Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A): Love God More

A Reflection on the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) – June 28, 2026

As we gather for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church places before us profound themes of hospitality, dying to self, and radical discipleship. These readings challenge us to prioritize Christ above all and to live as people who have died to sin and now live for God.

 The Readings

In the First Reading (2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a), a woman of Shunem shows generous hospitality to the prophet Elisha, preparing a room for him and receiving God’s blessing in return—a promised son. This reminds us that welcoming God’s servants (and ultimately Christ Himself) opens us to divine generosity.

The Responsorial Psalm (Ps 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19) sings of God’s faithful love and the joy of those who walk in His light: “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.”

In the Second Reading (Romans 6:3-4, 8-11), St. Paul proclaims the power of Baptism: “Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.” We have died with Christ to sin; we must now consider ourselves “dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.”

The Gospel (Matthew 10:37-42) contains Jesus’ demanding call to discipleship: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Jesus also promises reward for simple acts of hospitality and charity done in His name—even giving a cup of cold water to one of His little ones.

 Connecting to Our Times: Love, Truth, and the Call to Repentance

On this very Sunday, June 28, 2026, New York City hosts its annual Pride March—a large public celebration of LGBTQ+ identities and lifestyles. In a culture that often equates affirmation with love and views any moral disagreement as hatred, the Gospel invites us to a higher, more demanding charity.

The Church has always taught: hate the sin, but love the sinner. This is not a slogan of rejection but the very pattern of Christ’s own ministry. Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners, yet He called them to repentance and conversion: “Go and sin no more.” True love does not leave people in slavery to sin; it calls them into the freedom of living according to God’s design for human sexuality and the human person—male and female, in complementarity, ordered toward the goods of marriage and family as revealed in Scripture and Tradition.

St. Paul’s words today are especially pointed: we have died to sin. Sexual immorality, including acts outside of marriage between one man and one woman, is among the sins to which the baptized must die. This call is not aimed only at those marching in Pride events; it is universal. Every one of us has areas of attachment, selfishness, or disordered desire where we must take up the cross, die to self, and follow Jesus. The Gospel’s standard is radical: Christ must come first—even before family, identity, or cultural approval.

Hospitality and welcome remain essential. We are called to treat every person with dignity, respect, and concrete charity, just as the Shunemite woman welcomed Elisha. But genuine hospitality includes speaking the truth in love. We are to invite all—especially those caught in patterns contrary to God’s will—to repent, amend their lives, and enter more fully into the joy of new life in Christ. The promise of the Gospel is not loss but gain: “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

May we, as baptized Christians, live boldly in this “newness of life.” Let our parishes and homes be places of radical welcome to every sinner (which includes all of us), while remaining clear about the demands of discipleship. In a world that celebrates autonomy and self-definition, we proclaim that true freedom and identity are found only in losing ourselves in Jesus Christ.

Lord, help us to love as You love—without compromise on truth, yet with mercy that calls every heart to conversion. Amen.

Fall of Pride: Not a 'Gay' Day

Proverbs 16:18 says that pride comes before the fall or destruction. These words are deep, and it seems they took to reality during Pride NYC on June 30, 2024.  Gay Pride is an event rooted in New York City and Gay history. It is meant to be a "uniting" force where "diversity" is celebrated as one. However, it was not the case this time around without excluding previous issues in the past.  First, the parade was interrupted by pro-Hamas protesters, then some brawls took place related to the parade and an act of God forced the cancelation of the rest of the event. It was a huge rainbow dumpster fire. 

The recent events at Washington Square Park in New York City have brought to light the complex dynamics of public spaces and the challenges of maintaining safety during large gatherings. On June 30, 2024, what was meant to be a celebration of Pride Month ended in a series of unfortunate incidents, as multiple brawls broke out among the attendees. Whether it was the heat or sexual frustration, there was a lot of emotion and energy that triggered brawls at Pride NYC.  First, let us briefly introduce what this event is. 

What is Pride?

The history of NYC Pride is a tapestry of struggle, celebration, and community that has evolved significantly over the years. It all began with the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQIA+ history. In the early hours of June 28, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a bar in Greenwich Village, New York, which was a safe haven for the city's gay community. This time, however, the patrons fought back, leading to several days of demonstrations and clashes with law enforcement.

The following year, on June 28, 1970, the first Gay Pride March, then known as Christopher Street Liberation Day, was held to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. This march set the precedent for Pride parades not only in New York City but around the world. The event was a powerful statement against discrimination and a public display of unity for the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.

