St. Anthony Catholic Church Raymondville

St. Anthony Catholic Church Raymondville 464 South First St. Raymondville, Texas 78580

Telephone #: 956-690-4078 Son of Teodoro N. Heredia & Gloria Lorenzana both of them deceased.

Biography:

Father Juan Victor Heredia-Lorenzana

Father Heredia was born in México City on February 26, 1954. He is the 2nd of 5 brothers: Agustin, the firstborn, himself, Rafael, Raúl Alberto & José who died as an infant. As a young boy, he was an Altar Server at his parish home in México City and the seed of his vocation was planted. It was not until he was 19 years old that he entered the high school seminary (1972-1975). After graduation, he entered the Major Seminary from México City and completed his studies of philosophy (1975-1979); then he went to the Major Seminary in Tlaxcala, México where he studied Theology (1979-1982). Father Heredia-Lorenzana left the seminary and spent four years teaching philosophy and History at two different high schools. In 1986, he was invited to return to the seminary at the Diocese of Brownsville. After one year of intensive English classes at UT Pan Am in Edinburg, Texas, he was sent to the Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin to obtain the Master in Divinity. After obtaining such degree, he returned to the diocese and was ordained Deacon by the late Bishop John J. Fitzpatrick at Sacred Heart Church in Edinburg on February 3, 1990 and as a Priest at St. Paul Church in Mission on February 2, 1991. Father Heredia-Lorenzana now serves at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Raymondville, Texas.

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. On this 25th Sunday of Ordina...
09/19/2026

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. On this 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we reflect on God’s unimaginable ways and love. This love is incalculable by any human standard. Hence, the Church invites us to emulate this love. All today’s readings have one thing in common: God’s Love for us. Have an abundantly blessed Sunday!
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9 — Turn to the LORD who is generous in forgiving.
Psalm 145 — The Lord is near to all who call upon him.
Second Reading: Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a — Live your lives in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16a — The last will be first, and the first will be last.
GOD'S INVITATION AND LOVE FOR ALL
In the first reading, Isaiah invites us to “Seek the Lord while he is to be found; call to him while he is near, and let the wicked man abandon his way…!” In this reading, we see a God who expresses his love for his people. Despite our infidelity, we also see a God who continues to search for us. A God who cares and is ready to welcome us.
In the second reading, Paul expresses his love for God and the Gospel. As Christians, often, we are pulled in two directions. We all want to go to heaven, yet this life still appeals to us. Paul had the same mixed feelings, too. Although he believed he would soon be released from prison, he knew he could fall victim to Nero’s sword. This created a conflict in him. He longed to be with Christ, for that would be much better. However, he also wanted to live because of his love for his brothers and children in the faith. Hence, Paul’s answer to life’s most profound dilemma is, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Love for Christ, the good news, and our brethren must motivate all our actions. It must be the source of our strength. Through this, dying or living for God or our brethren will no longer be a tragedy. Instead, it would be a witness to the Gospel. It would become an expression of our love for others. Paul summarizes his reflection with the following instruction: “Avoid anything in your everyday lives that would be unworthy of the gospel of Christ.”
In the Gospel, Christ presents us with a dilemma. How could the employer pay everyone the same amount? It was difficult for the first group of workers to understand, just as it would be for most of us today. The key to understanding the action of the vineyard’s owner in this parable is in today’s first reading. God reminds us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and my ways are not your ways.”
In the Gospel, we see the justice of God. His justice is governed by his generosity and unconditional love for all. His action towards the last group of workers shows he is not acting according to strict justice or economics. Instead, he is motivated by love and generosity toward all who respond to his invitation. To all of us, he has extended the same unmerited invitation. He will pay the same wage to everyone because his love is unconditional. His reward depends not on when he calls anyone but on his generous and unimaginable love for all. What counts in God’s vineyard is not years of service but the diligence of heart as a chosen one. All men are equally precious to God, no matter when they come in. God’s reward for all in His kingdom is this: His grace extended to all who responded faithfully to His divine invitation. Finally, what matters is that the Lord is close to all who respond to his invitation. It does not matter how and when. His love is for all. Amen.

