Message from Fr. Rolando Cabrera

St. Anthony Catholic Parish

Dear Parish Family,

On this 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we hear one of Jesus’ most famous and challenging parables the Good Samaritan. When asked, “Who is my neighbor?”, Jesus doesn’t give a definition, but tells a story of compassion that crosses boundaries of ethnicity, religion, and prejudice.

The Samaritan, despised and seen as an outsider, is the one who shows mercy. He sees the wounded man, is moved with compassion, and acts decisively to help. Jesus tells us, “Go and do likewise.”

This command is at the heart of Christian life. Being a disciple is not just about avoiding wrongdoing, but about actively loving seeing the suffering around us and responding with compassion. Our neighbors are not only those who are close or similar to us, but anyone in need.

As a parish community, may we be attentive to the needs of others both those in our families and those in our broader community, especially the poor, the lonely, the excluded, and the suffering. May we pray for hearts like the Good Samaritan’s: generous, courageous, and merciful.

Let us ask the Lord to help us overcome indifference and fear so that we may truly live out His commandment of love.

God bless you all!

Fr. Rolando Cabrera