In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Welcome, brothers and sisters, as we gather to listen to God’s holy word and find our hope in His everlasting love.
Lord Jesus, you call us to seek eternal life in you: Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, you invite us to store up treasure in heaven: Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you are the rock of our salvation: Lord, have mercy.
In today’s Gospel, a young man comes running to Jesus with the deepest question of the human soul: “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”
Jesus points him first to love and reverence—to keep the commandments, to honor father and mother, and to love one’s neighbor. And then Jesus invites him higher still: to place his whole heart, his true treasure, into the hands of God.
In our first reading, the prophet Ezekiel speaks tenderly of “the delight of your eyes, the desire of your soul.” God knows what is precious to us. He knows the love that binds families together, and He calls us to remain rooted in Him, our loving Creator, who never forgets His children.
What does it look like to pursue what is good with a pure and undivided heart?
We saw that beautiful pursuit in Benjamin Vo.
Benjamin was a boy who gave his whole heart to whatever he set out to do. He lived with a quiet, determined conviction that “trying is all that matters.” Whether he was working hard on the badminton court, diving with his brilliant mind into solving complex problems, or listening with pure joy to his dad’s stories, Ben never held back his effort or his kindness. He honored his parents with natural respect, gentle humility, and a radiant smile that lifted everyone around him.
It has been nine weeks since Benjamin went home to the Lord. Nine weeks where the silence can feel heavy, and the ache of missing him is woven into every day.
Yet the Gospel reminds us today that treasure stored in heaven is never lost… it is kept safe forever in the Father’s embrace. Ben’s gentle goodness, his striving, and his deep love are safely gathered into Christ’s eternal life.
To Alan, Thao, and dear Ryan: the Lord sees your profound love and devotion. Lean into His gentle strength today. Hold close to one another, and keep moving forward with courage and hope for Ryan.
To Ben’s aunts, uncles, everyone praying with us from near and far, children who carry heavy burdens, and all who grieve: Our Lady wraps her mantle of peace around you. You are held tenderly by God.
Benjamin rests in the everlasting light of Christ… where every good and faithful effort is crowned with peace.
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 Lord bless us, protect us from all harm, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
✝ May almighty God bless you: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.