In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Welcome, brothers and sisters, as we gather to listen to God's word on this Feast of Saint Lawrence and seek the Lord's comfort and peace.
Lord Jesus, you are the seed sown in love for the life of the world: Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, you love a cheerful giver and enrich us with every grace: Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you honor all who serve you and gather them into everlasting life: Lord, have mercy.
Saint Paul reminds us today that "God loves a cheerful giver."
And in our Gospel, Jesus offers that quiet, breathtaking image of the harvest: "Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit."
How do we measure a life?
In the eyes of the world, we look at years. But in the eyes of God, life is measured by love... by how generously a heart gives itself away for others.
Saint Lawrence gave his life with joy, knowing that nothing offered in Christ is ever lost. He knew that when love is poured out, God multiplies it beyond human measure.
We see that same Christ-like spirit reflected in Benjamin Vo.
Benjamin lived with a heart that was naturally open, gentle, and bright. He was a boy who carried a sweet, joyful spirit, living without sadness or compulsion, bringing light and warmth into every room he entered.
It has been eight weeks since Benjamin went home to the Father.
Eight weeks where the absence is felt in every quiet room. Yet the seeds of love Benjamin planted during his fifteen years continue to grow and blossom.
Think of how his gentle memory inspires quiet goodness in our world—like clean water now flowing for a thirsty village in Cà Mau. A life rooted in love never stops bearing fruit...
To Alan, Thao, and dear Ryan: the weight of missing Ben is heavy, but his love remains as real as ever. Lean into Jesus and Our Lady today. Stand close together, continue to surround Ryan with your loving strength, and know that Ben’s gentle spirit continues to watch over you.
To Ben’s aunts and uncles, everyone joining us from afar, children who are suffering today, and every family carrying a heavy cross: Christ sees you, and He holds your hearts.
Benjamin Vo rests safely in the Father's eternal house... alive in the Lord's light, where love endures 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 God, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and may Almighty God bless us: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
✝ May almighty God bless you: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.