Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

Gospel of the Day: LK 4:16-30

In this passage, Jesus returns to Nazareth, the place where he grew up, and enters the synagogue, as was his custom. There, he reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, proclaiming a message of hope, liberation, and healing. He declares that this prophecy is fulfilled in their hearing, signaling the arrival of God's kingdom through his ministry. The people, initially amazed by his words, soon turn on him when he challenges their expectations and reveals the truth about the nature of his mission. Jesus points out that God's grace and mercy often extend beyond the boundaries of our understanding, reaching those who may be overlooked or marginalized. His message disrupts the comfort of the familiar and invites us to broaden our vision of God’s love and action in the world.

This passage reminds us that the prophetic call is not always welcomed, especially when it confronts us with uncomfortable truths. Yet, Jesus' example encourages us to embrace our own prophetic role, speaking truth with love and courage, even when it is difficult or unwelcome. May we find strength in knowing that, like Jesus, we are called to be vessels of God's love and justice, bringing hope to those in need.

Lord Jesus, grant us the courage to speak your truth with love, even when it challenges others. Help us to see beyond our limited understanding and to recognize your presence in unexpected places. May we always be open to your Spirit, guiding us to bring hope and healing to the world. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. ✝



Source Image - not the content or text, only the image
https://www.detroit.goarch.org/articles/ecclesiastical-new-year-setting-our-gaze-upon-christ

Curious about the Catholic faith? Want to learn more? Join us TOMORROW for the RCIA/OCIA at 7 PM in the Rectory/Parish Office.

RCIA, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults will soon be known as OCIA, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

www.mhr.org/livestream or https://vimeo.com/event/4547283

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 1, 2024

Please note that we are experiencing some technical issues with our lighting system. We’re using our NEW livestream cameras! 🎥 While this is still a work in progress, we appreciate your patience as we continue to learn and improve.

All music used in live-stream with permission from OneLicense.net A-706379

Parish Offering - We sincerely appreciate your ongoing financial support towards our ministries and expenses, which enables our small community to achieve great things. You can donate conveniently through various ways, including by text at (650) 262-0965, by dropping off at the parish office, mailing to 100 Diamond St, San Francisco, CA 94114, or through our website at mhr.org. Thank you for your generosity.

Prayer of Spiritual Communion - My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire you with all my heart. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself to you completely. Please do not let me ever be separated from you. Amen.

You're invited to Taizé Prayer for Peace
Thursday, September 5 | 7:00 PM
Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity
3373 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Join us for an evening of peace and reflection with the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity in the heart of the Mission. Taizé Prayer Sessions are open to everyone, so feel free to bring friends along. We look forward to seeing you there!

🌟 Join Us for the Annual Back to School Barbeque! 🌭🍔

📅 Mark your calendars for a delightful afternoon of fun and feasting at the Back to School Barbeque, on Sunday, September 8th right after the 10 am mass

🤝 Your assistance is essential to make this event a resounding success! We need volunteers for the following:

🪑 Set Up Tables and Chairs: We need many hands to help us set up tables and chairs prior to mass on Sunday

🧼 Cleanup Crew: After the delightful meal, join the cleanup team to tidy up the kitchen area, take down tables and chairs, and return them to Ellard Hall, ensuring the space is left as pristine as we found it. We need as many hands as possible to make this go quickly and efficiently

🤲 Your involvement is immensely valued, as the saying goes, "many hands make light work"! Let's come together as a community to make this event memorable and enjoyable for all.

📩 To contribute your skills and dedication, kindly reach out to Carter Widlund at [email protected] or 415-385-8479 .

See you at the Back to School Barbeque as we celebrate the joy of community and the excitement of a new school year! 🎉🎓🌞

Gospel of the Day: Mt 25:1-13

The parable of the ten virgins serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared and vigilant in our spiritual lives. Five of the virgins were wise, bringing extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish, unprepared for the bridegroom’s arrival. This story challenges us to reflect on our own readiness to meet Christ, the bridegroom. Are we spiritually prepared, with hearts full of faith, hope, and love? Or are we neglecting the necessary spiritual practices that keep our lamps burning brightly?

The delay of the bridegroom symbolizes the uncertainties and waiting periods in our faith journey. It’s easy to become complacent or distracted, allowing our spiritual lives to drift. Yet, the parable urges us to stay awake, to be continually mindful of our relationship with God, and to nurture it with prayer, good deeds, and a commitment to living out the Gospel.

