February 22, 2026

1^st Sunday of Lent

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have already begun our Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday by going back to the very beginning.

In the Book of Genesis, we hear about the creation of our first parents and how temptation entered the world. Adam and Eve were given everything they needed. They walked with God. Yet the serpent planted doubt: “Did God really say…?” That small seed of mistrust opened the door to sin. They reached for what was not given, and harmony was broken.

That story is not just about the past. It is about us.

Psalm 51 gives us the right response: “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.” Lent is not about pretending we are perfect. It is about honestly admitting we need mercy. And the beautiful truth we hear in St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans is this: where sin increased, grace increased all the more. No failure, no addiction, no broken relationship, no long-standing habit is stronger than the grace of Christ.

In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus faces temptation in the desert. He fasts for forty days and forty nights. He is hungry, tired, and alone. The devil tempts Him with comfort, power, and pride — the same temptations we face today.

Turn stones into bread — satisfy yourself first.

Throw yourself down — make God prove Himself.

Worship me — take a shortcut to power and success.

Jesus resists every temptation, not with arguments, but with trust in the Father and the Word of God. Where Adam failed, Jesus remains faithful. The question is whether we will trust God in the moment of testing.

Lent invites us into the desert with Jesus. In our busy lives, that desert might mean turning off the noise, stepping away from constant entertainment, limiting social media, fasting from unnecessary spending, or setting aside quiet time for prayer. It may mean going to Confession after many years. It may mean forgiving someone we have held resentment toward.

We do not enter Lent alone or discouraged. We enter it with hope. Christ has already won the victory. Our small sacrifices unite us to His greater sacrifice.

This week, I encourage you to choose one concrete practice in each area:

Prayer – Set aside 10 minutes each day for quiet conversation with the Lord.

Fasting – Give up something that creates space for God, not just chocolate.

Almsgiving – Help someone in need, whether through a donation, a meal, your time or just being there and listening to someone in need.

Let this Lent be real. May this holy season draw us closer to Christ, who remained faithful in the desert so that we might share in His victory.

With prayers for you and your families,

Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela

A few years into my priesthood, I hit a wall. I had taken on too many commitments: Masses, meetings, ministries, projects. I couldn’t keep up. I was double-booking, forgetting things, running late, and letting people down. My boss at the time, a wise priest, and our shared secretary, noticed. For my birthday, the two gave me a stack of 100 flashcards, each with one word printed in a different language: “NO.” It was funny, but also painfully true. If I couldn’t say no, my yes was in danger.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One” (Matthew 5:37). He’s not just giving advice about polite speech. He’s showing us something about the freedom of Christian discipleship. The follower of Christ is called to speak clearly, simply, and honestly. There is joy in that kind of freedom.

The Church Fathers often linked this kind of straightforward truthfulness with spiritual maturity. The devil is the father of lies, but Jesus is the Word made flesh. When we hedge, flatter, exaggerate, or avoid, we open space for the shadows to creep in. That little stack of flashcards reminded me that God does not want us enslaved to the expectations of others or to the fear of disappointing them. He wants us to enjoy the peace of saying yes and meaning it, and saying no, and meaning it, too.

Lenten Challenge: Practice one moment of honest, peaceful speech this week. Maybe it’s a sincere “yes” to something important, or a humble “no” to something you cannot do. Let it be a quiet step into the freedom Jesus offers.

— Father John Muir

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

1^st Reading Question

Sirach speaks of the human freedom to choose between good and evil and of God’s desire for us to act justly. What good could you do this week for a friend or family member?

2^nd Reading Question

Paul teaches that God reveals His wisdom to us through the Holy Spirit. How might you be more open to listening to the Holy Spirit in your daily life?

Gospel Question

Jesus offers stern warnings against breaking the commandments, holding grudges, committing adultery, divorcing your spouse, and falsifying oaths. Why do you think Jesus holds us to such high moral expectations?

