Together in Mission: Final Weekend

The world seems to operate along this principle: I will do something for you if you do something for me. More than just an exchange of services, there is a real economy of favors, expressed in that saying, “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine.” While that may be how the world works, it is not how God works.

In this weekend's Gospel, Christ invites us to a different kind of relationship: one that isn't transactional. “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you” (Luke 6:38). This requires faith, faith to do it, faith to truly live by it, faith to put it into practice, and see our Lord deliver on his promise.

As one Catholic community of faith, let's pray and reflect on how we can continue to help our struggling parishes and schools throughout Los Angeles.

These are the schools where education is most needed and least affordable. These parishes have the people but do not have the power to make it on their own. The collection, the program, and commitment are undertaken today are to help these places in our local church; it is called Together In Mission, and it is an opportunity—for all of us.

Thank you so much to all those who have already responded! I'm confident that with everyone's participation—regardless of amount—we will reach our parish goal of $316,789. We also thank Alex Chacon and the seniors of Bishop More Salesian High School for sharing the real-world change that your generosity brings to neighborhoods like Boyle Heights. We join them in their anthem to rallying cry to "lift as they climb."