You might be wondering what the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles is today really about.  This question of whether or not people (men) had to be circumcised in order to be saved, what is going on here?  What was at stake was whether or not the early Church (right after the death and resurrection of Jesus, when the apostles were spreading the good news) would require Gentiles (non-Jewish people) to become Jewish first before they then converted to becoming Christians, followers of Jesus.  Remember, the first apostles were all Jewish people.  That is the path they took.  Could the “new recruits” take the most direct route and just become Christians?  Or did they have to first become religious Jews?  The answer from the elders in Jerusalem was NOT to place that burden on people. They could become Christians directly.  Keep it simple!

I am heartened by this response.  I think it ought to always be the response of the Church, to not place unnecessary burdens on people.  Often, however, the Church places what feels like unnecessary burdens on people as they attempt to get the sacraments.  I apologize for all the ways it can feel like the Church makes you fulfill random requirements in order to pursue your faith.  Of course, it is important that we require people to take sacramental formation seriously, and therefore people to have to take classes to be baptized, receive their first communion, be confirmed, or get married in the Church.  But we do try and make it as easy as reasonably possible for people to get the sacraments.  We try to lift burdens as opposed to impose them.

We want people to experience the peace that life in Christ can bring.  Jesus’ message is this today:  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you . . . Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”  Life in Christ, and life in the Church brings us peace.  At least it ought to.  It is for this reason that we as a parish are fighting to make sure churches are safe places on Sundays, that ICE cannot come and arrest people.  Our Church ought to be a safe refuge, a place we can experience that peace that we all long for.  Please pray that the suit we have entered may be fruitful, and that the Sabbath can be honored.  Pray that the burden of fear, at least within our Church building, can be lifted.

This might be the right time!

At Our Lady of Guadalupe, together with Alliance San Diego, we want to accompany you in this important step.

We invite you to an informational session where we will explain how to apply for citizenship.

Attendance is free (you only pay the official government fees).

We Belong! You are part of this parish
We invite you to take part in our English classes, designed to support you in daily life and help you communicate with greater confidence.
Classes are held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm.
1754 Kearney Ave, next to the church.
Cost: $20
📞 Sister Mary: 415-513-3124 

The Diocese of San Diego takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and addresses them promptly, confidentially, and with integrity. To report any incident of sexual misconduct, please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator.
Criminal abuse that is reported or suspected is reported to law enforcement in accordance with civil law.

Mary Acosta

Coordinadora de Asistencia a Víctimas

(858) 490-8353.