Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-20)

Dearest Goddaughter,

In today's Gospel, our Lord tells us to "Stay awake!" As I reflected on this, I am reminded of the song in the original Disney movie - "The Lion King" - and the song "Be Prepared" that Scar and the hyenas sing. We must always be prepared to give an accounting of our lives because we will all one day stay in judgment before the throne of God. We do not know when, only God knows when. Thus, it is prudent for us to be prepared to meet our Lord every single day of our lives.

How? Obey God's commandments, first and foremost of which is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. We do this by attending Mass every Sunday. Period. No excuses. We frequent the Sacraments. We pray. We visit our Lord, truly present in the Eucharist, in Adoration and spend time with him (holy hour). We do whatever it takes to foster a relationship with our Lord and our God, in times of consolation but, especially, in times of desolations. We do not have to go at it alone. We have our family, friends, and faith/parish community to help us. We have Mother Mary and the communion of saints in heaven to intercede for us. We are not alone and, when we need help, we only need to ask our Lord Jesus Christ and he will help us. When we do this, when we will love our neighbors as God loves them and we serve God and serve others.

Therefore, dearest goddaughter, in all that you do in life (school, activities, etc.) remember to always put God first and foremost. Go to Mass. Pray. Pray. Pray.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: 1 Thes 3:7-13 and Mt 24:42-51.

7 Things & Cor - A Report of the Spiritual Director (8/28/2023)

On August 28, 2023, I had the blessed opportunity to attend the Knights of Columbus, Austin Chapter Meeting at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda. My Spiritual Director Report focuses on Fr. Jared Cooke's presentation at the Triumph Men's Conference (8/19) and Supreme Cor Initiative.

I affirmed our Respect Life Director's report and encouragement of our brother Knights to participate in the 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigils at the two (2) abortion facilities in the Austin area. I shared that through the power of prayers and our prayerful presence at the Whole Women's Health facility on Duval, that abortion facility is now closed. Please prayerfully discern signing up to pray during 40 Days for Life. Click here to learn more and sign up: https://www.centraltexascoalition.com/signup/.

I then shared my experience at the Triumph Men's Conference, on Aug. 19th at St. Patrick Catholic Church, in Hutto, Texas. I shared that I enjoyed all the speakers - Paul J. Kim, Deacon Ralph Poyo, and Fr. Jared Cooke - but that it was Fr. Jared's presentation that struck me the most. I reported that Fr. Jared gave us his 7 Things that all men should do to help them group in their relationship with God and become better men for their wives, children, the Church, and society. These are the 7 Things:

1. Love (a choice, act of the will, sacrifice) - "I choose to love my wife today."
2. Go to Mass. (Prepare ourselves for battle. Give 1 hour to God and be fed. Bring an intention to Mass.)
3. Pray Rosary daily. (Let Mother Mary fight for us.)
4. Participate in the parish. (The Church has become feminized to fill the void of masculinity.)
5. Practice asceticism. (fast on Fridays)
6. Pray. Pray. Pray. (Make the Sign of Cross in the morning and at night. Bring God into the mundane daily life.)
7. Make goals (2-3) and be intentional about.

Fr. Jared then shared what his own father called "raising a modern day knight", sort of a "rite of passage" for him and his brother, when his father introduced to them these four (4) principles of manhood:

1. A real man rejects passivity.
2. A real man accepts responsibility.
3. A real man leads courageously.
4. A real man expects a greater reward - God's reward.

I wrapped up my report with a brief discussion about Supreme Initiation called Cor. Click on the link for more information: https://www.kofc.org/en/who-we-are/our-faith/cor-structure.html. I shared how proud I was of my brother Knights in Council 10333 for voting to start Cor in September. Cor will replace the 2nd meeting of the month (the "social" meeting). Fr. Charlie is spearheading the efforts and I will be assisting him. I shared that the focus of Cor is prayer, formation, and fraternity. As my challenge to my brother Knights, I encourage them to join a men's faith-sharing small group at their parish, in Cor is not available, or start Cor or some form of men's faith-sharing small group at their parish.

We has some good discussions after my report. I thank my brother Knights for all they do. I was also happy to see that Chapter President, Victor Medina, had printouts of the Cor information for our brother Knights. I pray that Cor or men's faith-sharing small groups will thrive because I know that they will bear much fruit. Come Holy Spirit. Vivat Jesus.

. . .

Deacon Phúc’s challenges for all Knights for the month of September

PERSONAL & FAMILY: Join a men’s faith-sharing small group if COR is not available at your parish.

COUNCIL: Start COR or some form of men’s faith-sharing small group.