In 1973, one of the early victories for the movement was achieved when the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the DSM-II, its manual of mental disorders, recognizing that being gay is not a mental illness. This was a significant step forward in changing public perceptions and reducing stigma.  Note that the removal of homosexuality from the DSM-II was not based on scientific empirical studies, but due to political pressure and social engineering efforts. In the last decade or so, it was discovered that there is no "gay gene." Homosexuality is not rooted in biology or genetics, therefore, scholars in the 1970s had no way to verify whether it was natural or not from a physiological point. 

The 1980s brought the devastating AIDS epidemic, which had a profound impact on the gay community. NYC Pride became a platform to raise awareness about AIDS and to remember those who had been lost to the disease. The community rallied together, showing incredible resilience in the face of this crisis.

Heritage of Pride, the organization that now plans and produces New York City's official LGBTQIA+ Pride events, was founded in 1984. It took over from the Christopher Street Liberation Day Committee, ensuring that the legacy of Stonewall and the fight for equality continued to be honored each year.

The NYC Pride March has grown exponentially over the years, becoming one of the largest and most well-known Pride events in the world. It attracts millions of participants and spectators who gather to celebrate diversity, progress, and the ongoing pursuit of equal rights.

The march itself is a vibrant display of activism, remembrance, and joy. It serves as a reminder of the challenges the LGBTQIA+ community has faced and the victories it has achieved. It's a time to reflect on the past, empower individuals, and unite for a future where everyone can live openly and authentically.

NYC Pride is not just a march; it's a series of events that include rallies, parties, lectures, and cultural activities that take place throughout June, known as Pride Month. These events provide a space for connection, education, and celebration. Each borough in NYC has its "pride" event which leads to the major even at the Pride March. As NYC Pride continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of hope, a beacon of inclusivity, and a testament to the power of the gay community. It's a celebration that honors the past, energizes the present, and inspires the future of the LGBTQIA+ movement. However, things are not looking so good now. 

The altercations, which included fistfights and hair-pulling, resulted in several arrests and left many concerned about the underlying tensions that led to such chaos. The New York City Police Department reported that 15 individuals were taken into custody for various charges, including assault and disorderly conduct. One man was even shot and taken to a local hospital. The violence stretched on for hours, with videos circulating online showing the mayhem that unfolded.  

Here are some of the videos posted on X (formerly Twitter):

Such events raise questions about the role of law enforcement, the responsibilities of event organizers, and the actions of individuals in ensuring that public celebrations do not escalate into violence. It also underscores the importance of community engagement and proactive measures to prevent similar situations in the future.

Washington Square Park, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance, is a symbol of the diverse and dynamic nature of New York City. It is a place where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy the freedom of expression and the joy of community. However, this incident serves as a reminder that with the privilege of such a space comes the duty to respect one another and the law.

As the city reflects on these events, it is crucial to engage in a dialogue about how to better safeguard our public spaces and ensure that they remain welcoming and inclusive for all. The spirit of Pride is presented as one of acceptance and celebration of diversity, and it is vital that this spirit is not overshadowed by acts of violence if the gay community wishes to remain respectable to the rest of society. 

The community, along with local authorities, must work together to address the issues that contribute to such disturbances. This includes examining the adequacy of security measures, the need for more effective crowd control strategies, and the importance of fostering a culture of non-violence and mutual respect.  This is in fact the symbolism behind the "Pride" flag. It is suppose to show diversity of different subcultures within the gay community but as one cloth, so to speak.

New York City's Pride celebrations are billed as a testament to the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ rights and the ongoing struggle for equality. It is imperative that the city continues to uphold these values and ensure that every individual feels safe and valued, not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year.

Not only were there issues a Washington Square park, but the recent Pride parade in New York City, a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms, was marked by an unexpected interruption. A group of protestors advocating for Palestinian rights chose this high-profile event to make their voices heard, leading to a clash of causes on the streets of Greenwich Village.

The incident unfolded as the parade approached the iconic Christopher Street, near the historic Stonewall Inn, a symbol of queer activism and liberation. The protestors, bearing messages of solidarity with Palestine, disrupted the procession, leading to a temporary halt of the festivities. Their actions included splattering red paint on the parade route, on revelers and a float, symbolizing their protest against what they perceive as the pinkwashing of the Palestinian struggle by certain organizations participating in the parade.

This act of civil disobedience brings to light the complex interplay between different social justice movements. The protestors' message was clear: there can be no true liberation for one community if it comes at the expense of another. They challenged the attendees and organizers of Pride to consider the broader implications of their alliances and sponsorships, highlighting the intersectionality of human rights issues.

