Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, July 25, 2026

Do we live “me” or “we” lives? It’s a question Solomon faced when the Lord came to him in a dream and said, “Ask what I should give to you.” It sounds like a great deal. Solomon simply had to consider whether he was more concerned with himself or with his people. He faced a “me or we” moment. Instead of fame, power, or riches, he asked for wisdom. His answer to God’s question determined the quality of his relationships with God and with others for the rest of his life.

Do we focus on ourselves or on others who may be with us or around us? Do we live as insulated and isolated individuals or as persons connected to and interdependent with others? These are questions each of us faces and answers every day as we say our prayers, make decisions, establish priorities, and live our lives. Are we so wrapped up in “me” that we fail to even notice we are with other people? What do we consider to be of great value in our lives? If we are “me” people, we might point to our new Mercedes or our ski house at Mammoth. Those may be earthly “treasures” but do they have eternal value? A “we” focused person would gladly give up everything for wisdom, or for eternal health for children or grandchildren.

Look at the world today, read the news, reflect on your own relationships. If there is conflict there is probably also a “me” attitude. The choice between me and we exists in marriages and families. It also contributes to prejudice and discrimination, as well as the hardened moral positions we so often take against each other. Where there is conflict, it’s likely that the conflicting parties are focused on “me” rather than “we.”

Solomon knows that a listening heart and an understanding mind are more valuable than traditional signs of kingship. The Hebrew words help unpack the richness in Solomon’s response. In Hebrew, the word “to listen” is the same word for “to obey.” Each day we are presented with the question that Solomon was asked. “If you could have anything in the world, what would you want?” How we answer that question will be determined by the kind of person that we are, and will determine the kind of person that we will become.

Fr. Mike

Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, July 19, 2026

As many of you heard by now, my dad passed away peacefully on the evening of July 6^th. My son and I had brought him out here from New York less than a month earlier so that he could enjoy a visit and get some Physical Therapy that he needed to recover from a long hospital stay.  Sadly, at 94 years old, he was tired and, more importantly, he was not convinced that he could actually be restored to his former level of health and activity.  As a result, he lost hope.  When that happened, the idea of going home to the Lord seemed much more appealing to him than struggling to restore his 94-year-old body.  

This week, our second reading is from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans.  Paul explains that the Spirit, “comes to the aid of our weakness…intercedes with inexpressible groanings…[and]  

intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will.”  When my dad and I spoke about his situation, we argued about whether God was calling him “home” or whether God wanted him to remain here.  Neither of us knew for sure, but we each were passionate about our opinion.  In the end, I should have paid more attention to this passage from Romans.  God’s Spirit was ready to come to his aid and to intercede for him.  When I accepted that reality, my conversations with dad were more pleasant and he was able to be at peace.

The pain of losing my dad has been eased by several things.  First, this was exactly what he wanted.  He had been talking for several years about joining my mother in heaven.  He could not understand why God allowed him to live for so long.  Second, my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson were able to visit with him while he was here.  My dad was so excited that another Rizzo would carry on the family name.  Finally, all of you here at St. Edward have been incredibly caring and supportive.  Both the folks that I know well, and folks that I don’t know have all offered their condolences, sent cards, texts, and emails.  I am so very blessed to be a member of such a wonderful family.  It is a privilege to serve you.  Thank you for your love and prayers!

Fr. Mike

Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, July 12, 2026

The message of the first reading this weekend could be stated, “God is God, we are not.”This puts things into proper perspective, and invites us into a deeper understanding of God’s role and our own. 

God tells us that He created the rain and snow with a purpose which is ALWAYS fulfilled.  In just the same way, God created His Word, which He says, “goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”  The heart of the image here is life. Rain and snow that come down and provide life-giving water causing the earth to blossom. When the earth does not receive this moisture, life shrivels-up. Seeds do not sprout and grow. What is green, turns brown.

God continues, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth.” This is about God’s Word that gives life, that does what it is intended to do, that accomplishes, that succeeds in God’s purpose. God’s Word does not return empty.  The power of the Word of God is not to be underestimated. Yet, in a world that clamors for measurable results, how often do we doubt God’s promise?

The rain can achieve everything for the earth. ‘So also, My Word accomplishes everything.’ The effect is the same. For neither one is understood. We might think that the strength belongs to the earth instead of to the rain and snow, but when we experience the absence of rain, we see how little the earth produces. So, God makes it clear that, without the rain, the earth can accomplish nothing.   

Martin Luther suggested that this paragraph is an attempt to console the weak of faith because the Word seems so weak and foolish that those of weak faith find it impossible that the Word could be strong enough to right this very sorry world.  They cannot believe that all the power, victory, and triumph of God are in His Word.  Fortunately, just as we don’t have to understand the rain and the snow to benefit from the life-giving water that they bring, we don’t have to understand how the Word will accomplish God’s plan for the world.  We simply have to trust in God’s Word! 

Fr. Mike