Homily for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A - 8/27/2023)

Good afternoon. The theme of the current homily/message series is "Finding Purpose." What is our purpose in life? At a time when anxiety is on the rise among adults and children and confusion runs amok in our society, that is truly THE question. It is one that we have been grappling with since the time of Adam & Eve. WHAT IS MY PURPOSE IN LIFE? When we think about it, the answer is quite simple, actually. The answer was the same for Adam & Eve as it was for the apostles when our Lord entered into our history and walked on earth as it is for all of us today in 2023. We find the answer to the question - what is my purpose in life? - in the Gospel of John, chapter 2, verse 5: “[Mary] said to the servers (and to us): ‘DO WHATEVER [JESUS] TELLS YOU.’"

Have you ever wondered how things would have been if Adam & Eve had listened to God and DID WHAT HE TOLD THEM and NOT eaten the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil? Mother Mary tells us to “DO WHATEVER [JESUS] TELLS US.” It is that simple because it is what our Lord and our God desires. . . thus says the Lord: “I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people“ (Jeremiah 31:33). Yet, we have the tendency to complicate things because we are a prideful people. The sin of pride ensnares us. We think that we know better than God. We even have the audacity to tell ourselves that we do not need God. The truth of the matter is, we are definitely not better than our Creator and we most certainly need Him. Saint Paul reminds us of this fact in his Letter to the Romans, saying: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!. . . For FROM him and THROUGH him and FOR him are ALL things. To HIM be glory forever.”

Christ calls us to come and follow him (Matthew 4:19) for one reason: only God can give our lives true meaning and purpose. And, as the Gospels remind us over and over again, to come and follow Jesus requires HUMILITY and TRUST. Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). To deny ourselves takes humility. To take up our cross and follow Jesus takes trust. So what can we do to grow in the virtue of humility and be willing to entrust ourselves to God? We ask God for HUMILITY and TRUST, and we can start by praying the Litany of Humility and the Litany of Trust as often as possible. We ask God for the grace to “do whatever [Jesus] tells us” out of humility and trust in Him so that we may find our purpose in life - God’s purpose for us. 

We pray the Litany of Humility because humility helps us to overcome the sin of pride. When we are “meek and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29) we realize that we need Jesus in our lives because “he is our God, we are the people he shepherds, the sheep in his hands” (Psalms 95:7). Jesus asked Peter “. . .who do you say that I am?”, and it was with a “meek and humble heart” that Peter responded to Jesus, saying: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." What did Jesus do for Peter after he answered him? Christ blesses Peter and affirms his identity as a beloved son of his heavenly Father, saying "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.” Jesus then calls Peter by name ("you are Peter") and gives him purpose, telling him: “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven." God does the same with each and everyone of us. At our Baptism and Confirmation, God blesses us and affirms our identity as His beloved sons and daughters through His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our heavenly Father then calls us by name and, through the Holy Spirit, gives us purpose, commissioning us priest, prophet, and king to go and proclaim the Good News of the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 28:20).

We also pray the Litany of Trust because, just as Peter is the “rock” upon which Jesus built his church, trust is the foundation upon which all of our relationships in life are built. Without trust, our relationships fail. It is the same with our relationship with God. The only difference is, when trust is broken in our relationship with God, it is we who harbor mistrust in our hearts that causes distrust of God to manifest in us. God is always faithful to us. In the image of the Divine Mercy are these important words - “Jesus, I trust in you” - and we must take them to heart because it was distrust (among other things) that led Judas to betray Jesus.

I have been reading this book by Alan Ames, titled “Through the Eyes of Jesus,” in which Mr. Ames documents the experiences that our Lord Jesus Christ allowed him to see through his eyes “as he traveled with his disciples through the towns and villages of the Holy Land” during his time on earth (Ames, 9). I want to share one of these experiences from his book to help illustrate God’s desire for us to trust in Him.

In this particular experience, Jesus tells his disciples that he wanted to leave at night to start on their journey to Jerusalem. However, His disciples did not want to travel at night. Peter said to Jesus: “Master, I think it would be wise to wait until the morning. There are many dangers traveling at night” This led to an exchange between Jesus and Peter that should sound very familiar to us all. Jesus asked him, “Peter, do you trust Me?” “Of course I do, but we must be sensible,” Peter answered. “Peter, do you trust Me?” Jesus asked him again. “You know I do but this could be dangerous,” Peter answered. “Peter, do you trust me?” Jesus asked him a third time. “Yes, Lord I do and I will do whatever you ask,” Peter said. Then, Jesus shared this important message with his disciples about trusting in God. Christ said, “Trust is when nothing blocks your acceptance that you are safe in My arms, safe with the Father and safe by the Holy Spirit. Trust is a complete abandonment to the will of God regardless of what dangers may arise, for when you trust you know in your heart that God will protect you. . . It is natural to be afraid at times but it is when you overcome these fears by trusting that God will look after you that you show true faith” (Ames, 83-84).

