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In Mary's Arms, We Find the Heart of Jesus.
In Father's Absence... A Reflection by Marisha
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 13, 2025
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 13, 2025
This Sunday’s Readings: The Nearness of GOD and the Call to Respond
First Reading – Deuteronomy 30:10–14
Moses reminds the people: obedience to GOD isn't out of reach. His Word isn’t hidden. It’s not too high or too far. It’s already in your mouth and in your heart. GOD doesn’t make it complicated. He makes it close. The question is—will we listen and live it?
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 69:14, 17, 30–31, 33–34, 36–37
This is the cry of someone struggling, rejected, and desperate—but still holding on. “Answer me, O LORD, for bounteous is your kindness.” Even in sorrow, the psalmist chooses praise. That’s faith. It doesn’t deny the pain—but it trusts that GOD hears and sees every cry.
Second Reading – Colossians 1:15–20
Paul gives us a bold picture of who JESUS really is, not just a healer or teacher, but the image of the invisible GOD, the center of creation, the One who holds everything together. And through His blood, peace is made. That means your peace isn’t rooted in how life feels, but in who CHRIST is.
Alleluia – Cf. John 6:63c, 68c
“You have the words of eternal life.” If we truly believe that, then the Word of GOD isn’t just good advice, it’s our lifeline.
Gospel – Luke 10:25–37
The Good Samaritan. A story we’ve heard before, but it hits different when we ask ourselves honestly: Which one am I? The one who walks past? The one who avoids the mess? Or the one who stops, sees, and serves—even when it’s inconvenient? JESUS makes it clear: love isn’t about knowing the law, it’s about living it.
The Message:
GOD’s Word isn’t distant. It’s near.
Your faith isn’t measured by what you say, it’s revealed by how you show up.
Like the Samaritan, you may be the unexpected one GOD uses.
So ask yourself:
What “wounded person” have I been walking past?
Is my religion rooted in routine or compassion?
This week, don’t just know the Scripture, live it. Because the world doesn’t need more opinions. It needs more mercy.
- Marisha Gonzales
Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy
About our Parish
The Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church is located at 600 W. Jefferson Davis Avenue in Rayne, Louisiana, has been a cornerstone of faith and community since its establishment in 1924. Founded as a mission of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Crowley, it became an independent parish under the guidance of the Josephite Fathers and Brothers, who have faithfully served the congregation since its inception.
The church's mission is deeply rooted in providing spiritual nourishment, education, and support to its members. In its early years, the parish addressed the educational needs of the community by opening a school in 1924, utilizing materials from the original St. Joseph's Hall. This initiative, supported by Mother Katharine Drexel (now Saint) aimed to uplift the African American community in the area.
Today, the Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy continues to be a beacon of hope and mercy, fostering a welcoming environment for all. Under the leadership of Pastor, Rev. Edward Chiffriller, SSJ, the church offers regular Masses, sacraments, and various ministries that cater to the spiritual and communal needs of its diverse congregation.
The parish remains committed to its founding principles of faith, education, and community service, striving to embody the mercy and love exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary.
INTERCESSORY PRAYER - OUR MOTHER OF MERCY
O Mary, Mother of Mercy,
You are the refuge of sinners, the comfort of the afflicted,
and the hope of the weary.
With a mother's love, you embrace all who turn to you in faith.
Intercede for us, O Blessed Mother,
that we may receive the grace of your son, Jesus Christ.
Help us to trust His divine mercy,
to walk in His light,
and to live in the peace of His love.
Under your mantle of protection, we find rest.
In your Immaculate Heart, we find refuge.
Mother of Mercy, pray for us,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
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Announcements
- Keep Father Ed in prayer. Father Ed has traveled to Washington, DC to have hip replacement surgery and will recuperate at the Seminary. Let us also welcome and pray for our Newly Ordained Josephite Priest, Fr. Chidiebere "CHIDI" Dominic, S.S.J. as he fills in, in Father Ed's absence.
- TRI-FIRE CORE Team - Interest meeting on Sunday, July 27, 2026 after the 9:30AM Mass.