The dramatic encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman demonstrates the power of sincere, persistent and praying faith. After performing series of miracles, Jesus headed to the region of Tyre and Sidon, modern-day Lebanon, a Gentile territory, to have some downtime, necessary in any form of ministry. He decided to have a quiet time off outside his domain where no one was supposed to know him. Now comes a pagan woman whose daughter is gravely ill and desperately cries out, "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon."

Considering her background, she was the most unlikely person to be entertained. The sudden initial responses were discouraging and disappointing because of the silence of Jesus and his remarks on the exclusivity of his mission that he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel (for my people), and the disciples’ attempt to caste her away. In a way, it's true if, we for a moment, will draw our attention to the opening verse of the evangelist, The gospel of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham denoting priority of one people over others. I don’t want to sound like I can read the mind of God but the human factor of persistence, humility, and trust played a significant factor in the granting of her desperate plea for help.

Her request was declined three times but she remained unaffected by the harsh words. Perhaps, even if she felt offended, she didn’t mind for as long as her daughter was healed. Her passion, courage, and determination was topnotched. Woman came to him because of her belief in Jesus’ power over demons and reliance on that power.

This fascinating and controversial story is central to the embodiment of the Matthean community. Her plea became the center of the story. Her identity is vital to the message in the struggle of the Matthean community. This outsider, gentile became a model of praying faith. The co-existence between Jews and Gentiles, groups of people, belonging in the same community was a hot button issue. The animosity between the two groups, a major struggle of the community formed and shaped the community. I tell you, sometimes, conflict and suffering can be opportunities for transformation, renewal and healing. 

God healed the Canaanite woman’s demon-possessed daughter because of her loyalty to the name of God along with her persistence and humility. Describing her as a Canaanite woman puts emphasis on her cultural and religious background as a pagan, stranger, unbeliever. It appears that as an outsider she isn’t going to get her request granted and yet, her sincerity, persistence, tenacity and humility, made all the difference in the world. She became the center of the story.

In praising her, Jesus shows the value of persistence, determination, humility and trust. If you’re asking a favor, but especially if it’s a divine favor, these are the indispensable qualities. Her response was worth mentioning, imitating and extremely touching, even the dogs eat the scraps (take the bread from the table) that fall from the master’s table and not wait for it to fall on the floor. She’s ready to do whatever it takes for the healing of her daughter. She knew the name of God, have pity on me, Lord, Son of God! along with, Lord, save me. Faith is knowing personally the name of God.

When we pray, when we ask for something for healing and recovery, peace and reconciliation in the family, for success in our endeavors and plans, for job growth, for anything. Jesus’ silence may have been part of God’s testing. The woman demonstrates two qualities of prayer: come to God humbly and sincerely and be persistent and determined. This entire episode emphasizes two things: the faith of the woman and how vital her faith for the healing of the daughter. 

After all the drama, the woman stays and pleads, Lord, help me! This profound act of humility changed the tone of the conversation. In an unexpected turn of event, Jesus said, "O woman great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish."  From that time on, because of her unwavering faith, her daughter is granted healing.

We come to the church to adore God in praise and thanksgiving for the many undeserved blessings we have received. The Canaanite woman has modeled the power of persistent prayer and of praying faith. This pagan woman, known as a believer of false gods, has exemplified how prayer requests must be done. If you're asking for something, you have to be sincere and persistent. She remains unconvinced that her background is an obstacle to come to Jesus. Prayer isn't simply a ritual that needs to be followed from beginning to end. It involves sincerity, persistence and a strong belief that Jesus is Lord. We are at different levels of spirituality and prayer life. Some of us pray by going through the motions. Others pray because they are asked to do so. In these troubled times, our prayer has gone deeper just like the Canaanite Woman. It’s no longer just about the recitation of formula prayers for the sake of doing it. It has become very personal. We own it. We pay close attention to the words including the layers of meaning behind them. Amen. 

