In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Welcome to this Liturgy of the Word, where we gather in the peace and mercy of our Savior.
Lord Jesus, you call us to take up our cross and follow you: Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, you promise that whoever loses his life for your sake will find it: Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you restore your people and announce peace to every heavy heart: Lord, have mercy.
“See, upon the mountains there advances the bearer of good news, announcing peace!”
The prophet Nahum speaks those words to a weary people, reminding them that even after times of great trial, God’s restoring love has the final word. The Lord promises to heal what was broken and to gather His children into everlasting comfort.
And in today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals the deep truth behind that promise: “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
To lose one’s life for Christ is not a loss at all… it is the secret of eternal life. It is choosing love over self, and quiet kindness over self-preservation.
We saw that Christ-like, self-giving spirit so beautifully in Benjamin Vo. Benjamin was a boy whose brilliant mind was matched by a quiet, extraordinarily generous heart. Think of his tender selflessness—like the time he was ready to offer his entire piggy bank savings without a moment’s hesitation to help his uncle in a time of need. At such a young age, Ben already understood that what we hold onto in this world matters far less than what we give away in love.
It has been seven weeks since Benjamin went home to God. Seven weeks where the home can feel far too quiet, and where missing him weighs heavily on the spirit.
Yet Jesus assures us today: a life lived in love is never lost. Benjamin is alive in the fullness of God’s Kingdom, wrapped in the Savior’s infinite peace.
To Alan, Thao, and dear Ryan: the Lord sees every tear you shed and every quiet act of love you continue to offer. Keep drawing close to Jesus and Our Lady, standing strong together, and surrounding Ryan with your strength.
To Ben’s aunts and uncles, everyone joining us from afar, children who are suffering today, and every family bearing a heavy cross: Christ walks beside you in the storm.
Benjamin Vo rests safely in the Father’s warm embrace… watching over us with his gentle smile, where peace reigns forever.
For the intentions entrusted to Ben on our prayer wall:
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
May the peace of Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, rest upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
✝ May almighty God bless you: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.