Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 24, 2024 – Readings include: Isaiah 66:18-21; Psalm 117:1, 2; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30
I remember as a young student in a Catholic school that only Catholics were the ones in heaven. In today’s gospel, the people ask Jesus, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Interestingly, Jesus does not answer the question with quick answers; however, instead answers in three parables that we must not take salvation for granted. The three parables or images include the narrow gate, a locked door and the great banquet. I find this interesting to help understand the idea of serving others and not to be so sure that we have it made because we are Catholics. How do I treat others in my life? With God’s grace one can continue a life of faith and love. God bless you and your families this week.
We are happy to welcome Sister Frances who has been in Vietnam for six months on a personal leave and to attend a blessing of her mother’s 1st year anniversary of her death.
Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms
The motto
Pope Leo XIV has also chosen a motto that reflects this Augustinian tradition: In Illo uno unum, which means “In the One, we are one.”
The phrase is taken from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127, where he explains that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.” (Vatican News)
Pope Leo XIV – Intentions for the month of August 2025: Mutual coexistence. The Pope is asking the faithful to pray that societies where coexistence is difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation based on ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons.
“BE DOERS OF THE WORD,” by Bishop James S. Wall, Bishop of the Gallup diocese 2024: “Most Rev. James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup discusses his special connection to the diocese and his experience as bishop in this unique diocese. Bishop Wall also talks about how the Catholic Home Missions Appeal helps provide the faithful of his diocese with the most basic things and why contributing to the Collection is so important. Bishop Wall’s diocese also has the highest percentage of Native American lands of any diocese in the country, he briefly discusses how the Church can minister to Native Americans through the Pastoral Framework for Indigenous Ministry “Keeping Christ’s Sacred Promise”.
MISSION STATEMENT –The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert is a monastic community of women in the Benedictine tradition. We profess vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience. Our primary mission, is to seek God through a life of prayer, silence and solitude. Our way of life frees us to give glory and praise to God, intercede through prayer for the needs of the world and hospitality