Father Burke’s homily for today’s Mass: October 28, 2026 – Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles Today, October 28, the Church celebrates the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, two of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. I am always grateful for those who have gone before us in faith and remind us what it means to follow Christ. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus spends the night in prayer before choosing the Twelve Apostles. Among them are Simon, also called the Zealot, and Jude, also known as Thaddeus. Although Scripture tells us relatively little about their lives, tradition holds that they preached the Gospel in distant lands and ultimately gave their lives as martyrs for Christ. St. Simon is traditionally honored as the patron saint of tanners and woodcutters, while St. Jude is the patron saint of hopeless causes and desperate situations. St. Jude’s intercession reminds us that even when circumstances seem impossible, we can trust in the power and mercy of God. What transformed these ordinary men into courageous witnesses of the Gospel? They encountered Jesus, witnessed His Resurrection, and received the power of the Holy Spirit. Their lives remind us that God can take ordinary people and accomplish extraordinary things through them when they surrender their lives to Him. In his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul tells us that we are “fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God.” Allow that truth to sink in for a moment. Through Baptism, we become adopted children of God and heirs to the promise of eternal life. This world is not our final home. We are made for heaven, where we hope to join the saints in the presence of God forever. St. Paul also reminds us that we are “built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.” Imagine that! You and I are part of God’s family and the great story of salvation. The apostles laid the foundation by proclaiming Christ, and now we are called to build upon it by living and sharing our faith. We do not need to travel to distant lands or perform extraordinary deeds to make a difference. We can pass on the faith by praying with our children, inviting someone to Mass, serving a neighbor in need, or courageously sharing how Jesus has changed our lives. The saints remind us that holiness is possible for each of us. God is inviting you and me to become more like Jesus every day and help others find their way home to Him. Three questions for reflection: 1Do I see myself as a beloved member of God’s family, called to eternal life in heaven? 2What is one practical step I can take this week to grow in holiness and become more like Jesus? 3How is God calling me to pass on the faith and help build up His Church? Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us, that we may have the courage to continue the mission entrusted to you and help lead others to Jesus. Peace, Fr. Burke ============================= Fr. Burke’s video for October 28 – youtu.be/kMN91UQzz_E

Saints Simon & Jude Thaddeus Patron Saint of: Curriers, sawyers, and desperate causes Feast Day: October 28 Saint Jude Thaddeus (1st c.) was a blood relative of Jesus Christ and one of his Twelve Apostles. He was known for his preaching, healing, exorcisms, and his appearance was said to have closely matched that of Jesus'. He is the patron of impossible causes, desperate situations, and hospitals. He also wrote the book of the Bible that bears his name. Saint Simon the Zealot (1st c.) was also one of Jesus' Twelve Apostles, but one of the most obscure. He earned his name for being zealous for the honor of Jesus, showing a holy indignation towards those who claimed Christ with their lips while dishonoring him with their manner of life. After the Ascension of Jesus, towards the end of his life, it is believed that St. Simon joined St. Jude to preach the Gospel in Persia, where they were both martyred in 65 A.D. Saint Simon the Zealot and Saint Jude Thaddeus share a feast day on October 28th.

Jesus Christ, my God, I adore You and thank You for all the graces You have given me this day. I offer You my sleep and all the moments of this night. I place myself and all my loved ones, wherever they may be, in Your sacred side and under the mantle of Our Blessed Mother. Let Your holy angels stand watch and keep us in peace. Amen. “The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew” is a painting attributed to Caravaggio, likely created around 1603–1606. The work reflects the artist’s characteristic focus on dramatic human interaction and spiritual awakening, rendered with striking realism. Theme and Composition: The painting depicts the moment when Christ calls the brothers Peter and Andrew to follow him, inviting them to become “fishers of men.” The composition is tightly arranged, with the three figures occupying a shallow, darkened space. Christ stands at the right, turning toward the two fishermen, while Peter and Andrew lean inward from the left. The diagonal alignment of their bodies creates a sense of movement and immediacy, drawing attention to the pivotal moment of calling.

