Last weekend, 27 parishioners from the Oakland Diocese attended the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Philadelphia, PA. Amidst the record heatwave, they walked with Jesus for two miles. The Eucharistic procession began at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and proceeded to the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann (at St. Peter the Apostle Church). 

Indeed, this experience was intense. However, like this weekend’s Gospel, the Parable of the Sower, how can we make sure that this experience bears fruit? 

“Hear then the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart.  The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy.  But he has no root and lasts only for a time.  When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away.  The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” Matthew 13:18-23 

Heavenly Father, please cultivate our hearts into fertile soil, removing the “thorns” of everyday distractions, and allowing Your word to take root so that we can walk as true instruments of Your grace.

From top left: Fr. Erick, Paul, Dina. Belinda, Sherry, Lorine, Amy, Cecilia, Fr. Rocky, Joey, Wilma, Bob, Rudy
From center left: JC, Annette, Jocelyn, Thelma, Lu, Josie, Rose, Vangie, Norma, Celina, Anito
From bottom left: Tammy, Maureen, Anna, Derick

(For the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2026)