Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, October 12, 2025

The Gospel passage for this weekend recounts the Lord’s healing of ten lepers. Leprosy frightened people in ancient times, just as contagious and mysterious diseases frighten people today. Throughout human history, there have been many instances when large populations were overwhelmed by contagious diseases. Most recently, we faced the devastating impact of COVID. Many people were so afraid to potentially associate with those who had COVID, that they refused to associate with anyone. The “healthy” people feared catching the disease from those who were infected. As a result, the infected were forced to isolate themselves.

In ancient times, lepers were greatly feared and ostracized because leprosy was thought to be both highly contagious and uncurable. Yet, Jesus not only notices and loves the lepers, but he engaged with them and cured them. He broke through the fear and isolation of lepers. He welcomed them the same way that he welcomed Jews, Samaritans, tax collectors, sinners, and saints. One clear message for this weekend is that we must not treat people as invisible because of their disease, or how they look, or who they are, or where they come from.

There is also a message that hits closer to home, right here, in Dana Point, in our very parish. I recently attended the first meeting of our “Welcome Ministry.” I explained that, here at St. Edward and San Felipe, we will be known for our intentional, radical hospitality, to EVERYONE. All should truly feel welcome here. No one worshiping with us should feel invisible.

Making people feel welcome is the goal of our Welcome Ministers. I encourage them to use every possible method to make this a reality. From greeting people in the parking lot, helping people (and walkers, wheelchairs, strollers, etc.) out of cars, and accompanying them as they enter the church. We will not only make room for people in the pews, we will greet them warmly. The ministers will introduce themselves to everyone – folks that have been here 30 years and folks that have been here 30 seconds. If this sounds like fun, please join us as we build our team.

As we encounter both new and old friends at worship, let’s do everything that we can to enrich that worship experience by engaging with our fellow worshippers in a warm and friendly way!

Fr. Mike