Reflection From

Fr. Davis

June 14, 2026

In the Gospel for this Sunday, we read the account of the calling of the twelve Apostles. We read how Jesus’ heart was moved with pity after seeing the crowds who He mentioned were like sheep without a shepherd. He tells His disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)

These words are as applicable today as they were during the time of Christ. Christ, in choosing His twelve Apostles, chose those who would continue His mission and the building up of His Church following His Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven Through the ministry of the Twelve Apostles and their successors, the Gospel message and its effects spread throughout the world. It was through the appointment of the twelve Apostles and the ordination of their successors that the message of Christ and His salvific action in the world continues to this very day. Jesus, through the ordination of Bishops and their co-workers, priests, the building up of His Church here on earth persists. Jesus continues to call those He has chosen to follow Him and to be His co-partners in the work of Salvation.

In reflecting on this week’s Gospel, I cannot help but think about and reflect upon my own priestly calling and the calling of those who God has and will place under my care. During my past two years here at St. Gregory the Great, it has truly been an incredible experience. It has been a great Joy and Privilege to come to know many of you and to serve as your priest. It has been an amazing and humbling journey to walk with you and to come to administer the Sacraments. I count it as the greatest Honor and Grace that I have had in my life to share in the ministerial Priesthood of Jesus Christ and to walk with you in faith.

St. Paul mentions in His Letter to the Hebrews, “No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.” (Hebrews 5:4) St. John in his Gospel mentions, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,...” (John 15:16) It is important to remember that, as priests, it is not us who chose Him, but He who chose us and appointed us to this important work.

My time here has been filled with great joy, and I am very thankful to God for such a loving and caring community here at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. I am very grateful to God for all the love and kindness so many have expressed to me during my time here at St. Gregory. It is with a heavy heart that I depart, however, I know God has great things in store for me and for the future of St. Gregory’s. It has been through my time here at St. Gregory that God has prepared me for my future role and service at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, FL, inspiring the new generation of priests to respond to the Lord’s call for workers in His Vineyard. As we reflect on the calling from Christ to the Priesthood and Religious Life, let us remember the words of Jesus Himself, “Take courage, it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

Please know of my continued prayers for you and for all the members of the St. Gregory the Great Catholic community. Though separated by distance, we are united in the Sacraments, especially through the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist. May we continue to pray for each other and pray that, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, Jesus may continue to call men and women to generously serve Him as priests and religious, in imitation of His Most Sacred Heart. May Almighty God Bless you, may His Face shine down upon you, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Amen.

Father John

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