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Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected] Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Fill us with your love, O Lord, that we may rejoice and be glad. Psalm 90 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Oct. 14 – No mass Tues., Oct. 15 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Oct. 15 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Carl Hofer by Jane & Ed Weber Wed., Oct. 16 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - For all who are suffering with their mental health by Sandra Senga Thurs., Oct. 17 – 8:30 am Adoration before mass Thurs., Oct. 17 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Frey Family by Geoff Frey Fri., Oct. 18 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Oct. 19 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Oct. 20 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Oct. 20 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Oct. 6: Meadow Lake $1269.05 Green Lake $50.10 Children’s Collection $3.85 Sunday Church Attendance – Oct. 6 – Adults 128 Children 10 Total 138 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for October – for a shared mission – We pray that the Church continue to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion and the mission shared among priests, religious and lay people. Please pray for Betty Bettcher who passed away September 20. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, October 19 at 1:00 pm in our church. Please remember Betty and her family in your prayers. October Rosary – we will pray the rosary before mass on Sundays in October. Pope Francis has asked that we pray for peace in the Middle East and around the world. Our Lady of Peace Fall Supper - will be held on Sunday, October 20 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm in the Hall. Thanksgiving Day – October 14 – It is fitting for God’s people to offer public thanks for all the gifts we have received. The bountiful produce of the earth is a visible sign of the many blessings God wants to shower on us through Christ (see Eph 1:3 – 10). Our God also wants us to share the goods of the earth with all people. Scripture Insights – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 354. In the Gospel reading, a rich man believes he must do many things to inherit the kingdom of God and that he has done all of them. Jesus, however, teaches that only one thing is necessary: to follow Jesus. One cannot carry heavy baggage around while following Jesus. One must travel light. This is what the rich man cannot do. He wants to have his possessions (security, prestige) and have Jesus too. Still, Jesus looks at the rich man and loves him. In Hebrews, the Word of God discerns the thoughts of the heart. The Word is both Scripture, through which God continues to speak, and Jesus Christ, the Word incarnate (as in Jn 1:14). No creature is concealed from Jesus; we are all exposed or laid bare to his eyes. But the eyes that fully see us look at us, and into us, with love. The disciples are amazed. How could it be that a man who has faithfully kept God’s commandments cannot enter the kingdom of heaven simply because he has many possessions that he doesn’t want to give up? Peter protests that the disciples have done what the rich man could not; they have given up everything to follow Jesus. They preferred Jesus to all earthly riches (see Ws 7: 8 – 10). Jesus reassures them that they will receive a hundredfold reward for their sacrifice. As in Wisdom, “all good things” come to the disciples in his company. The surprise is that they will receive it “in this present age” – perhaps through the fellowship and care of their new brothers and sisters in Christ (see Acts 2: 44 – 47; 4: 32 – 35). The catch is buried quietly in the last line: “with persecutions.” Following Jesus is an abundant, overflowing life, but not one free from suffering.
· God may call us to places that are far from friends and family. The reminder that God’s family is so much bigger than anything we have built for ourselves can be an enormous relief to those who feel isolated: does our community reflect the radical hospitality that welcomes all?
