Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, we encounter Jesus in prayer—and it moves the disciples to ask, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Before we are missionaries, before we preach, act, or go—we must be disciples who pray, who stay at the feet of the Master, like Mary of Bethany in last Sunday's Gospel. Mission begins on our knees.

As Saint Rose of Lima continues its journey of growth and renewal, we remain thankful for the generous hearts that make it all possible. Through your support, we’re not only enhancing our parish grounds — we’re investing in spaces that welcome, encourage service and strengthen worship. Here’s a look at recent milestones and ongoing projects that are helping us build for today and for generations to come.

Athletic Field Relocation

Following a year-long review, it has been determined that the wetlands on the 30-acre parcel north of campus are far less extensive than initially thought. This breakthrough gives us significantly more flexibility in using the site. 

We've revised the Master Plan, reorienting the athletic fields to better utilize the space for parking, picnic areas, sports fields, and other amenities — while preserving as many trees as possible. The revised plan is available on the parish website. Next steps include soil analysis, drainage design, regulatory meetings, and securing necessary permits.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, we meet Martha and Mary—two sisters who welcome Jesus into their home. Martha is busy with the many tasks of hospitality, while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, listening to His words. Martha’s frustration is understandable, but Jesus gently reminds her: “Mary has chosen the better part.”

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today’s Gospel is one of the most beloved parables—the Good Samaritan. But it is also one of the most demanding. Jesus is not just telling us to feel compassion; He is telling us to act with compassion.

A lawyer asks, “Who is my neighbor?”—seeking to limit his responsibility. But Jesus flips the question: not “Who is my neighbor?” but “To whom can I be a neighbor?” Discipleship is not about drawing lines but crossing them.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples ahead of Him, two by two, into every town and place He intended to visit. This mission is not reserved to the Twelve—it is an invitation to a broader group of believers, a clear sign that discipleship is not for a few, but for all. Jesus doesn’t send them with wealth, weapons, or great prestige. He sends them with trust, with the Gospel, and with peace. “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals…”

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today, the Church celebrates two great pillars of our faith: Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Though very different in background and temperament—Peter, the humble fisherman, and Paul, the learned Pharisee—they were united in one mis sion: to proclaim Christ to the world.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Gospel presents Jesus feeding a vast crowd with five loaves and two fish—a miracle that prefigures the Eucharist. He takes, blesses, breaks, and gives, and all are satisfied. This pattern— taking, blessing, breaking, giving—is at the heart of every Mass.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today we celebrate the great mystery at the heart of our faith: the Most Holy Trinity—one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not just a theological concept, but a living reality that shapes how we know God and how we are called to live.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In the First Reading (Acts 2:1–11), people from every nation hear the apostles speaking in their own languages. This reminds us that the Holy Spirit brings unity in diversity. The Spirit doesn’t erase our differences—He works through them to build communion.

In the Gospel (John 20:19–23), Jesus breathes on the disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Along with this gift comes a mission: to forgive, to bring peace, and to proclaim the Good News.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today we celebrate the glorious Ascension of our Lord into heaven — not His departure, but His exaltation. As we hear in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus, having fulfilled the Scriptures through His passion and resurrection, blesses His dis ciples and is taken up into heaven. And what do the disciples do? They return to Jerusalem with great joy.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a beautiful promise: if we love Him and keep His word, God will come and dwell with us. Imagine that—God making His home in our hearts. This is not a distant God, but one who desires to live close to us, to guide us with His peace.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”

This is not just a general encouragement to be kind—it’s a call to a deeper, self-giving love, modeled on Jesus’ own sacrificial love.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today, on this Fourth Sunday of Easter, we hear one of the most comforting images in all of Scripture—Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He says: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

In a world filled with noise, confusion, and countless voices calling for our attention, Jesus reminds us that we belong to Him. He knows us personally, and when we listen, we can recognize His voice—one that speaks peace, truth, and love.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today’s Gospel brings us to the shores of the Sea of Tiberias, where the Risen Christ meets His disciples once again. After a long night of fishing without success, Jesus appears and directs them to cast their nets differently—and they are overwhelmed with a great catch.

This moment reminds us: when we listen to the voice of Christ, even in our tiredness and failures, He brings fruitfulness.

But even more moving is what happens next. Around a simple breakfast, Jesus turns to Peter and asks three times: “Do you love me?” Each time Peter says yes, and each time Jesus entrusts him with a mission: “Feed my sheep.”