F or the past several weeks, the word of God has drawn us into the mystery of

mercy. Today’s readings deepen our reflec-tion, reminding us how blessed we are to know God’s kindness and sharing practical ways to show compassion to others. The prophet Ezekiel cautions God’s chosen peo-ple, emphasizing that bad behavior naturally leads to painful consequences. The psalm responds prayerfully: “Remember your mer-cies, O Lord.” In this prayer, we ask for the mercy of recognizing our sins and receiving the strength to act differently. In his letter to the Philippians, Saint Paul invites us into a daunting challenge of mercy: “humbly re-gard others as more important than your-selves.” If we scoff at Paul’s challenge as impossibly naïve, the Gospel gives us a chance to reconsider. Our natural instincts of self-preservation might reject merciful behavior initially, but like the son in today’s Gospel of mercy, we can change our minds.

NATURE

The prophet Ezekiel scolds God’s chosen people for demanding more than they de-serve. Acting like spoiled children, the Isra-elites complain when their wicked actions lead logically to negative consequences. Nature has built-in punishments for bad be-havior: laziness leads to unpreparedness; overwork leads to exhaustion; overindul-gence leads to poor health; violence leads to injury. The natural world brims with cor-rective countermeasures to our poor choices. Why is it, Ezekiel wonders, that we become upset when sin leads to predictable and natural punishments?

SUPERNATURE

Animals never object to punishment, only humans. A wounded gerbil wouldn’t shake her fist at the skies and ask, “Why me?” But as Ezekiel knows, human beings complain constantly. Humans are supposed to be more logical than animals, yet we irration-ally protest natural consequences that we do not like, such as pain or death. Mysteri-ously, our bitterness against nature is rooted in our unique capacity for greatness. Unlike every other creature in the universe, we humans are made in the image and like-ness of God. We may live in the natural world, but God calls us every minute to su-pernatural glory. Though we are mortal, God’s mercy has destined us for immortal-ity. Our hearts long for perfect bliss unlike anything we will ever know on earth. No wonder we demand so much from God! Preserved for glory as we are, we experi-ence pain when earthly life falls short of our divine expectations. Jesus shows us the antidote for that pain—service. Though we share in the kingship of Christ, we must demonstrate our royalty as Jesus does, by serving others. As Saint Paul tells us, Jesus is God, yet takes the form of a slave—our slave. The Gospel encourages us to imitate Jesus in this way. We may object to being a servant at first, and even grumble about it. But God’s strength can help us overcome natural objections and enter gracefully into our supernatural role, heirs to the kingdom of God. Today’s Readings: Ez 18:25–28; Ps 25:4–5, 6–7, 8–9; Phil 2:1–

11 [1–5]; Mt 21:28–32

ANNUNCIATION CHURCH "As the father sent me, so I send you."

