Pastoral Messages
Eucharistic Communion and Seeing Those in Need
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that receiving the Eucharist “commits us to the poor” (1397). Why is this so?
Receiving the Eucharist means that we enter into union with the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. And being in Holy Communion with Jesus himself means something profound. Let’s consider one facet of this great mystery.
The Eucharist is Jesus himself. He is the Eternal Word, living in Trinitarian communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit. But out of love for us, in order to save us from sin and death, the beloved Son of the Father chose to take upon himself a radical poverty: the weakness of the human condition of his beloved creatures.
Continue reading this article by Dr. James Pauley here.
Scripture
An Introduction to Sunday's Scripture Readings - July 27, 2025
“Lord, Teach Us To Pray”
This Sunday's readings teach us not only what to pray, but when to pray and how to pray - with persistence and hope.
Our first reading (Genesis 18:20-32) is an early teaching of both persistence in prayer and God's willing mercy. Abraham learned that the three divine visitors (from last week's first reading) planned on carrying out God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. Abraham implored God, with persistence, to "spare the whole place" for the sake of the few innocents. After many persistent requests, God granted his request.
In our Epistle reading (Colossians 2:12-14), St. Paul explains how God, in His infinite love and mercy, has rescued us, despite our bondage of sin; and has forgiven our transgressions, nailing them to the cross. As Jesus was raised from the dead by the Father, we also will be raised with Him. Paul writes, “He brought you to life along with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions; obliterating the bond against us….”
In our Gospel reading (Luke 11:1-13), the disciples asked Jesus how to pray. "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples." Jesus’ response was to teach them the Lord's Prayer, with its focus on the Father in heaven. Then He followed it with instruction on persistence and the willing mercy and generosity of the Father. Finally, Jesus taught the disciples the effectiveness of prayer. "And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you…. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?”
Prayer is said to be communicating with God in a relationship of love. Prayer is a two-way conversation—listening and speaking. Prayer should not be just an as-needed, case-by-case event when we need something; it should be a way of life, a life-long conversation between kindred souls, covering the whole gambit of emotions and feelings. If you’re sad, share it; if you’re happy, share it; if you’re angry or anxious, share it; if you’re excited or exuberant, share that too.
bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072725.cfm
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