Therefore, let us pray the Litany of Humility and the Litany of Trust and ask God for the grace to follow Mother Mary’s advice and “do whatever [Jesus] tells us.” In doing so, we will find our purpose in life - God’s purpose for us. Remember when Jesus said to Peter: "Come." and Peter did what Jesus told him and walked on water toward Christ? Peter then stopped trusting and started to sink into the sea. Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and caught Peter when he cried out: "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30). Jesus tells Peter (and us): "Take courage. . . do not be afraid" (Matthew 14:27). When we come to Jesus with trust, we find our purpose. Moreover, when we respond to Jesus with faith, he heals us and frees us. Remember the Canaanite woman whose daughter was tormented by a demon and how Jesus healed her daughter because of her "great faith"? (Matthew 15:21-28). We find our purpose when we have faith in Jesus. Let us therefore believe in these words with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind (Matthew 22:37): “Jesus, I trust in you,” and, with confidence, do whatever Jesus tells us.

I want to leave you with the Collect Prayer from earlier in the Mass because I think it speaks to how we can find purpose in our lives when we listen to Mother Mary and “do whatever [Jesus] tells us. The Collect prays: "O God, who caused the minds of the FAITHFUL to unite in a single PURPOSE, grant your people to LOVE what YOU COMMAND and DESIRE what YOU PROMISE, that, amid the uncertainties of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found.” Finding our purpose starts and ends with God. When we glorify Jesus in who we are as beloved sons and daughters of the Father and in how we live our lives by doing whatever Jesus tells us, we find our purpose - God’s purpose for us.

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082723.cfm

Novena to Saint Isidore for Rain

Day 1- Novena to St. Isidore for Rain (Partnership with God)

Click here for the Novena: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/08/novena-for-rain-day-1-partnership-with.html

Click here for the Audio Recording of the Novena: https://phucphan.podbean.com/e/novena-to-saint-isidore-for-rain-day-1/

Day 2- Novena to St. Isidore for Rain (Family Life in Christ)

Click here for the Novena: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/08/novena-for-rain-day-2-family-life-in.html

Click here for the Audio Recording of the Novena: https://phucphan.podbean.com/e/novena-to-saint-isidore-for-rain-day-2/

Day 3- Novena to St. Isidore for Rain (Love of Neighbor)

Click here for the Novena: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/08/novena-for-rain-day-3-love-of-neighbor.html

Click here for the Audio Recording of the Novena: https://phucphan.podbean.com/e/novena-to-saint-isidore-for-rain-day-3/

Day 4 - Novena to St. Isidore for Rain (Dignity of Work)

Click here for the Novena: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/08/novena-for-rain-day-4-dignity-of-work-2.html

Click here for the Audio Recording of the Novena: https://phucphan.podbean.com/e/novena-to-saint-isidore-for-rain-day-4/

Day 5 - Novena to St. Isidore for Rain (Walking in the Presence of God)

Click here for the Novena: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/08/novena-for-rain-day-5-walking-in.html

Click here for the Audio Recording of the Novena: https://phucphan.podbean.com/e/novena-to-saint-isidore-for-rain-day-5/

Day 6 - Novena to St. Isidore for Rain (Stewardship of the Soul)

Click here for the Novena: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/08/novena-for-rain-day-6-stewardship-of.html

Click here for the Audio Recording of the Novena: https://phucphan.podbean.com/e/novena-to-saint-isidore-for-rain-day-6/

Day 7 - Novena to St. Isidore for Rain (Rural Works of Mercy)

Click here for the Novena: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/08/novena-for-rain-day-7-rural-works-of.html

Click here for the Audio Recording of the Novena: https://phucphan.podbean.com/e/novena-to-saint-isidore-for-rain-day-7/

Day 8 - Novena to St. Isidore for Rain (Trust in Prayer)

Click here for the Novena: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/08/novena-for-rain-day-8-trust-in-prayer.html

Click here for the Audio Recording of the Novena: https://phucphan.podbean.com/e/novena-to-saint-isidore-for-rain-day-8/

Day 9 - Novena to St. Isidore for Rain (Sacrifice of Praise)

Click here for the Novena: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/08/novena-for-rain-day-9-sacrifice-of.html

Click here for the Audio Recording of the Novena: https://phucphan.podbean.com/e/novena-to-saint-isidore-for-rain-day-9/

Novena for Rain - Day 9 - Sacrifice of Praise (Hebrews 13:15-16)

How to Pray the Novena    

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Read the daily scripture verse(s) and spend a few moments in meditation.
• Pray the daily novena prayer followed by the prayer in honor of St. Isidore.
• Then pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times for the intention of the Holy Father.  
• Conclude with the Prayer for Rain and the Sign of the Cross.

. . .

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Ninth Day: Sacrifice of Praise (Hebrews 13:15-16) 

Through Christ then let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.  