1307 East Longden Ave., Arcadia CA 91006 Parish Office: 2707 Peck Rd., Monrovia, CA 91016

(626) 447-6202 / Fax (626) 447-9834 Website: AnnunciationChurch.net

Annunciation Church Masses for This Week Saturday, Sept. 19th 6:00 p.m. Msgr. O’Connell RIP Jim DeCorse, Mary DeCorse, and John Reza S.I. Christine Hunt Sunday, Sept. 20th 8:00 a.m. Fr. Herbert S.I. Marisa del Castillo, and the Parishioners of Annunciation 10:00 a.m. VIETNAMESE Fr. Nguyen 6:00 p.m. SPANISH Fr. Chua S.I. The Sheets Family Monday, Sept. 21st 8:30 a.m. Fr. RIP Danny Do Tuesday, Sept. 22nd 8:30 a.m. Fr. RIP Peter Chan Wednesday, Sept. 23rd 8:30 a.m. Fr. RIP The Holy Souls in Purgatory Thursday, Sept. 24th 8:30 a.m. Fr. RIP The Holy Souls in Purgatory Friday, Sept. 25th 8:30 a.m. Fr. RIP Paul Chan Masses for Next Week Saturday, Sept. 26th 6:00 p.m. Fr. Chua RIP Edna and Alfredo Sepulveda Sunday, Sept. 27th 8:00 a.m. Fr. Herbert S.I. Marisa del Castillo, and the Parishioners of Annunciation RIP Henry Iturrios 10:00 a.m. VIETNAMESE Fr. Nguyen 6:00 p.m. SPANISH Fr. de la Vega S.I. The Parishioners of Annunciation Monday, Sept. 28th 8:30 a.m. Fr. S.I. Christine Nguyen Tuesday, Sept. 29th 8:30 a.m. Fr. RIP Danny Do Wednesday, Sept. 30th 8:30 a.m. Fr. S.I. Christine Nguyen Thursday, Oct. 1st 8:30 a.m. Fr. RIP Steve Riggio First Friday, Oct. 2nd 8:30 a.m. Fr. RIP The Holy Souls in Purgatory

Outdoor Masses: Just a reminder, here are the current schedules for our weekend Masses: † The Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Vietnamese Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday and the Spanish Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. The 8:00 a.m. English Mass remains the same. † If you wish to bring your own chair(s) and sit outside your car during Mass, you are welcome to do so. To ensure everyone’s safety, chairs must be placed in front of your car only, in order to maintain appropriate social distancing from the cars around you. Personal-sized only umbrellas are allowed so as to not block the view of attendees who might be seated behind you. † Masks are required when you enter the parking lot, if you remain in your car with the windows rolled down, and if you choose to sit outside your car during Mass. They are optional if you choose to remain in your car with the windows rolled up (i.e., if you have your air conditioner running). We are trying to maximize the parking spaces for those attending Mass and ask that all support volunteers (ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, music ministers, etc.) park inside the gate area just outside the Parish Hall We will continue to stream daily Mass at 11:00 a.m., Sunday Mass in English at 10:00 a.m., and Spanish Mass at 12:00 Noon. You can access these Masses on our website (www.annunciationchurch.net), Facebook (Annunciation Catholic Church), or YouTube (Annunciation Catholic Church Arcadia). Grateful thanks to you for continuing your donations. Like you, we have several recurring bills and your generosity greatly helps us meet our fi-nancial obligations! Please contact the Parish Office if you have questions.

Religious Education Registration Is Now Open: Registration for our 2020-2021 Religious Education School year is now open and accepting students. Registration packets will be available for pickup and, once completed, drop off, outside the Religious Education Office every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. First-year students need a Baptismal Certificate. If you are registering for Confirmation, please bring both a Baptismal and a First Communion Certificate. Families with children six years and older, who are not baptized, need to provide a copy of a birth certificate. Families returning for the second year of sacramental preparation must have all previous fees paid and cop-ies of certificates must be in our office. Due to the current situation relative to COVID –19, classes will begin online, starting Thursday, Oct. 15th for elementary grade students. Class time will be from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. each week. Confirmation classes will also begin online beginning Sunday, Oct. 4 from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m. Classes will take place on the Annunciation campus if/when it is deemed safe to do so and with guidance from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. For more information, please call the Religious Education Office at (626) 446-1625.

Scrip Program Purchases Appliances: In addition to the remodeling work on several of the rooms on the second floor of the Parish Office, our Vietnamese Community has also worked to upgrade the back kitchen as well. They removed the electric cooktop and replaced it with a new oven, replaced the surrounding countertop and backsplash with granite, cleaned up the sinks and re-did some of the plumbing. All that was missing was a new refrigerator and microwave to make this a fully-functioning kitchen. Scrip to the rescue! Thanks of those who have purchased Scrip in the past, and those continuing to support this program by purchasing gift cards, there was enough of a surplus of funds to allow for the purchase of these two brand new additions. This is a great example of what a successful Scrip pro-gram looks like and the benefits it offers. If you would like to purchase Scrip cards, please contact the Parish Office and we’ll be happy to help you!

