Saint John the Apostle Church, Linden-A Catholic Community

Saint John the Apostle Church, Linden-A Catholic Community 1805 Penbrook Terrace, Linden, NJ 07036 We, The Church of St. He commanded us to love one another as He loved us. He confirmed what he said by what he did.

John the Apostle in Linden, NJ
are Catholic Christians who recognize and acknowledge in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, the expression of the Father’s gift of love for all people. Empowered by the Spirit of the risen Christ, we are called, as individuals and as a community, to be living witnesses of Christ’s presence and His ongoing mission in our society. (1 Joh

n 4:9:11)

As a Community,
obedient to the Spirit of God and under the leadership of the Pope, Archbishop and our Pastor, we are called in co-responsibility to be listening, worshiping, serving and loving people. We see our lives personally and collectively as a perpetual thanksgiving and celebration of God’s great love for humanity. As Church,
we confess to be preeminently a Eucharistic community and a sacrament, a living sign of Jesus Christ’s presence. The Eucharist which we celebrate together is both the sign and the means of our present unity, as well as of the still greater unity to be achieved in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. (Constitution of the Liturgy #2 Lumen Gentium #1)

Jesus .. has been sent by God the Father to redeem the human family through the power of the Holy Spirit. We, as a Church, are called by God to give living testimony and actualize the saving mission of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
.. proclaimed the Kingdom by His words and deeds. We are called to do the same.
..came to offer His Father’s merciful and loving providence to all. We are called to search out the needs, not only of the Catholic community, but of the total community; and then to respond accordingly with open mind and generous heart, conscious of the Gospel demands of Jesus Christ. We are further called to help all people recognize the Kingdom of God, as the Spirit brings it to reality in the whole of creation, more particularly within the hearts of those who dare to call themselves
followers of Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:18-27)

We, The Church of St. John the Apostle,
find our unity, meaning and purpose through sharing in the saving mission of Jesus Christ. Faithfulness to His total mission calls us to sacrifice and risk. Our response to this call within St. John the Apostle takes on a threefold character:

- to teach and to witness the Word of God;
- to build community;
- to serve.

09/07/2026

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time - September 13, 2026

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?

As Catholic Christians, forgiveness is one of the most challenging aspects of our faith. Jesus answered: I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. Jesus reveals to us the infinite mercy of God. God’s forgiveness is always available and endless. We must be sorry for our sins.
One of my favorite Scriptures is from the Book of Tobit (4:15). Do to no one what you yourself dislike. In other words, we should only do to others what we would want someone to do to us. Thus, we should forgive as we would want to be forgiven. Jesus teaches the disciples about forgiveness in the Our Father. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. An older translation says: forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors – which describes our sin as a debt. Jesus Christ “paid in full” the debt of our sins with His Passion and death.
None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. St. Paul reminds us that we are called to serve. We are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, witnesses to His love and forgiveness. Our spiritual practices, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, assisting at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, study of Sacred Scriptures etc. are not for our own personal holiness. These practices of our Catholic faith provide the “fuel” to love and serve, so others may know the love of Jesus Christ through us. Love and service are all that will matter at the end of journey here on earth. May Mary, be our spiritual guide through our earthly pilgrimage, leading us closer to Jesus!

Deacon Mike

09/01/2026

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 6, 2026

Today’s gospel reminded me of an experience that happened about twenty years ago. Someone had asked me to engage in a clearly sinful act. I refused to collaborate with this person. Instead of ending the conversation, I explained to the person why, in the light of belief in Jesus Christ and practicing the gospel of love…if we love Jesus Christ and follow him, we will not offend him through sinful actions. While I did not see this person again and don’t know the effect of my trying to dissuade him, I know at a minimum I left him thinking about what I said, as the man professed to be a Christian.
“If I tell the wicked, “O wicked one, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.” These words God spoke through the prophet Ezekiel and he speaks to us these same words. I was trying to dissuade the person from committing sin and continuing to commit sin. As a Christian, I could not keep silent. Yet sometimes we do not try to dissuade someone from evil. Sir Edmund Burke said: “All that is needed for evil to prosper is for good people to remain silent.” Yes, we will miss some opportunities., But, by the grace of God and the action of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we pray for the gift of courage to speak the Truth. Jesus Christ told us: “I am the way, the truth and the life.”
Why get involved in someone else’s sins? The answer is clear. We are the body of Christ. St. Paul told us that when one member of the body suffers, the entire body is affected. So too with the body of Christ – the community of believers on earth. When one member of the body of Christ is in sin, all the members suffer. We must speak the Truth in love at all times.