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. Today, the Twenty-third Sunda...
09/05/2026

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. Today, the Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time, the holy mother church reminds us of our responsibility towards one another and our society. Most importantly, she reminds us that dialogue and mutual love are the best methods for promoting reconciliation. Have a greatly blessed Sunday!
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-9 — Warn the wicked, trying to turn them from their ways.
Psalm 95 — If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Second Reading: Romans 13:8-10 — Owe nothing to anyone, except mutual love.
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20 — If two agree about anything for which they pray, it shall be granted to them.
PROMOTING RECONCILIATION THROUGH DIALOGUE AND MUTUAL LOVE
In the first reading, God reminds us, through the Prophet Ezekiel, that we are responsible for one another. This is especially true regarding counseling and warning others about the consequences of their actions to save them. It takes love to warn, counsel, or advise someone. So, we are to do this with love. To say that we have a responsibility towards others is also to say that it has a consequence for us too. Therefore, the Lord says: “I will hold you responsible.” We must speak out, counsel, and even warn our brothers and sisters, children, friends, and relatives when they miss their path. Being indifferent to the decay (especially moral, cultural, and spiritual) in our family, society, or community could be detrimental in the future. So, the onus lies on us to be our brother’s keeper. This is what God is saying: unfortunately, today, while things go wrong, some of us prefer to keep quiet, join the majority, or pretend nothing is wrong. We must make ourselves heard. This is because the indifference or silence we display today might haunt us tomorrow. However, we must be mindful that God says: “I do not delight in the death of a sinner…let him repent and live” (Ezek 18, 23). So, whatever action we take must be to correct, rebuild, and bring back the one on the wrong path.
In the second reading, Paul hits the nail right on the head: “Avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love.” We must take note of the adjective “mutual” with which Paul qualified love. The quality of this love is not just a mere selfish feeling or desire to satisfy oneself. Instead, it is that which thinks and cares about the good and welfare of the other. It can ultimately be known through the actions it prompts in us. This means it must be a relational love that cares, love that is ready to give, and love that reasons. It is mutual love because it takes and shares responsibility. It counsels, accepts good counsel, corrects, and accepts corrections. It is generous and helps the other see clearly. It is love at its best in 1 Co 13. It is simple, responsive, and responsible.
In the Gospel, Jesus gives us the principles of reconciliation. This means that conflicts are inevitable. They must come and are inevitable in relationships, families, and communities. However, the question is: how do we resolve them amicably? It is important to note that dialogue is Jesus’ principle. The ability to counsel and talk over issues, to see things from the perspective of others, or to empathize with others. Hence, Christ gives us a three-dimensional principle of reconciliation. First, we must sit down and talk face-to-face. Then, seek the mediation of a good friend, and finally, seek the mediation of our community or family. As Christians, how do we resolve our problems today? Take a pound of flesh from the other, or go straight to the court of law? We must note the three basic steps that Christ gives us today. Unfortunately, today, we neglect all these basic steps and go straight to: “treat him like a tax collector.” Before this, if necessary, we must seek to reconcile with others through dialogue. Dialogue fosters mutual respect for the other; it saves us a lot of time, energy, and the cost of lawsuits. Finally, it fosters mutual love and restores relationships. When we dialogue and agree, God seals it with a great Amen.