PARISH BLOG

PASTOR'S WEEKLY MESSAGE 092423

September 25, 2023
Dear Parishioners, This Sunday, September 24, in observance of World Day for Refugees and Migrants, please help us procure the needed items posted in the bulletin. Here in Douglas and Pirtleville where migration is a daily occurrence, hospitality/kindness to strangers is deeply valued as a mark of religiosity and tenet of faith. Pope Francis chose this year’s theme, “Free to Choose whether to Migrate or to Stay.” I would say, in tough economic circumstances, leaving your home and loved ones is no longer a choice. I am extremely pleased that one of our parishes in the Catholic Community has graciously hosted the asylum seekers. It is an honor to open our doors to the refugees among us. I don’t think we spent a great deal of time thinking about it as this is who we are. This is not a favor done to them. We don’t expect Thank You or any appreciation at all. This is our very identity. Kindness and Hospitality given to strangers for nothing is the genuine mark of a religious person. Thank you for all your donations of food, supplies and other necessities. We rely heavily on the abundance and scarcity of the people of God for as long it comes from the heart. It’s happening and heartfelt. Just when you thought you ran out of food to feed them, lo and behold, the next thing you know, an unidentified person just dropped what you needed for that moment. God looks down on us and touches the hearts of individuals. That’s God’s providence and when you leave everything to him, wondrous things happen and keeps on flowing. I am thankful to the City of Douglas and Cochise County Emergency Management for providing support in whatever way they can. We can’t do this ourselves. We need the support of the local sectors and beyond of course to address this urgent issue. As a gracious act and humble expression of solidarity and hospitality, this year, we are moving the venue/location of Fiesta del Sol to St. Luke Parish. I am ever grateful to the fiesta committee for their overwhelming support in the sudden change only because of the presence of our very special guests. Their safety and protection are our top priority. We should do everything in our capacity to take care of them and make feel welcome regardless. The asylum seekers are so dear to us. It is a pleasure to serve them. They don’t give us any inconvenience at all. What we do is nothing compared to what they went through. Our fiesta income might diminish because of this unexpected transfer but no worries, it is completely understandable. We are doing something worthwhile, which is at the heart of who we are as a people of God. By the mandate of the gospel, we are morally obliged to welcome the refugees in our parishes. We have no option. We got no choice but to embrace them with wide open arms, just as Jesus did in every encounter with those regarded as outcasts and despised. The church will always be there in the most difficult and extreme circumstances as Jesus did. Queridos Feligreses, Este domingo 24 de septiembre, en conmemoración del Día Mundial del Refugiado y del Migrante, por favor ayúdenos a adquirir los artículos necesarios publicados en el boletín. Aquí en Douglas y Pirtleville, donde la migración es un hecho cotidiano, la hospitalidad / amabilidad hacia los extraños es profundamente valorada como una marca de religiosidad y principio de fe. El Papa Francisco eligió el tema de este año, "Libre para elegir si migrar o quedarse". Yo diría que, en circunstancias económicas difíciles, dejar su hogar y sus seres queridos ya no es una opción. Estoy muy contento de que una de nuestras parroquias en la Comunidad Católica haya acogido amablemente a los solicitantes de asilo. Es un honor de abrir nuestras puertas a los refugiados entre nosotros. No creo que pasamos mucho tiempo pensando en ello, ya que esto es lo que somos. Esto no es un favor hecho a ellos. No esperamos agradecimiento ni ningún aprecio en absoluto. Esta es nuestra propia identidad. La bondad y la hospitalidad dadas a extraños por nada es la marca genuina de una persona religiosa. Gracias por todas sus donaciones de alimentos, suministros y otras necesidades. Dependemos en gran medida de la abundancia y escasez del pueblo de Dios mientras venga del corazón. Está sucediendo y es sincero. Justo cuando pensabas que te quedaste sin comida para alimentarlos, he aquí, lo siguiente que sabes es que una persona no identificada simplemente dejó caer lo que necesitabas para ese momento. Dios nos mira y toca los corazones de las personas. Esa es la providencia de Dios y cuando le dejas todo a él, suceden cosas maravillosas y siguen fluyendo. Estoy agradecido con la Ciudad de Douglas y el Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Cochise por brindar apoyo de cualquier manera que puedan. No podemos hacer esto nosotros mismos. Necesitamos el apoyo de los sectores locales y más allá, por supuesto, para abordar este preocupación urgente. Como un acto de gracia y una humilde expresión de solidaridad y hospitalidad, este año, estamos trasladando el lugar / ubicación de Fiesta del Sol a la Parroquia de San Lucas. Siempre estoy agradecido al comité de fiesta de IC por su abrumador apoyo en el cambio debodp a ;ps presencia de nuestros invitados muy especiales. Su seguridad y protección son nuestra principal prioridad. Debemos hacer todo lo que esté a nuestro alcance para cuidarlos y hacernos sentir bienvenidos independientemente. Los solicitantes de asilo son muy queridos para nosotros. Es un placer servirles. No nos dan ningún inconveniente en absoluto. Lo que hacemos no es nada comparado con lo que ellos pasaron. Nuestros ingresos de fiesta pueden disminuir debido a esta transferencia inesperada, pero no se preocupe, es completamente comprensible. Estamos haciendo algo que vale la pena, que está en el corazón de lo que somos como pueblo de Dios. Por mandato del evangelio, estamos moralmente obligados a acoger a los refugiados en nuestras parroquias. No tenemos otra opción. No tuvimos más remedio que abrazarlos con los brazos abiertos, tal como lo hizo Jesús en cada encuentro con aquellos considerados marginados y despreciados. La iglesia siempre estará allí en las circunstancias más difíciles y extremas como lo hizo Jesús. Click here for the Holy Father Pope Francis message on the 109th World Day of Refugees and Migrants, September 24, 2023.