The New York Police Department responded to the situation by taking several individuals into custody, a move that sparked further debate about the appropriate balance between protest and celebration, and the rights of individuals to express dissenting views during public events.

The Pride parade, which has long been a platform for not only celebration but also for political action and advocacy, once again proved to be a space where critical conversations about inclusivity, solidarity, and justice were brought to the forefront. As the city reflects on the events of the day, it becomes evident that the path towards true equality and liberation is one that requires continuous dialogue, understanding, and the willingness to listen to diverse voices within the community.

The unfolding events at the NYC Pride parade serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by various marginalized groups and the importance of solidarity across movements. It underscores the necessity for inclusive platforms that respect and amplify all voices fighting for justice and equality.

In response to the interruption at the NYC Pride parade, the organizers emphasized their commitment to safety and the continuation of the event as planned. They acknowledged the increase in threats and harassment but stated that they would not succumb to fear. The organizers have reportedly enhanced their security protocols and are in close coordination with local and federal authorities to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the intersectionality of social justice movements and the importance of solidarity. The Pride organizers' stance reflects a determination to uphold the spirit of the event while navigating the complexities of diverse political expressions within the community. This approach underscores the ongoing efforts to create inclusive spaces that respect and amplify all voices fighting for justice and equality.

Act of God against NYC Pride: Weathering the Storm

New York City's Pride celebrations are a vibrant and powerful expression of community and solidarity, a tradition that has been observed for over half a century. This year, the city prepared to host its 54th annual Pride March with the theme "Reflect. Empower. Unite." It was canceled during the Covid-19 Coronavirus lockdown but was later restored. However, the festivities faced an unexpected challenge this year 2024: severe weather conditions.

As the weekend approached, forecasts predicted a mix of heat, humidity, and severe storms, with a tornado threat on Saturday and more turbulent weather on Sunday evening. Despite these predictions, the spirit of Pride attempted a resilient stance. The march, a commemoration of the Stonewall Uprising and a demonstration for civil rights stepped off as planned on June 30, 2024, or so they believed.

Tens of thousands gathered, adorning the streets of Manhattan with a kaleidoscope of colors, embodying this year's theme. Grand marshals and community leaders led the way, reflecting on the journey of LGBTQIA+ rights, empowering individuals through visibility, and uniting diverse voices in a collective call for equality and joy.

The march began at 25th Street and Fifth Avenue, near Madison Square Park, winding its way through iconic landmarks such as the Stonewall National Monument and the New York City AIDS Memorial before concluding at 16th Street. Participants and spectators alike braved the sweltering heat, which only seemed to fuel the march's energetic atmosphere.

As the day progressed, the weather took a turn. Dark clouds loomed, and the winds picked up, signaling the onset of the anticipated storms. The march attempted to continued as a testament to the enduring courage and determination of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, but nature had other plans. It began to rain and the weather turned for the worse forcing the Gay Pride parade/march to be canceled. The event's organizers, Heritage of Pride, had prepared for such contingencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees, however, these efforts were not enough against Mother Nature.  

https://t.co/4NkuK89nsb

— Bree A Dail (@breeadail) June 30, 2024

An Act of God cancels NYC Pride

…as city warns of severe thunderstorms.

pic.twitter.com/QkkGIStCwU

— Bree A Dail (@breeadail) June 30, 2024

Severe Thunderstorm is officially here and remainder of the NYC Pride Parade has been canceled due to weather.

Video by @yyeeaahhhboiii2 Desk@freedomnews.tv to license pic.twitter.com/9A4pN0Gej4

— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) June 30, 2024

In past years, rainbows have appeared over NYC during Pride bringing homosexuals to claim God was on "their side," However, the weather at NYC Pride in 2024 shows otherwise. God seemed to have wanted the Gay Pride March to stop. 

The NYC Pride March is more than just a parade; it is a symbol of the ongoing struggle for queer liberation and the celebration of the progress made. It is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity—be it discrimination or a storm—the community stands strong, united by a shared history and hope for the future.

As the last floats passed and the crowds began to disperse, the rain started to pour. But the storm did not dampen the spirits of those who marched despite forcing a premature cancelation. Instead, it served as a metaphor for some of the challenges the LGBTQIA+ community has faced and overcome. The rain to some gay participants, like the obstacles of the past, was transient, and the message of Pride remained clear and undiminished.