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. Today is the Twenty-second Su...
08/29/2026

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. Today is the Twenty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time, and the Church encourages us to overcome all reluctance and obstacles and to surrender ourselves to Christ completely. Hence, all the readings of this Sunday lean towards total submission and conformity to Christ. Have a greatly blessed Sunday!
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-9 — The name of the LORD has become like fire burning in Jeremiah’s heart.
Psalm 63 — My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Second Reading: Romans 12:1-2 — Be transformed; renew your mind; discern what is good.
Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27 — Those who lose their lives for Jesus’ sake will find them.
TOTAL SUBMISSION AND CONFORMITY TO CHRIST
In the first reading, Jeremiah lamented: “Lord, you have seduced me; you have overpowered me.” He complained about the toughness of his mission. Lord God, you did not tell me it was this difficult! Of course, at the beginning of his call, he resisted God, making excuses: “Lord God, truly I do not know how to speak. I am only a boy.” However, God insisted that He had chosen him even from his mother’s womb. (Jer 1:4-10). Jeremiah’s resistance, submission, and ordeal tell us that nothing can prevent God's mission, not even our resistance. This is especially true when his hands are upon one. Though Jeremiah resisted, he eventually submitted to God: “And I have let myself be seduced.” He conformed to God’s will and was no longer in charge of himself. Instead, the word of God burned like fire in him, and he could no longer resist preaching it. After submitting to God, Jeremiah, who was very timid to speak, was transformed. There is much mystery in God! We overassume that our mission must be easy at all times. Unfortunately, it is not always so. Faithfulness to God sometimes brings us trials, disappointments, and even sufferings. At times, he allows us to experience horrific pains. However, despite all these, He shields and blesses us.
In the second reading, Paul employed the language of grace rather than law to implore us: “Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” Here, Paul calls us to submit to God without resistance and reservation. To present our bodies is to submit our faculties and the totality of our being. It is total surrender to God. This total surrender is essential to a life of righteousness, joy, peace, and victory in Christ. Of course, to offer oneself entirely means accepting all that comes with it. In his second call today, Paul insists that we must conform to Christ rather than to this world. When we offer ourselves entirely to God, we can conform to Christ. Conformity to Christ means living like Christ. It means participating in his life and death with our eyes fixed on his glory. It means that Christ now lives and works in us through the Holy Spirit (Gal 2:20). This was what the glorious saints did. They submitted and conformed to Christ by participating in his life, death, and resurrection. Now, they participate in His glory.
In today’s Gospel, we see the irony of life. The same Peter who proclaimed that Christ was the messiah last week is today rebuked as “Satan.” Christ rebuked him for being an obstacle to his mission. This shows that though Peter professed that Christ is the Messiah (as God revealed it to him), he has not fully understood the nature of Christ’s mission. He still sees it only from the perspective of royalty and glory. Of course, he was eager to participate in these. This also teaches us that we are all vulnerable to making mistakes and falling, no matter how spiritual we are. So, we must take Paul's admonition seriously: “Let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12). Peter could not understand why Christ should be talking this way. However, God’s call is not only about participating in his glory but also participating first in his suffering. This is what Christ did. That He offered himself as a living sacrifice means that he submitted everything without reluctance for our salvation. However, Peter has not realized the necessity of Christ’s death: “It is better for one man to die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.” (Jn 11:50). Amen.

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. On this Twenty-first Sunday i...
08/22/2026