Deacon Mike

08/24/2026

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - August 30, 2026

In today’s gospel, Jesus speaks to us about the cross. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up the cross, and follow me.” Perhaps it is a natural tendency to avoid taking up one’s cross. At first glance, the cross seems unpleasant. The cross may be a physical problem, a tragedy – such as the loss of a dear loved one, suffering a rejection, financial problems, being criticized for our beliefs etc. So, the cross seems to be part of our life. There seems no escaping it.
We must decide whether we will accept the cross or reject it. Jesus explains further: “whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Jesus picked up his cross and through losing his life, our redemption was accomplished.
Jesus is telling us that we can only be transformed by giving ourselves away – becoming an ambassador of God’s love. A spouse gives him/herself away to their married partner. An ordained priest or deacon, gives himself away to the service of the people of God.
The paradox that Jesus presents to us is understood in the light of a surrender of one’s will to the will of God. This does not mean that we no longer have a will….but that our will is one with the divine will. It is a journey, accomplished through the course of a lifetime. More than actions are involved, so are thoughts and words.
In our morning offering we often make this prayer or a similar one…. O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day… The transformation that Jesus speaks about in the gospel only occurs by giving ourselves away – in the service of others.

Deacon Mike

08/19/2026

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - August 23, 2026

What is church? Who is the church? Why do we go to church? Our gospel today invites us to think about the church. What is church all about? How do you respond when someone says: “I don’t need to go to church, I pray at home.” How do you encourage someone who tells you: “I only go to church on Christmas and Easter.”?
First, we must realize that the church is part of God’s plan for us. The idea of church comes from God. “And I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…” Jesus started the Kingdom of God on earth. He appointed Peter to lead the church, to lead his disciples to continue the growth of the Kingdom of God. Pope Leo, the successor in the line of Peter, continues to do the same today. We are the current day disciples of Jesus Christ. We are to continue the growth of the Kingdom of God. The church is both the sign and instrument by which the Kingdom of God spreads.
Jesus Christ is the head of the church. We make Jesus visible in our world today, by both our witness to him and in worship. “I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me!” (Mt25:40)
We may call the building where we celebrate Mass, receive sacraments and worship, the church. But, the people form the mystical body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. We are the church.
Jesus asks each one of us the same question that he asked Peter – Who do you say that I am? How do we respond? If we respond like Peter: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” …then we must back your words with actions. We must put into practice what we believe.
Through the church, Jesus gives each one of us his very divine life in each sacrament. So, how do I respond to someone who says that they don’t need to go to church, or only go on Christmas and Easter? I need Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist and his mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation – he is my lifeline. Jesus himself said that without him, we can do nothing!

Deacon Mike

08/11/2026

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time - August 16, 2026

Did you ever pray hard for someone or something, but the only response is silence from God? Nothing seems to be changing or happening. How do we react in this situation? Do we continue to pray? Do we “give up” and walk away frustrated with God’s silence? Do we “bargain” with God, try to strike a deal… if I am granted this, then I will do…., thinking perhaps that God has to get something from me, before he gives me what I am asking for? Do we get “mad” at God – why did he do this to me?
We can probably relate to many of these responses or others. What was the reaction of the Canaanite woman in the gospel to Jesus not granting her request? We know the story…she persisted and persisted…nothing would deter her from trying to get Jesus to cure her daughter. On the surface, maybe it looks like she just wore Jesus down… but we know otherwise. Jesus tells her: “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done as you wish.” Jesus holds the Canaanite woman up as a model of faith… as one who trusted him…and this reminds us of two important qualities of our prayer life – trust and persistence.
We have all heard the expression: “The hard part is getting started.” This is even more true, when we encounter a task that is unpleasant or difficult… e.g. cleaning the house – do we look forward to vacuuming, cleaning etc.?
Perhaps it is something about ourselves that we know we need to change - but it seems easier to not to try. We know our sinfulness, but do we address it? Do we minimize it, in the light of what our society accepts?...or are we the opposite, willing to tackle the challenge of converting?
The Canaanite woman knew in her mind and heart, that all things are possible with God! Do we believe and know the same? Do we expect the power of the Holy Spirit to be guiding us – in our thoughts, words and actions?
The prophet Isaiah speaks to the people: “Thus says the Lord: Observe what is right, do what is just…” The people of Isaiah’s time, even when they failed, experienced God’s loving mercy… and we do so as well – experience the mercy of Jesus Christ, calling us to conversion. As St. Paul tells us in today’s second reading that mercy has been shown to us. Jesus calls each one of us into a deeper and deeper friendship with him. As St. Faustina said: ”The graces of mercy are available by means of one vessel only, and that is trust.” Jesus, I trust in you!

Deacon Mike

08/03/2026

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - August 9, 2026

Perhaps sometimes we would want God to come in a dramatic way, such as a lightning bolt and act in our lives or the lives of others. We can think of many encounters of people in the Scriptures with God which were full of drama, e.g. St. Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. The Old Testament is full of stories where God acts in a dramatic way. While God can certainly do so, it seems more often he comes to us, as Elijah encountered him in today’s first reading - in “a tiny whispering sound”.
The world in which we live in seldom seems to be silent. We are bombarded by noise – radio, TV, traffic etc. We make a conscious effort to hear the “tiny whispering sound” of God’s voice in our lives. Perhaps we do this by taking one hour a week to adore Jesus at the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration chapel in our parish. We may carve out fifteen minutes or a half hour out of our day to just “rest in the Lord” – in prayer – meditating / contemplating.
We all know what happens when we run from one task to another, from one activity to the next… eventually we wear down – if our body doesn’t get sick, the our mind gets fatigued. Life seems sometimes to always be running in the fast lane. But, God has a loving way to get our attention. When he does, we turn in his direction – as we would in any loving relationship, to someone that perhaps we need to spend more time with.
St. Augustine said: “My love is the true “gravity” of my person, if my love looks downward, is attached to earthly things, it will sink by its own weight like a rock in water, but if my love yearns for God, it will rise, likewise by its own weight, like a flame seeking the heights.” We need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, especially when the storms of life come. Jesus’ words to each of us: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.” Let us not be afraid to turn in his direction, to pull out of the fast lane of life.