PASTOR'S WEEKLY MESSAGE 22423

February 25, 2023
Dear Parishioners, Please mark your calendars for the upcoming LENTEN MISSION/RETREAT with the theme: Take, Bless, Break, Share, which is in line with and in preparation for the Eucharistic Revival. These four words are the backbone/skeleton of the Eucharistic Liturgy/Mass. The beauty and majesty of our worship all started with the Last Supper and so, we are going back to the original story. The presenters are the deacons, Fr. Marco, and myself. This will be a night of recollection for the community. There will be a reflection on each theme followed by moments of silence, music, and adoration. Lent is a journey to the depths of our inner lives. We will begin with the basic parts and fundamental concepts of the Mass and go from there. The Roman Mass has evolved in history, tradition, and theology. The content and substance of the Eucharist thus, are complex and vast. Even if we spend a weekly formation and lectures on the Eucharist for a year, we will not be able to cover the entire meaning and mystery of the Mass. In the end, the Mass is the best Catechesis. The experience of the Mass that is, the encounter with our Lord in the worship service, will teach us everything about the Mass; much more than hundreds of written commentaries about it. THE SACRAMENTS OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION/CONFESSIONS will be offered generously. Apart from the weekend confessions, we have added Wednesdays and Thursdays of Lent for confessions for your convenience. Please plan on going to confessions during Lent in preparation for the Easter celebration. The Sacrament, as we have learned, is not so much about guilt, sin, and punishment, but more importantly, God’s grace, mercy, and love. Above all, it’s about one’s ongoing relationship with God. PRAYING THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS in the morning and evening is a highly recommended spiritual exercise during Lent, especially the recitation of Psalms. Thank you for your support to the LENTEN FOOD SALES ON FRIDAYS OF LENT. Because the food is so delicious, it appears to be a treat more than a sacrifice. Your only sacrifice which is much needed is your support to the parish. The fish and / or shrimp and the sides prepared with an extra labor of love from the volunteers, is a priceless blessing, regardless of the recipe. I don’t remember refusing to eat fish or shrimp at any given point in my life. For me who grew up on an Island, it’s not right to say no to any seafood. Thank you so much to those who have donated to the 2023 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL. You can give by filling out the envelope (traditional way), online (cathfnd.org), or text. To those who are still undecided, please seriously consider giving within your means. Blessings, Fr Jojo Estimados feligreses, Por favor, marque su calendario para la próxima MISIÓN / RETIRO DE CUARESMA con el tema: Tomen, bendigan, rompan, compartan, que está en línea en preparación para el avivamiento eucarístico. Estas cuatro palabras son la columna vertebral / esqueleto de la Liturgia Eucarística / Misa. La belleza y majestuosidad de nuestra adoración comenzó con la Última Cena, por lo tanto, volvemos a la historia original. Los presentadores somos los diáconos, el P. Marco y yo. Esta será una noche de recogimiento para la comunidad. Habrá una reflexión sobre cada tema seguida de momentos de silencio, música y adoración. La Cuaresma es un viaje a las profundidades de nuestra vida interior. Comenzaremos con las partes muy básicas y los conceptos fundamentales de la Misa y partiremos de allí. La Misa Romana ha evolucionado en historia, tradición y teología. El contenido y la sustancia de la Eucaristía son, pues, complejos y vastos. Incluso si pasamos una formación semanal y conferencias sobre la Eucaristía durante un año, no podremos cubrir todo el significado y el misterio de la Misa. Al final, la Misa es la mejor catequesis. La experiencia de la Misa, es decir, el encuentro con nuestro Señor en el servicio de adoración nos enseñará todo sobre la Misa; mucho más que cientos de comentarios escritos al respecto. LOS SACRAMENTOS DE LA PENITENCIA Y LA RECONCILIACIÓN/CONFESIONES se ofrecerán generosamente. Además de las confesiones de fin de semana, hemos agregado para su conveniencia, miércoles y jueves de Cuaresma para confesiones. Por favor, planee ir a confesión durante la Cuaresma en preparación para la celebración de Pascua. El Sacramento, como hemos aprendido, no se trata tanto de culpa, pecado y castigo, sino más importante aún, de la gracia, la misericordia y el amor de Dios. Sobre todo, se trata de la relación continua de uno con Dios. REZAR LA LITURGIA DE LAS HORAS por la mañana y por la tarde es un ejercicio espiritual muy recomendable durante la Cuaresma, especialmente la recitación de Salmos. Gracias por su apoyo a las VENTAS DE ALIMENTOS CURESMALES, TODOS LOS VIERNES DE CUARESMA. Debido a que la comida es tan deliciosa, parece ser un regalo más que un sacrificio. Su único sacrificio muy necesario es su apoyo para nuestras Parroquias. Los paltillos de pescado y camarón con sus acompañamientos El pescado y/o camarones y los lados. preparados con un trabajo extra de amor de los voluntarios, es una bendición invaluable, independientemente de la receta. No recuerdo haberme negado a comer pescado o camarones en ningún momento de mi vida. Para mí, que crecí en una isla, no es correcto decir que no a ningún marisco. Muchas gracias a aquellos que han donado a la CAMPAÑA CATÓLICA ANUAL 2023 . Puede donar llenando el sobre (forma tradicional), en línea (cathfnd.org) o enviando un mensaje de texto. Para aquellos que aún están indecisos, por favor consideren seriamente dar dentro de sus posibilidades. Bendiciones, Fr. Jojo

