Dear Prince of Peace Parishioners:
… … Happy Fourth of July – Independent Day … …
On this 246th year of celebrating “Independent Day”, we give thanks to God for the many blessing that our nation has received. Once again, we join in one voice to ask God for continuing blessings for our nation and most especially for all people to live the ideals, “Life, Liberty and pursuit of Happiness” according to God’s way as we share with one another and the whole world community. May our individual family and our whole nation’s celebration help unite us together in a deeper appreciation for this special blessing Day.
There is a definite link between the first reading from Isaiah (Is 66:10-14) and the reading from the gospel of Luke (Lk 10:1-12, 17-20) for this Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Isaiah's poetry celebrates the long-awaited return of Israel from exile and imagines their triumphant return to the nurturing arms of Jerusalem, the Holy City and Mother of all cities. In Luke's gospel, Jesus, like Israel, is also journeying toward Jerusalem, where he, too will be welcomed by the city– but then rejected. It is in the holy city of Jerusalem that Jesus will inaugurate the new kingdom of God by his passion and death.
In the Mission sending of the seventy-two from the Gospel story, Jesus confirms that through his disciples, and those who would come to believe in him through their word, his peace and the news that “the kingdom of God has come near to you” would be proclaimed to the world. At their joyful return, despite rejection, Jesus rejoices at their success in the submission of the evil spirits in his name: the message is never to cease, never to give up. As the kingdom of God is gradually being established, evil in all its forms is being defeated; the dominion of Satan over humanity is at an end.
It’s not too late to participate in the Annual Catholic Appeal this year 2022. If you did not have a chance to participate, you will receive a follow up mailing from the parish for this purpose; please see the reporting in the bulletin.
“Thank You” for many families who continue to support our parish in the Annual Catholic Appeal this year; please join with your fellow parishioners to support the ACA by returning your completed envelop. Any amount, small or large, will help our parish goal and most especially, to help upgrade our parish audio and technology upgrade this year.
A BIG “THANK YOU” for the Guatemalan Community who have celebrated Great Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul – the Patron Saint of their town in Guatemala, in a special way in inviting parishioners from Prince of Peace and St. Gabriel to join them on this special day, last Wednesday, June 29.
While enjoying the “Summer rest”, please don’t forget our parishes – Prince of Peace and St. Gabriel.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang