Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

NOTHING TO FEAR

A rabbi was asked why God sends trials and troubles into human lives. “Because God gets lonely for his people” was the reply. There is some resonance with this wisdom in today’s Gospel, as Jesus makes his disciples get into a boat without him and goes off alone while they venture into stormy waters. Of course, neither Jews nor Christians believe that the Almighty plays this sort of whimsical game with them, but there is some truth in the statement that we don’t turn to God for saving help until we’re in a bind. Peter’s role today, as it is throughout the New Testament, is to be a sign or to represent each member of the church and the whole church. Our story is the tale told about Peter’s faith today. What can bolster our faith is that even when Christ calls us to face bravely the tempests of life, if we are walking through them with our eyes fixed on him in faith, we have nothing to fear. Even when we falter or sink, simply crying “Lord, save me!” is enough to help us know the steady grasp of God’s hand. Then, sheltered inside the walls of faith, the storms we endure lose their power over us.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

Masses for the Week

• Sun. Aug. 9 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM — Spanish
• Mon. Aug. 10 8:30 AM
• Weds. Aug. 12 8:30 AM & 6:30 PM
• Thurs. Aug. 13 8:30 AM
• Fri. Aug. 14 8:30 AM
• Sat. Aug. 15 8:30 AM & 5:30 PM
• Sun. Aug. 16 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM — Spanish

Announcements

Important Notice — Scam Emails in Fr. Regi’s Name

Fr. Regi and the church office will never ask for money or gift cards through emails, phone calls, or text messages. Someone is sending fake emails in Fr. Regi’s name asking for money and gift cards.

Second Collection Today — Maintenance Fund

There will be a second collection today for the Maintenance Fund.

RCIA Class Begins Aug. 16

If you are interested in becoming Catholic or want to learn more about your faith, RCIA class will begin Aug. 16. This class is also for those baptized Catholics who have not received First Communion or Confirmation. Please contact the parish office at (931) 359-5017 if you wish to attend.

Religious Education — Registration Open, Classes Begin Aug. 16

Registration for Religious Education is now open and classes will begin Sunday, August 16th. We are using a new online program this year. Scan the QR code in the hall to fill out the registration form and be sure to take a parent packet home as well. In order to preserve continuity of learning, registration will close Sunday, September 27th. Classroom space is limited, so please register now.

Mothers’ Guild — Speaker Event (Aug. 23)

All women of the parish are invited to join the Mothers Guild on Sunday, August 23 at 2pm for an exciting (and free) speaker event. Kristy Bentley, the Program Coordinator of Three to Get Married Retreat at Vanderbilt Catholic, will be speaking on the Church’s role in the challenges and joys of motherhood.

Homeschool Co-op — Lemonade for Learners Today

The St. John Enrichment Co-op is having a fund raiser “Lemonade for Learners” today in the hall. They will have lemonade and donuts for sale.

School Supplies

The Women’s Group is helping families in the community who can’t afford to buy school supplies. There is a list in the hall on the lectern with the items that are needed if you would like to donate.

Mass Intention Forms

If you would like to have a Mass said in memory or in honor of a loved one, forms can be found in the vestibule and hall. Put the form in the collection basket or give to Fr. Regi.

New Water Cooler

We have a new water cooler in the hall that dispenses cold and hot water. Cups are on the top of the cooler. Please throw your cups in the trashcan.

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: Elijah waits on the mountain for the Lord to pass by (1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a).

Psalm: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation (Psalm 85).

Second Reading: From the Israelites, with their law and the prophets, comes the Christ (Romans 9:1-5).

Gospel: As Jesus walked on the sea, the disciples were terrified (Matthew 14:22-33).

Readings for the Week

Monday: 2 Cor 9:6-10; Ps 112:1-2, 5-9; Jn 12:24-26

Tuesday: Ez 2:8 — 3:4; Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Wednesday: Ez 9:1-7; 10:18-22; Ps 113:1-6; Mt 18:15-20

Thursday: Ez 12:1-12; Ps 78:56-59, 61-62: Mt 18:21 — 19:1

Friday: Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63 [59-63]; Is 12:2-3, 4bcd-6; Mt 19:3-12

Saturday: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Ps 45:10-12, 16; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56

Sunday: Is 56:1, 6-7; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Rom 11:13-15, 29-32; Mt 15:21-28

Reflecting on the Word

“Peter just had to keep his eyes on Jesus. As soon as he became aware of himself, he began to drown.”

“Right. He was too self-conscious.”

The retreatants reflected on this passage from the Gospel. They shook their heads at Peter and his minuscule faith. I had different thoughts in my mind. I wasn’t chiding the disciples for being afraid in the storm or at the sight of the ghost-like figure of Jesus. I wasn’t questioning their faith. I was wondering about Peter saying, “Lord, if it is you.” If? Did he not recognize Jesus’ voice? Did he not recognize the inflection of “It is I”? The first reading shows us how God’s voice comes in the most unexpected, unlikely form. It is not strong wind, or the earthquake, or the fire, but in a gentle whisper. Almost silent. Maybe Peter didn’t really hear Jesus’ voice through the storm. Or maybe Peter’s fear resulted in the lack of trust in Jesus’ words.

If someone had questioned my identity in that way, I would have been much less gracious than Jesus was at that moment. I was also struck by the overwhelming fear inundating all but Jesus. The storm, the figure, the drowning...so many moments of fear. And doubt. It is that doubt about Jesus’ very person that Peter is admonished for (I think). Maybe Peter should’ve kept his eyes and ears on Jesus and he wouldn’t have had to step out of the boat at all. Jesus would have come into his boat soon enough.

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)