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“We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” the opening words of today’s second reading, Hebres Chapter 12 verses 1 through 4, describe the presence of many holy people in the Church. You and I, while we are both holy and sinful ourselves, belong to this community of Jesus’ disciples. What a great privilege! We are constantly inspired by the example of our fellow-disciples to be faithful Christians in all life’s circumstances

Recently, Jesuit Father James Martin, best selling author, editor-at-large of America magazine and consultant to the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communication, shared his thoughts on prayer, forgiveness and more with our senior marketing technologist, Adam Mitchell.Jim Martin is an American Jesuit priest, a writer, and editor-at-large of the Jesuit magazine America. He grew up in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and now lives in the America House Jesuit Community in midtown Manhattan. On April 12, 2017, Pope Francis appointed Martin and EWTN leader Michael Warsaw as consultants to the Vatican's Secretariat for Communications. 

Memorial of Saint John Vianney, PriestMt 16:13-23From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciplesthat he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatlyfrom the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,and be killed and on the third day be raised.

Our Gospel today from Saint Luke centers around the theme of possessions—both earthly and heavenly. Twice Jesus gives some clear, focused advice: “One’s life does not consist of possessions.” “Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.” Jesus is clearly speaking about how the material things of this world are to be properly used to enhance our own lives and the lives of others.

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin MaryMT 13:36-43Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.His disciples approached him and said,“Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom."

Christian creeds address God as “the Father, the almighty.” Calling God “Our Father” is a personal address, asserting his care for all creation, especially for all humanity. God is called “Father” 170 times in the Gospels.

We are proud to bring you the first episode of "Among The People", with an impactful interview with Maryknoll Brother, John Beeching. In this Episode, Brother John shares:• His time with Mother Teresa, a story we're sure you've never heard. • His war experiences in Beirut and Yemen.• Managing the trauma of war.• His selfless work with the Mon refugees of Myanmar and Thailand.• Christian love and Buddhist compassion.About Brother John:Much of Brother Beeching's work in Thailand has involved accompanying Mon refugees and monks, who have taken shelter at Wat Prok, a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. The Mon are indigenous Burmese people, who have been brutalized by the ruling military regime of Burma (Myanmar, as the military government now refers to the country). Brother Beeching joins the Mon and other Burmese ethnic groups in demonstrating in front of the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok, helps them secure visas and passports, and assists them in getting supplies to some of the refugee camps along the Burmese/Thai border. He writes: "Despite differences in belief, these fellow refugees and I have grown through the experience of service as a shared sense of community. Together we break the bread of compassion. Together we sit in silence trying to be present to the gift of the moment, and are drawn ever deeper into the ineffable mystery of God."Prior to Bangkok, Brother John served first in Chile and then in the Middle East, working in Egypt, Yemen and Lebanon. In war-ravaged Beirut he experienced numerous narrow escapes with mortar attacks and terrorist bombings. It was also a time when he became involved in interfaith dialogue, an interest that has grown within the old walls of Wat Prok, Thailand. For him, Christian love and Buddhist compassion comprise the same call to action. "Buddhists say you are a brother to the mosquito you slapped on your wrist. The tree, the water-it's all part of what is happening in you. It's a brotherhood that embraces all life."

About Matthew FoxMatthew Fox is an internationally acclaimed spiritual theologian, Episcopal priest, and activist. He holds a doctorate, summa cum laude, in the History and Theology of Spirituality from the Institut Catholique de Paris and has devoted 45 years to developing and teaching the tradition of Creation Spirituality, which is rooted in ancient Judeo-Christian teaching, inclusive of today’s science and world spiritual traditions; welcoming of the arts and artists; wisdom centered, prophetic, and committed to eco-justice, social justice and gender justice.

Today’s Gospel from Saint Luke, also used for the feast of Saint Martha, probably reflects a typical scene from the life of Jesus. He had a very close friendship relationship with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, often going to their home in Bethany to relax, enjoy their company, share some of Martha’s good cooking, and simply rest from his demanding ministry activities.

Memorial of Saint Kateri TekakwithaMT 11:28-30Jesus said:“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,and I will give you rest.”

Two of Jesus’ parables are known worldwide by people of all faiths and traditions; they are the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Both narratives speak of the universal value of mercy. The good Samaritan treated the wounded stranger with mercy and compassion. The merciful father welcomes his wayward son home with open arms.

Mission permeates the entire New Testament. Today’s Gospel from chapter ten of Luke narrates a key event, where Jesus chooses seventy-two additional followers and sends them out on mission. We should conclude that mission is for all of Jesus’ disciples—all baptized Christians, not just the special twelve apostles. Jesus then gives them clear and specific instructions. I see at least ten “mission principles” emerging from today’s Gospel.