September 20, 2026 – Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Brothers and sisters,
As we prepare to celebrate the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday, September 27, 2026, I would like to bring to our attention the message published last year by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Their message brings to our attention the situation of our immigrant brothers and sisters in the United States, a situation that continues to impact many vulnerable families with fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and separation from their loved ones.
We are all aware and know the truth that, despite obstacles and prejudices, generations of immigrants have made enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation. Our Church leaders are calling us to pray for peace and unity. We are called to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity. Catholic teaching exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants.
As people of faith, we are bound to our immigrant brothers and sisters by ties of communion and compassion in Our Lord Jesus Christ. Every person is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). Sacred Scripture reminds us of God’s special concern for the poor, the vulnerable, and the stranger (Zechariah 7:10). Jesus calls us to see Him in the least of our brothers and sisters (Matthew 25). The Church’s concern for our neighbor, and our concern here for immigrants, is a response to the Lord’s command to love as He has loved us (John 13:34).
As we celebrate this day, let us pray for the safety and protection of those who live in fear, those separated from their families, and all immigrants and refugees seeking safety and a better future. May we open our hearts to accompany, support, and assist those who are vulnerable.
With prayers,
Fr. Arul
September 13, 2026 – Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
(Attributed to Buddha)
Dear Friends,
Sometimes we hear somebody might say: “Do you have a problem with anger?” to which most of us at one time or another could answer “Yes!”
Jesus in today’s Gospel from St. Matthew, chapter 18, does indeed have a problem with anger. He sees it as the poison it is, especially anger that we let fester and turn into grudges or prejudice. The Master of forgiveness invites his followers, including us, to
Let it go!
Needless to see, we live in angry times, when the default of interactions more often than not decays into name-calling, division, grudges. We see anybody who disagrees with us, or is different than us, or is on the other side of the partisan lines in an unhealthy political atmosphere, as the enemy, to be defeated as we live a lofty self-righteousness and smug self-assurance. It seems the easiest way is to be angry and bitter, alone or with the small segment of people who are exactly like us, rather than take the advice of Jesus and see another way, the way of forgiveness and love.
It might not seem as satisfying as the poison, but in the long run it wins. Look at Jesus on the Cross forgiving even his worst enemies, and in effect, defeating them, not with the very poison they used against him, but the healing balm of forgiveness and healing mercy. Thus the beginning of Resurrection and new life!
“The quality of mercy is not strained; it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest; it blesseth him that gives and him that takes…”
(William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice)
Have a blessed, forgiving week of mercy for all! It is the best medicine for us all!
Fr. Tim
September 6, 2026 – Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Silent Prayer: “Be Still, and Know That I Am God” ~ Psalm 46:10
Silence can be awkward. I am sure you have experienced uncomfortable silences. We are constantly surrounded and bombarded by noise from the radio, TV, and other audio devices. Strangely, we are comfortable with the noise around us, while silence makes us uncomfortable. Perhaps that is a good thing. I have discovered that silence, both in conversation with others and in meditation, helps me think deeply. Silent prayer is a beautiful way to enter into intimate union with the Lord. Monks, nuns, saints, and spiritual gurus have shown us throughout the centuries the importance of silence in speaking to and listening to God. The tradition of silent prayer is rooted in Scripture and has been handed down through the centuries by mystics, monks and religious. Pope Benedict XVI beautifully said that the Word of God can only be truly spoken and heard in silence.
I suggest taking the following steps to enter into silent prayer:
1. Breathing as a Spiritual Exercise: Before entering into a time of undivided attention to God, take a few minutes of deep and gentle breathing in and breathing out. Repeat this as long as needed. This helps calm the body and allows you to attend to its needs. Notice your body relaxing as you breathe. Enjoy the peace it brings and let go of worries with each exhale. When you feel relaxed and rested, shift your focus to the next step.
2. Sacred Word/Image: Fr. Thomas Keating’s Centering Prayer encourages us to use a Sacred Word or phrase to enter into silence. Gently utter a word or phrase such as “Holy Spirit,” “Abide in me,” or “Have mercy on me.” Continue until your mind is fixed on the Lord. You will experience distractions. Don’t worry about them. Gently acknowledge them, let them go, and return to the Sacred Word. When distractions return, simply repeat the practice.
3. Affective Prayer: After about ten minutes, you may find yourself settled in silence. Observe your senses. In silence, the senses may reach a state of awakening. As the mystics say, you may see an image or vision, hear a gentle whisper, smell a fragrance, or experience a strong sense of peace, calm, or joy in your heart. This is a beautiful place to be. Our hearts are lifted up in praising God, adoring Him, and rejoicing in His presence. All we can do here is remain there.
Cultivating silence is a beautiful prayer practice and a necessary part of a life of discipleship. It is practicing the presence of God in our lives. It takes some getting used to. All we have to do is commit time to this silent prayer, where God speaks.