Prayer:  Protect us, O Lord, who offer holocausts to You, and sear our hearts with the flame of Your divine charity, so that they may be ever more fervently prepared for sacrifice. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Prayer in Honor of St. Isidore     

O God, who taught Adam the simple art of tilling the soil, and who through Jesus Christ, the true vine, revealed Yourself the husbandman of our souls, deign, we pray, through the merits of Blessed Isidore, to instill into our hearts a horror of sin and a love of prayer, so that, working the soil in the sweat of our brow, we may enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the Intention of the Holy Father (3 times)

Our Father, Who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be Thy Name. 

Thy Kingdom come. 

Thy Will be done, 

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, 

Full of Grace, 

The Lord is with thee. 

Blessed art thou among women, 

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, 

Mother of God, 

pray for us sinners now, 

and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now,

and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Rain     

O God, in Whom we live and move, and have our being, grant us rain, in due abundance, that, being sufficiently helped with temporal gifts, we may the more confidently seek after eternal gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

. . .

St. Isidore was born at Madrid, Spain, in the latter half of the 12th century. For the greater part of his life he was employed as a laborer on a farm outside the city. Many marvelous  happenings accompanied his lifelong work in the fields and continued long after his holy death. He was favored with  celestial visions and, it is said, the angels sometimes helped him in his work in the fields. St. Isidore was canonized in 1622.  In 1947, he was proclaimed the patron of the National Rural  Conference in the United States. He is the patron of farmers, and his feast day is May 15th.

Novena for Rain - Day 8 - Trust in Prayer (Philippians 4:4-7)

How to Pray the Novena    

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Read the daily scripture verse(s) and spend a few moments in meditation.
• Pray the daily novena prayer followed by the prayer in honor of St. Isidore.
• Then pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times for the intention of the Holy Father.  
• Conclude with the Prayer for Rain and the Sign of the Cross.

. . .

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Eighth Day: Trust in Prayer (Philippians 4:4-7)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your re-quests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all under-standing will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  

Prayer:  O Lord Jesus Christ, Who has said: Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you; grant, we beseech You, to us Your supplicants, the gift of Your most divine love, so that we may love You with our whole heart and in all our words and works, and never cease praising You. Who live and reign world without end. Amen.

Prayer in Honor of St. Isidore     

O God, who taught Adam the simple art of tilling the soil, and who through Jesus Christ, the true vine, revealed Yourself the husbandman of our souls, deign, we pray, through the merits of Blessed Isidore, to instill into our hearts a horror of sin and a love of prayer, so that, working the soil in the sweat of our brow, we may enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the Intention of the Holy Father (3 times)

Our Father, Who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be Thy Name. 

Thy Kingdom come. 

Thy Will be done, 

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, 

Full of Grace, 

The Lord is with thee. 

Blessed art thou among women, 

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, 

Mother of God, 

pray for us sinners now, 

and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now,

and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Rain     

O God, in Whom we live and move, and have our being, grant us rain, in due abundance, that, being sufficiently helped with temporal gifts, we may the more confidently seek after eternal gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Novena for Rain - Day 7 - Rural Works of Mercy (Leviticus 19:8-10)

 How to Pray the Novena    

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Read the daily scripture verse(s) and spend a few moments in meditation.
• Pray the daily novena prayer followed by the prayer in honor of St. Isidore.
• Then pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times for the intention of the Holy Father.  
• Conclude with the Prayer for Rain and the Sign of the Cross.

. . .

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Seventh Day: Rural Works of Mercy (Leviticus 19:8-10)

When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not be so thorough that you reap the field to its very edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. Likewise, you shall not pick your vineyard bare, nor gather up the grapes that have fallen. These things you shall leave for the poor and the alien. I, the LORD, am your God. 

Prayer:  May the grace of the Holy Spirit, we beseech You, O Lord, enlighten our hearts, and refresh them abundantly with the sweetness of perfect charity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Prayer in Honor of St. Isidore     

O God, who taught Adam the simple art of tilling the soil, and who through Jesus Christ, the true vine, revealed Yourself the husbandman of our souls, deign, we pray, through the merits of Blessed Isidore, to instill into our hearts a horror of sin and a love of prayer, so that, working the soil in the sweat of our brow, we may enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the Intention of the Holy Father (3 times)

Our Father, Who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be Thy Name. 

Thy Kingdom come. 

Thy Will be done, 

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, 

Full of Grace, 

The Lord is with thee. 

Blessed art thou among women, 

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, 

Mother of God, 

pray for us sinners now, 

and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now,

and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Rain     

O God, in Whom we live and move, and have our being, grant us rain, in due abundance, that, being sufficiently helped with temporal gifts, we may the more confidently seek after eternal gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Novena for Rain - Day 6 - Stewardship of the Soul (James 5:7-10)

How to Pray the Novena    

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Read the daily scripture verse(s) and spend a few moments in meditation.
• Pray the daily novena prayer followed by the prayer in honor of St. Isidore.
• Then pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times for the intention of the Holy Father.  
• Conclude with the Prayer for Rain and the Sign of the Cross.