I recently learned why zebras have stripes. Scientists used to think it was for camouflage, but new research suggests something more interesting: the stripes help zebras blend in with one another. When a predator looks at a herd, the overlapping stripes make it hard to single out one animal. But if a researcher spray-paints a dot on just one zebra, predators lock on it and eventually attack. The lesson? In the wild, blending in is protection. Standing out can be dangerous.

Human beings are not so different. Most of us would rather blend in than stand out, especially when it comes to our faith. We know that giving bold witness to Jesus — through our words, values, or public choices — can make us targets for criticism, isolation, or judgment. That’s why Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are so challenging: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).

A city on a hill draws attention. It also draws fire. But that’s part of the cost of discipleship. Jesus doesn’t call us to be tribal or boastful. He calls us to stand in the open with humble confidence, so that people might see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. Today, let’s ask for the courage not just to believe in Christ, but to be seen believing in him.

·  

· Father John Muir

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©LPi

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

1^st Reading Question

We hear from Isaiah that the Lord expects us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and avoid false accusations and hateful speech. Which of these virtues could you practice this week?

2^nd Reading Question

Paul encourages the Corinthians to ground their faith in the power of God and not in human wisdom. How can you make this a regular habit?

Gospel Question

Jesus challenges his disciples to have a positive influence in the world. Who do you know makes the world a better place? 

©LPi

I was 22 years old, lying in bed one night while on a pilgrimage, when I suddenly sensed an idea in my mind: “Go to the seminary.” There was no voice, no vision, but a gentle and unmistakable clarity. I simply prayed, “Lord, if that’s from you, let me find great joy in it.” Three days later, my heart was bursting with joy. I dropped everything and entered the seminary. The older I get, the stranger my rather careless and hasty departure seems to me. I followed not because it made sense, or because I was especially brave. I went because the Lord called me. 

Something like this happens in today’s Gospel. Jesus walks by Simon, Andrew, James, and John and says, “Come after me” (Matthew 4:19). And immediately they leave their nets and follow. There’s no explanation, no hesitation … just movement. Why? As St. John says, “In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us” (1 John 4:10). They do not leave their nets because his call made perfect, calculable sense. They left them because they were called. And Jesus’ call is powerful.

Take a moment this week to remember when Christ first called you. However small or quiet it was, recall it, and give thanks. The more we marvel that Christ has called us personally, the more passionately and freely we will follow him.

Questions for our reflection.

1^st Reading Question

Isaiah prophesies a future reversal of fortune for the people living in the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. Have you ever received an unexpected gift or blessing?

2^nd Reading Question

Paul urges the Corinthians to be united in mind and purpose, and to avoid rivalries. How do you react to conflicts at home or at work?

Gospel Question

Matthew tells us that Jesus began his public ministry by calling disciples, healing the sick and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven. Have you ever felt a “call to action” to live out your faith?

2^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

John 1:29-34 

It’s common to hear belief in Jesus and the Church mocked as blind faith and credulity. But in reality, it is deeply human and rational. Think about it: we rely on the testimony of others constantly. I trust chemists who certify the safety of toothpaste and cleaning products. I trust engineers when I use a microwave or drive over a bridge. Why? Because they have studied and seen what I have not, and their testimony proves itself in daily life. That kind of trust is not irrational; it is how human knowledge works.

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist declares: “Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God” (John 1:34). That is the language of an eyewitness. It invites us into a very human act: trusting someone who has directly encountered something — or Someone — we have not yet fully seen ourselves.

The Church’s faith is built on this kind of reliable sight-based testimony. The Apostles did not make abstract claims. They saw, followed, suffered for, and proclaimed Jesus Christ. Over centuries, their witness — carried in Scripture, in the lives of the saints, and in the sacramental life of the Church — has proven dependable. We come to know its truth by assenting to it, by living and studying it, praying with it, trusting it.

Faith in Christ is not a childish leap into the dark. It is a step into the light of testimony that proves itself over time.

Questions for our reflection.

1^st Reading Question

Isaiah teaches that God chose Israel to reveal His glory and bring salvation to the world. Why do you think God uses people to do His will?

