The Second Sunday in Lent

Genesis 15:5–12, 17–18. Psalm 27. Philippians 3:17—4:1 or 3:20—4:1 Luke 9:28b–3. God made a covenant with Abraham, promising descendants as numerous as the stars and a home as vast as they could imagine. As wonderful as the Promised Land was, Paul teaches the Philippians that God promises us that our citizenship is in heaven, where our glorified Lord awaits. Luke reports that Peter, John, and James were able to see Jesus in glory with Moses and Elijah, dazzling on the mountaintop. May these stories open our eyes to God’s great glory and generosity.

 
 
四旬期第二主日 

今天，在大博爾山上，耶穌顯聖容之時，天主再度向世人說：「這是我的愛子，你們要聽從祂。」天主將基督給了我們，作為我們的導師。 耶穌願意暫時容許祂的天主性，透過祂的人性面貌彰顯出來，在伯多祿、若望和雅各伯出神凝視的面前，露出祂原本的真面目。目的在要宗徒們日後目睹祂受苦受難時不要害怕。宗徒們一輩子都不能忘記這顛峰狂喜，多年以後，伯多祿說：「這來自天上的聲音，是我們同祂在那座聖山的時候，親自聽到見的。」 

這一瞬息的光榮，使伯多祿不知所措，他祇想把這美好的時刻永遠留住。他不願想耶穌受難的事。他要建三個帳篷，為耶穌和兩位古代聖人。他祇想永遠享受這動人的一刻。伯多祿日後明白，主要的不是在大博爾山或是在任何地方，甚至醫院的病床上，祇要能夠和耶穌同在就好了。因此，他跟隨師父走下山，師父在加爾瓦略山完成了祂救贖的工作。伯多祿認清了自己的目標，步武師父的後塵，涉山渡水，不畏艱難，宣揚福音，因為他知道，這是他能達到目標，永遠享見天主聖容的途徑。 

天主，我渴慕祢的聖容，請告訴我，怎樣尋求祢，怎樣才能永遠享見祢的聖容。


 


 Why Me? 
I was born into a family of five children with my parents. Growing up, I have countless memories of fighting with my siblings over almost everything. Our parents struggled many times just to keep peace in the house with five kids. Yet now, as we are all grown and have our own families, those moments have become cherished memories of our childhood.

One of the most unforgettable experiences I had with my father was a one-day trip we took together.
 
One day, he came to me and said, “Vien, tomorrow I will go to Bien Hoa City, and you will go with me.” I was both surprised and excited. I couldn’t think of any reason why he would take me with him but not my siblings. I didn’t even know the purpose of the trip. But the fact that my father chose me to accompany him was enough to fill me with joy. That night, I could hardly sleep, afraid I might somehow miss the trip in the morning. 

At dawn, we set off just my father and me on his motorcycle. We made a few stops along the way for gas and some snacks. There was no better feeling than sitting behind my dad, holding onto him as we passed other vehicles and places. It made me feel special. 

When we arrived, he introduced me to people and took me around to see the area. For the first time, I saw a different side of my father, someone I didn’t often see at home. Slowly, I realized that this was one of his small business trips. He needed to get supplies for his work at home. After a few hours of conversations and checking what he needed, he decided it was time to return. He told me that his supplies would be delivered to our house in a few days. 
On the way back, we stopped to buy some things for my mother and siblings. That simple act made me feel even more connected to him. How could I ever forget this experience? And yet, I kept asking myself: Why me? 

It was only a short trip, but it gave me a story about my father—a story that only I know. A story that keeps me going and appreciates life as a gift. A story that makes me long to see him again in heaven one day. 

A Story Only They Could Tell 
In today’s Gospel, Jesus took Peter, John, and James up the mountain to pray. Among the twelve disciples, these three were given a privileged place, not only among the twelve but among all who followed Jesus. 

They were chosen to witness the Transfiguration. They saw Jesus in glory, speaking with Moses and Elijah. They heard the voice of the Father saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, listen to Him.” And in their confusion, Peter, speaking on behalf of the three, offered to build tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, even though he didn’t fully understand what he was saying.

That was their story, a story that only they could tell. Jesus had chosen them to go with Him to the mountain, just as my father had chosen me to go on that trip. Their experience of the Transfiguration allowed them to see Jesus in a way they never had before. And later, it would become a decisive moment that helped them believe in His Resurrection. With the help of the Holy Spirit, their testimony has strengthened the faith of generations of Christians, including us. Perhaps they, too, asked themselves the same question: Why me? Who am I to be given this experience? Why did Jesus choose me? 

What Is Your Story? 
We all have a story to tell about someone—perhaps our parents, family members, or friends. These people teach us valuable lessons in life. But what about our story with Jesus? Have you ever experienced God’s presence in your life? What is your unique story about Him—the story only you can tell? Have you ever asked, “Why me?” Who am I to be called to be His witness? And now that I have encountered Him, what will I do about it? 

May we always remember the presence of the Holy Spirit, who helps us understand, speak, and act in accordance with God’s will. May we recognize His unconditional love for us. And like Abram, may we one day look up at the night sky, count the stars, and say, “God, thank You for Your blessings; they are more numerous than the stars in the sky, and thank You for calling me to walk by your side.” 