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Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected] Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives. Psalm 128 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Oct. 7 – No mass Tues., Oct. 8 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Oct. 8 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - For all who are suffering with their mental health by Sandra Senga Wed., Oct. 9 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Thurs., Oct. 10 – 8:30 am Adoration before mass Thurs., Oct. 10 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - For all who are suffering with their mental health by Sandra Senga Fri., Oct. 11 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Oct. 12 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Oct. 13 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Oct. 13 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Oct. 13 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Sept. 29: Meadow Lake $1269.05 Green Lake $32.80 Children’s Collection Sept. CAFT $2280.00 Sunday Church Attendance – Sept. 29 – Adults 116 Children 12 Total 128 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for October – for a shared mission – We pray that the Church continue to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion and the mission shared among priests, religious and lay people. October Rosary – we will pray the rosary before mass on Sundays in October. Pope Francis has asked that we pray for peace in the Middle East and around the world. Save the Date – Our Lady of Peace Fall Supper will be held on Sunday, October 20 from 4:30 – 7:00 pm. Fall Workshop – Goodsoil Ladies are inviting anyone interested to a fall workshop on Saturday, October 19 from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm in the Goodsoil Community Hall. Speakers are Pat Hankey and Donna Aldous. Please register by October 11 with Gloria foley 306-821-6222 or Sylvia Bender-Rongve 306-230-4848. There is a $10 fee which includes lunch. Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting – The fall DPC Meeting will be held in Prince Albert on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Fr. Uche is looking for volunteers to attend this meeting with him. If you are able to attend please let the secretary know by October 16 as we have to register with the diocese by October 18. Scripture Insights – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 348. The Gospel offers a difficult and countercultural teaching about marriage. The Pharisees, who are experts in God’s law, test Jesus on a contested element of the law. Jewish teachers at the time agreed that the law made provisions for divorce but disagreed over what constituted appropriate grounds for divorce. Jesus concedes that the law does indeed allow for divorce under certain circumstances, but he suggests that this commandment was given not as a reflection of God’s ultimate purpose but to make accommodations for human weakness. Jesus appeals to a more foundational principle. He points to what God originally intended for his created beings: that, as male and female, they would be joined in permanent union. Jesus quotes first from Genesis I (“God made them make and female”), the verse that also reveals the profound truth that both men and women are created in God’s image (see Gn 1:27). Jesus then quotes a verse from the second chapter of Genesis, in which husband and wife unite to become one flesh (see Gn 2:24). If the first chapter of Genesis concentrates on humanity’s dignity and place within creation, the second chapter focuses on the harmonious suitability of the man and the woman, created to be in relation to one another. For Jesus, the creation accounts suggest that God’s original intention was for the permanence of marriage. The second reading focuses on a different kind of family relationship. The Letter from Hebrews states that Jesus was made “lower than the angels” – that is, he became human. But it was this very act that enabled him to lead all humanity into salvation, from death to glory. By taking on the mortal flesh of a human being, Jesus becomes a brother to all other human beings, both men and women. We are saved by a sibling.
Take care, too, not to isolate divorced and remarried Catholics who hear a pretty stern accusation in this Gospel. The idea here is not to shame people for whom the decision to divorce was necessary to live their best version of themselves. It is an invitation for us to continue to see one another as the fullest picture of the image and likeness of God; so we must treat each other as such, rather than discard or offend those with whom we share a relationship. Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected] Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 The precepts of the Lord are right, and give joy to the heart. Psalm 19 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Sept. 30 – No mass Tues., Oct. 1 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Oct. 1 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Leo Fillion Family Special Intention by Gloria & Bev Wed., Oct. 2 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Betty Bettcher by Chris & Pat Bencharski Thurs., Oct. 3 – 8:30 am Adoration before mass Thurs., Oct. 3 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Leo Fillion Family Special Intention by Gloria & Bev Fri., Oct. 4 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Oct. 5 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Oct. 6 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Oct. 6 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Sept. 22: Meadow Lake $1219.15 Green Lake $139.40 Children’s Collection $12.00 Garage Sale Proceeds $2223.25 Sunday Church Attendance – Sept. 22 – Adults 123 Children 18 Total 141 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for October – for a shared mission – We pray that the Church continue to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion and the mission shared among priests, religious and lay people. Needs of the Church in Canada – Every year, the Bishops of Canada appeal for financial assistance. This collection helps each diocese make its annual contribution to the national Episcopal Conference and to the respective regional episcopal assembly (in the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario and Western regions). Any additional funds from the collection are at the disposal of the diocese for its own pastoral needs. Contributing to this collection is an act of collaboration with the Bishops in their ministry of teaching, sanctifying and pastoral governance. Taken from Ordo page 217 World Day of Migrants and Refugees – September 29 – A World Day of Migrants and Refugees is observed in many places in solidarity with the World Refugee Day promoted by the United Nations and observed in June since 2001. At the request of several conferences of Bishops, Pope Francis moved the observance to September in 2019. “The phenomenon of migration today is a providential opportunity for the proclamation of the Gospel in the contemporary world. Men and women from various regions of the earth who have not yet encountered Jesus Christ or know him only partially, ask to be received in countries with an ancient Christian tradition. It is necessary to find adequate ways for them to meet and to become acquainted with Jesus Christ and to experience the invaluable gift of salvation.