This is a question that resounds in the Gospel. We have the apostles answering with the things they have heard from others. Then Jesus follows with another question, "But who do you say that I am?" and the one that speaks is Peter. If we have been attentive in the previous Sunday readings, Peter has been very outspoken. Only sometimes saying the right thing, and yet being the first one. In this Gospel Reading, he does not make an exception. However, if we pay attention, the disciples can say what others have said about Jesus, but only Peter expresses his faith.

Brothers and Sisters,

This week we are celebrating our Patron Feast. This week we have special readings that express the life of Saint Rose of Lima and her life as a holy woman that cared for people experiencing poverty of her time. The reading of the book of Sirach gives us an introduction to the life of Holiness.

Humility and greatness come together; it might sound like two polar words. However, if we look at the life of Saint Rose of Lima, it shows that these two words come to express the life of a Saint. Brothers and Sisters, let us come together and celebrate the life of this saint and learn from Saint Rose.

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Peace.

In the Gospel reading, we see an instance in which those who follow Jesus were afraid. That also should make us ponder the relationship of those who followed Jesus in their time; they were insecure. We could also say that even in our time, we are not different from those disciples. We struggle to follow and become afraid or discouraged in times of trouble.

Saint Rose of Lima issued a Request for Qualifications for two projects: Marian Center renovation and Athletic Field Relocation. Interested firms qualified to provide comprehensive, professional services for these projects should contact Wayne J. Oveman at wjoverman@dtkjllc.com for a copy of the Request for Qualifications. Submittal date is August 25, 2023.

Thank you to all who have pledged and/or donated to the Capital Campaign. We are so grateful to the parishioners, ushers and Knights of Columbus that volunteered and assisted with the distribution and collection of pledge cards during Commitment Weekend. While this first phase of the campaign has come to a close, please remember that prayers, pledges and donations are still needed to help us reach, and hopefully surpass our goal.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

According to the dictionary definition, to be transfigured is to “transform into something more beautiful or elevated.” This is what we see happening in Matthew’s Gospel today: Jesus takes his closest disciples up the mountain and there he is transformed – he is transfigured – before them. "His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light”.

These parishioners have graciously agreed to participate on our Campus Building Committee for our master plan construction. They will be working to bring the details to the master plan and communicate with the parish. Please reach out to these parishioners to give your input and ask questions.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

The parables of today's Gospel illustrate different paths leading to discipleship in the kingdom of God (or... of Heaven, as Matthew likes to call it).

The metaphor of the found treasure shows the kingdom flourishing within someone who welcomes it. Even though with no preparation, almost in a hurry. In a short time, the person passes through a conversion experience, touched by faith, leaving behind sin and vices.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Jesus warned us about the influence of evil in our lives. It is naive to think that we are free from the attacks of the forces of the anti- Kingdom, anti-God, anti-Church. Even worse is to convince ourselves and others that the devil doesn't exist. This is what he wants in order to deceive more, confuse more, destroy more. God's enemy, and ours, aims to neutralize the work of God in the world and our lives.

Removal of the five pine trees at the Stonewall House will begin on Monday, July 24. This will take approximately 10 days. During that time the drive down the left side of the church will be closed while they are working. The house will not be able to be used during the day and we will reschedule meetings to a different location. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

The parable of the sower calls attention to some important points on the missionary work of the disciples. Their work is to sow, not worry about the harvest. They need to reach out to as many people as possible.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In the time of Jesus, many scribes gave too much importance to themselves. They seemed to feel superior as compared to others, as if they had some religious knowledge unattainable by others. They saw themselves closer to God more than their fellow men and held the knowledge of God’s will.

How is Saint Rose of Lima determining the pledge amounts that we are asking families to consider?

The request amounts are based on several factors, including giving history and the answers shared in the feasibility study. Our goal is to challenge everyone to consider supporting Saint Rose of Lima above their usual giving. We ask each family to prayerfully consider a manner of giving, and we encourage you to give an amount that is meaningful and sacrificial to your family.

Dear Fellow disciples, peace.

This Sunday’s Gospel reports maybe the hardest demand of Jesus to his disciples. He must be at the center, first place, in the life of each disciple.

To love Jesus implies having Him and His gospel at the center of our existence as the motor that gives strength and life to everything. It is to take all choices and decisions having in mind our sense of belonging to Him. He will become the source and the light of every step we make and every breath we take. There is no compromise! Our other loves must stay behind His. Otherwise, it will not be true love.