Fr. Vien Nguyen, SDB
 Parochial Vicar
 
Mass Intentions For The Week 
Sunday                              March 16, 2025
 8:45     Al & Cathy Baccarri +
 10:15  Intention of Nadine Calliguri
 12:00  For the People of Saints Peter and Paul – Lorenzo Simi + –Rosina Cirelli +
 5:00     The Pierini & Spes Family + 

Monday                             March 17, 2025
 7:00     Edward DeNicolai +
 9:00     Henry Ravetto + – Maria Michel +
Tuesday                            March 18, 2025
 7:00     Birthday of Samuel Bugayong +
 9:00     Giuseppe D’Ascoli (San Giuseppe) + – Guillermo Enrique Solorzano + 

Wednesday                    March 19, 2025
 7:00     Birthday of Josephine Mazzucco –   Pinuccia Piazza +
 9:00     Joseph Maggiora & the Maggiora Family + – Birthday of Michael Roman + 

Thursday                         March 20, 2025
 7:00     Giuseppina Ross +
 9:00     Domenico, Francesca, Tom, Giuseppe, Lena, & Frances Cresci + – Birthday of Sheralyn Sadie 

Friday                                 March 21, 2025
 7:00     Edward Sabini +
 9:00     Virginia Sanguinetti + – John & Nicole Ball +

Saturday                          March 22, 2025
 7:30     The Giurlani Family +
 9:00     Michael Gunning +
 5:00     Louis & Enes Greco + – Intention Sheralyn Sadie 

 
 
Particular Items 

Solemnities this Week: We have two Solemnities this week Patrick on Monday, because he is the co-patron of our Archdiocese, and Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Wednesday, which is a Solemnity throughout the universal Church. So, if you have given up sweets, etc., you are dispensed, just like a Sunday.

Lent with Mother Mary: “Even as we begin our Lenten observance, as we hunger through fasting, as we struggle to find time to pray, we should be at peace, because Mary is praying for us. During the next several weeks, don’t forget that. Remind yourself often that Mary is praying for you. Even if we forget to ask, she prays for us; she will not forget her children.” - from Lenten Journey with Mother Mary; Fr. Edward Looney.

The Don Bosco Study Group will meet by Zoom at 4pm, Tuesday, March 18. We will discuss “My Brilliant Friend, Book One” by Elena Ferrante. A series was made (Season 1 follows the first book). We will also discuss Chapter 6 of our “Parables” book. All are welcome. For more information, contact Frank Lavin (415.310.8551, [email protected]).   

Confession During Lent: We encourage parishioners to seek the sacrament of Penance on Saturdays between 4-5PM, on Friday’s between 7:30 & 8:30AM, or by visiting the rectory during business hours.

Bible Study with Fr. Vien! Every Thursday Fr. Vien will host weekly Bible Study at 7:00 PM. Come join with others and  deepen your understanding of the Word of God!

Eucharistic Adoration & Confession/ Anointing of the Sick: We have Adoration & Confession every Friday, following the 7:00 AM Mass. And on the first Friday of the month we have the Anointing following the 7:00 AM Mass. 

Stations of the Cross: We will have Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent at 6:30pm followed by a soup supper.. The Walk for Life Committee will be hosting this Friday, March 14, at 6pm. All are welcome!

40 Days for Life Lenten Campaign! Join in peacefully praying for the end to abortion in San Francisco! The 40 Days for Life campaign runs from March 5 to April 13 at the Planned Parenthood business at 1522 Bush Street. You may sign up for vigil hours here www.40daysforlife.com/sanfrancisco.

Mark your Calendars! & SAVE THE DATE! This year’s school Spring Fundraiser “The Greatest Show” will be on March 29 from 6:00-10:00 PM at  the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club. Live auction, DJ, Dancing, Live Auction and more! Details and tickets may be found by visiting ssppevents.org/spring-gala

Support the ONLY Catholic Healthcare in San Francisco at the Bella Primary Care Founders Gala: Celebrate Bella’s third year of Life-Affirming Catholic Healthcare on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at St. Mary's Cathedral Event Center. 6:00 pm Cocktails,| 7:00 PM Dinner. Proceeds from our gala will provide funding for our underinsured patients. For more information and tickets visit: bellafoundersgala.com

Want to go deeper in Salesian Spirituality? Founded by Don Bosco himself, the Salesian Cooperators are an association of Christians living in the world according to the Chrism of Don Bosco. A type of “third order,” the Cooperators also work on keeping the church beautiful, visits to the sick & elderly, and helping with any and all sorts of parish functions. The Cooperators always help when needed. Contact Frank Lavin at 415.310.8551 or [email protected].

 Archbishops Annual Appeal 2025! Our AAA for 2025 has begun. This year’s assessment is $65,600, a little lower than last year’s., which we did not quite make. Let’s make it this year. So far, 17 people/families have given or pledged $14,829, leaving us a balance of $50,771. Join the 1% club—give $656! But all amounts greatly appreciated.  

Saints Peter and Paul Salesian School & Pre-K Accepting Applications: Our K-8 Salesian school is accepting applications for this year and next. Please email Dr. Lisa Harris at the school at [email protected], or Barbara Simons at the Pre-K at [email protected] to learn more! 

Sponsor a Student! We are receiving more request for financial aid than ever before. The Salesians started by educating the children of the poor and we are not about to stop now—but like Don Bosco before us we need your help! We invite financially able parishioners to help with this ministry. Please call Fr. Tho at 415-421-0809 or Dr. Lisa Harris at 415-421-5219.

Liturgical Calendar
Sunday               16          The Second Sunday of Lent
Monday              17          Patrick; Bishop, Co-Patron of our City
Tuesday             18          Lenten Weekday
Wednesday        19          Joseph; Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thursday           20          Lenten Weekday
Friday                 21          Lenten Weekday
Saturday            22          Lenten Weekday
Sunday               23          The Third Sunday of Lent

Your gifts of March 8 & 9:        $2,984.
 Goal:                                       $8,670.
 Shortfall:                                 $5,686.

We are always in shortfall. Fr. Tho asks for your help Please consider donating an amount equal to a breakfast or lunch or movie ticket. Your parish needs & appreciates your support!