Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, August 2, 2026

For the past several weeks, we have been reading the 13^th Chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, in which Matthew records the words of Jesus as He tells us about the Kingdom of Heaven and how we might get there.  Jesus speaks to us about four critical aspects of what it takes to follow Him to the Kingdom. 

First, we must be interested in seeking Him.  We must desire to look beyond ourselves for a relationship with Jesus.  If we are a hard-packed path, we are impervious to any outside influence and we are not open to a relationship with Jesus.  Contrast that with the merchant seeking a fine pearl.  He devoted himself to searching diligently for just the right pearl.  We must seek Jesus with that same devotion.

Next, we must recognize Jesus when we find Him.  We must be able to spot a treasure in a field or a pearl of great value.  We must be able to differentiate between wheat and weeds, to distinguish “good fish” from “bad fish.” The religious leaders in 1^st Century Jerusalem saw Jesus right in front of them, but they did not recognize Him as the Messiah. We must be able to see true value in Jesus, just as the merchant was able to recognize the value of the pearl.

Third, we must be receptive to hearing His message and focusing on that message.  In the parable of the sower, we hear about seed being scattered among rocks, on soil with thorns, and on fertile ground.  Rocks and thorns interfere with the healthy growth of a plant.  In our faith life, they would be the distractions that prevent us from hearing and acting upon the Word of God.  We pray that we will be fertile ground.

Finally, we must joyfully surrender to and sacrifice for Jesus and for His message.  We must be willing to “sell all that we have” to obtain the great gift of Jesus.  We have to believe that Jesus is more valuable than anything in this world.  Therefore, we must never let anyone or anything come between us and Jesus.  We must protect our tiny, mustard seed amount of faith to grow into a consuming, passionate, overwhelming faith, that grows, deepens, and guides us every moment of our lives.

Fr. Mike

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