In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus tells us: “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38)

At first, these words may sound difficult, but Jesus is inviting us to something beautiful: to become true disciples who follow Him with love, courage, and trust. Being a disciple is more than coming to Mass on Sundays. It means choosing Jesus every day—in our homes, at work, at school, and in our community.

Parish Family,

Our office is undergoing some necessary reorganization as we move toward building an effective team. Many of you have been getting to know Zoraya Garcia, who is a great support to our parish community. Zoraya has been with the parish office for several months now and, in that short time, has taken her role to heart and applied her knowledge well, helping us elevate the parish office's role as a key means of support for the many ministerial needs that come our way.

Living for greater things, that is the call for us all in Christ. We aspire to move beyond worldly perspectives, trading them for heavenly ones. The problem with keeping this perspective is our tunnel vision. When we fail to expand our view, we often cannot see the forest for the trees. Our faith gives us perspective, our walk in the Lord gives us focus. How focused are you? is the question.

The readings for this weekend bring us words of courage and trust. Have you noticed that the theme for the past few weeks has been about trust? Hopefully, by now, we should know that we need to place our trust in God. Have you looked at the back of even a one-dollar bill for the United States? Even that small denomination of money conveys the message “In God we Trust”. Faith is not easy, but God’s care never fails.

Last week, we heard how God provides for His people; this week, God shows us that He loves us and calls us to follow Him by trusting Him. We are also asked to go out and to serve rather than to be served. The disciples were given the task of sharing His message and caring for others, and we are called to do the same. We are chosen, loved, and sent to bring hope to the world.

Dear St. Catherine Laboure Family,

What does it really mean to belong to God? The Book of Exodus shows how God’s love is for those who seek Him from on high Moses sought the Lord God on top of Mount Sinai. Seeking God requires us to move to the highest heights; it is there that we aspire to seek Him out and listen to him, because He has called each of us by name.

Today, the readings tell us that God takes care of His people. When the Israelites were in the desert, God fed them and led them, showing us to trust that God will guide and provide for us, too. When God gave the people the manna in the desert, it showed them that He was their source of life. This food helped them so they would not go hungry, but He also wanted them to rely on His word and trust Him. Material things are good, but we shouldn’t overdo it by getting everything we see or want, because those things will not get us to heaven; God’s guidance and truth will.

Today marks the second of two catechetical Sundays that the Church honors. The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity last week, and the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Corpus Christi, today. These catechetical Sundays are teaching Sundays because they allow us to contemplate the richness of our Catholic Faith and certain dogmatic truths most profoundly. The Eucharist is the center of our faith and a dogmatic truth. The Mass pivots upon the Word and Sacrament.