May we be like the wise virgins, ready to meet the Lord with hearts full of light, regardless of the hour.

Lord, help us to stay vigilant in our faith, always prepared to meet you with open hearts and shining spirits. Grant us the wisdom to carry the oil of love, patience, and perseverance, so that we may always be ready to enter your heavenly feast. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. ✝



Source Image - not the content or text, only the image
https://latterdaysaintmag.com/video-seeing-the-parable-of-the-ten-virgins-with-new-eyes/

Gospel of the Day: Mk 6:17-29

In reflecting on the story of John the Baptist's martyrdom, we see a stark contrast between the courage of a prophet and the weakness of a king. John the Baptist stood firm in his commitment to truth, even when it meant challenging those in power. Herod, on the other hand, was swayed by fear, pride, and the opinions of others. Though he recognized John's righteousness, Herod’s inability to act on his convictions led to a grave injustice.

This passage reminds us of the importance of integrity in the face of pressure. Like Herod, we may find ourselves in situations where doing the right thing comes at a personal cost. However, John's example calls us to stand firm, even when it's difficult, trusting that God's truth will prevail.

May we learn from Herod’s failure and John's faithfulness, seeking the courage to speak and act with integrity in all areas of our lives.

Lord, grant us the courage to stand for truth, even when the world pressures us to compromise. Help us to act with integrity, guided by your Spirit, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to your will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. ✝



Source Image - not the content or text, only the image
https://young-catholics.com/4219/the-passion-of-saint-john-the-baptist/

Celebration of Life for John Schumacher

Join us at Most Holy Redeemer Church on Thursday, August 29th, at 5:30 PM for a Memorial Service honoring our beloved friend and longtime parishioner, John Schumacher. John was a cherished and active member of our community, and his presence will be deeply missed.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God,
rest in peace. Amen.

Gospel of the Day: MT 23:27-32

In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, comparing them to whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside, yet full of death and decay within. This powerful image urges us to reflect on the authenticity of our own lives. How often do we focus on maintaining a righteous appearance, while neglecting the inner work needed to align our hearts with God’s will?

Jesus warns against the danger of self-righteousness, the belief that we are above the mistakes of those who came before us. It’s easy to condemn the actions of past generations while convincing ourselves that we would have acted differently. Yet, this passage calls us to a deeper humility, acknowledging that we too are capable of the same failings if we are not vigilant in our spiritual journey.

As we examine our own hearts, we are invited to move beyond surface-level righteousness and strive for true inner transformation. Let us not merely adorn our lives with good deeds, but seek to root out any hypocrisy or evil within us. By doing so, we open ourselves to God’s grace, allowing Him to cleanse and renew us from the inside out.

Lord Jesus, help me to see where I am like the whitewashed tombs, appearing righteous but harboring sin within. Grant me the courage to confront my own hypocrisy and the humility to seek Your transformation. May I live authentically, with a heart aligned to Your will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. ✝



Source Image - not the content or text, only the image
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/embracing-freedom-inner-transformation-lessons-from-shadow-cowart/

Gospel of the Day: MT 23:23-26

In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges the scribes and Pharisees, exposing their hypocrisy. They meticulously follow the smallest details of the law, tithing herbs like mint and dill, yet they neglect the deeper, more significant aspects of faith: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus calls them "blind guides" for focusing on trivialities while missing the bigger picture, symbolized by their act of straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel. He emphasizes the importance of inner purity over outward appearances, urging them to cleanse the inside of the cup—their hearts—so that their external actions will naturally reflect true righteousness.

This passage invites us to examine our own lives. How often do we focus on appearances or minor details while neglecting the more profound call to love, justice, and compassion? Are we sometimes more concerned with how things look on the outside, rather than tending to the integrity and intentions within our hearts? Jesus' words remind us that true faithfulness begins from within and radiates outward.

