II Sunday after Pentecost

On June 22, 2025, the Church celebrates the II Sunday after Pentecost, a time within the broader liturgical season known as the Time after Pentecost, which highlights the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. This Sunday, occurring after the great feast of Pentecost, emphasizes the call to live out the graces received during the Easter season, focusing on how faith is expressed through love and action within the Christian community. The liturgical color of green symbolizes growth and renewal, inviting families to reflect on their spiritual journey as they deepen their relationship with Christ and engage actively in the life of the Church.

The readings and prayers for this Sunday center on the themes of love and community, urging families to contemplate the profound message found in St. John's epistle and the parable from Luke's Gospel. St. John's reminder that love is the essence of life in Christ challenges families to examine their relationships with one another, fostering an environment of mutual support and affection. Meanwhile, the parable of the great supper encourages families to respond to God's invitation to partake in His kingdom, emphasizing the importance of not allowing worldly distractions to diminish their commitment to faith. Together, these readings invite families to embrace love as the cornerstone of their interactions, nurturing a spirit of unity and service within their homes and communities throughout the liturgical season.

St. John Bosco: A Model of Christian Virtue

St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, was a 19th-century priest born in Turin, Italy, during a time of great social upheaval and industrialization. He dedicated his life to the education and welfare of poor and marginalized youth, establishing the Salesian order to carry on his mission.

His main virtues—deep compassion, unwavering faith, and an infectious joy—continue to inspire Christians today. Through his dedication to the young, he exemplified love in action, showing that genuine care for others can transform lives and communities.

On this II Sunday after Pentecost, the liturgical themes of love and service resonate with St. John Bosco's life. Just as we are called to love our neighbors and serve one another in Christ’s name, Don Bosco’s legacy encourages us to actively engage in the lives of those in need, particularly the youth, whom he cherished.

Catholic families can follow St. John Bosco’s example by nurturing a spirit of kindness and generosity at home. Consider volunteering together as a family in local youth programs or adopting a habit of sharing stories and experiences that encourage faith and compassion in your children.

Heavenly Father, through the intercession of St. John Bosco, may we grow in love and service, inspiring the next generation to live out their faith joyfully. Amen.

In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound call to love and the importance of responding to God’s invitation in our lives. The parable from Luke (14:16-24) illustrates a man who invites many to a great supper, only to find that they make excuses to decline his invitation. This reflects a common struggle we face: the distractions of daily life that can pull us away from the profound joy and community that God offers. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us about the necessity of responding to God’s call in CCC 2031, which states that we are called to love and serve God through our actions. This aligns perfectly with St. John’s exhortation in his letter (1 John 3:13-18) to love not just in words, but in actions and truth.

The connection between these teachings and our daily lives is significant, especially for families. CCC 2202 emphasizes the family as a domestic church, where love and mutual support should flourish. Families are encouraged to create an environment where love is practiced daily, fostering relationships that reflect the selfless love of Christ. This means setting aside time for each other, engaging in acts of service, and supporting one another in faith. As we reflect on the parable of the great supper, families can consider how they can invite others into their lives—whether through hospitality, community service, or simply spending time with those who feel marginalized—thus living out the love that St. John speaks of.

Ultimately, the call to love and respond to God’s invitation is not just a personal journey but a communal one. As families, by embracing these teachings from the Catechism, we can grow together in our faith and practice, ensuring that love remains at the center of our interactions. This is how we can truly fill the Lord's house with joy and unity, living out our faith in tangible ways that inspire one another and those around us.