Gospel Reflections for July 3 2016
First Sunday in new parish as pastor!
Jesus sends His disciples out to change the world with His message of salvation …but He knows they are not ready. After all, the world is a pretty big place, so He provides a very practical “training session” for them … and it is helpfully recorded in today’s Gospel. He shows them how to make His saving presence real and effective in every encounter.
I cannot think of a more perfect Gospel as I arrive as the new Pastor at St. Bruno’s Catholic Church in Whittier, California, a beautiful suburb about 10 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
I arrive after completing a sabbatical from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles during which time I wrote a handbook for pastors on parish leadership. I am now of negotiating with publishers and hope it will be available soon. Ironically, my book is entirely based on today’s Gospel! After all, why not pay attention to the very words of Jesus Himself as He trains His new “pastors” as they are sent into the world.
I am honored to actually return to St. Bruno’s. I was stationed here briefly back in 1977 as a Deacon for two summer months before my ordination in 1978. Like the disciples, it served as my very first training experience. It was here at St. Bruno’s that I performed my very first baptisms, weddings, and very first sermons. First impressions are important and I am grateful for the very good impressions I received here.
On this July 4th weekend, I am also grateful for the founders of our great nation, who bravely crossed over a wide ocean to come here and found a new nation. They were people of great creativity, energy, hope, and courage. We can draw on that same spirit going forward as well.
I know that priests come and go from parishes all the time, and that can be unsettling. I understand that well. After all, I am “crossing over” here from Ventura County where I grew up and have spent 35 years of my life. However, today’s Gospel affirms that Jesus is always “sending” us out to different places to accomplish His plan of salvation.
My role, as always, is to fulfill today’s Gospel to present the authentic person of Jesus every day throughout every event at St. Bruno’s. I know my credibility as Pastor will not come from my title but from my behavior and how it conforms to that mission. After all, Jesus is the true pastor of St. Bruno’s!
I look forward to meeting the people there, listening, and working with them to continue bringing the saving person of Jesus to every person.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
“We can draw on that same spirit going forward as well.” Love this Fr. Dave! I think it’s essential for pastors and leaders to have this handbook. You’ve done great with this idea because of the need for authentic leadership. The handbook will eventually need new revisions and updates so you can add to this handbook and/or put a new revised copy together. During my college internship, I remember working on an educational handbook for administration. I worked on updating their policies, procedures, and compliance laws as well. Bless you on this new journey! You’ll do wonderful. You already are.
Thank you for your very kind words. I hope the handbook will be published soon and that priests will find it helpful.
Father !Dave, How preciously blessed the people of St. Bruno’s are to have you as their loving Pastor!!! Your beauty is that you are Jesus in this world living ,and sharing His love with everyone you meet!!!What a beautiful life you live bringing the gift of Jesus to all!!! You are a precious, special part of our amazing God’.s heart, our loving Jesus’ heart, our beautiful Blessed Mother’s heart and our heart!!!You are Jesus’ love in our world!!!You will always be in our prayers and in our hearts!!! A beautiful life to you touching everyone with Jesus’ miracle love!!! Come and visit us for we loveeeeeeeeeeee Jesus’ loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Father Dave – Good luck to you at St. Bruno Church. I attended that church when it opened in 1956 after arriving from Massachusetts. I was single and then met my husband Tim through a singles group that involved St. Bruno, St. Gregory’s, St. Paul of the Cross in La Mirada where we were married. in 1959.
We now attend St. Jude Church in Westlake. . A lot has happened since then. Part of the growth and blessings that we feel has been because of the University programs which we have attended since you started them. We are very grateful for all that you have given to so many of us.
Blessings & Peace be with you!
Tim & Pat Crosby
“It’s not where you are, but who you are”.
Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents over the years. As much as we “old” people complain about our world changing so quickly, we are blessed to continue reading your thoughts about the Sunday readings. We will continue to be energized weekly with your message of hope and love of Jesus.
