Gospel Values, Rooted in Mercy, Are Still Ours
Never in my life has the arrival of a president affected my life as significantly as the inauguration of the current president. Since January 20, a great number of people I love and value now live in fear of deportation. This breaks my heart, it weighs on me day and night, it enters my prayer every morning, and at times it causes me to cry. “America First” is the logo of this administration. History will determine if putting our interests over the interests of other countries, particularly in the ways we are doing it, is in fact good for us or for anyone. I do not pretend to be able to see around the bend into the future.
I can say that putting ourselves first over the needs and interests of others has no place in the gospels or value system of Jesus. And this weekend’s gospel is particularly strong in this regard, challenging us to act in ways that can feel truly counter-cultural. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Did he really just say that? What does that mean for me in my life? Who are the people who are hating me? Who are mistreating me or the people I care for? I have to love them? Jesus then doubles down: “Love your enemies and be good to them, and lend expecting nothing back.” And the kicker, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
As hard as this reading is for me right now, to love and forgive those who are causing people I love such fear and harm, I also rejoice in these words. Because this is Jesus being Jesus, the Son of God, beholden to no one, holding out for the values of his Father’s Kingdom, even if it is hard for us to hear. My friends, these are our values. While leaders, politicians, elected officials may try and convince us to put ourselves first, Jesus will always be Jesus, will always ask us to put others first, will always ask us to act and speak in mercy. Because at the heart of it all, that is who he is, that is who our Father is: merciful with us. As he is with us, so must we be with others. No exceptions.
Annual Catholic Appeal
Today we have our second collection for the Annual Catholic Appeal. This benefits various programs of the Diocese, such as the Catholic schools, clergy and seminary support, faith formation, and Catholic Charities. Our parish goal, set by the Diocese, is $13,003. When we exceed our goal, as we did last year, we get the surplus back. Please use the special envelopes we sent registered parishioners or which can also be found in the pews. We will do this second collection this week and next.
Thank you for your generosity!
For more information, visit giving.sdcatholic.org.
For more information, visit giving.sdcatholic.org.
Immigration
Updated Information and Support Links
Please consult the link through this QR code for up to date information about what to do in these challenging times.
Click here: emergencysafet
We are grateful for your contribution of time, talent, and treasure. With your support, we can continue to serve our parish community. Consider making your Sunday Offering online by visiting olgsd.org/giving.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
🕊 We are pleased to announce that the following children were baptized in our Catholic Church last Saturday, February 1, 2025.
- Alexander Gael Reyes Perez
- Eliel Bojorquez Enciso
- Natalia Itzel Zavalza Gomez
- Luis Ernesto Carbajal, III
Welcome to the family!
Reporting allegations of Sexual Misconduct
The Diocese of San Diego treats all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and deals with them in a prompt, confidential, and thorough manner.
To report sexual misconduct by clergy or Church personnel, including abuse, please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator.
The Diocese of San Diego treats all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and deals with them in a prompt, confidential, and thorough manner.
To report sexual misconduct by clergy or Church personnel, including abuse, please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator.
Situations of recent or ongoing sexual abuse should be reported to local law enforcement.
Mary Acosta
Victim Assistance Coordinator