Dear Parishioners,
The theme of today’s readings is JOY. Isaiah tells us to rejoice and exult with Jerusalem (Isaiah 66:10-14c); the psalm response tells us, “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy;” and the gospel (Luke 10:1-12, 17-20) shows the seventy-two returning to Jesus jubilant from their missionary work. It has been said that joy (not pleasure or excitement), is the unmistakable sign of God’s presence. People who have a good relationship with God so very often exude that joy in their demeanor and dealings with other people. However, lest we become too caught up in our successes in life that bring us natural joy, Jesus reminds us that the greatest joy is that our names are inscribed in heaven.
- Fr. Carl
Rev. Stephen Hook is Pastor of the Pastorate of the Visitation which includes the Catholic Churches of Pasadena, Maryland: St. Jane Frances de Chantal (Riviera Beach) and Our Lady of the Chesapeake (Lakeshore). He is assisted by Associate Pastor Rev. John Belinki, Deacon Howard Klohr, and Deacon Rick Clemens. To learn more about our pastorate, please visit www.catholicpasadena.org.
