Dear Parish Family,
 
Since Fr. Scott is on retreat, I get to greet you all this week. Please keep Fr. Scott in your prayers so he may receive much of the Lord’s grace and strength during his retreat. 
 
Time flies. It’s been over a year since I’ve been staying with you at St. Mary’s and St. Patrick’s. My first year was a blessing. I felt the grace of the Lord every day through your love and prayers. Please do not forget that I am praying for you every day. We are brothers and sisters in Christ and have a special relationship as a parish family. The Lord always gives us good things. If we live knowing that the Lord gives us good things every day, we will truly feel the joy of heaven on earth. 
 
In today’s first reading, Amos says, “I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.” The experience and skills of growing sycamore trees do not seem to have much to do with proclaiming the word of God. Nevertheless, the fact that God called Amos to be a prophet means that Amos' ability to do his work as a prophet in the future comes from the Lord. For the same reason, in the Gospel, Jesus commands his disciples not to take any bread, sack, or money with them when they set out on their journey. 
 
Both Amos and the disciples were called by God to fulfill a mission. Amos was a shepherd called to be a prophet, while the disciples were ordinary men called to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Their willingness to obey God's call, despite their personal inadequacies or lack of resources, teaches us the importance of trusting in God's purpose for our lives. Jesus' instructions to the disciples to take nothing for their journey emphasizes total dependence on God. This mirrors Amos' reliance on God's authority over his own credentials or background. We are reminded that our needs will be met when we trust in God's provision.
 
These passages encourage us to rely on God’s calling, provision, authority, and strength in our lives. We are called to trust in Him completely, even when the journey seems daunting and resources scarce. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and experience His power working through us, enabling us to fulfill the mission He has set before us. Brothers and sisters, as we live this week, let us try to become Christians who completely trust in the Lord. When we recognize that the Lord is the master of our lives, we will become true disciples.
Until next Sunday, take care, keep praying, stay healthy. 
 
In Christ, 
Fr. Fabian Han