2^nd Reading Question

Paul opens his letter to the Corinthians with a plea for unity and holiness of all believers. Where do you see your faith community unified and holy?

Gospel Question 

John the Baptist testifies to others that Jesus is the Son of God who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. With whom do you talk about Jesus?

With love in Christ,

Fr. Sunil Pallela

The Baptism of the Lord

                                       Matthew 3:13-17

Apple ran a commercial not long ago called “Behind the Mac – Greatness.” It shows artists and creators, such as Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Lady Gaga, working behind their MacBooks. The narration says, “There’s a certain kind of person who doesn’t wait for greatness. They make it.” It’s a compelling message. There’s beauty in using our gifts with passion and purpose. But there lies a hidden weight in that idea: If you are what you make, what happens when you can’t anymore? When the project fails, the passion fades, or the spotlight moves on, where is greatness then?

Today’s Gospel offers a differing vision of greatness. Jesus steps into the Jordan River. He hasn’t preached, healed, or performed a single miracle. Then the heavens open, and the Father speaks: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” It’s not a reward for success. It’s not earned. Before he does anything “great,” Jesus receives the greatness of his identity from the Father.

And so do you. At your baptism, God said the same thing over you: “You are my beloved.” That is your true identity, not constructed or earned but received. When we see ourselves and others this way, everything changes for the better. We discover a greatness that can never be taken away.

This week, reflect on your baptism: look up the date, thank God for it, pray for those baptized with you, or visit the church where it happened. Let your identity be rooted there.

Questions for our reflection:

1^st Reading Question

Isaiah speaks of God using a servant to deliver justice to the nations of the world. When have you felt God calling you to do His work?

2^nd Reading Question

Peter testifies how God and the Holy Spirit were active in the life and public ministry of Jesus. Do you sense the Holy Spirit present in your life?

Gospel Question

John the Baptist initially hesitates baptizing Jesus. Do you have a friend or co-worker who needs your encouragement? 

With love in Christ,

Fr. Sunil Pallela

Pastoral Message for Christmas & New Year

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we continue our joyful celebration of Christmas and step into a New Year, I wish you a Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year. In this season, we reflect on the incredible generosity of God, Who gives us not only Himself but also the tender care of a Mother. In the spirit of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, let us consider these gifts: the Gift of God, the Gift of a Mother, and how we are called to Live These Gifts Today.

1. The Gift of God:  Christmas proclaims the wondrous truth of Emmanuel – “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). In Jesus, God chose to enter our world in humility, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger (Luke 2:7). He who created the heavens and the earth became like us in all things but sin, sharing our joys and sorrows. As St. John writes, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

This is not just a distant story from 2,000 years ago. The same God who came to the shepherds in their fields and to Mary and Joseph in the quiet of Bethlehem now comes to dwell with us—in our homes, our workplaces, our struggles, and our celebrations. He is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).

2. The Gift of a Mother: Alongside the gift of His presence, God gives us the gift of Mary, our Mother. On the Cross, in His last moments of earthly life, Jesus looked upon the beloved disciple and said, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:27). In giving Mary to John, He gave her to all of us.

Mary’s quiet yes to God, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), remains a model for every believer. She walks beside us as a loving mother, interceding for us and guiding us closer to Christ. Just as she nurtured the Holy Family in Nazareth, she now nurtures the family of the Church. In her, we see perfect trust, humility, and the courage to follow God’s will.

3. Living the Gifts Today:  The gifts of God’s presence and Mary’s motherhood are not just theological ideas; they are living realities meant to shape our daily lives. As we begin this New Year, we are invited to recognize Emmanuel in every part of life and to respond with faith, hope, and love.

Here are a few ways to live these gifts:

In family life: Begin or end the day with prayer together, even a simple “Our Father” or “Hail Mary,” and speak words of encouragement that reflect God’s love.

At work: Treat colleagues with patience and integrity, and offer acts of quiet service without seeking recognition, remembering that Christ is present in every person.