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. On this Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church enjoins us to recognize and reverence Christ. We can appreciate his greatness when we recognize who Christ is, as Peter did. However, this is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. Have a greatly blessed Sunday!
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23 — Eliakim is destined by God to be a father to those who live in Jerusalem.
Psalm 138 — Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36 — How deep are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20 — Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Christ”.
RECOGNIZING CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD
In today’s first reading, God manifested his power as the sovereign Lord. He dethroned the proud and wicked Shebna and exalted the humble and faithful Eliakim. In this reading, Eliakim prefigures Christ, the messiah: He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts and shuts, and no one opens” (Rev 3:7). Through his humility, God gave him all authority both in heaven and on earth. Christ delegated the same authority to Peter over his Church through His solemn declaration, as we see in today’s Gospel.
In the second reading, Paul exalts God's greatness. He contemplates: “How rich are the depths of God, how impossible it is to pe*****te his motive or understand his methods, who could ever know the mind of God?” Indeed, as humans, we cannot fathom the wisdom and greatness of God. However, God reveals himself to those who love him and to whomever he chooses to reveal himself. He reveals the depth of his mind to the one willing to go the extra mile with him and to the one who is docile to the Spirit of God. So, it is unsurprising that he revealed himself extraordinarily to his humble servants such as Mary, Peter, Paul, and other apostles. He reveals himself to those who seek him truthfully, honestly, and with a clear conscience. He has revealed himself fully to us in Jesus Christ. Hence, only those who allow the eyes of their mind to be illumined by the Holy Spirit can comprehend the depths of God’s motive.
Today’s Gospel begins dramatically and interestingly. Jesus was aware of the confusion about his personality and mission. So, He decided to know what his disciples think about him: “Whom do people say I am? You, whom do you say I am?” From the response of some of them, it was obvious that they had no clear idea of who Christ was. Peter came to their rescue. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” This answers the “messianic secret” (Mk 1:43-35). How did Peter know this? Simple! God himself revealed it to him through the Holy Spirit, as Jesus affirmed. Peter's response provoked a fundamental declaration from Christ, similar to the one in our first reading. Christ gave Peter the keys as a sign of his apostolic and ministerial authority over the entire church of Christ. This became possible because he recognized Christ. So, Christ was not wrong in making him the head of his earthly Church. He occupies this position today through the apostolic succession of the Popes. If Christ were to ask us the same question today, “Who do you say I am”? What would be our response? We cannot comprehend Christ’s identity unless we have an intimate relationship with him. Again, and most importantly, we cannot respond fully to this question unless we are docile to the Holy Spirit, who reveals the depth of God’s mind. Finally, only believers who recognize who Christ is have a special place in him. Therefore, our greatest desire every day should be, as Paul says, “To know Christ and the power of his resurrection and to share in his suffering by becoming like him in his death” (Phil 3:10). Amen.

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. On this Twentieth Sunday of O...
08/15/2026

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. On this Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Church draws our attention to God’s invitation and mercy to humanity. God’s invitation and mercy are without borders. This means that we all have equal opportunities to do so through our response of faith. Have a wonderful, blessed Sunday!
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 — Thus says the LORD: “Stand firm in justice; do what is right”.
Psalm 67 — O God, let all the nations praise you!
Second Reading: Romans 11:13-15; 29-32 — The gifts and the calling of God are unable to be revoked.
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28 — Recognizing the Canaanite woman’s great faith, Jesus told her, “It shall be done as you wish”.
GOD'S MERCY REACHES ALL NATIONS
In the first reading, God promises to bring all nations together. This is the expansion and extension of His salvation project toward all nations of the earth. First, this project began with, and was for Israel, “God’s firstborn” (Ex 2:22). Now, out of his mercy, God extends it to all other nations of the earth. This demonstrates God’s mercy for all nations who will respond to his invitation through faith. So, God promises that He will bring even foreigners to his house: “These, I will bring to my holy mountain. I will make them joyful in my house.” However, this promise is based on one condition. “They have attached themselves to the Lord to love him and to serve him.”
In the second reading, Paul also strikes the same chord as Isaiah. It suffices to note that when Paul says, “Mercy to all,” he is not saying God will save everyone. Instead, His mercy is available to all those who will respond accordingly to his invitation. For “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). So, Paul demonstrates his confidence in God’s mercy. He insists that, although some have rejected God as Israel (the covenant people) did, God himself has not rejected or forgotten them. This is because “God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.” He is trustworthy and faithful to his word and promise. Hence, Paul reminds us that God has not forgotten his chosen people even though they disobeyed Him. No, God does not give up on anyone, even those who rejected him. Instead, He continues to wait patiently for all. So, Paul warns us not to be proud or unmerciful to others because of the mercy we have received from Christ. This is because our situation has nothing to do with merits. Instead, we are who we are through the mercy and kindness of God. Indeed, “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8).
Today’s Gospel goes further to illustrate the universality of God’s mercy. However, the fact that Jesus initially hesitated to listen to the woman perhaps could have been to test her faith. In other words, even though God is ready to show us mercy, he requires something from us: “faith as small as the mustard seed” (Mt 17:20). An essential requirement for receiving this mercy is the amount of faith we demonstrate in Jesus Christ. The woman demonstrated her faith in Christ. Of course, Christ showed her mercy by healing her daughter. Her persistence is also worth emulating. Despite all odds and what looked like Jesus’ refusal to answer her, she did not give up. So, like this Canaanite woman, each one needs God’s mercy. We need to demonstrate our faith in Christ, and he will show us his mercy. Today, Jesus is close to us. So, like this woman, we must cry to Him: “Son of David, take pity on me.” Amen.

