Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

FOLLOWING CHRIST

If you’ve ever had an unpleasant but somewhat amusing practical joke played on you, then you have some understanding of how Jeremiah feels today when he tells God “good one—you duped me.” We can almost see him shaking his head with a bit of a rueful smile, but an angry undertone in his voice. In similar fashion, Peter thinks Jesus is “duping” him when Jesus starts to explain that being Messiah means suffering and dying, and being a follower of the Messiah means taking up a cross and doing the same. Jeremiah tries to deny God’s will for him by trying to shut up; Peter—who has just been made the foundation of the church—out and out denies the teaching of Jesus, for which he is named “Satan” today. Fortunately for us, Jeremiah comes to realize that to have the word of God placed in your heart means that it will be futile to try and keep silent, even if it means scorn and derision from those around you. Luckily Peter ultimately returned to the faith he professed in last week’s Gospel, and came to understand our need as baptized followers of Christ to follow in his way, even when it means following him to our very death.

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Masses for the Week

• Sun. Aug. 30 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM — Spanish
• Mon. Aug. 31 8:30 AM
• Weds. Sept. 2 8:30 AM & 6:30 PM
• Thurs. Sept. 3 8:30 AM
• Fri. Sept. 4 8:30 AM
• Sat. Sept. 5 8:30 AM & 5:30 PM
• Sun. Sept. 6 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM — Spanish

Announcements

Knights of Columbus — Meeting Monday at 6:30 PM

The Knights of Columbus will meet Monday evening at 6:30. All men of the parish are welcome.

What is the Knights of Columbus?

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Becoming a Knights of Columbus member offers Catholic men an opportunity to grow in faith, serve others, build a strong community with like-minded men, and access exclusive financial protection for their families.

Knights of Columbus Milan Kukula Council #11074. Ask one of our members how you can become a Knight or come to our next meeting, the 1st Monday of the month at 6:00pm.

Religious Education — Registration Still Open

Registration for Religious Education is still open. We are using a new online program this year. Scan the QR code in the hall to fill out the registration form and pick up a parent packet. In order to preserve continuity of learning, registration will close Sunday, September 27th. Classroom space is limited, so please register now.

RCIA Class — Sundays 10:15–11:30 in the Vestibule

If you are interested in becoming Catholic or want to learn more about your faith, RCIA class will meet in the vestibule on Sundays at 10:15–11:30. This class is also for those baptized Catholics who have not received First Communion or Confirmation.

Retrouvaille — Help for Struggling Marriages

Do you need Retrouvaille? Has your romance faded? Do you argue without reaching resolution? Are you more like roommates than soul mates? Have you grown apart? Is your marriage in crisis? Why wait for a better marriage?

Retrouvaille can help you: rebuild your emotional connection, learn healthy communication methods, manage conflicts effectively, forgive and rebuild trust, and rediscover your love. Join us March 6–8, 2026. For more info, email nashville@helpourmarriage.org, visit helpourmarriage.org, or call 931-820-2115.

Word Among Us — September Issue

Pick up the September issue of the Word Among Us in the hall or vestibule.

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 name of the LORD has become like fire burning in Jeremiah’s heart (Jeremiah 20:7-9).

Psalm: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God (Psalm 63).

Second Reading: Be transformed; renew your mind; discern what is good (Romans 12:1-2).

Gospel: Those who lose their lives for Jesus’ sake will find them (Matthew 16:21-27).

Readings for the Week

Monday: 1 Thes 4:13-18; Ps 96:1, 3-5, 11-13; Lk 4:16-30, or, for Labor Day, any readings from the Mass “For the Blessing of Human Labor,” nos. 907-911

Tuesday: 1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Lk 4:31-37

Wednesday: Col 1:1-8; Ps 52:10-11; Lk 4:38-44

Thursday: Col 1:9-14; Ps 98:2-6; Lk 5:1-11

Friday: Mi 5:1-4a or Rom 8:28-30; Ps 13:6; Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 [18-23]

Saturday: Col 1:21-23; Ps 54:3-4, 6, 8; Lk 6:1-5

Sunday: Ez 33:7-9; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Rom 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20

Reflecting on the Word

At this moment, it feels as though I have been carrying a progressively heavier cross over the last two years. The heaviest cross is the paralyzing fear of my children being swept up in reckless and cruel immigration raids. It does not matter that they were born here. The color of their skin and features make them automatic suspects. What is the benefit of this cross to my relationship with God? I am entirely with Jeremiah in his remonstration of God in today’s first reading. I have been seduced by God through the deep longing of my heart for God, and I cannot but speak of the fire of God’s love. I am not sure if I should be despondent like Jeremiah or serene as Paul is through the storm. I am not sure what life and transformation will result from this heavy cross.

This bewilderment does not mean that my faith is entirely diminished. It only means that my faith is alive, if clueless! Like Peter’s cluelessness in responding to Jesus with complete loyalty, which only earned him a brutally humiliating rebuke. I cannot even imagine the anxiety in Peter that evoked his response to begin with.

I want to know how to think as God thinks, so that I can do as God wills for me, even if it is to carry my cross until the Son of Man comes with his angels.

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)