I’m going to @dianahenry’s upcoming Space. Will you join too? xitter.cf/i/spaces/1oKMvNPbDWXGQ

“When you have free moments, go faithfully to prayer. The good God is waiting for you there.” —St. Julie Billiart

Father Burke’s homily for today’s Mass: October 27, 2026 – Tuesday of the 30th Week of Ordinary Time Today’s first reading from Ephesians 5:21–33 is often avoided, misunderstood, and misused. “Wives should be subordinate to their husbands” can sound chauvinistic or outdated when taken out of context. Some people use these words to justify domineering behavior, while others avoid the passage altogether. But when we read the entire passage, we discover a beautiful vision of Christian love. St. Paul begins with an important principle: “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.” He then tells husbands to “love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church.” How did Jesus love the Church? He gave His very life for her. Husbands are called to that same sacrificial love, putting the good of their wives and families ahead of their own selfish desires. True love is not about getting what I want. It is about willing the good of another. St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:5 that love “does not seek its own interests.” Imagine how our marriages and families would flourish if everyone focused less on what they could receive and more on what they could give! I recently spoke with a couple expecting their fourth child. The husband shared how marriage has taught him to die to his selfish desires and pour himself out for his wife and children. This requires humility, awareness, and daily decisions to put love into action. When tempted to choose himself, he asks God whether his decision will help his family grow closer to heaven. What a wonderful question for all of us! My father taught me this lesson by example. He worked long hours and sacrificed his own desires so our family could have a better life. Through his hard work, integrity, and generosity, he showed me what it means to love through sacrifice. I want to be that kind of presence for my own family, the parish, and help them grow closer to Jesus. As a priest, I am also called to give my life for my bride, the Church. I am not simply living for myself; I am espoused to the Church and called to serve her generously with my time and talents. The more I give of myself, the more fulfilled I become in my vocation. Today’s Gospel compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and yeast. Small things can produce extraordinary growth. Every act of selfless love, every hidden sacrifice, and every generous gift can help the Kingdom flourish in our homes and communities. As Cardinal George once said, “The only thing we take with us when we die is what we have given away.” Reflection questions: 1Do I seek the good of my spouse and family, or do I put my own interests first? 2Am I generously sharing my gifts, time, and talents with others? 3What selfish desire can I sacrifice today to help someone I love grow closer to Jesus? New life comes when we give ourselves away, just as Jesus gave His life for us on the Cross. Try to outdo God in generosity. It is impossible, but I dare you to try! God bless, Fr. Burke ============================= Fr. Burke’s video for October 27 – youtu.be/B1KsLnUjIOU

Blessed Bartholomew Of Vicenza Patron Saint of: Dominicans, peacemakers, and preachers Feast Day: October 27 Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza (1201-1270), also known as Bartholomew of Braganca or Breganza, was born to a noble family in Vicenza, Italy. While studying in Padua he entered the newly established Dominican Order as one of their first friars, receiving the habit from St. Dominic himself. Bartholomew quickly advanced to positions of prominence within the Order, becoming prior and then overseeing several convents. He was sent to preach against the heretics in Lombardy, and was so successful that in 1235 the Holy Father made him Master of the Sacred Palace (an office known as "The Pope's Theologian") a position which was first held by St. Dominic. In this role he also founded a military order of knights for the purpose of maintaining civil order and peace throughout Italy called the Order of the Knights of the Mother of God (or the Knights of St. Mary). He was later made bishop of Cyprus, and also served as papal legate and confessor to St. Louis King of France, who was then leading a crusade in the Holy Land. From this friendship Bartholomew received the gift of a relic of the True Cross and a thorn from the Crown of Thorns. When Bartholomew returned to his native Vicenza as the city's bishop he built a church to house the precious relics called the Church of the Holy Crown. Bl. Bartholomew of Vicenza was an effective mediator between the factions and feuds of his day, even converting the leader of a heretical party back to the Catholic faith. His feast day is October 27th.

Pray with me! Day 9 Today, let's pray for the sins in your life that feel impossible to overcome -- that you will be able to overcome them with the grace of God and the intercession of St. Jude. praymorenovenas.com/st-jude-…

Jesus Christ, my God, I adore You and thank You for all the graces You have given me this day. I offer You my sleep and all the moments of this night. I place myself and all my loved ones, wherever they may be, in Your sacred side and under the mantle of Our Blessed Mother. Let Your holy angels stand watch and keep us in peace. Amen. “Supper at Emmaus” is a late work by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn, painted in 1648. This version differs markedly from earlier interpretations of the same subject, emphasizing quiet revelation over dramatic gesture. Theme and Composition: The painting depicts the moment when the resurrected Christ is recognized by two disciples during a meal at Emmaus. Unlike more theatrical compositions, Rembrandt arranges the figures in a restrained, intimate setting. Christ sits centrally at the table, while the disciples are positioned around him, their gestures subdued. The architectural backdrop—an arched, shadowed interior—frames the scene and enhances its contemplative atmosphere. It is now in the Louvre in Paris.