Happy Thanksgiving. Mass on Thanksgiving Day 9:00 am

​Short message from Fr. Lawrence R. Brito

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time:​

In today's gospel we are given a look into how Jesus judges.

He is able to read intentions and knows if they are pure or corrupt.  He always judges with justice and truth. What is hidden, he will bring to light. With this in mind we should always strive to be good. And we should never use others for our selfish benefit.

 

In the first reading, Elijah asked for food from a poor widow who has very little. He tells her not to be afraid. She trusts him, and shares what little she has. This becomes a great blessing for her and her son. We also must have the courage to always do the right thing. As Jesus encourages us frequently with the same words "Do not be afraid". God is with us through all the good and the bad. We must always strive to do good and reject evil.

With the grace of God, we all have the ability to be good and with his guidance and closeness we never should be afraid of being good. It is within our capacity to become saints. The widow in today's gospel offers an acceptable sacrifice, because she offers to God the last bit of her security. Without fear, she gave everything she had and completely trusted in God. Our offering will receive the notice of God. Our goal in life must be to win his approval and no one else. We must trust Jesus the good Shepherd.