Jesus Does Not Give Up on us, Even When We Fail

Pilar Azmani • September 17, 2024

We continue to read and reflect upon the gospel according to Mark this liturgical year. I like Mark very much. And no, it is not because Mark is the shortest and first written gospel. It’s because I like the method in which Mark chose to spread the message about Jesus Christ. In his gospel, Mark references all the followers of Jesus as weak in following Jesus’ teachings and failing to follow his mission. In fact, the disciples and those who followed Jesus failed all the time. Thus, the gospel of Mark is a really a story of failure.

There are many examples of Jesus’s followers and the disciples failing. Jesus’ closest disciples often did not understand his parables and recommendations. Their faith was frequently questioned and they often feared for their physical life. They betrayed Jesus during Holy Week and they left their Master alone to suffer and die. Peter denied Jesus three times during his trial. Additionally, many other followers of Jesus did not grasp the message of Jesus and failed to follow him as well. Lastly, even women, the most faithful followers of Jesus failed because they did not recognize Jesus after his resurrection. They thought he was the gardener. Because of this Jesus often expressed his frustration and disappointment after talking to his disciples in the gospel of Mark.

We see Jesus’ frustration in today’s gospel passage assigned to the 25^th Sunday in Ordinary time. Jesus made a lot of effort to explain to his closest disciples that he was going to suffer and die. To explain that His mission must end on Calvary, where he would die on the cross. Unfortunately, his disciples did not understand Jesus’ point. They ignored the message, which was important to Jesus. Instead, they argued among themselves “who is the greatest.” In his disappointment, Jesus showed them a child as an example of humility and meekness.

Why did Mark choose this kind of method to write about Jesus and his message? Why does Mark show Jesus’ disciples as weak and fragile?

Mark writes his gospel in 60AD. It was a time of terrible persecution of the first Christian community by Nero and Vespasian. Christians were tortured and martyred, families destroyed and others were hunted. Many of the followers of Jesus were not ready or willing to suffer and die for Christ. They betrayed their faith and left the Christian community. After, there was a dispute and division among the believers, “if those who failed can still call themselves Christians and if they are worthy to follow Jesus anymore.”

Mark writes his gospel to this kind of community of believers and in these circumstances of religious persecution. Mark understands the pain and dilemma of persecuted Christians. Mark’s intent is to make a clear point that it is OK to fail and still be a disciple of Jesus. In the last chapter of Mark, the Risen Christ calls his disciples to meet in Galilee (Mark 16:7). It is a very significant call. Although the disciples failed completely, Jesus did not give up on them, and they did continue his mission from there.

I like the gospel of Mark because we as human beings can relate to failing. We are all similar to Jesus’ followers and we often fail. Mark brings us good news though, that we are allowed to fail and still come back and follow Jesus again. Let’s be grateful for the gospel of Mark and the Good News which encourages us to follow Jesus closely and never give up on Jesus and our mission.

Fr. Andrzej

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Trusting God Through the Darkness

By Jennifer Moscatello • June 18, 2026

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Compassion That Leads to Mission

By Jennifer Moscatello • June 11, 2026

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

From the Altar to the World

By Jennifer Moscatello • June 4, 2026

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, traditionally known as Corpus Christi. Established in the thirteenth century to renew and honor the Church’s faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, this beautiful feast invites us to strengthen our faith and gratitude for one of the greatest gifts Jesus has given us – the Eucharist, His abiding presence among us. The Eucharist is not merely a symbol or a reminder of Christ. It is truly Jesus Himself – His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – given for our salvation and as nourishment for our spiritual journey. Because we celebrate this mystery so often, we can sometimes lose our sense of wonder. Corpus Christi calls us to pause and remember the extraordinary gift we receive whenever we come to Mass. We are invited to approach the altar with gratitude and to adore Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament with faith, love, and reverence. In today’s Gospel (John 6:51-58), Jesus says: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Jesus speaks these words with clarity and love. Through the Eucharist, He gives Himself completely to us so that we may remain close to Him and find strength for our daily lives. Yet our encounter with Christ does not end when Mass is over. The Lord whom we receive in Holy Communion is also present in our brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor, lonely, suffering, or in need. Jesus reminds us: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). The Eucharist not only nourishes us – it sends us forth. We receive the Body of Christ so that we may become His hands, His voice, and His heart in the world. The love we experience at the altar should be reflected in the love we show to others. Our worship of Christ in the Eucharist should lead us to recognize and serve Christ in those around us. As a parish family, we are blessed with many opportunities to grow closer to the Lord. I warmly invite you to join us for Daily Mass at 8:30 a.m., Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays at 6:00 p.m., and First Friday Adoration following the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Come and spend time with Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. I also encourage you to participate in the ministries of our parish, where together we can share Christ’s love with those in need. May this beautiful feast renew our love for the Eucharist and deepen our desire to follow Jesus. May we recognize Him at the altar and in one another, and may His presence guide and strengthen us each day. Blessed Feast of Corpus Christi! Fr. Andrzej