Qua dụ ngôn - Chúa muốn dạy ta những bài học sau:

Bài học thứ nhất: Việc làm trọng hơn lời nói. Trong đời sống, chúng ta gặp không ít những người nói hay, nói nhiều, nhưng làm chẳng bao nhiêu. Tục ngữ Việt Nam có câu "Mười voi không được bát nước sáo" là thế. Nhưng trái lại có những người không nói giỏi, có khi không nói gì cả, nhưng lại làm rất nhiều. Nhất thời ta có thể thích những người nói hay. Nhưng sống càng lâu, ta càng mến những người nói ít làm nhiều. Trong đời sống thiêng liêng cũng thế. Chúa yêu chuộng những người làm việc hơn là những người chỉ biết nói suông. Có lần Chúa đã vạch rõ những giả dối này: "Không phải những ai nói rằng: Lạy Chúa, lạy Chúa mà được vào Nước Trời, nhưng là những kẻ làm theo ý Cha Ta trên trời" (Mt 7,21). Đức tin phải biểu lộ bằng việc làm mới là đức tin sống động. Như thánh Giacôbê dạy: "Đức tin không có việc làm là đức tin chết" (Gc 2,17). Tình yêu cũng phải có việc làm. Việc làm minh chứng tình yêu đích thực. Tin yêu Chúa phải được biểu lộ bằng việc làm.

Bài học thứ hai: Con người có thể thay đổi. Con người còn sống ở trần gian là còn thay đổi. Đó là một điều ta phải cảnh giác. Biết đâu ta đang tốt bỗng trở nên xấu. Cũng như các biệt phái và luật sĩ tự hào mình tốt, nhưng khi Chúa Giêsu đến, họ đã trở nên xấu vì không tin vào Chúa, không hoán cải đời sống. Con người có thể thay đổi. Đó là điều làm cho chúng ta hy vọng. Vì nếu ta tội lỗi yếu hèn, ta vẫn có cơ hội ăn năn trở lại. Ta không bị kết án trong tội lỗi của ta. Chúa còn cho ta có thời giờ trở lại với Chúa. Miễn là ta nhận biết mình và quyết tâm đổi mới cuộc đời.

Bài học thứ ba: Sám hối là việc cần thiết của mọi người. Đã là người ai cũng có sai lầm. Vì con người yếu đuối bất toàn. Chúa không đòi ta phải hoàn hảo không bao giờ sai lỗi. Nhưng Chúa đòi ta mỗi khi sai lỗi phải biết sám hối ăn năn. Sám hối thật cần thiết vì có sám hối ta mới được Chúa thứ tha. Chúa yêu thương và sẵn sàng tha thứ cho những tâm hồn sám hối như lời Thánh Vịnh: "Một tấm lòng tan nát dày vò, Chúa sẽ chẳng khinh chê" (Tv 50). Trong Phúc Âm ta thấy Chúa chỉ mắng nhiếc những người tự xưng mình đạo đức nên kiêu căng khinh miệt người khác và không nghe lời Chúa. Nhưng Chúa luôn nhân từ, khoan dung, tha thứ cho những tội lỗi thật lòng ăn năn. Sám hối thật cần thiết vì tất cả chúng ta ai cũng có lầm lỗi trước mặt Chúa, cần được Chúa khoan hồng thứ tha. Sám hối thật cần thiết vì đó là khởi điểm để nên tốt, nên thánh thiện. Có sám hối ta mới biết từ bỏ nếp sống cũ. Có sám hối ta mới bắt đầu một nếp sống mới đẹp lòng Chúa.

