15th Ordinary Sunday, July 12, 2020-A Cycle

Readings: Isaiah 55:10-11; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-23

Grace and sin, belief and unbelief, good and evil all exist together. While we wrestle with these two dimensions of reality inwardly, they are also witnessed in the actions and words of others. Many, all too often, beat themselves up because of their sin. We are also all too quick to pass judgment on others whom we perceive to be in error and walking down a wrong path. God does not make rash judgments, nor should we. Patience is the order of the day as is an understanding that God is ultimately the caller of the shots.

Our faith tells us that while God allows the wheat and the weeds to coexist, the wheat will always triumph. As long as we can cultivate even a little faith and a small measure of desire for God, He can produce abundant blessings and good things. Even when the weeds seem to have triumphed, there still may be a small measure of faith remaining that can be cultivated and grown. It doesn’t take much! Unless a person totally allows the weeds to reign, there is always to be found at least a small measure of faith, good, light, and love. With even this small portion, God can produce abundant growth.

Admittedly, it is easy to give into the weeds, and they grow very quickly. Any gardener knows this to be true. Sometimes, the weeds even seem more attractive and vibrant. Dealing with weeds can quickly become a losing battle, and they can look healthier and grow faster than the very plants we are trying to protect. It’s easy to give into them and let them win. While God will deal with all things in due time, we are responsible for keeping things in check in the short term. It is our task to keep our eyes fixed on God’s presence and mercy. We are asked to avoid judgment. And, it is not our responsibility to deal with the weeds in someone else’s garden, only our own. One garden is enough responsibility for anyone.

Weeds have power. We have to realize this. While they can appear attractive and healthy, they can quickly choke us off from God’s presence. Our task is one of maintenance and cultivating a desire for God. Even the smallest kernel of faith can grow into something wonderful. In God’s time, the eternal harvest will come, and we will no longer have to worry about the weeds.       

Blessings!

I am continuing to say Mass Live via Facebook Live on Saturday evenings at 5:00 pm on the Tri-Parish Catholic Community page.  Please join me if you can.  Here is the link to our Facebook page: Tri-Parish Catholic Community 

https://www.facebook.com/Tri-Parish-Catholic-Community-111569390503132

Due to the Covid19 pandemic the decision was made that the Missionary Cooperative 2020 would still be offered. However instead of in-person Mission Cooperative Appeal, we will ONLY be promoting through our parish website and from the pulpit (when possible) through the month of July.   Please click on the green arrow below for a one-page data sheet of the details of our Missionary Cooperative.

Please keep the following sick, hospitalized & home-bound Tri-Parish members in your prayers.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Al Stier – St. Finbarr Parish  

Erna Tart – St. Ignatius Parish 

Dean Stern – St. Patrick Parish

Cassidy Pravecek – St. Ignatius Parish 

Loretta Ascheman – St. Ignatius Parish  

John Wade – St. Patrick Parish 

Sandy Erding Dose – St. Ignatius Parish  

Lois Gehling – St. Finbarr Parish 

Doc Doolittle 

 Isabella Morse – St. Patrick Parish 

Louise Hahn †  - St. Ignatius Parish 

Kurt Fuhrmann Jr. - St. Patrick Parish

Janelle Sunnes - St. Patrick Parish

Tanya Warmka  

 Josh Steichen 

Ida Rowe - St. Patrick Parish

If you would like to add someone to the prayer chain send an email to  triparishsecretary@gmail.com

St. Patrick in LeRoy                   $46,933

 St. Ignatius in Spring Valley     $79,859

St. Finbarr in Grand Meadow  $75,251

                                         St. Finbarr           St. Patrick            St. Ignatius

Goal                                 $8,500.00           $7,150.00             $9,900.00

Total Received YTD      $6,955.00            $6,375.00            $8,164.16 

$  To Meet Goal            $1,545.00             $775.00               $1,735.84

In addition to our goal to help keep people safe and healthy during this difficult time, we are also committed to meeting our other financial obligations. Please continue your financial support of your Parish by sending a check to your parish. The tri-parish church addresses can be found on the the right side of this page. Thank you.

Mass Time:  Saturday Evenings @ 5:00 pm

Mass Time:  Sunday Mornings @ 8:30 am

Mass Time:  Sunday Mornings @ 10:30 am

Access our FREE Tri-Parish subscription to quality Catholic movies, MP3s, series, eBooks and more!  FORMED provides amazing content 24/7 for you to grow in your faith.  It’s FREE and EASY to Register!  Go to: www.formed.org click on Register(lower right of page), Enter Parish Access Code: PZGRTC, Enter your email and create a password(you need this to login later). This is an incredible Online gateway, all in one place!

Fr. Marreddy Pothireddy