FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR

 August 7, 2026

Dear friends in Christ,



SPOKANE FIRE RELIEF EFFORTS

The terrible fires in Spokane have devastated the lives of so many there, destroying homes, uprooting families, and placing so many in danger. I think we all been moved by this great tragedy and want to help. First, we need to pray for all those affected especially for those who have lost their homes, for the fire fighters and first responders, and for an end to the fires which are still very much threatening many.  At the same time, we need to help in a concrete all those who living through this disaster.  St Paul tells us when one part of the body suffers, we all suffer. So, I am asking you to be generous in supporting the relief efforts. This weekend, we are taking up a second collection to support the effort of Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington provide emergency aid to the people affected by this disaster. You may also give on line. Here is the link: Donate to Spokane Complex Fire Support. Thank you for generous response.

THE TRANSFIGURATION AND PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL

This past week, on August 6, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Pope Leo, now back from his vacation, celebrated the feast in Assisi at the Portincula, the little church which St Francis restored in response to the voice of the Lord.  Pope Leo’s homily is so relevant to us today especially as we undertake the renewal and discernment which is at the heart of the Partners in the Gospel process. Here are some passages from that homily for our reflection:

The Feast of the Transfiguration, which we are celebrating, is a mystery of light that enriches our encounter — one that is so joyful, yet also raises questions about the present and the future. In the Gospel, we find the contrast between light and shadow, silence and words, wonder and incomprehension.

We have come here to understand where history is heading and where we ourselves are going. In the Gospel, we see that meaning can indeed be found, that a path can be glimpsed. Like Peter, James and John, we too have been brought a little aside, and Jesus is with us. What matters is his presence. On the mountain, the apostles contemplate Jesus, who had been speaking about his own future, which had caused a misunderstanding among them. Six days earlier, Peter had taken issue with the Master for speaking openly about the cross (cf. Mt 16:21–26) because he expected glory for the Messiah, and perhaps even for himself. Peter did not consider any opposition or risks, and especially did not ask himself what glory really means. Now, in Jesus’ Transfiguration, God himself reveals his glory, which takes the form of a cloud that protects and envelops. He points to his Son and invites us to listen to him. The path of life is discovered by following him together. The beauty of this path takes on a new dimension, an unprecedented intensity, so much so that Peter would like to stay awhile and prolong that vision. He generously offers to build three tents as he would like that conversation between Jesus, Moses and Elijah to continue. However, one must enter into that conversation, not remain a mere spectator. Indeed, we are called to read the Scriptures with the Master, to interpret our own times and to make decisions by following his path…Jesus calls us to engage with his story in order to write new pages of history.

As we hear that “his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Mt 17:2), we recall Easter morning when an angel of the Lord rolled away the stone sealing the tomb and brought the announcement of the Resurrection. “His face was like lightning, his robe white as snow” (Mt 28:3). That is the light of a new day, toward which we are drawn, even as darkness still surrounds us — and sometimes dwells within us. We see the dawning light in the canonized saints, such as Saint Francis and Saint Clare, and in a myriad of brothers and sisters who respond to evil with good. We are not alone!... Today, we contemplate Jesus, who is transfigured precisely in conversation with the Father, with those who preceded him — Moses and Elijah — and with his contemporaries, the disciples.

The Church exists to lead us into this dynamic of listening and decision-making, in which we come to understand for whom we are to live and how we are to live. The Church is the community in which we learn to discern the voice of God, which never simply coincides with our own opinions, and to dare to obey the Holy Spirit, who makes bold and creative all those who choose to follow Jesus. While we are “disfigured” by separating ourselves from him and from others, we are transfigured through the bonds that nourish and call us to life. Franciscan spirituality, in which you have been formed, is among the most attentive to restoring fundamental relationships with God and with all his creatures. Today, more than ever, this is a harmony that needs to be safeguarded and cultivated… Dear friends, the reason why Saint Francis still draws us to himself, even eight hundred years after his death, lies in the grandeur of humanity that led him to abandon familiar ways in order to find a new path that is more consistent with that of Jesus. Even in a town that had been Christian for centuries, such as Assisi, this seemed revolutionary. “Clare’s choice was even more striking: a girl who wanted to be like Francis, who wanted to live, as a woman, as free as those brothers!” (Jubilee Audience, 4 October 2025). This is the energy of Christianity — the energy of its beginnings and of its many new beginnings

The solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.

Next week we celebrate the Assumption of Mary into heaven. Masses for the Assumption will be a Vigil Mass at St. Jude on Friday, August 14 at 7 PM and August 15 at 9 AM at Holy Innocents. The Vigil Mass for Saturday Evening are the regular Sunday Mass.  At St Jude, our annual Ice Cream Social in honor of Mary will be Saturday night after the 5pm Mass. Holy Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us!

Blessing on your week!

Fr. Johnson