Như thế, ta đừng chỉ nói suông mà không làm, nhưng hãy biết thực hành điều Chúa dạy. Ta đừng tự hào vì mình tốt lành mà phê bình chỉ trích người khác. Hãy tự xét mình để thấy mình tội lỗi. Và khi biết mình tội lỗi, hãy ăn năn sám hối ngay. Có sám hối ta sẽ được Chúa tha thứ. Có sám hối ta mới khởi sự tiến lên trên con đường thánh thiện. Lạy Chúa xin tha thứ tội con đã phạm đến Chúa và đến anh em. Amen.

Lạy Chúa, xin nhớ lại nghĩa nặng với ân sâu của Ngài.

Bài đọc 1 Ed 18,25-28

Nếu kẻ gian ác từ bỏ điều dữ nó đã làm, thì nó sẽ cứu được mạng sống mình.

Bài đọc 2 Pl 2,1-11

Anh em hãy có những tâm tình như chính Đức Ki-tô Giê-su.

Tin Mừng Mt 21,28-32

Nó hối hận, nên lại đi. Những người thu thuế và những cô gái điếm vào Nước Thiên Chúa trước các ông.

Suy Niệm

E l profeta Ezequiel regaña al pueblo elegido de Dios por exigir más de lo que merece. Com-

portándose como niños mimados, los israelitas se quejan cuando sus acciones malvadas llevan lógi-camente a consecuencias negativas. La naturaleza tiene castigos incorporados para el mal compor-tamiento: la pereza lleva a la falta de preparación; el exceso de trabajo lleva a la mala salud; la violen-cia lleva a las lesiones. El mundo natural rebosa de contramedidas correctivas para nuestras malas elecciones. Ezequiel se pregunta por qué nos al-teramos cuando el pecado lleva a castigos pre-decibles y naturales. SUPERNATURALEZA Los animales nunca se oponen al castigo, sólo los humanos. Un jerbo herido no agitaría su puño hacia el cielo y preguntaría, “¿por qué yo?”; pero como Ezequiel sabe, los seres humanos se quejan con-stantemente. Se supone que los humanos sean más lógicos que los humanos; sin embargo, irra-cionalmente protestamos por las consecuencias naturales que no nos gustan, como el dolor o la muerte. Misteriosamente, nuestra amargura contra la naturaleza está enraizada en nuestra capacidad

única de grandeza. A diferencia de todas las demás criaturas del universo, los humanos fuimos creados a imagen y semejanza de Dios. Podemos vivir en el mundo natural, pero Dios nos llama cada minuto a la gloria supernatural. Aunque somos mortales, la misericordia de Dios nos ha destinado a la inmor-talidad. Nuestros corazones anhelan una felicidad perfecta como nada que conozcamos en la tierra. ¡No es de extrañar que exijamos tanto de Dios! Pre-servados para la gloria como estamos, experimen-tamos dolor cuando la vida terrenal no alcanza nuestras expectativas divinas. Jesús nos muestra el antídoto para el dolor, -el servicio. Aunque compar-timos la realeza de Cristo, debemos demostrar nuestra realeza como lo hace Jesús, sirviendo a los demás. Como san Pablo nos dice, Jesús es Dios, pero toma la forma de un esclavo, -nuestro esclavo. El Evangelio nos anima a imitar a Jesús de esta manera. Podemos objetar a ser un sirviente al prin-cipio, e incluso refunfuñar por ello. Pero la fuerza de Dios puede ayudarnos a superar las objeciones naturales y entrar con dignidad a nuestro papel su-pernatural, herederos del reino de Dios. Lecturas de hoy: Ez 18:25–28; Sal 25 (24):4–5, 6–7, 8–9; Flp 2:1–11 [1–5]; Mt

21:28–32

We encourage you to take notes as you reflect on this week readings / homily:

