REV. FATHER BENEDICT DeLEON, PASTOR

Ordained March 22, 1980

Assigned Tahoe City July 1, 2015

FROM THE PASTOR

Our prayers that you have a lovely Labor Day holiday weekend. Our church has always had a sincere concern for the dignity of all workers and laborers. In Catholic countries May 1^st, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, is their national holiday for honoring the labor of humankind.

So….in this spirit we welcome our dear friends, guests and visitors who worship and pray with us, celebrating with us around our altar this final weekend of the summer season. It is an eloquent statement of faith when we make the effort to participate in Holy Mass, even as we travel, because we show that we really know our sustenance comes from God! And how lovely to see entire families coming to Mass together!

Let us ponder the words of Pope Leo from the ageless pastoral letter “On the Condition of Human Labor. “Equity therefore commands that public authority show proper concern for the worker so that from what he contributes to the common good he may receive what will enable him, housed, clothed, and secure, to live life without hardship. It follows that all those measures ought to be favored which seem in any way capable of benefiting the condition of workers. Such solicitude is far from injuring anyone, rather it is destined to benefit all.”

MR. MICHAEL HOLLEY, PARISH DEACON

Ordained June 30, 2018

Assigned Tahoe City July 1, 2018

WEEKLY REFLECTION by Deacon Michael Holley

Twenty-fourth Sunday in ordinary time

In this week's gospel, Jesus asks two important questions of his disciples, the first one being, "Who do people say that I am?" The disciples respond with various opinions of the Jewish people, including the idea that Jesus is the reincarnation of one of the major prophets. Jesus then asks a more penetrating question to his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter offers not an opinion, but rather a statement of faith born of divine revelation: "You are the Christ!" Similarly, in the Gospel of Matthew, Peter says more explicitly, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Peter makes this statement from absolute certainty, a certainty given him as a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Jesus then reveals for the first time his future: that he, the Son of Man, must suffer greatly, be rejected, be put to death, and rise again on the third day. Jesus reveals this truth to his disciples to prepare them for what is about to come and to prepare them for the difficulties of their future ministries. Jesus reiterates this when he tells everyone around him that each one must "deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."

Take some time this week to reflect on the cross you have each been given to carry. Our cross can come from our difficulties within family, our workplace, or even from the service ministries in which we participate. As Catholic Christians, we know that we each have been given the gift of faith that enables us to see the truth that Jesus is the Messiah and to have the strength to pick up our own cross and follow Jesus.

Be at peace.