An Ecumenical Ministry in the Parish of St Patrick's Catholic Church In San Diego USA

米国サンディエゴの聖パトリックカトリック教会教区におけるエキュメニカル宣教

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

The End of the Liturgical Year is In Sight with Pastor Carlos



The End of the Liturgical Year is In Sight

The end of the liturgical year is only three Sundays away. On November 24th, we will celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, marking the end of the current liturgical year (C), which began in Advent 2018. On Sunday, December 1st, we will begin a new liturgical year (A), with a new season of Advent.

https://parishesonline.com/find/pastor-of-saint-patrick-catholic-parish-san-diego-california-corporation-sole/bulletin/file/05-0628-20191103B.pdf?fbclid=IwAR06md2FMfAHmJFUiYSXvaAygMvYDnLIHMohuka6cOPgRODp_P8uH4dusqw

Every year, as we approach the end of the liturgical year, the readings direct us to reflect on the passing nature of this world, and to reflect on the end times. This turn will occur next Sunday, when there will be a sharp turn in the themes of the readings to focus on the resurrection of the body, and a week later, on the end of the universe as we know it.

The past three Sundays, the readings centered on the spiritual themes of gratitude (October 13th), perseverance in prayer (October 20th), and humility (October 27th). We heard about the grateful Samaritan who returned to thank Jesus, the widow who persevered in pestering the judge, and tax collector who in contrast to the proud Pharisee, prayed with humility.

A grateful heart is a heart aware of the opportunities that every moment presents us to be aware of God’s love. Being aware of having been chosen by God, allows us to persevere in prayer, knowing that often times we walk by faith, not by sight. This awareness of the gift of faith roots us in humility: God loves us not because we’re special, but because God is wonderfully merciful and kind to us.


Today, the Gospel presents us with the wonderful mercy and kindness of God in Jesus as he visits someone who had committed extortion, and whom after experiencing the mercy of Christ, has a change of heart, repenting of his sins, and making reparation for them. May we, like Zaccheus, also continue to turn our hearts to Christ.

God bless, Fr. Carlos, OSA

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