The NYC Pride March of 2024 will be remembered not only for its jubilant celebration but also for its problems with crowds and planning for things in the face of a storm. However, to some, it is a powerful reminder that when a community comes together, it can weather any storm and emerge stronger and more united than ever. Pride is not just a moment in time; it is a movement for those who support it that continues to push forward, no matter what stands in its way.

As the gay community moves forward, it has to learn from these incidents and strive to create a more harmonious environment where differences are celebrated, and peace is maintained. It is only through collective effort and understanding that they can hope to prevent such occurrences and honor the true meaning of community and Pride.  If not, the events are all for show and perversion.  

: Source: Al Bawaba

: Source: MSN

: Source: Fox News

: Source: Yahoo News

: Source: India Today

: Source: Breitbart News

Multiple brawls break out at Washington Square Park in jaw-dropping scene (Video) | New York Post (nypost.com)

X

Multiple Fights & Chaos Break Out After NYC Pride Parade (tmz.com)

New York City Pride celebration turns into wrestling match at Washington Square Park - India Today

Man is shot and hospitalized after violent brawls break out at Washington Square Park after Pride Parade | Daily Mail Online

Massive Brawl Breaks Out At Washington Square Park During NYC Pride Celebrations | Times Now (timesnownews.com)

Woman attacked in shocking Pride parade beating caught on video | Fox News

"Brawl Breaks Out at New York City Pride Event, Police Shut Park" (mrctv.org)

Massive brawl erupts at Pride Parade march in New York (msn.com)

Wild Video Shows Chaos Unfold After Dem City Pride Parade | The Daily Caller

WATCH: Violent Brawls Erupt After NYC's Pride Parade (breitbart.com)

Parties and protests mark the culmination of LGBTQ+ Pride Month in NYC and beyond – NBC New York

Grand Pride Parade steps off, faces protest delay | ksdk.com

No pride: Anti-Israel marchers toss fake blood at human-rights float and block street, grinding NYC Pride parade to a halt (nypost.com)

(132) Pride Parade CANCELED due to Severe Weather in NYC - YouTube

Pride parade postponed due to weather (youtube.com)

Severe Thunderstorm Brings Pride Parade to a HALT while Celebrations Continue across NYC (youtube.com)

13th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B: Death Does Not Win

The readings for the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B offer a profound depth of spiritual insight and reflection. 

The first reading from the Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24) contemplates the nature of life and death, emphasizing that God did not create death, but rather, it entered the world through the devil's envy. This passage invites us to reflect on the sanctity of life and God's intention for creation to exist in harmony and immortality. It reminds us that the devil is the cause of death. People often blame God for evil and death when in reality it is the devil's fault. Out of envy for humanity, the devil brought about death via sin.

The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 30, is a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards God for deliverance and rescue. It is a reminder of God's mercy and the transformative power of thanksgiving, turning mourning into dancing and sorrow into joy.

In the second reading, Paul's letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15) calls on the community to live in generosity and equality. It highlights the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, though rich, became poor for our sake, setting an example of selflessness and solidarity with the needy.  Jesus became one of us in all things except sin.

The Gospel reading from Mark (Mark 5:21-43) presents two miraculous healings performed by Jesus. The first is the healing of a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years, and the second is the raising of Jairus's daughter saying "Talita Cumi" or Little girl child get up. Both stories are united by themes of faith, desperation, and the transformative touch of Jesus. They show that Jesus' power to heal and to give life transcends all barriers, offering hope and new life to all who reach out to him in faith.

Death is not the end. Jesus conquered it. We all have to die one day. There is no way around it. It is the wage of sin. However, Jesus conquered it in His resurrection. He became the lord of death if you will. We all lose people all the time. Recently I lost my sister and my dad before her as well as a host of cousins, an aunt, and a brother-in-law. It is not something we all anticipate or enjoy.  Even when you think you got used to having lost someone, the next death still hits hard. We never get used to it. We never adapt to it. It hurts a lot. What hurts a lot is the absence, seeing the things and people they left behind, and going to spots where memories were shared. After someone dies, we feel a part of us goes. We feel incomplete. Right now, I feel like I am not myself and possibly will never be. There is just a surreal feeling or sensation in the air, so to speak. It is hard to describe but is just dreadful. At one moment you feel fine and the next you just melt into yourself and memories. 