Filled with the Holy Spirit

By Jennifer Moscatello • May 21, 2026

This Sunday we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost – the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles gathered in prayer with Mary in the Upper Room. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the fearful disciples were transformed into courageous witnesses of Christ and went out to preach the Gospel with faith and joy. Today’s readings and liturgy reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not only a gift for the Apostles, but for all of us today. The Holy Spirit guides and strengthens us in our daily lives – in prayer, work, studies, decisions, conversations, and responsibilities. Every good inspiration, wise decision, and act of kindness comes through God’s grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost also reminds us to pray more often to the Holy Spirit. A simple prayer, “Come, Holy Spirit,” can bring peace, wisdom, courage, and strength into our hearts. This Pentecost celebration is especially meaningful for our parish because our Religious Education students who completed their preparation year will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this Sunday. What a providential blessing that they will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit on the very feast of Pentecost! Just as the Apostles were strengthened and sent forth by the Holy Spirit, our young people will also be sealed with the gifts of the Spirit and called to live their Catholic faith with courage and conviction. The celebration will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Please keep our Confirmation students, their families, sponsors, and catechists in your prayers. These are the names of our Confirmation students: Jacob, Sean, Braeden, Carson, Stephen, Ashton, Kimty, Drake, Cecelia, Rockford, and Gabriella. May this sacrament deepen their relationship with Christ and strengthen them to become faithful disciples in today’s world. May this Pentecost renew all of us. Let us open our hearts once again to the Holy Spirit and pray with faith: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love.” Happy Pentecost! Fr. Andrzej

From Doubt to Mission

By Jennifer Moscatello • May 14, 2026

The Feast of the Ascension always speaks to me in a very personal way. It reminds me not only of Christ returning to His heavenly Father, but also of my own journey of faith and discipleship. Shortly after my ordination, when I was a young priest, my mother once asked me difficult questions about the Ascension of Jesus. She expressed some doubts about this mystery of our faith. I was surprised because she always had strong faith. She taught me how to pray, trust God, and love the Church. At that time, as a young priest, I thought I had many answers and very few doubts myself. Today, after thirty years of priesthood, I remember this conversation whenever I read the Gospel for the Feast of the Ascension. Saint Matthew tells us that when the disciples saw the Risen Lord, “they worshiped, but they doubted” (Matthew 28:17). These words bring me great consolation and encouragement. The disciples lived with Jesus for three years. They witnessed His miracles, listened to His teaching, and even encountered Him after the Resurrection. Yet some still struggled with doubts. And despite their doubts, Jesus still trusted them and sent them to proclaim the Gospel to the world. Over the years I have learned that doubts can sometimes help our faith grow. Honest doubts encourage us to ask questions, to pray more deeply, and to search for God with greater sincerity. Doubts brought to prayer do not destroy faith; very often they strengthen and mature it. The Ascension of the Lord is one of the central mysteries of our Catholic faith. Jesus conquered sin and death and returned to the glory of the Father. At the same time, He did not abandon us. He remains with us through the Holy Spirit, through the Eucharist, through His Word, and through the Church. The Feast of the Ascension reminds us that heaven is our true home. Yet it also reminds us that we will never fully understand the mystery of eternal life while we are here on earth. As Saint Paul beautifully writes: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). This feast fills us with hope. Jesus leads us to the Father, and heaven is our destiny when we continue to follow Him faithfully – even when we struggle, fail, or experience doubts along the way. As I remember my mother’s questions so many years ago, I realize now that faith is not about having every answer. Faith is about trusting Jesus enough to continue walking with Him, even when some mysteries remain beyond our understanding. Happy Feast of the Ascension! Fr. Andrzej

God is Love

By Jennifer Moscatello • May 4, 2026

As we continue our journey through the Easter Season, we are gradually approaching the great feasts of the Ascension, Pentecost, and the Holy Trinity. In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples with tenderness, knowing that their hearts are troubled at the thought of His departure. His words are meant to console them and to strengthen their faith. Jesus assures them: they will not be left alone. He promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will remain with them forever. In this promise, Jesus begins to reveal the mystery of the Holy Trinity. He speaks of His unity with the Father and of the Spirit who will dwell within them. This is not something distant or abstract. God desires to be close to us – so close that He makes His home in our hearts. At the center of this mystery is love. The Holy Trinity is a communion of perfect love – the Father loving the Son, the Son loving the Father, and the Holy Spirit as the bond of that love. This love is not closed in on itself. It reaches out to us and invites us to share in it. Jesus makes this very clear: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” His commandment is simple, yet demanding – to love one another. When we love with patience, kindness, and a willingness to sacrifice, we begin to reflect God’s own love. Every act of true love – selfless, faithful, and forgiving – makes God present in our lives. In this way, we come to experience that we are not alone. God is with us, guiding us, strengthening us, and walking with us each day. Today, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, this message becomes very concrete. A mother’s love – gentle, patient, and self-giving – is a beautiful reflection of God’s love. In her daily sacrifices, her care, and her constant presence, we can see a living image of the love that flows within the Holy Trinity. Let us give thanks for all mothers and for all those who have shown us such love. And let us open our hearts more deeply to the gift Jesus offers us – the gift of His abiding presence. We are not alone. We are loved, accompanied, and invited to live in that love every day. Fr. Andrzej