Lord, help us to see clearly and live authentically. Grant us the wisdom to prioritize what truly matters—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Cleanse our hearts, so that our lives may reflect your love and truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. ✝



Source Image - not the content or text, only the image
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-pause-thoughtful-reflection-chester-elton/

Gospel of the Day: Mt 23:13-22

In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who, while appearing devout, obstruct the very path to God’s Kingdom. Their actions, driven by legalism and superficial piety, miss the heart of true faith, which lies in love, mercy, and humility. Jesus warns against prioritizing material symbols over the sacredness they represent. The gold of the temple and the gifts on the altar hold no meaning without the holiness of the temple and the altar themselves. This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives—are we focusing on outward appearances, or are we truly living out the essence of our faith? Are we opening doors for others to encounter God, or are we, like the Pharisees, inadvertently becoming obstacles? May we strive to lead with authenticity, ensuring that our actions reflect our beliefs and that we guide others toward God’s love.

Lord, help us to see beyond the surface and to live with sincerity and integrity. May our faith be more than mere words or rituals, but a true reflection of Your love and grace. Guide us to be humble and compassionate, that we may open the way for others to find You. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. ✝



Source Image - not the content or text, only the image
https://www.madeseen.com/products/modern-christian-art-jesus-teaching-painting-bible-story-art

Are you passionate about music or enjoy singing? Interested in learning to play handbells? Join our vibrant Music Ministry community at MHR! We're looking to expand and would love for you to be a part of it. Come check us out and see how you can get involved!

www.mhr.org/livestream or https://vimeo.com/event/4530202

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 25, 2024

Please note that we are experiencing some technical issues with our lighting system. We’re using our NEW livestream cameras! 🎥 While this is still a work in progress, we appreciate your patience as we continue to learn and improve.

All music used in live-stream with permission from OneLicense.net A-706379

Parish Offering - We sincerely appreciate your ongoing financial support towards our ministries and expenses, which enables our small community to achieve great things. You can donate conveniently through various ways, including by text at (650) 262-0965, by dropping off at the parish office, mailing to 100 Diamond St, San Francisco, CA 94114, or through our website at mhr.org. Thank you for your generosity.

Prayer of Spiritual Communion - My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire you with all my heart. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself to you completely. Please do not let me ever be separated from you. Amen.

Curious about the Catholic faith? Want to learn more? Join us for the OCIA on September 18 at 7 PM in the Rectory/Parish Office.

Gospel of the Day: Mt 22:34-40

In today's Gospel, we witness a profound moment where Jesus is asked to identify the greatest commandment. His response is both simple and transformative: love. Jesus calls us first to love God with every part of our being—heart, soul, and mind. This love for God is not just a feeling but a total commitment of ourselves to Him. It is a love that requires us to place God at the center of our lives, guiding our thoughts, actions, and decisions.

But Jesus doesn’t stop there. He connects this love of God with love for our neighbor, showing that true love for God cannot exist without love for others. The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" invites us to see the image of God in every person we encounter. It challenges us to act with compassion, kindness, and understanding, treating others with the same respect and care we desire for ourselves.

These two commandments, Jesus tells us, are the foundation of all the teachings in Scripture. They remind us that our faith is lived out in the way we love—both God and those around us. As we reflect on these words, may we strive to embody this love in our daily lives.

Loving God, help us to love You with all our heart, soul, and mind. Grant us the grace to love our neighbors as ourselves, so that we may live out Your commandments fully. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. ✝



Source Image - not the content or text, only the image
https://wherepeteris.com/lgbtq-catholics-and-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

Today, as we reflect on the Queenship of Mary, we acknowledge the profound connection she shares with her Son, Jesus Christ, our King. Though Christ is the true King in the fullest sense—both divine and human—Mary, as His mother, shares in His royal dignity in a unique and unparalleled way. Her intimate union with Christ, from the moment of His conception to His victory over sin and death, grants her a status above all creation. It is through this bond with Christ that Mary becomes our heavenly Queen, entrusted with the distribution of divine graces and treasures.

Mary's dignity surpasses all other creatures, for she was filled with an abundance of grace from the first moment of her existence. Her holiness and innocence, preserved by God's grace, set her apart as the purest of all God's creations. As Pius IX declared, Mary was endowed with a fullness of heavenly gifts that no other being, save God, could ever possess.

In recognizing Mary as our Queen, we find comfort in her motherly love and guidance. She reigns not with an iron fist but with a heart aflame with love for each of us. Let us rejoice in being subject to her gentle rule, confident that she intercedes for us with the same love she has for her Son.