. . .

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Sixth Day: Stewardship of the Soul (James 5:7-10)

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not com-plain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 

Prayer:  Pour down Your blessing, we beseech You, O Lord, upon Your people, and upon all the fruits of the earth, so that when collected they may be mercifully distributed to the honor and glory of Your holy name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Prayer in Honor of St. Isidore     

O God, who taught Adam the simple art of tilling the soil, and who through Jesus Christ, the true vine, revealed Yourself the husbandman of our souls, deign, we pray, through the merits of Blessed Isidore, to instill into our hearts a horror of sin and a love of prayer, so that, working the soil in the sweat of our brow, we may enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the Intention of the Holy Father (3 times)

Our Father, Who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be Thy Name. 

Thy Kingdom come. 

Thy Will be done, 

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, 

Full of Grace, 

The Lord is with thee. 

Blessed art thou among women, 

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, 

Mother of God, 

pray for us sinners now, 

and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now,

and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Rain     

O God, in Whom we live and move, and have our being, grant us rain, in due abundance, that, being sufficiently helped with temporal gifts, we may the more confidently seek after eternal gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Novena for Rain - Day 5 - Walking in the Presence of God (Micah 6:8)

How to Pray the Novena    

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Read the daily scripture verse(s) and spend a few moments in meditation.
• Pray the daily novena prayer followed by the prayer in honor of St. Isidore.
• Then pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times for the intention of the Holy Father.  
• Conclude with the Prayer for Rain and the Sign of the Cross.

. . .

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Fifth Day: Walking in the Presence of God (Micah 6:8)

You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD  requires of you:Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. 

Prayer:  Breathe into our hearts, we beseech You, O Lord, a desire for heavenly glory, and grant that we may pass, bearing in our hands the sheaves of justice, to where the Blessed Isidore is resplendent with You in glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Prayer in Honor of St. Isidore     

O God, who taught Adam the simple art of tilling the soil, and who through Jesus Christ, the true vine, revealed Yourself the husbandman of our souls, deign, we pray, through the merits of Blessed Isidore, to instill into our hearts a horror of sin and a love of prayer, so that, working the soil in the sweat of our brow, we may enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the Intention of the Holy Father (3 times)

Our Father, Who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be Thy Name. 

Thy Kingdom come. 

Thy Will be done, 

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, 

Full of Grace, 

The Lord is with thee. 

Blessed art thou among women, 

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, 

Mother of God, 

pray for us sinners now, 

and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now,

and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Rain     

O God, in Whom we live and move, and have our being, grant us rain, in due abundance, that, being sufficiently helped with temporal gifts, we may the more confidently seek after eternal gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Novena for Rain - Day 4 - Dignity of Work (2 Thessalonians 3:8-12)

How to Pray the Novena    

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Read the daily scripture verse(s) and spend a few moments in meditation.
• Pray the daily novena prayer followed by the prayer in honor of St. Isidore.
• Then pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times for the intention of the Holy Father.  
• Conclude with the Prayer for Rain and the Sign of the Cross.

. . .

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Fourth Day: Dignity of Work (2 Thessalonians 3:8-12)

In toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present  ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.  

Prayer:  O Lord, let us follow the blessed farmer Isidore’s example of  patience and humility, and walk so faithfully in his footsteps that by his  intercession in the evening of life, we can offer You a rich harvest of merits and good works. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Prayer in Honor of St. Isidore     

O God, who taught Adam the simple art of tilling the soil, and who through Jesus Christ, the true vine, revealed Yourself the husbandman of our souls, deign, we pray, through the merits of Blessed Isidore, to instill into our hearts a horror of sin and a love of prayer, so that, working the soil in the sweat of our brow, we may enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the Intention of the Holy Father (3 times)

Our Father, Who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be Thy Name. 

Thy Kingdom come. 

Thy Will be done, 

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, 

Full of Grace, 

The Lord is with thee. 

Blessed art thou among women, 

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, 

Mother of God, 

pray for us sinners now, 

and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now,

and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Rain     

O God, in Whom we live and move, and have our being, grant us rain, in due abundance, that, being sufficiently helped with temporal gifts, we may the more confidently seek after eternal gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Novena for Rain - Day 3 - Love of Neighbor (Romans 12:9-12)

How to Pray the Novena    

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Read the daily scripture verse(s) and spend a few moments in meditation.
• Pray the daily novena prayer followed by the prayer in honor of St. Isidore.
• Then pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times for the intention of the Holy Father.  
• Conclude with the Prayer for Rain and the Sign of the Cross.

. . .

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Third Day: Love of Neighbor (Romans 12:9-12)

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one  another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.  