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. Today is the Nineteenth Sunda...
08/08/2026

Greetings to all Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. Today is the Nineteenth Sunday of the Ordinary Time. The word of God today reminds us that it takes much patience to work and walk with God. This is because at times, God acts in ways that can drive an average human being or Christian crazy. If we do not lose faith at such moments, God will surely make all things perfect at his appointed time. All we need to do is trust, obey, be patient, and not go crazy because going crazy will not solve any problem. Have an abundantly blessed Pentecost Sunday!
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a — The LORD said to Elijah: “Stand on the mountain; the LORD will be passing by”.
Psalm 85 — Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5 — To the Israelites belong the covenants, the law, and the patriarchs; and from them comes the Christ.
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33 — As Jesus walked on the sea, the disciples were terrified. But at once Jesus said to them, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid”.
IN PATIENCE AND FAITH, LET US WALK WITH THE LORD
We saw this in today’s first reading. Why should God order such a tired man, scared and running for his life, “Go outside and stand on the mountain,” with all its harsh, cold, and windy environment? This must be crazy! Okay, the poor man obeyed, yet he had to endure standing aloft and being battered by different atmospheric conditions before God’s arrival. Is this all that you have to say after all that I have endured in the hands of my enemies and this challenging atmospheric condition you have exposed my weak body to? Many more such questions must have filled the mind of Elijah, who wanted God to grant him death relief from his many troubles. Instead, he got more troubles from God. The point is this. We find God where we least expect to find him. He does things on his terms and when it will benefit us the most. Unfortunately, we do not see it this way, especially when we are tired and overwhelmed by the trials of our daily life. Brothers and sisters, if we are patient enough, God will come, but he will come at his own time and terms; when and where we least expect him. He never misses an appointment. Wait, my dear friend, wait; he will come! Though you are cast out in the cold and wind, though your flesh burns, do not be wary of waiting; he will come, and when he comes, he will make all things right, and all that seems crazy to you will become clear.
In today’s Gospel, we see a similar pattern repeat itself. What a dangerous and crazy joke that was! Not only that, but he also left them alone in the boat and storm; Christ appeared from nowhere, walking on the sea like a ghost. Who does such a thing – scare his beloved ones to death? This must be crazy, but he did this crazy stuff for the safety of his beloved disciples. He came at the right time. Like his father, he never misses an appointment. Even when our faith in him fades, his love and protection for us become stronger. He said to them, “Take courage; it is I; do not be afraid.” One simple test will convince me, Peter thought to himself. Immediately, he requested, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Of course, my friend Christ responded, “Come!” Now that Peter had understood the meaning of this craziness, he stepped out on the sea and began to walk towards the master. He walked on the sea like the master but lacked the courage and strength of his master. He lost concentration, his faith dwindled, and the primordial fear that enveloped them throughout the night took control of him. Again, the Lord intervened at the scream, “Lord, save me!” He intervened because he never misses an appointment. He is always there when we need him most, though it seems he delays. Today, Peter is a typical model of what happens to us in our walk with the Lord. We start strong and full of zeal at the Lord’s call. If we focus on him, we will never sink. We begin to slip and fall once we lose focus and feel the forces of the world around us. So, let us ask God to sustain us in patience and strengthen our faith that we might be strong enough to face the storms of this life. Amen.