In prayer and community: Set aside time each day to reflect on God’s blessings, and join your parish family at Mass each Sunday to receive the Eucharist—the very presence of God among us. Consider participating in a parish ministry or volunteering in service to others. Living the gifts of God and Mary’s care means sharing our faith and our love with the wider community.

St. Paul reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). When we live this way – rooted in prayer, nourished by the sacraments, and engaged in parish life – we become bearers of Christ’s light to the world.

Questions for our reflection:

1. How have I experienced God’s presence in my life this Christmas season, and where do I need to invite Him more deeply?

2. In what ways can I imitate Mary’s faith and trust in my own daily choices and relationships?

3. What gift of God am I being called to share with others as I begin 2026?

4. How can I make my home, work, or parish a place where others encounter Emmanuel—God with us?

How might I deepen my participation in the Mass or parish ministries to live these gifts more fully?

Pastoral Blessing 

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and bring you peace. As we begin this New Year, may you walk in the light of Christ, strengthened by God’s love and guided always by the prayers of Mary, our Mother.

A Prayer to Mary 

O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, we entrust our parish to your care. Pray for us, that we may welcome Jesus into our hearts, our homes, and our community. Help us to live with faith and courage, and to bring Christ’s love to all we meet. Amen.

In Christ, 

Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela

Pastoral Message for Christmas & New Year

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we continue our joyful celebration of Christmas and step into a New Year, I wish you a Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year. In this season, we reflect on the incredible generosity of God, Who gives us not only Himself but also the tender care of a Mother. In the spirit of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, let us consider these gifts: the Gift of God, the Gift of a Mother, and how we are called to Live These Gifts Today.

1. The Gift of God:  Christmas proclaims the wondrous truth of Emmanuel – “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). In Jesus, God chose to enter our world in humility, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger (Luke 2:7). He who created the heavens and the earth became like us in all things but sin, sharing our joys and sorrows. As St. John writes, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

This is not just a distant story from 2,000 years ago. The same God who came to the shepherds in their fields and to Mary and Joseph in the quiet of Bethlehem now comes to dwell with us—in our homes, our workplaces, our struggles, and our celebrations. He is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).

2. The Gift of a Mother: Alongside the gift of His presence, God gives us the gift of Mary, our Mother. On the Cross, in His last moments of earthly life, Jesus looked upon the beloved disciple and said, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:27). In giving Mary to John, He gave her to all of us.

Mary’s quiet yes to God, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), remains a model for every believer. She walks beside us as a loving mother, interceding for us and guiding us closer to Christ. Just as she nurtured the Holy Family in Nazareth, she now nurtures the family of the Church. In her, we see perfect trust, humility, and the courage to follow God’s will.

3. Living the Gifts Today:  The gifts of God’s presence and Mary’s motherhood are not just theological ideas; they are living realities meant to shape our daily lives. As we begin this New Year, we are invited to recognize Emmanuel in every part of life and to respond with faith, hope, and love.

Here are a few ways to live these gifts:

In family life: Begin or end the day with prayer together, even a simple “Our Father” or “Hail Mary,” and speak words of encouragement that reflect God’s love.

At work: Treat colleagues with patience and integrity, and offer acts of quiet service without seeking recognition, remembering that Christ is present in every person.

In prayer and community: Set aside time each day to reflect on God’s blessings, and join your parish family at Mass each Sunday to receive the Eucharist—the very presence of God among us. Consider participating in a parish ministry or volunteering in service to others. Living the gifts of God and Mary’s care means sharing our faith and our love with the wider community.

St. Paul reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). When we live this way – rooted in prayer, nourished by the sacraments, and engaged in parish life – we become bearers of Christ’s light to the world.

Questions for our reflection:

1. How have I experienced God’s presence in my life this Christmas season, and where do I need to invite Him more deeply?

2. In what ways can I imitate Mary’s faith and trust in my own daily choices and relationships?

3. What gift of God am I being called to share with others as I begin 2026?

4. How can I make my home, work, or parish a place where others encounter Emmanuel—God with us?

How might I deepen my participation in the Mass or parish ministries to live these gifts more fully?