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 2012). Taken from Ordo page 218 Scripture Insights – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 340. In the first reading, we hear how the Lord provided Moses with assistance by bestowing some of the spirit that was on him onto seventy elders. This assistance relieved Moses of some of the burden of leading the people. When Moses’ faithful assistant Joshua sees two people prophesying who weren’t present at the official ceremony where God’s spirit was bestowed, he demands that Moses stop them from prophesying. But Moses tells Joshua that he wishes all God’s people would receive the Spirit and assume prophetic leadership. Jesus’ disciples echo Joshua’s concerns. They see someone driving out demons in Jesus’ name, and they try to stop him because he is not one of Jesus’ disciples. But Jesus echoes Moses’ reply. Nobody should be prevented from invoking the power of Jesus’ name to drive out demons wherever they may be. The next part of Jesus’ instruction turns to the seriousness of either causing a “little one” to sin or allowing persistent sin in one’s life to cause an eternal stumble. He tells them to take anything in their lives that causes them to sin – no matter how precious that thing may be – and to get rid of it so that it cannot lead them away from God. He might have told them to be like David, who in Psalm 19 searches himself carefully and asks God to cleanse him even from unknown faults. James’ hearers, on the other hand, have ignored Jesus’ instructions. They have clung to their wealth, even though their gold has caused them to commit injustices: they have withheld wages and even committed murder. They should have cast aside their wealth lest it corrupt them and turn them away from God. Instead, James warns them that their condemnation is at hand.
We do what we can to keep unity in our hearts and in our communities. Sometimes, try as we might, we need to decide who or what to distance ourselves from, before it drains us or derails us from the work we are called to do. For some, this means that they have had to put distance between themselves and their family. The weight of that decision can be crushing and isolating: what type of community here is carrying those who have needed to separate themselves from harm’s way? Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected] Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 The Lord upholds my life. Psalm 54 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Sept. 23 – No mass Tues., Sept. 24 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Sept. 24 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Hana Johnson by Troy & Rita Johnson & Family Wed., Sept. 25 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Wayne Bettcher by Chris & Pat Bencharski Thurs., Sept. 26 – 8:30 am Adoration before mass Thurs., Sept. 26 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - + Robert Chaillee by Darcy, Dustin & Jim Thomas & Kelty Esau Fri., Sept. 27 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Barry Ross by Theresa Tourand Sat., Sept. 28 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Sept. 29 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Sept. 29 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Sept. 29 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – September 15: Meadow Lake $1456.05 Green Lake $139.40 Children’s Collection $3.25 Sunday Church Attendance – September 15 – Adults 116 Children 8 Total 124 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for September – for the cry of the earth – We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live. Children’s Liturgy – Children’s Liturgy will be starting on September 29. Thank You – to everyone who supported the Parish Garage Sale in any way: those who donated items; those who helped set up and those who came to the sale on Saturday. Thank You! Parish Secretary – We are still looking for a new parish secretary. The current secretary will be retiring by the end of the year at the latest. The secretary is willing to work with/train anyone interested. Please contact the office for any further information. Scripture Insights – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 334. Jesus predicts that he will be killed and rise again, but the disciples do not understand. The depth of their misunderstanding is revealed in what they discuss as they walk along the way: which of them is the greatest. Jesus must have been horrified. Have they learned nothing of his humble, gentle way? Have they not yet grasped that the path to greatness in the kingdom leads downward toward suffering, self-renunciation, and service, rather than upward toward good reputations and worldly glory? To teach them, he centers attention on a child, a person of the lowest social status in that society. But it is these – the lost and the least – who are counted great in God’s economy. James writes to Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire, warning them against jealousy and selfish ambition. “Ask and it will be given to you,” promised Jesus (Mt 7:7). But James tells his listeners, “You ask but do not receive.” Why? Because they ask God to assist them in their war against one another; they make requests out of ambitious desires rather than from peace, mercy, and gentleness. The tormentors in the Book of Wisdom look for proof of the just one’s gentleness and patience. Gentleness, peace, patience, and endurance are among the marks of a righteous person, just as they marked Jesus himself (see Mt 11:29).
