For a humble guy, St. Paul really tells it like it is. Paul lists those witnesses who actually saw the risen Jesus, last and least of these being Paul himself. Now we are used to thinking of Paul as one of the greatest apostles, even though we know he once persecuted Christians. So you might think he is being overly humble, like someone fishing for a compliment. No, Paul is only interested in making sure the Corinthians understand just how much God has done.

     Besides being “born abnormally” (1 Corinthians 15:8), that is, coming to follow Christ in such an unusual way, he felt unworthy because of so many Christians he hurt before his conversion. Yet he turns that unworthiness into an example of how much God has done through him. So he can say that he worked harder than any other apostles because of God’s grace, not Paul’s strength.

     In today’s Gospel, Peter has a similar experience. He was a fisherman who knew his business and knew that some days, the fish just aren’t there. So when they caught enough fish to fill both boats, he realized that his pride was sinful. He was unworthy to receive such bounty from the Lord. And yet Jesus tells him that “you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10).

     How many of us are like Peter and Paul, thinking we know just what our place in the world is, relying on our own strengths to do our jobs? They found Jesus calling them to a much more challenging life. Do we have the courage to listen to God’s call to serve?
Tom Schmidt, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

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     “BE PART OF THE DREAM—TOGETHER WE BUILD.” From June 2017 to December 2018, the Fundraising Committee has generated $46,460.67 for our Capital Campaign Fund. The following is the breakdown of net proceeds from the different fund- raising activities".

     I thank Mr. Arthur Buangan for his leadership, and all the members of the Fund Raising Committee for their hard work.

     And, to all of you, THANK YOU for your participation and support. We are getting closer to our goal of raising $2.5 million in pledges. We will be able to see the construction of our new Parish Center soon.

Fr. Manny Ediza  

Fr. Roland Gabutera

and the Staff of St. Michael Parish

If you are planning for a year, sow rice.
If you are planning for a decade, plant trees.
If you are planning for a lifetime, educate a person.
—Chinese Proverb