PASTOR'S WEEKLY MESSAGE 21723

February 18, 2023
This Wednesday, February 22, is ASH WEDNESDAY, the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season. The imposition of ashes will be available as scheduled. Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation but please plan on attending the Mass because the worship of God in the Eucharist is central to faith, the be-all and end-all, the source and summit of Christian life. Humanity, the crown and steward of creation, was created to worship God. Ash Wednesday is a universal day of fasting and abstinence. Those 18 – 59 years of age are obligated to fast. However, those who are ill/sick/frail, pregnant and engaged in hard labor, are excused because of the strength and nourishment needed to sustain life. Fasting can be done either by eating one full meal and two smaller meals, or only liquids. Fasting is more spiritual than physical, as we join to experience what it means to hunger and thirst, our humble (least) expression of solidarity to those who have literally none and nothing to eat and drink at all. Additionally, 14 years and beyond are bound to abstain (avoid the main nourishment of a certain culture). Here in the US, it will be meat which may be similar in Mexico. The idea is sacrifice. This is not so much about legality. Laws are only the beginning. Rules are meant to guide and draw us deeper and closer to God. If they lead us away from God, there is a disconnect. Righteousness must not be understood and reduced merely for the sake of observance of the law. If that’s the case, we are missing the point. Jesus says, “unless your righteousness surpasses those of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:20). Aim for virtue and wisdom, and not simply the fulfillment of a requirement. Our liturgy in the next 40 days will be subdued. There will be no Gloria, Alleluia, and we will refrain from singing high pitched and tempo songs, which everyone will miss but it’s temporary. The observance of the LENTEN SEASON begins from Ash Wednesday until sundown on Holy Thursday, before the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, and excluding Sundays of Lent. The 40 days of lent is a time of prayer (personal and communal), fasting and almsgiving (charitable acts). On Fridays of Lent, please support the parish food sales to help our parish incomes. During Lent, there will be a weekday CONFESSION TIMES: Wednesday, 5pm-6pm and Thursday, 5pm-6pm in addition to the regular confessions on Friday’s and Saturday’s. Penance Service will also be offered on the 4 th and 5 th week of Lent before entrance into Holy Week. Thank you so much for your support to the 2023 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL. The theme, We are the Mission of the Church is so appealing including the video. To those who haven’t given yet, please seriously consider giving within your means. You still have time to think and pray for it. Congratulations to those who participated in the Anniversary Mass especially to the Jubilarians (25, 40, 50, 60, 70). We will schedule a dinner for you sometime in the spring or fall of 2023. Promise. Blessings, Fr Jojo Este miércoles, 22 de febrero, es el Miércoles de Ceniza, el comienzo de la temporada de Cuaresma de 40 