Sunday, July 19

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Growing Together in God’s Mercy

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 13:24-43) Jesus tells the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds. A farmer sows good seed in his field, but an enemy secretly scatters weeds among the wheat. When the servants ask whether they should pull up the weeds immediately, the master wisely replies, “Let both grow together until the harvest.”

This parable reminds us of God’s extraordinary patience and mercy. In our own lives, we often recognize both the wheat and the weeds–our virtues and our weaknesses, our moments of faithfulness and our moments of failure. Yet God does not abandon us because of our imperfections. Instead, He patiently nurtures us with His grace, continually inviting us to conversion and deeper holiness. Likewise, we are called to be patient with one another allowing God to work in every person’s heart according to His perfect timing.

This past week, the Church celebrated two beautiful Marian feasts that remind us of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s loving care for her children.

On July 13, Croatian Catholics honored Our Lady of Bistrica, the patroness of Croatia. The miraculous Black Madonna of Marija Bistrica has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, drawing countless faithful who seek Mary’s intercession and entrust to her their families, their nation, and their hopes. Her shrine remains a powerful reminder that Mary always leads us to her Son and accompanies us through every trial.

On July 16, the Church celebrated Our Lady of Mount Carmel, commemorating the Carmelite tradition and the gift of the Brown Scapular. This beloved devotion reminds us to live close to Christ through prayer, trust in Mary’s protection and faithful discipleship. The Brown Scapular is a visible sign of our desire to imitate the virtues of the Blessed Mother and to place ourselves under her loving maternal care..

As we reflect upon these Marian feasts, we are reminded that Mary patiently nurtures the seeds of faith planted within our hearts, always encouraging us to grow in holiness and confidence in God’s providence.

Finally, our sincere gratitude goes to the many volunteers, parishioners, donors, musicians, cooks, bakers, organizers, our pastor Fr. Larlick and all who worked so generously to make this year’s Annual Parish Picnic such an enjoyable and successful celebration. Your countless hours of preparation, hospitality, and service created a joyful opportunity for our parish family and friends to gather in fellowship and thanksgiving. Events such as these remind us that the Church is not simply a place we attend, but a family united in faith, friendship, and service to one another.

May the Lord richly bless everyone who contributed their time, talent and generosity. Through the intercession of our Lady of Bistrica and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, may our parish continue to grow as good wheat in the Lord’s field, bearing abundant fruit for His Kingdom. Have a Blessed Week!