Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 12, 2026

You have crowned the year with your bounty, and your paths overflow with a rich harvest.

— Psalm 65:12

FRUIT OF THE WORD

The seed is the word of God. The agricultural metaphors in all of today’s readings give richness to the message that the word of God, cultivated in our hearts, bears much fruit in our lives. Creation itself awaits the redemption of all, even as our bodies await the resurrection. Just as we will rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s word, so will all of creation sing for joy in the Reign of God. The word of God is effective and holy; it brings about exactly what it says. It is not futile or empty, but rich in meaning for those who hear and are healed. Those who hear the word of God and keep it will, with all creation, bear much fruit and sing for joy.

Masses for the Week

Sun. July 12 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM — Spanish
Mon. July 13 8:30 AM
Weds. July 15 8:30 AM & 6:30 PM
Thurs. July 16 8:30 AM
Fri. July 17 8:30 AM
Sat. July 18 8:30 AM & 5:30 PM
Sun. July 19 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM — Spanish

Announcements

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 and/or the Tennessee Register, please contact the office.

Mother’s Guild — Donuts for Donations

The Mother’s Guild will be serving Donuts for Donations after the 9am and 12pm Mass on July 19.

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.

Live Today

Live today the way you will wish you had lived when you stand in judgment before God. — Anonymous

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 Community Rewards Program

The Kroger Community Rewards Program is an opportunity to raise funds for St. John by shopping at Kroger and swiping your Shopper’s card or entering your phone number. To begin this process go to https://www.Kroger.com/ and sign in or create a digital account. If you already have a digital account or Shopper’s card, simply link your shopper’s card to your account. If you have any questions call 1-800-576-4377.

Kroger Gift Cards

Our parish continues to give out gift cards each week to help those in our community with food and gas. If you would like to help, pick up a Kroger gift card the next time you grocery shop and drop 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: My word will achieve the end for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Psalm: The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest (Psalm 65).

Second Reading: We, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan within ourselves awaiting the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:18-23).

Gospel: Some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit (Matthew 13:1-23 [1-9]).

Readings for the Week

Monday: Ex 1:8-14, 22; Ps 124:1b-8; Mt 10:34 — 11:1

Tuesday: Ex 2:1-15a; Ps 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34; Mt 11:20-24

Wednesday: Ex 3:1-6, 9-12; Ps 103:1b-4, 6-7; Mt 11:25-27

Thursday: Ex 3:13-20; Ps 105:1, 5, 8-9, 24-27; Mt 11:28-30

Friday: Ex 11:10 — 12:14; Ps 116:12-13, 15, 16bc, 17-18; Mt 12:1-8

Saturday: Ex 12:37-42; Ps 136:1, 23-24, 10-15; Jn 20:1-2, 11-18

Sunday: Wis 12:13, 16-19; Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43 [24-30]

Reflecting on the Word

While reflecting on the parable of the sower with seven-year-old children, they thought that the seeds were really God’s love and the soil represented all of humanity. And because we all have free will, they said, we can choose to accept God’s love or to reject it. Ultimately, it does not matter to God if we accept or reject, because God’s love is so abundant and unlimited.

Since this parable has an explanation in Jesus’ voice, I have never tried to think beyond the given analogy that the seeds are the word of God. As I pondered the children’s reflection, I realized that they didn’t really stray from scripture al all when they said that the seeds are the love of God instead of the word of God. God as Love and God as Word are the same. It was deeply moving to me to hear the children say that God would never reject anyone even if they did so themselves. God would keep reaching out until they accepted God’s invitation.

The Isaiah verse assures us that God’s love will never be wasted and will accomplish its intended purpose.

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)