From Mexico City, where I am visiting with my family there, I greet my other family, the Parishioners and Friends of Sai...
08/01/2026

From Mexico City, where I am visiting with my family there, I greet my other family, the Parishioners and Friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. Today On this Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are faced with one of the most consoling truths of Sacred Scripture: the merciful love of God revealed in the face of Jesus who invites us to the eternal feast. Have an abundantly blessed Sunday!
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-3 — All you who thirst, come to the water! You without money, come to the feast!
Psalm 145 — The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.
Second Reading: Romans 8:35, 37-39 — Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ.
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21 — All ate until satisfied; they collected twelve baskets of what was left over.
GOD WANTS TO FEED US FROM THIS LIFE AND UNTIL ETERNITY
The first reading taken from the prophet Isaiah tells us of the great banquet of the messianic times in which we are all called to participate. It is enough that one has "hunger or thirst," and he is an appropriate candidate to approach the love of God. It is human poverty that moves God’s heart. "If any man thirsts, let him come, if he is hungry, let him come, no matter that he has no money" Hunger and thirst adequately express that vital and profound need which man experiences of God and of his love.
The Responsorial Psalm continues the theme of the reading: «You open your hand, O Lord, and fill us with favors... Everyone waits for Him to give us food in due time... He opens his hand and fills all living... is close to those who sincerely invoke him.» We praise God, worthy of all praise for his infinite greatness, for the marvelous sublimity of his works. But, above all, for his immense goodness, for his mercy and generosity, since all the gifts we have are due to him.
In the second reading, Saint Paul gives this defiant cry from the watchtower of one who knows to be loved unconditionally by Christ: "Who can separate us from the love of Christ?" Our faith is a total and absolute trust in the love of God. "We have known and believed the love which God has for us" (1 Jn 4:16). Saint Paul speaks from experience. He knows that this love never fails, never disappoints. Christ’s love is the only stable and definitive security even if everything sinks. To him who has built his life upon the rock of Christ’s love no tempest can shake (cf. Mt 7:25). "In all this we easily overcome for the sake of Him who has loved us". Sometimes we would like the Lord to remove difficulties. However, he does not usually act this way. Rather, he gives us the strength to overcome them supported in his love. Christ had said it very clearly: "In the world you will have struggles, but be of good courage: I have overcome the world" (Jn 16:33). And St. Paul knew this from experience, hence his surging confidence and joy in the midst of trials and tribulations (2 Cor 7:4). "This is the victory that overcomes the world: our faith" (1 Jn 5:4). "I am convinced..." It is not an opinion, but an absolute certainty. The certainty of being anchored in a love stronger than evil, stronger than death. A love that precedes and accompanies us, that never abandons us, that leads us with its infinite wisdom and power. There is no room for doubt or fear, there is no reason for cowardice or discouragement. "Even though I walk through dark canyons, I fear nothing, for you are with me" (Ps 23:4). "If an army encamps against me, my heart does not tremble; if they make war with me, I am at peace" (Ps 27:3). Only in God rests my soul..., only He is my rock and my salvation, my fortress, I will not waver (Ps 62:2-3). Conjugal love is imprinted in the human soul with an indelible seal. Paul has experienced this love and proclaims it with frankness and simplicity: Who can separate me from the love of Christ? There is no power that can separate us from the love of Christ. In Christ the loving face of the Father is revealed.
In the Gospel there is also a crowd following Jesus without bread, without sustenance. Just as in the desert God multiplied the means of sustenance for the hungry people, so today Jesus will feed a crowd that has no way to satisfy their basic needs. Material food brings us to the consideration of a spiritual food that responds to man’s most essential need: his desire to like God, his longing to feel eternally loved by God. To us too today Jesus says: "Give them to eat." With five loaves and two fish he gave the crowd to eat. But what would have happened if the disciples had kept for themselves the five loaves and the two fish? Probably, Jesus would not have done the miracle and the crowd would have been left without food. Same as the disciples, neither you nor I are asked by Jesus to solve all problems or to perform miracles. He does miracles. But he does ask us one thing: that we make available to him all that we have; little or much, it doesn’t matter, but that is all you have. In the face of hunger for material bread and hunger for the truth of Christ that so many people suffer, are you going to deny Christ your five loaves and your two fish? If the disciples had not given to Jesus what little they had, claiming that they needed him for themselves, several thousand would have been left without food and, above all, would have remained unaware of the power of Christ performing such a miracle. If you deny him your loaves and fish, you are responsible for the fact that Christ today does not continue to feed people and that many do not know him by not giving him the opportunity to perform miracles by multiplying your few loaves and fish. Amen.

