Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53. Jeremiah is imprisoned under the authority of King Zedekiah because the people are upset by his words. But a court official convinces the king to release him. The writer of Hebrews challenges the community to rid [themselves] of every burden of sin and to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples he has come not to establish peace but division.
Domenica 20A Del Tempo Ordinario Gesù precisa il modo di arricchirsi davanti a Dio: conservando i beni e le ricchezze accmulate non per se stessi, ma usandole per le necessità dei fratelli. E ciò riguarda tutti i talenti ricevuti do Dio, non solo le richezze materiali. “Pensate alle cose di lassù, non a quelle della terra” afferma San Paolo.
When I decided to join the Salesians 28 years ago, I asked my parents to allow me to quit my job and begin the Salesian formation. They responded “You are not going to join the Salesians. You stay home, study and work.” I told them, “I am old enough to make my own decision and so please let me try, if it does not work out, I will return.” They were not happy with my decision. However, they were pleased when I ordained.
To be a disciple of Jesus, there is a price that one has to pay. Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel, “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (Luke 12:51) It does not sound right hearing this message from Jesus. What Jesus tells us is that when we choose to follow Him, we have to leave (detach from) our family: father, mother, and siblings. To witness the Gospel, people have to face opposition from others and even to give up their lives. Recently, for some reason, Catholic priests in Mexico and Nigeria were killed while they were saying Mass or doing ministries for the people of God.
Today we hear about Prophet Jeremiah. Babylon had conquered Israel. The people of Judah wanted their king to fight against the Babylonians. Jeremiah told them to not rebel, since more people would end up dying. He called on the king and the soldiers to rely on God by prayer and repentance. The people did not want to listen to him and so they tried to kill him by tossing him in a dry cistern. Jeremiah was drowning in the mud and about to die. Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian court official, pulled him out of the cistern and saved his live. God saved his life as Jeremiah was in danger of death because he was speaking God’s message. As the responsorial psalm we recite today says, “Lord, come to my aid!” If we are being with God, God will help us when are in trouble.
To be faithful to God and practice our faith is challenging today. Especially, COVID 19 causes many people to quit practicing their faith due to sheltering in place and social distancing. Parents complained to me that their children are not going to Mass and stopped practicing their faith. Parents confront their children and it causes division and cold relationships in the family. I told the parents: keep going to church praying for them. Someday, God will change their hearts.
There is a price to be Jesus’ disciples. It may cause division and tension among us and others. It is not an easy decision, but we have to make a choice and act with perseverance.
Have a blessed week!
–Fr. Tho Bui, SDB, Pastor Mass Intentions For The Week
Sunday August 14, 2022 8:45 Eddie Prudente, II & Edward Prudente, Sr. + 10:15 For the People of Saints Peter and Paul 12:00 Loriano & Anita Belluomini +
5:00 Steve & Lena Cuneo + Monday August 15, 2022 7:00 Ettorina Cardella & Family + – Healing Sr. Kathleen Gibson, FMA 9:00 Sue Cara Lesca +
Tuesday August 16, 2022 7:00 In Honor of San Rocco from Fortunato D’Ascoli 9:00 Joseph & Carmella Greco +
Wednesday August 17, 2022 7:00 Edward Sabini + – Intention Gibbons Cooney 9:00 Maria Russo & Luigi Cirelli +
Thursday August 18, 2022 7:00 Angelo Sanguinetti + 9:00 The Birthday of Frank Tognotti +
Friday August 19, 2022 7:00 Dr. Joseph Presti & Angelina + 9:00 Ralph & Evelyn Lavin + – James Gee +
Saturday August 20, 2022 7:30 Joseph Leo Torre & Family + 9:00 Pietro, Adele, & Elena Domenici + 5:00 Louis, Eugenia, & Raymond Raggio +
WEEKLY INTENTIONS For each intention mentioned in the group below, individual Masses will be said in our Parishes, Schools or Missions. Intention David Kehoe
Baptisms Zadie Iva Makabali – Clara Pacheco Robert Aiavao
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: This year the Assumption is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation (because it falls on a Monday)...but come to Mass and honor Our Blessed Mother anyway!
San Francisco Annual Rosary Rally! On Saturday, October 1, you are invited join Catholics from around the Bay Area at San Francisco’s Annual Rosary Rally. The day begins with Mass at 10:00AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral followed by a Eucharistic Procession to St. Boniface Church There will be a Saints Peter and Paul contingent—we will process from the Church to St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Eucharistic Adoration/ Anointing of the Sick: We have Eucharistic Adoration every Friday, following the 7:00 AM Mass. And on the first Friday of the moth we have the Anointing following the 7:00 AM Mass.
Church Flowers: Would you like to sponsor a weekend of fresh flowers for your Church? Help beautify the Church, and your intention will be included in the bulletin. Call 415-421-0809.
Saints Peter and Paul Salesian School Accepting Applications: Our K-8 Salesian school is accepting applications for this year and next. Please email Dr. Lisa Harris at [email protected], and visit sspeterpaulsf.org/ to learn more.
Pre-K Also Accepting Applications: Our Laura Vicuna Pre-Kindergarten is accepting applications for 3 and 4 year-olds. Contact Barbara Simons for info: [email protected]
Young Adult Soccer Day: The Salesian Young Adults will have a soccer day on Saturday, August 27. To find out more and about our Young Adults community: salesiansspp.org/salesian-young-adults
Archdiocesan Annual Appeal: Our assessment this year is $29,415, So far 55 families/parishioners have given or pledged $25,979, leaving us with a balance of $3,436. If you have not already given please join your fellow parishioners in meeting this shared obligation.
Mark Your Calendars! This year’s Columbus Day Bazaar (the 103rd Annual!) will be on the evening of Friday, October 7, and all day Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9. This is the biggest yearly fundraiser for the Church, School, and Pre-K, and we could sure use your help. Bazaar sponsorship opportunities are available—please call Gibbons or Fr. Tho at 415-421-0809.
Liturgical Calendar Sunday 14 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday 15 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Tuesday 16 Stephen of Hungary Wed-Thurs 17-18 Weekdays in Ordinary Time Friday 19 John Eudes; Priest Saturday 20 Bernard; Abbot, Doctor Sunday 21 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Your gifts of July30-31: $3,207. Weekly Goal: $8,670. Shortfall taking from savings: $5,463. Second Collection (for the Poor): $1,370. Thank You! Your parish appreciated your support!