Love your neighbor. It sounds so simple. Yet it is not always east to accomplish. Many things get in the way of taking this commandment to heart. Sometimes, it is things that get in the way, but more often, we get in the way. We tend to see things through our own perspective, rather than considering the other person's point of view. In our interactions with others, we often fail to truly listen, focusing instead on our next response or point to be made. We say we love our neighbor, right up to the point at which doing so requires some sacrifice of time, attention, or financial support, and then suddenly, a thousand reasons for keeping to ourselves emerge. Jesus knew this when he summed up the greatest commandments of loving God and neighbor. Notice when he said about this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

It is a scene that could be taken from the daily news feed. A young upstart is confronted by two established leaders. While holding opposing views on many issues, the two band together in an attempt to trap the newcomer. This is not a start from the daily news, however. The newcomer is Jesus in today's Gospel passage. The two established leaders, one a Pharisee and the other a Herodian, think they can trap Jesus by posing a question about the payment of taxes. No matter how he might respond to their questions, they would have the means to discredit him. Jesus sees through their hypocrisy and does not fall into their trap. His response gets at the hears of what is truly important: "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

Our readings this week speak of God's promises and their fulfillment, all in different ways. Isaiah presents a feast set in the future and hosted by God. Here the participants witness the astonishing generosity of God. At the feast, God gives the ultimate gift, the destruction of death itself. Saint Paul, confident in the fulfillment of God's abundant promises, urges the Philippians to live in gratitude and patience. Today's Gospel, however, is more challenging for us to hear. While announcing God's generous invitation, Jesus also describes, in dramatic imagery, how people may reject the invitation. Matthew reminded the early church of the need to recognize God's summons and be prepared to participate fully in God's banquet. This complex and unsettling parable invites our reflection on the nature of God's invitation and our response.

Vineyards were an essential part of the economy of Israel during the times of Isaiah and Jesus. Vineyard owners had the difficult challenge of producing a rich harvest. Our readings from Isaiah and Matthew describe God and God's creation in terms of the business of vineyards. The two stories are closely linked, as Jesus borrowed and adapted his parable from Isaiah. Using this rich imagery, we can see the vineyard as all the places of God's creation and ongoing work.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Let me read to you a different kind of Gospel than the one we heard a moment ago.

A reading from the anti-Gospel according to social media. Glory to me and my ego.

If your brother, or some other random person with whom you have no relationship, says or does something you find disagreeable, especially concerning politics, do not reach out to them individually and attempt to seek the full context behind their words or actions. There is no need to seek a deeper understanding behind what they said or did. After all, this is what the silly Christians do.

Dear Parishioners of San Francisco de Asis,

Recently, we installed a brand new HD camera in the Church and we are now live-streaming all of our Masses for those who are unable to attend. You can access the live-stream on Facebook and YouTube. We hope you enjoy the enhanced quality of this new camera. Please remember that no technology is perfect and there are bound to be small audio and visual anomalies from time to time. We will be making small, fine tuned adjustments on an ongoing basis to improve our broadcast of Mass at SFDA.

Dear Parishioners of San Francisco de Asis,

After reviewing Mayor Coral Evans’ recent proclamation concerning face coverings in public, and after consultation with Bishop Olmsted and other members of leadership in the Diocese of Phoenix, beginning Sunday, June 21, San Francisco de Asís Catholic Church will be requiring all Mass attendees five years of age and older (who do not have a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental disability, or is unable to remove the face covering without assistance) to wear face coverings during Mass with the exception of the moment when they approach to receive Holy Communion.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with great joy that I announce to you that we have finalized a plan to resume public Masses at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church. Please take a few moments to carefully read through the following questions and answers.

When will Masses be celebrated?

Beginning May 16 & 17, we will resume our normal weekend Mass schedule: Saturday evening English Vigil Mass at 4:30pm, Sunday morning English Masses at 8:00am and 10:00am, and Sunday afternoon Spanish Mass at 12:15pm.

We are happy to announce that we will be distributing Holy Communion after the Sunday Facebook Live Masses at SFdA Church! Please note the changes that will begin this week.

Sunday Mass in English will begin at 10:00am starting May 10. Spanish Mass will still begin at 12:15pm.

Holy Communion will be distributed after the English Facebook live Mass until 11:45am and after the Spanish Facebook live Mass until 1:45pm.

The Adoration Chapel will be closed every Sunday from 9:00am-1:00pm.

Dear Parishioners of San Francisco de Asis Parish,

Happy Easter! The Lord is Risen! He is Risen indeed!

I hope and pray this letter finds you well. I am guessing this was one of the strangest Easter celebrations you have likely experienced. I know it was for me. I missed seeing the large Easter crowds, lighting the Paschal candle from the Easter fire, and baptizing and confirming eager hearts ready to receive Jesus in the Sacraments of Initiation. Yet, although all of these things were missing, I still received a strong sense of the power of Lord’s Presence at work. It was great to see so many people join us virtually for the Triduum and Easter Sunday Masses. The Lord moved many hearts to celebrate Holy Week and Easter Sunday in a special way this year.

Dear Parishioners of San Francisco de Asís,

It is hard to believe we made it through another week without the public celebration of the Eucharist. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like this pandemic is going away any time soon. We will likely be without public Masses through the month of April. I know that this is very difficult news to hear and accept. In times like this we must remember the words of St. Paul in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me." Continue trusting in the Lord, building up your home as a "domestic church," praying for an end to this pandemic, and interceding for those who have been affected by Covid-19, especially those who are dying.