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Liturgy Francine Moore (626) 930-0448 Eucharistic Ministers Linda Gutierrez (626) 446-7837 Lectors Christine Hunt (626) 422-3934 Sacristans Kathy Trinaystich (626) 359-6553 Altar Servers Frances Luna (626) 327-6147 Ushers Raul Arias (626) 357-6465 Music Ministry Joella Merten, Dir. (626) 821-0264 Joe Adamski (626) 437-5921 Francine Moore (626) 930-0448 Carlos Orozco (626) 371-6438 Deidre Stadler (626) 357-1433 PARISH ORGANIZATIONS Pastoral Council Mark Lopez (626) 417-8541 Couples/Singles for Christ Perry Rivera (909) 594-6475 Bereavement Gary Cooper (626) 482-5041 Finance Council Jerry Gutierrez (626) 446-7837 Perpetual Adoration/Nite Adoration Leticia Carbajal (626) 277-9429 Rosary Prayer Group Gary Miller rosaryprayers@yahoo.com Meditation Group Pat Arkosy (626) 444-9355 Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick Marie Nimmrich (626) 448-3304 Christian Service Saturdays 10 am-12 Noon Grupo de Oracíón Teresa Villareal (626) 236-0374 Safeguard the Children Dianne Logan (626) 303-6299 Encuentro Matrimonial: Ramiro y Mirna Cabrera (626) 376-1079 Fatima First Saturday Devotion: Jo DeLa Torre (310) 663-1955 Divine Mercy Prayer Group Lupe Sheets (626) 716-1714 Women’s Ministry Joella Merten (626) 821-0264 BLD Prayer Community Kathy Dela Paz (626) 629-0788 Intercession Ministry Gloria Murillo (626) 316-0628 Justice & Peace Ministry Cathlene Wells (626) 840-7966 Prayer Chain Ministry Marie Nimmrich (626) 448-3304

ANNUNCIATION CHURCH 1307 East Longden Avenue, Arcadia CA ~ www.annunciationchurch.net

OFFICE: 2701 Peck Road Monrovia, CA 91016 Telephone: (626) 447-6202 Fax: (626) 447-9834 Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. (Closed for lunch from 12:00—1:00 P.M.) Office Manager Ms. Christine Hunt Ext. 11 Receptionist Mrs. Kathleen Trinaystich Ext. 10 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 2701 South Peck Road Monrovia, CA 91016 Telephone: (626) 446-1625 Monday & Wednesday 5:00—8:00 P.M. Tuesday & Thursday 2:00—8:00 P.M Closed on Fridays Director Arcie Reza Office Staff: Alexandra Dixon and Jessica Tang Confirmation/Youth Ministry Arcie Reza R.C.I.A. (Adults Only) Sandra Rivera (626) 506-9068 R.C.I.A. for Children/F.I.R.E. Children’s Liturgy Esther and Susan (626) 446-1625

Pastor: Rev. Freddie Chua In Residence: Rev. Eugene Herbert Pastor Emeritus Msgr. Timothy O’Connell

LITURGIES Saturday Evening Vigil 5:30 PM Sunday 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 Noon (Español) 3:00 p.m. (Vietnamese) 4:45 p.m.—Liturgy of the Hours Weekday Mass Schedule 8;30 a.m. Mon. Tue. Thurs. Friday Wed. [Marian Devotion] with O.L.O.P.H. Devotion 7:00 P.M. Rosary 7:30 P.M. Mass of the B.V.M. First Friday Schedule 7:45 A.M. Reconciliation 8:30 A.M. Mass & Exposition All Day Adoration 7:30 P.M. Benediction Fatima First Saturday Devotion 7:00 P.M. Adoration 8:00 P.M. Mass Holy Days Vigil: 5:30 P.M. 8:30 A.M. and 7:30 P.M. Reconciliation Saturday: 3:30 to 5:00 P.M. or by appointment Matrimony Six months notice required. Please contact the Parish Office to schedule an appointment with the Pastor. Baptism Please stop by the Parish Office to pick up the necessary paperwork and to be given the name and phone number of the Baptism Catechist to contact and pre-register for your classes. Child Abuse Hotline Reporting Sexual Abuse: (800) 355-2545 Heather T. Banis (213) 637-7650 Ph.D