From México City where am I visiting with my family, I greet my other family, the Parishioners and friends of Saint Anth...
07/25/2026

From México City where am I visiting with my family, I greet my other family, the Parishioners and friends of Saint Anthony Church in Raymondville, Texas. On this 17th Sunday of ordinary time, the Church reminds us that the greatest of all treasures is the Kingdom of God. In his love, God himself has chosen us and prepared it for us before time. So, the holy mother church encourages us to pray for wisdom as Solomon did to enable us to discern the value of God’s kingdom and mysteries. Have an abundantly blessed Sunday!
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12 — Solomon prays for an understanding heart.
Psalm 119 — Lord, I love your commands.
Second Reading: Romans 8:28-30 — All things work for the good for those who love God.
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52 — The one who knows of the kingdom of heaven brings new and old from the storeroom.
LET US SEEK WISDOM FOR GOD’S KINGDOM
Today’s first reading began excitingly. If you were Solomon, what would you ask? Some of us would ask for more cars, houses, shoes, food, money, power, children, and much more! On the contrary, Solomon asked for wisdom to benefit his and God’s kingdom. He begged God to give him understanding: “Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil.” An understanding heart is God’s gift (Prov 2:6). We need it every day and in all aspects of our life (family, work, studies, and in all life’s decisions) in order to succeed. So, the Apostle James encourages us: “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously, and it will be given to you (Jas 1:5). Wisdom was given to Solomon because he asked for it. However, God expects us to ask wisely, reasonably, and not selfishly.
In the second reading, Paul reminds us, “In everything, God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” God is leading us through the storms of life toward our home and his kingdom. Carefully, He orders all the events of our lives in order to lead us there. This is what we call providence. Simply put, God’s mighty hand is active in all the circumstances of our lives. “Everything” is utterly inclusive and comprehensive. It has no qualifications or limits. Therefore, neither this verse nor its context allows for restrictions or conditions. “All things” is inclusive in the fullest possible sense. It includes your present trouble, your heavy heart, your poverty, your richness, joblessness, your success and failure, your weakness and strength, as well as your sickness and health. Indeed, “everything” and nothing is left out! Nothing exists or occurs in heaven or on earth without the knowledge of God. By saying that “all things work together for us,” Paul tries to reassure us that there is no discord in God’s providence. This is especially for those who have wisely become God’s friends through their faith in Christ. He also assures us that nothing can ultimately work against those whom God has chosen and predestined for his Kingdom. Those who walk faithfully with him.
Today’s Gospel continues Jesus’ use of parables to teach us about the Kingdom of God. Therefore, it is a call to be as wise as Solomon. Without wisdom, we can neither understand the parables of Christ nor seek the kingdom of God. Today’s good news is also a call to value what is most precious to us and for which God has chosen us. Today’s parables intend to instruct us to prefer the kingdom of heaven to this world and ensure that nothing prevents us from entering it. Through these parables, Christ reminds us of the excellence and beauty of eternal life. God’s kingdom is a treasure hidden from the wise of this world. Only those who are wise according to God’s standard look for it and find it. To find it, we must first value it; when we have found it, we must hide it in our hearts. Therefore, let us ask God for understanding and wisdom as Solomon did so that we may be wise enough to discern what is good for us and to make God’s kingdom our priority. Amen.

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464 S 1st Street
Raymondville, TX
78580

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