Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

ENTHUSIASM AND GRAMMAR

There is a good reason that the writings of St. Paul don’t show up as examples in grammar textbooks. Today’s reading is a case in point. It begins with one of those long Pauline run-on sentences that leave lectors gasping for breath. So what? Take a closer look at how Paul’s fervor for his subject matter derails the grammar. There is something admirable about being so caught up in his convictions that the words cannot come fast enough to express them, much less in an orderly fashion. Scripture scholars usually take this grammatical ineptness as a sign of a passage’s early importance in the Christian community, something they were so ardent about that their language never got refined.

What leaves us in this condition? Re-telling the plot line of an action movie or the play-by-play of a sporting event? When was the last time any of us was so excited by our faith in Christ that we were left grasping for words, stumbling over our own errors in speech? It may be bad grammar, but it is an excellent way to inspire others with the message of Christ!

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Masses for the Week

• Sun. June 21 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM — Spanish
• Mon. June 22 8:30 AM & 11:30 AM
• Tues. June 23 8:30 AM & 11:30 AM
• Weds. June 24 8:30 AM & 11:30 AM
• Thurs. June 25 8:30 AM & 11:30 AM
• Fri. June 26 8:30 AM & 11:30 AM
• Sat. June 27 8:30 AM & 5:30 PM
• Sun. June 28 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM — Spanish

Announcements

Totus Tuus VBS

Totus Tuus VBS starts this week, June 21–26. This is a free program for all children of the parish. There is still time to register your child in the hall; registration is in the parish hall today after Mass. Please help us make this a success by signing up to volunteer to be present during day or evening programs during the week, to bring meals for our missionaries, and/or for additional items that are needed.

Peter’s Pence Collection

Next week we will take up the Peter’s Pence Collection to support the Universal Church and the work of the Holy See, including the charitable works of Pope Leo XIV. These works benefit our brothers and sisters on the margins of society, including victims of war, oppression, and

disasters. Be a sign of hope with your generosity. For more info, visit www.obolodisanpietro.va/en.html.

Welcome / New Parishioners

Welcome to all our new parishioners! Please fill out a registration form found in the hall or vestibule, and put it in the collection basket. You can also register online. If you would like to receive Sunday envelopes or the Tennessee Register, please contact the office.

St. John’s Enrichment Co-op

We are excited to announce St. John’s Enrichment Co-op, a homeschool community for K-8 (nursery included for younger siblings). At St. John’s Enrichment Co-op we exist to create a community of saints through enrichment by forming our children in faith and virtue. We will meet on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month starting August 2026 for morning Mass and enrichment classes (including art, science, Liturgy/Saints, and life skills). Registration is open until July 1, 2026. We are looking for more families to join, as well as adult volunteers for the school year. To register, volunteer, or for more info contact the parish office at (931) 359-5017 or speak with Raqueli DeWitt.

Kroger Gift Cards

If you would like to help those in our community in need of food or gas, please pick up a Kroger gift card and put it in the collection basket.

Mass Intention Forms

Mass Intention forms can be found in the vestibule and hall. If you fill one out, please put it in the collection basket.

Online Giving

Here is the established QR code for the parish if you would like to make your donation online.

Today’s Readings

First Reading: The Lord has rescued the poor from the clutches of the wicked (Jeremiah 20:10-13).

Psalm: Lord, in your great love, answer me (Psalm 69).

Second Reading: The grace of God overflows for all (Romans 5:12-15).

Gospel: All who acknowledge Jesus before others will likewise be acknowledged by Jesus before the Father (Matthew 10:26-33).

Readings for the Week

Monday: 2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18; Ps 60:3-5, 12-13; Mt 7:1-5

Tuesday: 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36; Ps 48:2-4, 10-11; Mt 7:6, 12-14

Wednesday: Is 49:1-6; Ps 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80

Thursday: 2 Kgs 24:8-17; Ps 79:1b-5, 8-9; Mt 7:21-29

Friday: 2 Kgs 25:1-12; Ps 137:1-6; Mt 8:1-4

Saturday: Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19; Ps 74:1b-7, 20-21; Mt 8:5-17

Sunday: 2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a; Ps 89:2-3, 16-19; Rom 6:3-4, 8-11;

Reflecting on the Word

In the midst of difficult experiences, the psalms of lament can provide necessary words of prayer and catharsis. The psalms of imprecation also provide catharsis, but with God in a more peaceful manner and are meant to help prevent violence among family and friends. Today’s psalm overlaps lament and imprecation. In praying such a psalm, we have entrusted our anguish and desire for revenge to God’s hands. Now we don’t have to do any of those things or even think about them anymore. Many moons ago, my confessor made this suggestion: Place all your anger, anxieties, violent thought of revenge, etc., into an imaginary envelope. Before you go to bed, hand that imaginary envelope to God and pray that you won’t have to take everything back in the morning. This has been an excellent practice of trust in God—and a practice of catharsis. The best part is knowing that no one will be killed (accidently or otherwise).

Excerpted from Living the Word

Mission Statement

We, the members of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, recognize and respect our diverse and multicultural character. By the grace of God, we will nurture our spiritual community through prayer, service, and example to become one family in Christ.

Adoration

8:00 AM — 1st Saturday of the month

7:00 PM — 1st & 3rd Friday (Spanish)