Amos 6:1a, 4; Psalm 146 “Praise the Lord, my soul!” 1 Timothy 6:11–16; Luke 16:19–31: Amos condemns the people of Zion in today’s first reading, for they relax in complacency and self-absorption while their country is collapsing. In the Gospel, Jesus condemns the rich man to an eternity in torment after he spent his life in luxury while ignoring the beggar at his gate. Whom do we ignore while enjoying the comfort of our own lives? As we listen to God’s word, let us look at our own life from the point of view of someone like Lazarus. How would someone like him see us?
Domenico 26A Del tempo Ordinario
Impegnarsi nel contesto della vita sociale senza tenerconto del comportamento altrui è rispondere a unachimata che rinnova l’intimo del cuore. La ricerca del bene degli altri è la via migliore per conseguire il proprio. Gesù, per amore si è fatto uomo, umiliandosi fino alla morte.
Last Monday, the San Francisco Chronicle compared how different regions in California conserve water during the drought. They acknowledge people in the Bay Area have done a good job. Whereas rich people in Southern California, especially Hollywood home owners, water their large lawn, use swimming pools and keep their expensive cars always clean. It is an example of the living situation between the rich and the poor in our country. In today’s Gospel of St. Luke, Jesus tells the Pharisees and us the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the poor and sick man. Jesus challenges us to reach out to love our neighbor as ourselves by helping those in need.
The rich man lives in a mansion, dresses in purple garments and has daily sumptuous meals which are like feasts and holiday meals. An overabundance of roasted meat, trays filled with cheeses and exotic fruits. Wine cups are constantly refilled by his servants. This is not just for special occasions, but everyday meals. By contrast, at his mansion gate, there is a poor and sick man named Lazarus. Lying there with an empty stomach he begs for food and hopes to get the leftovers from the rich man’s table. His body is not covered with expensive cloth. Rather his skin is covered with sores and the street or wild dogs lick him. This story relates to our own county today.
We are living in the City where there are many homeless people. People have to live on the streets, at corners of a house or under the freeway bridges in poor conditions. Many charitable organizations provide services for them daily. So at least they can get a hot meal when they are hungry. Surrounding our North Beach neighborhood, there are many homeless people. I have seen many of us reaching out to help them in many ways, such as St. Vincent de Paul Society’s lunch program and other services. Our Salesian Young Adult Group joins St. Anthony’s soup kitchen and other individuals volunteer to help organizations distribute food to people in need. I applaud to those who generously reach out to help.
The rich man never passes through the gate to help the poor man. Jesus invites us to open our heart: those better off must help those in need. As Christians, we do not wall ourselves off from the less fortunate, but willing to share our resources.
Have a blessed week!
Fr. Tho Bui, SDB Pastor
Mass Intentions For The Week
Sunday September 25 2022 8:45 Louis DeNicolai + 10:15 Serena Banh + 12:00 For the People of Saints Peter and Paul 5:00 The Souls of Norma & Joseph Frizza +
Monday September 26, 2022 7:00 Joseph Leo Torre & Family + 9:00 Ernesto, Ilide, & Pietro Piazza + - Thanksgiving from the Szeto Family
Tuesday September 27, 2022 7:00 Marco & Sabina Zolezzi + 9:00 Lena Damato +
Wednesday September 28, 2022 7:00 Intention of Celeste Lam 9:00 Maria Russo & Luigi Cirelli V+
Thursday September 29, 2022 7:00 Anniversary of the Death of Edward DeNicolai + 9:00 In Honor of Madonna della Guardia
Friday September 30, 2022 7:00 Frank Sanguinetti + 9:00 Fr. Robert Stein, SDB +
Saturday October 1, 2022 7:30 Edward DeNicolai + 9:00 Birthday of Luis S. San Gabriel, Jr 5:00 Marie & Walter Souza & Gig Ghiglieri +
Marriages Raymond Vuillemainroy & Maria Guadalupe Medina Rodriguez Stephen Barbarotto & Jamie Lenzini
Particular Items
Second Collection: Today we have a second collection for the Priests’ Retirement Fund, Please be generous!
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.
NEXT WEEK: 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.
NEXT WEEK: Madonna del Lume: On October 1 & 2 we celebrate the feast of Madonna del Lume, beloved of the people of Sicily and those of Sicilian ancestry the world over. On Saturday we will have the 10AM Mass at Fisherman’s Chapel, followed by the wreath laying on the bay, and on Sunday the Mass here will be at noon, followed by the procession to Fisherman’s Wharf.
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.
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.
Mark Your Calendars! This year’s Columbus Day Bazaar (the 103rd Annual—that’s one year older than Fr. Armand, left!) 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.
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]
Salesian Young Adults: Want fun, friends, service and faith? Our Salesian Young Adults invite you to share all of the above as we serve our Church and get to know one another! Visit https://salesiansspp.org/salesian-young-adults
Liturgical Calendar Sunday 25 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday 26 Cosmas & Damian; Martyrs Tuesday 27 Vincent de Paul; Priest Wednesday 28 Lorenzo Ruiz & Companions; Martyrs Thursday 29 Michael, Gabriel, Raphael; Archangels Friday 30 Jerome; Priest, Doctor Saturday 01 Thérèse of the Child Jesus; Virgin, Doctor Sunday 02 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Your gifts of September 17/18: $3,316. Weekly Goal: $8,670. Shortfall taking from savings: $5,364. Thank You! Your parish appreciated your support!