Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

GOD’S WATCHERS

In the ancient world watchmen were extremely important people. They kept communities safe, and were there to alert them to any impending danger or attack. Before locks, alarms, and security systems, watchmen were the protectors, the measure. So when the Lord charges Ezekiel as a watchman today, it is a weighty charge. So weighty, we learn, that if Ezekiel fails to sound the alarm for those around him and they perish in a state of wickedness, Ezekiel will be held responsible! This profound connection between God’s will on earth and in heaven is repeated in today’s Gospel, where Jesus instructs us that we are to be the security force, the watchers placed on alert that nowhere in the Body of Christ, the church, will there be any two members of the one Body who are not reconciled. Scripture tells us that Jesus reconciled all things in heaven and on earth through the blood of his cross. But we are given the mission to continue that reconciliation on earth as in heaven through our ceaseless efforts to be, as Paul would write, ambassadors of reconciliation. Let us not get too comfortable thinking that we are responsible only for keeping our own lives from the path of wickedness and disagreement. We are also held accountable for the lives of the members of Christ’s body around us.

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Masses for the Week

• Sun. Sept. 6 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM — Spanish
• Mon. Sept. 7 8:30 AM (Labor Day)
• Weds. Sept. 9 8:30 AM & 6:30 PM
• Thurs. Sept. 10 8:30 AM
• Fri. Sept. 11 8:30 AM
• Sat. Sept. 12 8:30 AM & 5:30 PM
• Sun. Sept. 13 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM — Spanish

Announcements

Religious Education — Registration Open; No Classes This Weekend

Registration for Religious Education is still open. 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.

Religious Education classes will not meet this weekend but will resume next Sunday.

Women’s Group — Meeting Weds., Sept. 9 at 10:00 AM

The Women’s Group will meet Weds. Sept. 9th at 10:00 AM. All ladies of the parish are invited.

Homeschool Co-op — Donuts for Donations Today

The Homeschool Coop will be having donuts for donations today after both Masses.

Knights of Columbus — Meeting Mon., Sept. 14

The Knights of Columbus will meet Mon., Sept. 14. All men of the parish are welcome.

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.

Did You Know? — Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Ministries

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Ministries provides support for vital ministries, seminarian training, religious education for all ages, youth and children’s ministries and support for the poor and needy throughout our diocese. Join donors in our parish as we work towards our collective goal this year of $11,000. Give online at www.dioceseofnashville.com/appeal or mail to Diocese: Bishop’s Appeal, 2800 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214.

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: Warn the wicked, trying to turn them from their ways (Ezekiel 33:7-9).

Psalm: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts (Psalm 95).

Second Reading: Owe nothing to anyone, except mutual love (Romans 13:8-10).

Gospel: If two agree about anything for which they pray, it shall be granted to them (Matthew 18:15-20).

Readings for the Week

Monday: Col 1:24 — 2:3; Ps 62:6-7, 9; Lk 6:6-11

Tuesday: Col 2:6-15; Ps 145:1b-2, 8-11; Lk 6:12-19

Wednesday: Col 3:1-11; Ps 145:2-3, 10-13ab; Lk 6:20-26

Thursday: Nm 21:4b-9; Ps 78:1bc-2, 34-38; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17

Friday: 1 Tm 1:1-2, 12-14; Ps 16:1b-2a, 5, 7-8, 11; Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35

Saturday: 1 Tm 1:15-17; Ps 113:1b-7; Lk 6:43-49

Sunday: Sir 27:30 — 28:9; Ps 103:1-4, 9-12; Rom 14:7-9; Mt 18:21-35

Reflecting on the Word

When I took over a position from a predecessor who was beloved in the community, it was a constant battle to establish trust with the staff and team of volunteers. In one of my first meetings with the staff, I told them that I would really appreciate it very much if they just came to me with a grievance or protest (replace those words with more pointedly colorful terms) directly rather than talk about me behind my back. It is not easy for us to speak truthfully about our feelings toward others, especially when there is conflict. That is precisely what Jesus is telling us to do.

We also preserve others’ dignity when we talk to them directly, and preferably in private. The prophet says that we are also responsible for walking with each other, keeping each other on the path of the shepherd whose voice we hear and follow. Jesus recognizes the challenges of conflict resolution (or is it only conflict management?), so he also guides us to include witnesses and perhaps even the elders in the church community to help arbitrate conflict.

The lovely women I work with have made the effort to talk with me directly about certain fears and needs. But I also know that they all talk about me in my absence. This is the side of human nature that Jesus calls on us to transform on the way to the Kin-dom of Love.

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)