Deacon Mike

07/26/2026

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 26, 2026

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds the pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.

The pearl merchant and treasure hunter were both totally committed to a goal. The pearl merchant was seeking the perfect pearl. The treasure hunter was seeking a valuable treasure. We too must be totally committed to the kingdom of God. Our goal is not a pearl or treasure, but eternal life. At the end of our lives, what matters most will not be what we have obtained, but the how loving, forgiving, kind and generous a person we have become. The kingdom of God must be the number one priority in life.
Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart, to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. Solomon requests wisdom from God to rule with right judgment and understanding, rather than riches, a long life, power etc. Solomon does not ask for any personal gain, but that which will benefit other people. We must imitate Solomon, not asking for fame, power, riches etc., but asking Jesus Christ to be the center of our lives and the grace to live accordingly.
Jesus is our hidden Treasure. He hides Himself in the Eucharist, in the poor, the homeless, those in prison, the ill, the dying and in each created thing. We hope for the Kingdom of Heaven. This hope will direct our actions as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Deacon Mike

07/26/2026

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time - August 2, 2026

How often do we feel powerless to solve overwhelming problems in our world today, such as poverty, world hunger, violence, immorality etc.? The miracle in today’s gospel did not happen without the disciples. Yes, Jesus could have worked the miracle all by himself. However, he chose to manifest his power by accepting the seemingly small offering of five loaves and two fish. The miracle occurs in the hands of his disciples.
In the same way, we too can offer to Jesus each day, everything – our work, talents, leisure time etc., i.e. everything about ourselves. While it may seem small or insignificant, Jesus will bless and multiply our offering in a way beyond our imagination. In 1982, Saint John Paul II met with a group of Scottish youth and told them: “It is exactly the same with your lives… You feel conscious of your inadequacy… But what I say to you is this: Place your lives in the hands of Jesus. He will accept you and bless you beyond your greatest expectations.”
Just as Jesus disciples gave him everything, we must do the same – we can’t hold back. We give with trust and confidence. We do not have to leave our homes and families – as many of Jesus’ disciples did to follow him. Jesus calls us to follow him as we are today – in the family we live with, in the work that we do, in the parish community that we worship in and in the neighborhood we live in.
Discipleship is a journey, lived each day, one day at a time. St. Paul tells us in today’s second reading that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. There are no obstacles between us and Jesus Christ – only those we may place there, perhaps by our sins – and these we know Jesus can remove as well!

Deacon Mike

07/12/2026

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 19, 2026

Why does there seem to be so much evil in our world today? Why do God’s faithful people suffer so much? Did you ever ask those questions? Our Scriptures this Sunday reveal the answer to us. You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and fidelity. (Ps86:15) For your might is the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all. (Wis12:16) God allows the sinner to live, enabling the possibility of repentance. God’s might could crush the sinner in an instant.
In the gospel, we consider the wheat, mustard seed and leaven presented to us by Jesus in the three parables. Out of smallness, came incredible growth. Jesus set up the kingdom of God. The kingdom continues to be a work in progress. We are the ones to do the work – the same work that Jesus was doing… serving by helping those in need -then the wheat grows taller than the weeds.
In order to help us be the wheat growing tall, the Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness… The Holy Spirit shows us how to live for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit shows us how to respond to the needs of others. For now, God allows the wheat and weeds to grow together. Judgment will be reserved to Jesus alone at the end of time. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.

Deacon Mike

07/05/2026

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 12, 2026

A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path… We have heard or read God’s word in the Scriptures many times. Today’s parable of the sower is such an example, very familiar to us. Do we wonder sometimes why we don’t improve more (spiritually) as a result? We hear God’s word, as did all the people in today’s parable – that was not the problem. The question is whether or not we put the word into action in our lives? What does it mean to put the word into action?
We must understand the Scripture more than intellectually. The word has the power to change us. Indeed the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. (Heb4:12)
So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it. (Is55:11) We put the word into action when we respond to God’s call to worship Him each Saturday evening / Sunday at Mass…when we answer the call to serve our family, our parish, our community, etc… We are the seed that fell on good soil when we hear God’s message and take it to heart. The ground of our soul and heart must be soft and pliable. Some of us have a flower or vegetable garden. We can relate to Jesus’s parable. We make the ground soft and pliable to receive the seed. We sow the seed watching it become a plant. Some seeds don’t sprout. Every seed starts out with the same potential. Some plants produce fruitfully and others sparsely.
We must be open to the presence and action of God in our lives. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.

Deacon Mike

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1805 Penbrook Ter
Linden, NJ
07066

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