We are family and not enemies. When anyone is going through a challenge, all they need is support. (By Pope Francisco.)

Love and prayers

Fr. Charley

The readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time remind us that God’s ways are not our ways. Through the parable of the workers in the vineyard, Jesus teaches us about the extraordinary generosity of God. Some workers labor all day, while others come only at the last hour. Yet the landowner gives them the same generous reward.

At first, this seems unfair. The workers who labored longer complain because those who worked only briefly received the same amount. But Jesus is not teaching us about human wages; He is teaching us about God’s mercy and generosity. God does not measure His love according to our calculations. His grace is a gift, freely given to everyone.

This Gospel challenges us to examine our hearts. Do we become jealous when someone else receives a blessing? Do we compare our lives, our sacrifices, or our service with others? God invites us instead to rejoice in His goodness. We are called to trust that there is enough of His love and grace for everyone.

On September 21, we celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew, the apostle and evangelist. Matthew was a tax collector when Jesus called him: “Follow me.” He immediately left his former life and followed Christ. His story reminds us that God’s call is an invitation to every person, regardless of the past.

Like Matthew, we are invited to respond generously when Christ calls us. We should never think that we have done too much or that someone else is unworthy of God’s mercy. The Lord continually calls us to conversion, service, and deeper faith.

May we learn from St. Matthew to leave behind whatever keeps us from Christ and to follow Him with joyful hearts.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, teach us to trust in Your generous love. Remove jealousy and comparison from our hearts. Like St. Matthew, help us to hear Your call and follow You faithfully. May our lives become a witness to Your mercy and generosity. Amen.

Be generous to others as Jesus is generous to us. Be merciful to us O Lord always!

Fr. Charley

In today’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus a very human question: “How many times must I forgive?” He suggests seven times, thinking he is being generous. But Jesus responds with a number that has no limit—seventy times seven times. In other words, forgiveness is not about counting; it is about becoming like God. The mercy of God is limitless, and Jesus invites us to reflect that mercy in our relationships.

The parable of the unforgiving servant reveals the heart of the Gospel. We have been forgiven an immeasurable debt—our sins, our failures, our weaknesses. God has shown us compassion beyond measure. The gift of forgiveness we receive must become the forgiveness we offer. When we refuse to forgive, we close our hearts to the grace that God wants to pour into our lives.

But Jesus tells Peter today that we must forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven times. That means: every time. We are to be merciful as our Father in heaven is merciful. But why? Why does Jesus repeatedly warn that we can’t expect forgiveness for our trespasses unless we’re willing to forgive others their trespasses against us? Because, as Paul reminds us in today’s Epistle, we are the Lord’s. Each of us has been purchased by the blood of Christ shed for us on the Cross

This week, the Church gives us two powerful feasts that illuminate this message. On September 14, we celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Cross is the greatest sign of forgiveness. Jesus does not forgive us from a distance—He forgives us from the Cross, with open arms and a pierced heart. The power of the Cross reminds us that forgiveness is costly, but it is also life‑giving.

On September 15, we honor Our Lady of Sorrows, who stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross. As we celebrate these feasts, may we allow the Cross and Mary’s example to soften our hearts, heal old wounds, and make forgiveness possible.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, teach us to forgive as You forgive. Through the Holy Cross and the sorrows of Mary, heal our hearts and make us instruments of Your mercy. Amen.

With love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the responsibility we have toward one another in the Christian community. Correction, forgiveness, and reconciliation are not acts of judgment—they are acts of love. Jesus reminds us that when a brother or sister strays, we are called to reach out gently, privately, and compassionately. The goal is always healing, never humiliation. This is the heart of Christian reconciliation.

St. Paul deepens this message when he says, “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another.” Love is the foundation of every commandment. The law of love guides our words, our corrections, and our relationships. When we gather in Jesus’ name—even two or three—He is present among us, strengthening our efforts to build unity.

This week, we celebrate a joyful feast that shines light on this Gospel: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8. Mary’s birth is the dawn of salvation. She is the Morning Star who announces the coming of Christ, the Sun of Justice. Her life reflects humility, purity, and perfect obedience—virtues that make reconciliation possible. Mary teaches us how to approach others with gentleness, how to forgive, and how to love without limits.

As we honor her birthday, we remember that every new beginning is a sign of God’s providence. Mary’s birth marks the beginning of God’s plan to bring Jesus into the world. Our relationships, too, can have new beginnings—through forgiveness, patience, and love.

May this Sunday inspire us to build communities rooted in compassion, guided by truth, and strengthened by the presence of Christ.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, teach us to love as You love. Through the intercession of Mary, whose birth we celebrate, make
our hearts gentle, patient, and ready to forgive. Be present in our families and parish community, and lead us always toward unity and peace. Amen.

With love and prayers,

Fr. Charley

The Gospel for this Sunday presents us with a challenging invitation from Jesus. Peter has just recognized Jesus as the Messiah, but he struggles to understand what kind of Messiah Jesus is. Jesus speaks openly about His suffering, death, and resurrection. Peter finds this difficult to accept, yet Jesus reminds him—and us—that following Him means more than simply believing in Him. It means surrendering our lives to God.

Jesus says, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” These words are not a call to seek suffering, but an invitation to faithful love and self-giving. Every one of us carries a cross: responsibilities, disappointments, sacrifices, struggles, illness, family concerns, or moments when doing what is right becomes difficult. When united with Christ, our crosses can become paths to deeper faith and holiness.