Prayer:  O God, You who make all things work together unto good for those who love You, give to our hearts an abiding love for You: so that the desires we conceive by Your inspiration may ever remain unchanged in spite of every temptation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Prayer in Honor of St. Isidore     

O God, who taught Adam the simple art of tilling the soil, and who through Jesus Christ, the true vine, revealed Yourself the husbandman of our souls, deign, we pray, through the merits of Blessed Isidore, to instill into our hearts a horror of sin and a love of prayer, so that, working the soil in the sweat of our brow, we may enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the Intention of the Holy Father (3 times)

Our Father, Who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be Thy Name. 

Thy Kingdom come. 

Thy Will be done, 

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, 

Full of Grace, 

The Lord is with thee. 

Blessed art thou among women, 

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, 

Mother of God, 

pray for us sinners now, 

and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now,

and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Rain     

O God, in Whom we live and move, and have our being, grant us rain, in due abundance, that, being sufficiently helped with temporal gifts, we may the more confidently seek after eternal gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Novena for Rain - Day 2 - Family Life in Christ (Joshua 24:15)

How to Pray the Novena    

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Read the daily scripture verse(s) and spend a few moments in meditation.
• Pray the daily novena prayer followed by the prayer in honor of St. Isidore.
• Then pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times for the intention of the Holy Father.  
• Conclude with the Prayer for Rain and the Sign of the Cross.

. . .

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Second Day: Family Life in Christ (Joshua 24:15)

If it is displeasing to you to serve the LORD, choose today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”  

Prayer:  We offer the sacrifice of praise, O Lord, and humbly pray that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, and of St.  Joseph, You may establish our families in peace and grace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.    

Prayer in Honor of St. Isidore     

O God, who taught Adam the simple art of tilling the soil, and who through Jesus Christ, the true vine, revealed Yourself the husbandman of our souls, deign, we pray, through the merits of Blessed Isidore, to instill into our hearts a horror of sin and a love of prayer, so that, working the soil in the sweat of our brow, we may enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the Intention of the Holy Father (3 times)

Our Father, Who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be Thy Name. 

Thy Kingdom come. 

Thy Will be done, 

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, 

Full of Grace, 

The Lord is with thee. 

Blessed art thou among women, 

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, 

Mother of God, 

pray for us sinners now, 

and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now,

and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Rain     

O God, in Whom we live and move, and have our being, grant us rain, in due abundance, that, being sufficiently helped with temporal gifts, we may the more confidently seek after eternal gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Novena for Rain - Day 1 - Partnership with God (Gn 1:25 and 2:15)

How to Pray the Novena    

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Read the daily scripture verse(s) and spend a few moments in meditation.
• Pray the daily novena prayer followed by the prayer in honor of St. Isidore.
• Then pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times for the intention of the Holy Father.  
• Conclude with the Prayer for Rain and the Sign of the Cross.

. . .

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

First Day: Partnership with God (Gn 1:25 and 2:15)

God made every kind of wild animal, every kind of tame animal, and every kind of thing that crawls on the ground. God saw that it was good. . . The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.  

Prayer:   Grant we beseech You, merciful Lord, through the intercession of Blessed Isidore, farmer and confessor, not to let us be vain with the wisdom of the world, but by his merits and example, let us in all humility always do what is pleasing to You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Prayer in Honor of St. Isidore     

O God, who taught Adam the simple art of tilling the soil, and who through Jesus Christ, the true vine, revealed Yourself the husbandman of our souls, deign, we pray, through the merits of Blessed Isidore, to instill into our hearts a horror of sin and a love of prayer, so that, working the soil in the sweat of our brow, we may enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the Intention of the Holy Father (3 times)

Our Father, Who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be Thy Name. 

Thy Kingdom come. 

Thy Will be done, 

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, 

Full of Grace, 

The Lord is with thee. 

Blessed art thou among women, 

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, 

Mother of God, 

pray for us sinners now, 

and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now,

and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Rain     

O God, in Whom we live and move, and have our being, grant us rain, in due abundance, that, being sufficiently helped with temporal gifts, we may the more confidently seek after eternal gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen.

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-19)

Dearest Goddaughter,

When couples come to us for marriage class, I give them three challenges - (1) pray for each other and pray together, (2) go to Mass, and (3) if they are cohabitating, then stay in separate rooms. In today's Gospel passage, Jesus teachings us about the importance of perseverance in our prayer life in his encounter with the Canaanite woman.

The Canaanite woman comes to the Lord asking him to free her daughter who is being tormented by a demon. At first, he does not respond to her. When his disciples ask him to send her away, he responds that he came for the children of Israel. Yet, she persists and asks him, "Lord, help me." This time, the Lord responds in a way that most people would be offended by, give up, and walk away in anger. Not the Canaanite woman, she persists. Finally, the Lord says to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish."