Mary, our Queen and Mother, guide us with your tender love and intercede for us before the throne of God. May we always seek your protection and follow your example of humility and grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. ✝



Source Image - not the content or text, only the image
https://young-catholics.com/2060/queenship-of-mary/

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women.

Readings for the Memorial of The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary can be found at: https://ow.ly/YUuN50T1yee

Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church, pray for us!

Saint John Eudes, Priest, pray for us!

www.mhr.org/livestream or https://vimeo.com/event/4516655

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 18, 2024

Please note that we are experiencing some technical issues with our lighting system. We’re using our NEW livestream cameras! 🎥 While this is still a work in progress, we appreciate your patience as we continue to learn and improve.

For enhanced video quality, simply hover your mouse over the wheel/gear icon (settings) and modify the video resolution from 240p (or current setting) to 1080p.

All music used in live-stream with permission from OneLicense.net A-706379

Parish Offering - We sincerely appreciate your ongoing financial support towards our ministries and expenses, which enables our small community to achieve great things. You can donate conveniently through various ways, including by text at (650) 262-0965, by dropping off at the parish office, mailing to 100 Diamond St, San Francisco, CA 94114, or through our website at mhr.org. Thank you for your generosity.

Prayer of Spiritual Communion - My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire you with all my heart. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself to you completely. Please do not let me ever be separated from you. Amen.

www.mhr.org/livestream or https://vimeo.com/event/4514698

Celebration of Life for Jerry Anderson, August 17, 2024

Please note that we are experiencing some technical issues with our lighting system. We’re using our NEW livestream cameras! 🎥 While this is still a work in progress, we appreciate your patience as we continue to learn and improve.

For enhanced video quality, simply hover your mouse over the wheel/gear icon (settings) and modify the video resolution from 240p (or current setting) to 1080p.

All music used in live-stream with permission from OneLicense.net A-706379

Prayer of Spiritual Communion - My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire you with all my heart. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself to you completely. Please do not let me ever be separated from you. Amen.

Saint Columba, Oakland
End-of-Summer - White Party Auction
Gothic Rose by Autumn de Forest

www.mhr.org/livestream or https://vimeo.com/event/4512014

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, 2024

Please note that we are experiencing some technical issues with our lighting system. We’re using our NEW livestream cameras! 🎥 While this is still a work in progress, we appreciate your patience as we continue to learn and improve.

For enhanced video quality, simply hover your mouse over the wheel/gear icon (settings) and modify the video resolution from 240p (or current setting) to 1080p.

All music used in live-stream with permission from OneLicense.net A-706379

Parish Offering - We sincerely appreciate your ongoing financial support towards our ministries and expenses, which enables our small community to achieve great things. You can donate conveniently through various ways, including by text at (650) 262-0965, by dropping off at the parish office, mailing to 100 Diamond St, San Francisco, CA 94114, or through our website at mhr.org. Thank you for your generosity.

Prayer of Spiritual Communion - My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire you with all my heart. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself to you completely. Please do not let me ever be separated from you. Amen.

Celebration of Life for Jerry Anderson this Saturday, August 17 at 11:00 AM.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

8-15-1815
Today is the anniversary of founding of C.PP.S. On August 15, 1815, St. Gaspar founded the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood in Giano, Italy. That’s 209 years of bringing people near through the Blood of Christ.

As summer draws to a close, and the harvest season fills gardens and fields with ripe fruits, the Church celebrates the Assumption of Mary, the most precious fruit of God's kingdom. This ancient feast, rooted in the early Christian community of Jerusalem, honors Mary’s passage from earthly life to her heavenly home. The "Memory of Mary," first celebrated near the "Tomb of Mary" close to Mount Zion, evolved into the feast of the Assumption, a celebration that recognizes Mary’s unique role in salvation history.

This feast isn't just a reflection on the past but a reminder of our future. Mary's Assumption into heaven, body and soul, gives us hope that we, too, will be welcomed into eternal life. The Church, through this feast, invites us to lift our eyes to heaven, where Mary has gone before us, showing the way.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, as we celebrate your Assumption, we ask for your intercession. Help us to live lives of grace, trusting in God's promise of eternal life. May we always strive to follow your example of faith and humility, looking forward with hope to the day when we too will share in the fullness of God's glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. ✝

Today is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be celebrated at 8 AM and 7 PM at MHR. Hope to see you there!



Source Image - not the content or text, only the image
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/2766048638