This is the human side of things. We cannot escape it. We are finite creatures that can only process the here and now. We can only process space-time and matter.  We are attached to this material universe so when a part of it goes missing, we freak out.  It can be difficult to ascertain eternity and that things do not truly disappear like we think. Even this universe's energy cannot be created nor destroyed, it transforms. On the spiritual level, it is even more spectacular, so spectacular that we cannot fathom it now completely.  Jesus' resurrection reminds us that we too will rise at the end of time. When Jesus returns in all His glory the dead shall rise. We will see our lost loved ones again. It is ok and normal to miss our deceased loved ones. This shows we love them and their detachment from us in the physical realm hurts.  However, death is not the end.  

Many of us wonder why our deceased ones never come back to say hi. If they live on, why are they not allowed to visit us? Well, there are many answers to this, but I will use the one my friend and pastor the late Bishop Francisco Garmendia told a child once who asked something similar. The bishop said that our deceased loved ones seem to move on and not contact us because they saw God. They saw absolute goodness, beauty, power, and the overall awesomeness of the Creator, the I AM or being that was always in existence and from which all derives existence.  Once our souls sees this beatific vision, why would it go back to earth? Why would it desire the physical realm again?  God is greater than what we leave behind. God is love. Once we connect fully with God, nothing else is needed so the soul is stuck in ecstasy.  This does not mean our loved ones forget us or do not care, it just means that they made it. They connected with God and await our turn. 

Think of it this way, suppose you lived in a poor area and won the lottery. You then purchase a mansion in a beautiful area. Are you going to return to the poor area?  The answer is most likely not. This is why we see celebrities like Jennifer Lopez who prides herself as "Jenny from the block," but never bought a house in that block in the Bronx. We seldom see these "famous" and rich people return to their stomping grounds. This is because they found something "better" from their perspective. Similarly, when we die and see God, what else is there? God is the absolute.  We will not miss the past or anything from the physical realm because we have the absolute or God.  So when you are down and out like I am and members of my family, think of this. Think of Jesus' power to raise the death and rise Himself from the death. Death is not the end.  We will suffer the loss of course, but death is not the end. We belong to God. We are the breath of God. That breath has to return eventually. The people we lose in life do not belong to us. They are God's breath and were called home.  We will join them eventually when it is our time. 

These readings collectively challenge us to consider our own attitudes toward life, death, and our responsibilities toward others. They encourage us to trust in God's saving power and to act with compassion and generosity, following the example of Christ. As we meditate on these scriptures, we are invited to deepen our understanding of God's love and to carry that love into our daily interactions with others.

Lastly, on a side note, we want to address today's event: Pride.  Today in New York City there will be the annual Gay Pride March. This is an event or parade commemorating the raid by the NYPD on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar.  Regardless of how we feel about homosexuals, we must love them, respect them, and pray for them. We must also protect them. These people glorify pride and sin and this often upsets Christians. However, we must pray for them and their conversion. Jesus on the Cross prayed to His Father to forgive the people for they know not what they do.  While gay people choose to do sinful things with full knowledge, they deep down do not know what they are doing. They do not know the spiritual aspect of the evil they commit. To them, they see it as an evolution of self-expression. They are being their "true selves." This is what they process their sins as. Again, they are deluded by satan.  Remember the first reading about the devil being envious of us.  Homosexuals are lied to by the devil. Like with Eve, he tells them all these lies about "living their truth" and all these sweet enticing terms and jargon meant to deceive.  

In Genesis, we read the story of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Many Christians often focus on the destruction of the cities via flames from the sky.  On YouTube, I have seen some preachers proselytize at pride events instigating gay participants to display themselves in feral ways. The preachers then promote the content as "devils coming out," or in some other demeaning manner meant to portray the gays as some demons that manifest when the preachers preach. This is vanity and wrong on the preacher's part. The Gospel is an invitation to Christ's love, not a weapon to beat people with. In light of this, we should not be going to pride to harass gay people. Instead, we should witness to Christ by showing love and mercy.  Back to Sodom and Gomorrah, Christians forget the other part of the story where Abraham pleads for the people before God. He asks if 30, 20, and 10 are good, would God spare the cities?  God says that He would. We see the Divine Mercy here.  We should focus more on this part when dealing with pride and any homosexual event or gathering. We should ask God to spare them, to forgive them, to destroy their sin, not them.  This is what it means to be a Christian.  This is how we show that it is not "Love is love," but "God is love."  

So let us pray for these people marching today.  They are victims of the devil's deception and our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. They are victims, not our enemies.  Pray for them. Witness to them with Christ's love until we all share in pride as sons and daughters of God, not of sin.  

 .