St. Paul reminds us in the second reading: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” Christian discipleship is therefore not something we practice only on Sundays. It is a daily offering of ourselves to God—in our families, our workplaces, our relationships, and our service to others.

This weekend, we have beautiful opportunities to place our lives before the Lord. On Friday, September 4, we will have First Friday Adoration at 11 A.M., followed by the Healing Mass at 12 noon. Let us bring our burdens, wounds, and hopes before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and trust in His healing love.

On Saturday, September 5, our First Saturday devotion dedicated to our Blessed Mother begins with Adoration at 7:30 A.M., followed by Mass at 8 A.M. in honor of Mary. May Mary teach us, as she did throughout her life, to say a wholehearted “yes” to God.

Let us ask for the grace not to run away from our crosses, but to carry them with Jesus, trusting that love, sacrifice, and faithfulness always lead us toward new life.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, give us the courage to take up our crosses and follow You faithfully. Heal our hearts, strengthen our faith, and teach us through Mary to say “yes” to Your will. May our lives become a living offering of love to You and to others. Amen.

God’s Blessings,

Fr. Charley

In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples a question that echoes through every generation: “Who do you say that I am”? It is not a question of theology alone—it is a question of relationship. Peter responds with faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” His confession became the foundation of the Church. The identity of Christ is not discovered through human reasoning alone but through the Father’s revelation.

Jesus invites each of us to answer this question personally. Who is He in my life? My Savior? My healer? My companion in suffering? The profession of faith is not spoken once—it is lived daily through trust, obedience, and love.

This week, the Church gives us powerful witnesses who answered Jesus’ question with their lives.

• On August 27, we celebrate St. Monica, a model of persevering prayer. Her tears and unwavering faith brought her son back to God. Her life teaches us the strength of persistent prayer.
• On August 28, we honor St. Augustine, once a restless seeker, later a great saint and doctor of the Church. His conversion shows the transforming power of grace and the beauty of returning to God.
• On August 29, we remember the Passion of St. John the Baptist, who fearlessly proclaimed the truth and prepared the way for Christ. His martyrdom reminds us that faith sometimes demands courage and sacrifice. The witness of John the Baptist challenges us to stand firm in truth.

As we honor these saints, may we deepen our own answer to Jesus’ question and allow our lives to reflect the faith we profess.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, open our hearts to know You more deeply. Through the prayers of St. Monica, St. Augustine, and the courage of St. John the Baptist, strengthen our faith and guide our steps. Amen.

God Bless us all,

Fr. Charley

In today’s Gospel, Jesus meets a Canaanite woman—an outsider, a foreigner, someone not expected to belong among God’s chosen people. Yet she approaches Jesus with boldness, humility, and deep trust. Her persistence reveals the power of faith that crosses boundaries. Even when Jesus seems silent, even when obstacles rise, she refuses to give up. And Jesus proclaims the astonishing words: “O woman, great is your faith!”

This Gospel reminds us that God’s mercy is not limited by nationality, background, or status. The universality of God’s love is revealed in this foreign woman who sees what many insiders fail to see: Jesus is Lord, and His compassion is for all. Her faith challenges us to ask: Do I approach Jesus with the same trust? Do I persevere even when prayers seem unanswered?

This week, we celebrate the Queenship of Mary on August 22, a feast that beautifully complements today’s Gospel. Mary, our Queen and Mother, is crowned in heaven not for earthly power but for her perfect faith and obedience. She welcomed God’s Word without hesitation and became Mother of all nations.

For us, this feast is especially meaningful because Our Lady Queen of the Universe is our parish patron. As we honor her, we remember that she gathers all her children—near and far, familiar and foreign—under her mantle. She teaches us to trust, to persevere, and to welcome all with the heart of Christ.

May the Canaanite woman’s courage and Mary’s queenship inspire us to grow in faith that is humble, persistent, and open to every person God sends into our lives.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, give us the faith of the Canaanite woman and the humility of Mary, our Queen. Make our parish a home for all, and help us trust Your mercy without fear. Amen.

Happy Feast and the Blessings from the Blessed Virgin Mary,

Fr. Charley

In today’s Gospel, Jesus meets His disciples in the midst of a storm. The waves are strong, the wind is fierce, and fear overwhelms them. Yet Jesus comes to them, walking on the water, and speaks the words every heart longs to hear: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” The mystery of trusting Jesus in the storm is at the center of this Sunday’s message.

Peter steps out of the boat with faith, but when he focuses on the wind instead of Jesus, he begins to sink. This is our human experience. We believe, we begin well, but life’s storms—illnesses, family struggles, financial worries, loneliness—can shake our confidence. Yet Jesus does not let Peter drown. He reaches out immediately. The hand of Christ is always extended toward us.

This week, we also celebrate two beautiful feasts that illuminate this Gospel. On August 14, we honor St. Maximilian Kolbe, a martyr of charity. He lived the Gospel courageously, offering his life for another prisoner in Auschwitz. Kolbe teaches us that faith is not merely believing—it is radical trust in God even in the darkest storms.

On August 15, we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, taken body and soul into heaven. Though not a day of obligation, we will have a special Mass at 8 AM. Mary is the perfect model of faith. She never took her eyes off God, even when her life was filled with uncertainty. The Assumption reminds us that our destiny is not the storm—it is the glory God prepares for His faithful ones.

As we face our own storms, let us walk with Peter, trust like Kolbe, and hope like Mary.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, reach out Your hand and lift us when we sink. Through St. Maximilian Kolbe and Our Blessed Mother, strengthen our faith, calm our fears, and guide us safely to Your peace. Amen.

With love and Prayers,

Fr. Charley