Pastoral Blessing 

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and bring you peace. As we begin this New Year, may you walk in the light of Christ, strengthened by God’s love and guided always by the prayers of Mary, our Mother.

A Prayer to Mary 

O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, we entrust our parish to your care. Pray for us, that we may welcome Jesus into our hearts, our homes, and our community. Help us to live with faith and courage, and to bring Christ’s love to all we meet. Amen.

In Christ, 

Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela

4th Sunday of Advent – Theme of Love

Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24

Dear Beloved Parish Family,

As we enter this Fourth Sunday of Advent, my heart is filled with joy and gratitude for each of you. This week’s theme is Love, and what a beautiful gift to reflect on as we draw closer to Christmas. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” This is the love that comes to dwell in our world and in our homes.

The readings this Sunday point us to the ways God’s love takes root in our lives:

In Isaiah 7, God promises a sign—the birth of Emmanuel, “God with us”—reminding us that His love is present and personal.

Psalm 24 calls us to open the gates of our hearts to the King of Glory, welcoming His love into our daily lives.

Romans 1 speaks of the Gospel spreading God’s grace and peace, a love that reaches through all generations.

In Matthew 1, Joseph quietly and faithfully embraces God’s plan, showing us that love often appears in humble acts of trust, care, and protection.

During this Advent season, I invite you to make love the center of your home. Cherish your family, strengthen the bonds around your table, and take time to express gratitude and affection to those closest to you. At the same time, let this love extend beyond your home into our community. A visit to a lonely neighbor, a warm meal for someone in need, or a word of encouragement to a struggling friend can become a light of Christ’s love in the world.

Reflective Questions:

1. How can my family make space to show Christ’s love to one another this week?

2. Who in our community can experience God’s love through my acts of kindness?

How can our home be a reflection of Emmanuel—God with us—this Christmas?

May this Advent season fill your hearts and homes with the love that only Christ can bring. Know that I am praying for each of you and your families in these final days before Christmas.

With love in Christ,

Fr. Sunil Pallela

Gaudete Sunday: A Call to Rejoice

The Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, is a joyful pause in the season of waiting. The word Gaudete means “Rejoice!”, and the Church invites us to lift our hearts with hope as we draw closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth.

The prophet Isaiah (chapter 35) gives us a beautiful vision of this joy: deserts will bloom with life, the weak will find new strength, and those in fear will hear the promise, “God himself comes to save you.” This is not a distant or uncertain hope, but the assurance that God is already moving to restore, heal, and renew.

James (5:7-10), reminds us that true joy requires patience. Just as a farmer waits for the harvest, trusting in the rhythm of the seasons, we are called to trust in God’s perfect timing. Even in seasons of silence or struggle, the Lord is at work.

In the Gospel (Mt 11:2-11), we meet John the Baptist in prison, longing for confirmation about who Jesus truly is. In response, Jesus offers no grand titles but points to the evidence of His mission:

The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor.

This is the joy of Gaudete Sunday: we rejoice not because everything in our lives is perfect, but because Christ is present and active, bringing hope, healing, and new life even in the midst of our waiting. Moreover, we rejoice to welcome the adults interested in becoming Catholic through the Rite of Welcoming, during which the candidates declare their intention to follow Christ, and the Church accepts them and supports them through prayers, signifying the beginning of their formation journey toward full initiation at the Easter Vigil. The rite is a threshold event, marking the candidate’s official entry into the catechumenate period and the Church’s commitment to accompany them on their path to initiation.

As we light the rose candle this Sunday, let us lift our eyes above our worries, entrust our hearts to God’s promises, and rejoice that He is near.

Prayer for Our Parish

Heavenly Father,

We rejoice this Gaudete Sunday, for You are faithful and near.

Open our eyes to see Your works of healing and hope.

Strengthen our hearts with patience as we await the coming of Christ.

Help our parish to be a place where joy blossoms like Isaiah’s desert,

where the weary are lifted up and the Good News is shared.

Prepare our hearts to welcome Your Son this Christmas,

with gratitude and trust in Your loving plan.

Amen.