días. La imposición de cenizas estará disponible según lo programado. El Miércoles de Ceniza no es un Día Santo de Obligación, pero por favor planee asistir a la Misa porque la adoración de Dios en la Eucaristía es fundamental para la fe, el ser y el fin de todo, la fuente y la cumbre de la vida cristiana. La humanidad, la corona y mayordomo de la creación, fue creada para adorar a Dios. El Miércoles de Ceniza es un día universal de ayuno y abstinencia. Los de 18 a 59 años de edad están obligados a ayunar. Sin embargo, aquellos que están enfermos / enfermos / frágiles, embarazadas y involucrados en trabajos forzados, son excusados debido a la fuerza y la nutrición necesarias para mantener la vida. El ayuno se puede hacer comiendo una comida completa y dos comidas más pequeñas, o solo líquidos. El ayuno es más espiritual que físico, ya que nos unimos para experimentar lo que significa tener hambre y sed, nuestra humilde (menos) expresión de solidaridad con aquellos que literalmente no tienen nada ni nada que comer y beber en absoluto. Además, los 14 años y más están obligados a abstenerse (evitar el alimento principal de una determinada cultura). Aquí en los Estados Unidos, será carne que puede ser similar en México. La idea es sacrificio. No se trata tanto de legalidad. Las leyes son sólo el comienzo. Las reglas están destinadas a guiarnos y acercarnos más y más a Dios. Si nos alejan de Dios, hay una desconexión. La justicia no debe ser entendida y reducida simplemente por el bien de la observancia de la ley. Si ese es el caso, estamos perdiendo el punto. Jesús dice: "Si no supera vuestra justicia a la de los escribas y fariseos, no entraréis en el reino de los cielos" (Mt 5,20). Apunte a la virtud y la sabiduría, y no simplemente al cumplimiento de un requisito. Nuestra liturgia en los próximos 40 días será sometida. No habrá Gloria, Aleluya, y nos abstendremos de cantar canciones agudas y tempo, que todos extrañarán, pero es temporal. La observancia de la TEMPORADA DE CUARESMA comienza desde el Miércoles de Ceniza hasta la puesta del sol del Jueves Santo, antes de la Misa vespertina de la Cena del Señor, y excluyendo los domingos de Cuaresma. Los 40 días de cuaresma son un tiempo de oración (personal y comunitaria), ayuno y limosna (actos de caridad). Los viernes de Cuaresma, por favor apoye las ventas de alimentos de la parroquia para ayudar a nuestros ingresos parroquiales. Durante la Cuaresma, habrá HORARIOS DE CONFESIÓN entre semana: miércoles, 5pm-6pm y jueves, 5pm-6pm, además de las confesiones regulares los viernes y sábados. El Servicio de Penitencia también se ofrecerá en la 4ª y 5ª semana de Cuaresma antes de la entrada en Semana Santa. Muchas gracias por su apoyo a la CAMPAÑA CATÓLICA ANUAL 2023. El tema, Somos la Misión de la Iglesia es muy atractivo incluyendo el video. A aquellos que aún no han dado, por favor consideren seriamente dar dentro de sus posibilidades. Todavía tienes tiempo para pensar y orar por ello. Felicitaciones a los que participaron en la Misa de Aniversario, especialmente a los Jubilarios (25, 40, 50, 60, 70). Programaremos una cena para usted en algún momento de la primavera u otoño de 2023. Prometer. Bendiciones, Fr. Jojo
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