Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Children of Hope

In the first reading from Genesis (Genesis 3:9-15, 20), we encounter the brokenness of humanity—fear, blame, and separation. Adam hides, Eve explains, and the serpent deceives. Yet even in this moment of sin, God does not abandon His people. Instead, He promises hope: a future victory over evil.

In the Gospel of John (John 19:25-34), that promise begins to be fulfilled at the foot of the Cross. Jesus, even in His suffering, creates a new family. He entrusts His mother to the beloved disciple, and through them, to all of us. Mary becomes our Mother, and we become children united not by blood, but by faith and love.

For our parish community, this is a powerful reminder. We are not defined by our failures or divisions, but by the grace that brings us together. Like the Apostles who gathered in prayer with Mary, we are called to be a people of unity, hope, and trust in God.

Let us live as children of hope—turning away from fear and blame and embracing our calling to love one another as Christ loves us.

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, May 25, 2026

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest

Called to Holiness with Joy

Today’s readings invite us into the heart of Christian holiness—a holiness rooted not in fear or perfectionism, but in grace, gratitude, and joyful surrender.

Saint Peter (1 Peter 1:10-16) reminds us that the prophets “searched and investigated” the mystery of salvation, a mystery now revealed to us in Christ. As the document says, “the prophets… were serving not themselves but you”—a powerful reminder that faith is always a gift handed down, never a possession earned.

Peter then gives us a clear invitation: “Gird up the loins of your mind… set your hopes completely on the grace… be holy because I am holy.” Holiness begins in the mind and flows into conduct. It is not about being flawless—it is about being available to God.

In the Gospel (Mark 10:28-31), Peter speaks honestly: “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus responds with a promise overflowing with generosity: those who surrender for the Gospel will receive “a hundred times more… with persecutions… and eternal life.”

This is the paradox of discipleship: When we give God everything, He gives us more than we imagined, though not without challenges.

On this Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, the joyful priest of Rome, we remember a saint who lived holiness with contagious humor, humility, and love for the poor. His life teaches us that holiness is not heavy, it is radiant.

Holiness is joy. Holiness is freedom. Holiness is love lived generously. Lord, through the example of Saint Philip Neri, teach us to seek holiness with joy, to follow you with trust, and to love others with a generous heart.

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, May 26, 2026

Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Ransomed to Serve  

Today’s readings remind us of our true identity and mission as disciples of Christ.

In the First Letter of Peter (1 Peter 1:18-25), we hear that we were ransomed… not with silver or gold but with the precious Blood of Christ.” This means our lives have great value in God’s eyes. Our salvation came at a cost—the loving sacrifice of Jesus—so that we could be born anew and live according to God’s truth. Because of this great gift, Peter calls us to love one another intensely from a pure heart. Genuine love is not superficial; it flows from a transformed life rooted in God’s Word, which “remains forever.” Our faith is not temporary or passing like the grass, but enduring and alive.

In the Gospel (Mark 10:32-45), Jesus teaches what true greatness looks like. While James and John seek positions of honor, Jesus redirects their understanding: greatness is found not in power but in service. He says, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.” Jesus himself gives the perfect example: “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. “This connects directly with Peter’s message—our ransom calls us into a life of humble, sacrificial love.

As a parish community, we are invited to reflect on: Do we seek recognition, or do we seek to serve? Do our actions reflect the love we have received? Are we living as people truly “ransomed” by Christ?

Let us ask for the grace to follow Jesus not only with words but through lives of service, humility, and love. Saint Augustine of Canterbury, pray for us.

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, May 27, 2026

Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Lord, I Want to See - Living Stones on the Way

Today’s readings invite us to rediscover who we are and to ask God for the vision we need to live that identity.

Saint Peter (1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12) reminds us: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood… a people of his own.” This identity is not something we earn. It is a gift. God builds us into a “spiritual house,” shaping us like living stones. Our mission is simple and beautiful:
to proclaim the One who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. But to live as God’s people, we need the clarity that only faith can give.

That is why Bartimaeus in the Gospel (Mark 10:46-52) becomes our teacher today. Though physically blind, he sees more clearly than the crowd. He recognizes Jesus as the Son of David and cries out with courage: “Jesus, have pity on me.” When Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?”, Bartimaeus answers with the most honest prayer a disciple can make: “Master, I want to see.”

