August 3, 2025 - 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the story of a man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. Seeing his barns were too small, he decided to tear them down and build larger ones to store all his grain. Then he told himself: “You have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, and be merry.” But that very night, God calls him a fool, for his life would be demanded of him, and all he stored up would go to someone else.

This parable is not about wealth itself, but about what we treasure. Jesus cautions us: “Take care to guard against all greed.” The man in the parable is not condemned for being rich, but for living as if his wealth was all that mattered. He made plans for himself but forgot to include God and others. The tragedy of the rich fool is that he spent his life building security on earth, but neglected to be “rich toward God.” He stored up treasure for himself but left his soul empty. His barns were full, but his heart was not.

In a culture that often measures success by accumulation, Jesus invites us to ask a deeper question: What am I doing with what I’ve been given? Do I see my time, talents, and treasures as gifts entrusted to me for others? Do I live with generosity, gratitude, and a sense of eternity?

As we continue this summer season, it’s a good time to take stock—not just of our resources, but of our priorities. Have we been growing in faith, prayer, mercy, and love for our neighbor? That is the kind of wealth that endures. That is the life that is truly rich. Let us pray for the grace to seek what matters most and to live not for ourselves alone, but in a way that makes us rich in the eyes of God.

Here I want to thank you all for the participation and help in the feast of our Patroness St Anne last Sunday. The Lord was good to us and even with some rain, we were able to manage to proceed with all activities. We were not burnt with sunshine but we were sprinkled with the mist of blessings. Thank you all and everyone who assumed any responsibility in preparing and executing them. It was good to see how smoothly things worked because of your disposition and readiness to serve. Thank you for all your prayers and support. We pray for our jubilee pilgrims in Rome who carry us in their hearts to represent our parish before the Holy Father at the Peter’s tomb.

I truly appreciate you all for your great spirit of service and sharing. It is in that spirit of selfless service that we become the best in loving our neighbor and serving God. I’m in admiration for every group and service that was provided from setting up, to cooking, playing with the kids and youth, serving food and drinks, cleaning, and folding back all the set up. We were greatly successful with the many baskets that were raffled. Thank you for donating and preparing them. And ultimately thank you for participating in the great raffle and congratulations to all winners that the Lord has picked through the hands of our wonderful kids. Thanks to the youth for playing with kids, never tiring of being dunked in the water tank or playing in the bouncing house. May God continue to bless our Parish and all of our families, may Saints Anne and Joachim intercede for all marriages and everyone who turns to them for guidance and protection!!! God bless everyone!!!

Fr. Stan