We are sure you will be a published author again. Blessings to you and St. Bruno parish,.
Father Dave, we wish for your new parishioners to drink and enjoy from this fountng of widsdom that is you.
And your Gospel reflections for this week are like you, always on target.
We are greatful to God and to our founding fathers for this great nation of ours, Happy, safe and blessed 4th of July weekend!!
Congratulations on your new assignment! I hope you get a little rest and relaxation after your pilgrimage to the Holy Land. You continue to be in our prayers, especially at the Friday Cenacle of the Marian Movement of Priests.
Just for curiosity, did Archbishop Gomez reassign 72 priests in the Diocese?
I am not sure of the exact number but that sounds about right when you add in Associates and Religious Order priests.
I took copious notes at all your University series talks on the Middle East. They have served me well in tryng to understand our world today. We look forward to more if possible. St. Brunos is a trip too far for us old folks so we can only hope to hear you at University and perhaps read more of your sermons on line. You are a blessing. Thanks for all you do and may God bless you abundantly. Carol Bohner.
Yes, I will be back in the University Series during Lent for sure!
Thank you Fr. Dave for sending us your reflections from your new parish!
You give us so much more to think about and we appreciate your replies as well.
Enjoy St. Bruno’s! They are lucky to have you as their pastor
YEs, thee people here have been very welcoming.
Just spoke to my St Rose choir mates who went with you to the Holy Land, Carolyn and Gene, and they gave a rave review. I know from your homilies and The University Series that you are a good teacher and know you will lead the parishioners of St Bruno’s in Jesus’ footsteps.
the trip to the Holy Land is one of most favorite events. I am glad that Gene and Carolyn joined us and that they enjoyed it.
You are right. this is a perfect Gospel for your new venture this week.
When Jesus came He left a part of Himself everywhere he went. It was an example of how we should be here today. So you haven’t really left. Everywhere you go there is a part of you that will always stay. Your minestry has touched many people and that will last for ever. Your new Perish needs a touch of that love you have to give and I know that it will bring great joy to those there.
I do see why they move the Priests around to bring their giftings to other parishes in different areas. You are pretty far away from “home” but what you have and can share to those over in that area will bring a lot to them to continue and spread what wonderful gifts God has given you.
Thank you!
Beautiful and awesome sharing Fr Dave! Truly God is good all the time and His grace is sufficient wherever He sends us. We are all on a mission in this earth and I am learning a lot as I read your reflections on the WORD.
Adele and I thank the Lord for showing us the way through you and we pray that God bless you, your family, your new assignment more today and the years to come!
Love and prayers
Roy and Adele Vargas
Thank you for your kind message! St. Bruno’s looks like a great parish.
Father Dave:
John Bailey just informed me that your Dad has passed away. Our condolences to you and your family. All of you are in our prayers.
Sincerely, Tom and Linda Travis
Thank you. I am grateful that he passed peacefully at the age of 90.
Dear Fr. Dave,
Just read about your father passing away…we are so sorry and are sending all our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Thank you for letting us know how you are doing and it sounds like you have it all together and will do great, as you always do.
We still miss you so much, but knowing you are doing well makes us feel some what better.
The parishioners of St. Bruno’s are very blessed to have you as their pastor and as soon as they get to know you they will know that for themselves.
Love and prayers,
Marie and Henry Ceci
Thank you. It was remarkable that we both “moved” into a new home the same day.
Father Dave,
Thanks as always for your words. We have been fortunate that you were able to minister in this area for quite a while. Of course we will miss you in this area but what you have left behind endures. I’m guessing that now the University Series will spread to other areas of the LA conurbation bringing that blessing to many in our region.
We all continue to lift you, and all priests up in prayer.
I appreciate your prayers. I hope the other pastors will accept the University idea.
Dear Father Dave,
As long as you continue to send us your weekly message you will continue to be a part of our lives. Thank you for that and may God bless you in your new assignment. Pat O’Rourke
Yes, the weekly reflections will continue!