Dear Parishioners:
---The author of the Book - Ecclesiastes - calls himself Qoheleth, which is translated “one who assembles” or “teacher.” He is cynical about life, having lived a long time and seen the futility of much of his work. His book ends with a simple truth: the only worthwhile thing about life is the knowledge of God.
Also, in today’s Gospel, Luke has joined together sayings that contrast:
-those whose focus and trust in life is on material possessions, symbolized by the rich fool of the parable,
-with those who recognize their complete dependence on God, those whose radical detachment from material possessions symbolizes their heavenly treasure.
The Gospel of Jesus is not speaking against material wealth, but condemns being enslaved to and enchained by wealth. It becomes a blessing when it is shared with others, and it becomes an obstacle and a prison for those who do not have the wisdom to share it with others. We are not owners but rather stewards of the goods we possess: these, then, are not to be considered as our exclusive possession, but means through which the Lord calls each one of us to act as a steward of his providence for our neighbor
Storing up “treasures in heaven” does not mean setting out to secure a place in heaven. It means relying on God as the source of our security. It means having a genuine and sincere relation with God who knows us, accepts us, and gives meaning to our lives. If we have the Lord as our “treasure,” then there is nothing more we need desire. We can forego everything else.
---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.
---Youth Summer Conference Trip - The Youth Group from both of our parishes - St. Gabriel and Prince of Peace are on a very first trip under our new Youth and Minister, Marylin Flores, to Gonzaga University, Spokane - the site of this weekend’s Youth Conference. The members of our Youth Groups from our two parishes, certainly, will have a lot to share with their families and friends after this weekend, because they have learned, shared and do so much in this year Youth Conference.
On behalf of the Parish, I’d like to thank our Youth Minister Coordinator - Marylin Flores, Volunteers & Parent Chaperons and all members of Marylin’s team Faith Formation - for your love, generosity of your time, talent and treasure for planning and executing this first Youth Conference after COVID’s time. May this event add to a
“special memory” for the members of our Youth Group and their families Summer this year.
---While enjoying the “Summer rest”, please don’t forget our parishes - St. Gabriel and Prince of Peace. Have a wonderful week with Jesus - The True Treasure of our lives.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang