St. Agatha-St. James Parish

Today we see Jesus returning to his hometown of Nazareth, where he is met with incredulity by the townspeople who watched him grow up from humble origins. When they observe his wisdom and holiness as he preaches in the synagogue, they take offense at him, astonished that this carpenter’s son from little old Nazareth could possibly be a great prophet of God. Perhaps some of us have been met with similar skepticism when we’ve come home after a time away that has changed us:... maybe at a Christmas dinner after studying abroad, or at our home parish after a period of missionary work. I remember coming home after a year as a FOCUS missionary, where God worked a profound transformation in my heart, and feeling like my family didn’t quite know what to do with the new me. But Jesus’s icy reception in Nazareth is much more serious than someone home from a semester in France who won’t stop saying j’adore to their cousins at Thanksgiving. Because we see in the Gospel that, because of their lack of faith, Jesus actually can’t freely offer the miracles and graces that had been received so gratefully elsewhere. When I was praying with this Gospel this week, I was struck with a sobering thought. What if I am like these skeptical Nazoreans? What if I feel so at home with Jesus, so used to following him, so sure that I know what he’s like, that I actually doubt that he can work miracles in my life? For those of us who have been pursuing our faith for a while and coming to Church since childhood, it can be easy to feel such a sense of comfort that we forget where we actually are, and who it is that we are encountering. When we step through the doors of the Church, we are on Holy Ground, and when we show up at Mass we are participating in the most profound, supernatural mystery in the history of the universe. But does our casual familiarity with Jesus and his Church actually dull our faith and prevent us from receiving it in its fullness? What a shame that would be!! Let’s allow this Gospel to sharpen our awareness that Jesus is not just some guy we know--he is the God of Miracles made man, and our faith in that can truly save us. Jule Coppa, Penn Campus Minister

TONIGHT! Don't forget about this incredible event with Archbishop Chaput happening at the Newman Center at 7pm!! We'll see you there!

Join us for Mass this Sunday!

In this Gospel, we are reminded to trust God -- even in what seems like hopeless situations. Also, that trusting in Him shall never be fruitless. We see this first in the woman wholeheartedly trusts in the power of Christ, reaching out to touch His cloak -- knowing that just one touch of the Lord would cure her. This action is what I like to call a Trust Fall into the Lord. A time in life where everything by human standards seems impossible, but we hand the situation over t...o God, knowing He is capable of anything. Oftentimes, in our lives, we try to control everything. Especially when things are going wrong. Whether it be in regard to our job, relationships, health, or even the lives of others. We try to play God to ensure a favorable outcome. Usually, this ends up being more like a death grip on our lives, where we refuse the grace of God’s intercession if it takes us away from the path we’ve deemed better. One of the most important things we can do in life is to simply give up. Not in the cultural sense of giving up, but the spiritual sense of letting go of control and allowing God to step in. To finally trust in the power and love of God, to surrender to it. To allow ourselves to be taken care of by God. In the gospel, Christ shows us that we can trust Him when He raises up the little girl through a miracle. Everyone doubted Him, believing it’d be impossible. Of course, He raises her up. He shows that even in the most dire situation, He makes all things possible. He did this with Lazarus as well. He proves that when all seems lost, we must trust in Him. Even when all seems dark, hopeless, and dead, He promises us eternal light and life. He promises that trust in Him will never be fruitless, that He will always raise us up. Lillian Fallon, Communications Coordinator

Check out Fr. Remi’s Sunday gospel reflection for this Sunday! Click the image to watch. Fuel for His Fire - Fr. Remi’s Sunday Gospel Reflection https://youtu.be/crTZ0Sj9nDk

Friday Nov 6th. P Carlos Keen von Wuthenau

Thursday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time Celebrant : Fr. Remi Morales

This past Sunday, we celebrated our annual Marian Mass! Complete with sparkling string lights, portraits of our favorite saints for All Saints Day, roses, and a procession with our Blessed Mother statue, the Mass was a high point for many.

Our park's journey from concrete parking lot to green oasis!

Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, bishop Celebrant : P Carlos Keen von Wuthenau