God answers our prayers, in His time and according to His divine will; however, while he seemingly makes us wait, He desires that we persevere in prayer so that we can grow closer in our relationship with Him. It is difficult for us to wait, not doubt about it. However, we are called to pray and trust in God and, in our faithfulness to you, He will respond with something even greater for us.

Therefore, dearest goddaughter, pray and trust in God. Perseverance in faith is holiness and saintliness.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Nm 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35 and Mt 15: 21-28.

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-18)

Dearest Goddaughter,

Today is the Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest.

The Responsorial Psalm - "Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned." - is a great reminder that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Sin is something we want to talk about because we want to believe that doing good and being kind to others are all we need. However, nothing is farther from the Truth. The Truth is beautiful said in the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinful one." It is the prayer of the repentant tax collector (Luke 18:13).

In the first reading, from the Book of Numbers, we see how quickly Aaron and Miriam repented of their wicked ways when they questioned God, making themselves wiser than God just as Adam & Eve. It is the same with us, God gives us the gift of understanding, knowledge, and reason, so when we go astray from the path that God desires of us, then we must repent and atone for our sinfulness. When we do, we will find that our Lord is a merciful God.

Therefore, dearest goddaughter, while admitting you are wrong and saying "sorry" can be hard sometimes, it is important to set aside pride and made amends with those we have wronged and, most especially, with our Father in heaven.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Nm 12:1-13 and Mt 14:22-36.

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-17)

Dearest Goddaughter,

Growing up, when my brothers and I grumbled about the food that our parents put in front of us for dinner, our mom would always remind us of the poor children in the world who did not have food to eat. I love it that my sister-in-law and her husband teach and remind their children to always be grateful for everything they have rather grumble about things that they do not have but want.

In today's first reading from the Book of Numbers, we read that the "children of Israel lamented, 'Would that we had meat for food! We remember the fish we used to eat without cost in Egypt, and the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now we are famished; we see nothing before us but this manna.'" In that moment of human weakness and grumbling against God, they had forgot the real cost being in Egypt - their freedom. Their desire for things of this world, even if it is something as basic as food, made them forget that they were slaves to pharaoh in Egypt. Rather than be grateful and give God thanks and praise for giving them manna from heaven that sustains them, they lamented.

In the Gospel passage, Jesus fed the five thousand and more with just 5 loaves and 2 fish. In the same way, Jesus nourishes us physically and spiritual in the Eucharist - his Body and his Blood give up for us. Saint John Vianney once said, "There is nothing so great as the Eucharist. If God had something more precious, He would have given it to us."

Therefore, dearest goddaughter, remember the lessons of your parents and be grateful for all the things that God has given you, especially your family. Most of all, be grateful for the Eucharist and receive it worthily.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Nm 11:4b-15 and Mt 14:13-21.

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-16)

Dearest Goddaughter,

Today is the Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest.

In today's Gospel, people who knew Jesus were "astonished" by his teachings, yet they also "took offense at him." In life, we can receive the same treatment from others, especially from those we know, admire, and even love. They would say things like: "oh, he (or she) would not amount to anything" or "or you kidding me, I didn't think he (or she) would make anything of his (or her) life."

Those types of comments can hurt us, especially when we try to make changes, to do better in life and to become a better person. In those moments, it is important for us to know that we have a loving Father in heaven who is always with us, always supportive of us, and will always encourage us to become who He has made us to be. Our value and identify rest in us being beloved sons and daughters of our Father in heaven, and not by how others and society value us or impose a identity on us.

Therefore, dearest goddaughter, turn to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and know that he will always be at your side, calls you by name, and loves you so much.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37 and Mt 13:54-58.

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-15)

Dearest Goddaughter,

In today's first reading from the Book of Exodus, we read how Moses built the Dwelling of the Lord with great care to follow the Lord's commands exactly. We also see the obedience that the children of Israel had for God. They would not set out on their journey unless the cloud is lifted from the Dwelling.

More importantly, I think , we see God's love presence in their lives day and night. His presence among them can be seen during the daytime but the cloud and at night by the first seen in the cloud. For us, we see God in His Creation all around us. Most of all, though, we see our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Jesus dwells in our hearts but he is also physically present among us in all the tabernacles of the world, including the one in our own parish and adoration chapel. Let us go and be in the presence of the Lord in Adoration and receive Him at Mass.

Therefore, dearest goddaughter, God is always with you. His Presence in your life is real and you can feel Him close to you because He dwells in your heart. Turn to Him and know that you are so loved by your Father in heaven.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Ex 40:16-21, 34-38 and Mt 13:47-53.

St. Vincent de Paul - Friends of the Poor Walk

Friend, I am once again participating in the St. Vincent de Paul Society Friends of the Poor Walk this year. Please help me reach my goal of raising $2,000.00 for the poor in our community.