This is the prayer we need today. To see God’s will. To see our dignity. To see others with compassion. To see the path that leads to holiness. And once Bartimaeus receives his sight, he follows Jesus “on the way.” True vision always leads to discipleship.

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, May 28, 2026

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

A House of Prayer, a Life of Fruit

The readings today invite us to examine two essential dimensions of Christian life: the fruit we bear and the house we build.

In the first reading (1 Peter 4:7-13), Peter reminds us that “the end of all things is at hand” and therefore we must be serious, sober, prayerful, loving, and generous. He urges us to use our gifts to serve one another, “as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
This is a powerful reminder that holiness is not abstract—it is lived in concrete acts of love, hospitality, forgiveness, and service.

In the Gospel (Mark 11:11-26), Jesus curses the fig tree and cleanses the Temple. These two actions are connected. The fig tree had leaves—signs of life—but no fruit. The Temple had activity—noise, commerce, movement—but lacked the heart of worship.
Both were full on the outside but empty on the inside. Jesus is teaching us that God desires authenticity, not appearances. A life that looks religious but bears no fruit is like the barren fig tree. A church filled with activity but lacking prayer and justice becomes a “den of thieves.” Then Jesus gives us the key to true fruitfulness: faith, prayer, and forgiveness. 
“Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe… and forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance.”

Faith opens the door to God’s power. Forgiveness opens the heart to God’s mercy.
Prayer aligns us with God’s will. Today the Lord asks us: Are we bearing fruit or only showing leaves? Is our heart a house of prayer or a place of distraction? Do we serve with the gifts God has given us? Do we forgive as we have been forgiven?

Let us ask the Lord to cleanse our hearts as He cleansed the Temple,
so that our lives may bear the fruit that lasts. Saint Paul VI, Pope, pray for us.

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, May 29, 2026

Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Walking in Faith and Truth

In the Letter of Jude (Jude 17, 20b-25), we are reminded to remain firmly rooted in faith, building ourselves up through prayer and trusting in God’s mercy. The call is not only personal but communal—we are asked to be compassionate toward those who struggle, to guide others gently back to the light. This reminds us that faith is not static; it is alive, expressed through love and mercy toward others.

The Psalm (Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6) expresses a deep longing for God: “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord.” This thirst reflects our human condition—we seek fulfillment, meaning, and peace. Only God can truly satisfy this longing. When we center our lives on God, our hearts find nourishment like a “rich banquet.”

In the Gospel (Mark 11:27-33), Jesus is questioned about His authority, and instead of answering directly, He challenges His listeners to examine their own understanding of truth. Their hesitation shows how fear and pride can cloud judgment. Jesus teaches us that recognizing truth requires humility and openness to God.

Together, these readings invite us to deepen our faith, trust in God’s presence, and act with mercy and courage in our daily lives.

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, May 30, 2026

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

United in Love: A Trinitarian Call to Mercy and Community

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today’s readings invite us into the mystery of God’s love, revealed as mercy, unity, and salvation.

In Exodus (Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9), Moses encounters a God who is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.” This is not a distant or harsh God, but one who desires to walk with His people despite their faults. Moses boldly asks God to remain with them, trusting in divine mercy even in the face of human weakness.

The psalm (Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56) continues this theme of praise, calling all creation to glorify God’s holy name forever. It reminds us that worship is not just words, but a life oriented toward gratitude and reverence.

In the letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 13:11-13), we are given practical guidance for living as a community: “rejoice… encourage one another… agree with one another, live in peace.” Trinity is not only something we believe, it is something we live. We reflect God’s love when we build unity, forgive one another, and remain in peace.

Finally, the Gospel (John 3:16-18) reveals the depth of God’s love: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” Jesus was not sent to condemn, but to save. This message is central to our faith, God reaches toward us in love, offering life and hope to all who believe.

As a parish community, we are called to embody this love. Let us be merciful like the Father, united in the Spirit, and faithful in Christ, so that our lives become a living witness of God’s saving love.

Saints Justin, Marcellinus and Peter, Charles Lwanga and Companions, Boniface, and Norbert, pray for us!

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, May 31, 2026