As in years past, I will pray the Holy Rosary as I walk so please send me your intentions and I will pray for you and your families and intentions.

https://www.fopwalk.org/walkerlisting/walkerprofile/?walkerid=61922

Soul friend - A Report of the Spiritual Director (7/31/2023)

On July 31, 2023, I had the blessed opportunity to attend the Knights of Columbus, Austin Chapter Meeting at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church in south Austin. My Spiritual Director Report focuses on Supreme Chaplain's column in the July/August 2023 issue of the "Columbia". I would invite you all to click on this link and read the column for yourself: https://www.kofc.org/en/news-room/columbia/2023/july-august/lori-070123.html.

Our pastor was recently in the Archdiocese of Baltimore for a conference and shared that Mass attendance across the entire Archdiocese averaged about 3,000 per weekend when the capacity is 25,000 or so. Let us pray for the parishes in the east coast as they are struggling against secularism and unfaithfulness to God. We are blessed in Central Texas where the Catholic Church is growing, particularly in the Diocese of Austin where there have been many dedications of churches, including St. Mary in College Station, and many more to come in the future.

In this column, the Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori essentially said that he unchurched or barely churched Catholics need a “soul friend” to “accompany” (Pope Francis) them and encourage them until the practice of the faith (especially going to Mass) becomes a regular part of their lives. Moreover, he ended with this evocative statement that serves to inspire brother Knights to do our part in bringing people back into the sheepfold for God's glory and praise. The Supreme Chaplain writes: "One of the greatest acts of charity we can do is to accompany a person or family who is thinking of coming back to church. Some have hardened their hearts, but many others are searching and pondering. By example and gentle encouragement, we might just get them back into the habit of “exercise” that counts the most."

However, I told my brother Knights that we must proceed with love and shared with them this exchange between Luke and Paul from the movie, "Paul, Apostle of Christ":

Luke: This world doesn't know a thing about love.

Paul: And so you would give up on the world when Christ did not give up on us?

Luke: Why not?

Paul: No!

Luke: Why not?

Paul: Love is the only way. Love that suffers long. Love that is kind, that does not envy, that is not proud. Love that does not dishonor, that does not seek for itself. Love that is not easily angered. Love that rejoices in truth. Love that never delights in evil. Love that protects, trusts, hopes, endures all things. That kind of love.

This means that we must expel from our hearts any sarcastic comments or remarks, but be welcoming with authentic love for those brothers and sisters of ours who have been away from Mass for so long, whatever the case may be. I shared with them Fr. Charlie's comment on "catching the big fish" (those who have not been to Confession for 40+ years or so) and how love can help penitents heal and return to Mass because they feel the love and mercy of God through us.

Deacon Phúc’s challenges for all Knights for the month of August

PERSONAL & FAMILY: Invite and accompany someone to Mass that has not been to Mass in a while. Help and encourage them before, during, and after Mass but do not be “overbearing.”

COUNCIL: Encourage men to attend the “Triumph Men’s Conference” on August 19, 2023 from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., at St. Patrick Church, Hutto, Texas (http://triumphconference.com/)

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-14)

Dearest Goddaughter,

In today's first reading, from the Book of Exodus, we hear that "the skin of [Moses'] face had become radiant while he conversed with the LORD." This is what can happen to us when our relationship with God is so intimate, God calls us "friend" and our lives and our being radiant the light of Christ for the world to see.

However, we also hear that Moses had to veil himself when he was among the "children of Israel" because they were not quite there yet in their own relationship with God. Everyone is at a different stage on their faith journey and, while we are called to be the light of Christ in the world and to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, like Jesus, we are also called to meet people where they are at and "accompany" them, as Pope Francis would encourage us to do.

Therefore, dearest goddaughter, be the light of Christ in the world but also meet people where they are at in their faith journey and help them along the path. Then, one day, by the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they too will find that "treasure" or "fine pearl of great price" - our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Ex 34:29-35 and Mt 13:44-46.

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-13)

Dearest Goddaughter,

Today is the Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

In today's Gospel, Jesus explains the parable of the weeds among the wheats, saying: "He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil." Then, the Lord said, "The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers." The last part is worth repeating: "all who cause others to sin and all evildoers."

Everything that Christ says, the order that he says them, serves a purpose and is intentional. I find it interesting that he puts "all who cause others to sin" before "all evildoers." It is one thing to do wrong ourselves and get in trouble because it is our fault for making the choices that we did. However, it is something else completely to lead others astray and cause them to do wrong and get in trouble. For that we get the "millstone" because, as Jesus teaches, woe to us who cause another to sin, "it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea" (Matthew 18:6).

Therefore, dearest goddaughter, live your life on the narrow path and enter through the narrow gate and lead others to do the same through your example, in what you say but also in our you live as a witness of God's love and mercy in the world.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28 and Mt 13:36-43.