· Who is the greatest? In a culture that has created multi-billion-dollar enterprises around sports and competition, the focus on who comes out on top is a near-daily conversation topic. Yet in the Reign of God the title of “greatest” belongs to the least, the forgotten, the unimportant. Nearly rage-inducing for those who spend their lives trying to improve, succeed, or dominate! Who is the least among us today? What can we learn from their proximity to our God? COLLECTION FOR THE NEEDS OF THE CHURCH IN CANADA Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada: Supporting Bishops in Their Pastoral Mission Across the Country The Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada will take place on 28-29 September 2024. This annual initiative is an important opportunity for the faithful to actively support and assist the Bishops in their ministry of accompanying, teaching, guiding, sanctifying, and caring for the Church in Canada. Please support the Collection. We thank you in advance for your generosity and continued commitment. Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected] Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living. Psalm 116 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Sept. 16 – No mass Tues., Sept. 17 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Sept. 17 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Wayne Bettcher by Darcy, Dustin & Jim Thomas & Kelty Esau Wed., Sept. 18 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Dave Sinclair by Wilfred Sinclair Thurs., Sept. 19 – 8:30 am Adoration before mass Thurs., Sept. 19 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +M.T. Abraham by Swapna Abraham & Bijo Augustine Fri., Sept. 20 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Patrick Merasty family by Wilfred Sinclair Sat., Sept. 21 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Sept. 22 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Sept. 22 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – September 8: Meadow Lake $3207.00 Green Lake $220.55 Children’s Collection Sunday Church Attendance – September 8 – Adults 86 Children 10 Total 96 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for September – for the cry of the earth – We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live. Parish Garage Sale – Our parish will be holding a garage sale on Saturday, September 21 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Parish Hall. Donated items for the sale can be dropped off at the hall on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Also on Friday from 12 noon to 6:00 pm. We are also looking for volunteers to help set up on Friday, Sept. 20. Parish Secretary – We are still looking for a new parish secretary. The current secretary will be retiring by the end of the year at the latest. The secretary is willing to work with/train anyone interested. Please contact the office for any further information. Scripture Insights – 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 328. In the first reading, we hear that God opens Isaiah’s ears to hear God’s Word. In the psalm, God hears the cries of his people. Isaiah’s declaration, “The Lord God is my help,” finds expression in the psalmist’s plea (“O Lord, save my life!”) and his praise that God heard and saved him when he cried out. Continuing last week’s discussion, the second reading focuses on how the poorest members of the assembly are to be treated. It would do a person no good to be wished peace and warmth but not be fed or receive proper clothing. James emphasizes the need to demonstrate faith through action. In this case, he means the concrete actions of caring for the bodily needs of brothers and sisters who are hungry or need clothing. “The Lord keeps the little ones” (Ps 116:6), and so must the follower of Christ. The Gospel shows Peter at his best and at his worst in swift succession. First, Peter has a flash of insight; he recognizes and confesses Jesus as the Christ, sent from God to save the people. But then he rebukes Jesus, horrified at the thought that the Messiah (and his friend and Lord) must suffer and die. He is certain that the Messiah triumphs and is exalted to David’s throne, not nailed to a roman cross. Jesus sternly corrects Peter: the temptation to avoid the path of suffering and death is from Satan. The path to glory and exaltation leads through the cross, not around it. Like the prophet Isaiah, who refused to defend himself against his tormentors but cast all his hopes onto God, Jeus knows that whoever loses his life for the sake of the gospel will save it. Like the psalmist, Jesus trusts that God will save him even fr5om death and that he will “walk before the Lord in the land of the living” (Ps 116:9).
Peter can’t stand the thought of Christ suffering and dying, and he pleads with Jesus not to accept this divine plan. Any of us might do the same for those we love! The idea of our loved ones in pain can give us sympathy pains right alongside them – it feels like our duty to protect them from harm and lead them another way. But God’s ways are not our ways, and each individual discerns with God what is the next right thing. While this can feel like a cross of our own to bear, we must trust the authority of God and the ability of God to call us where we are to go – even when it will be difficult. Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected] Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Praise the Lord, O my soul! Psalm 146 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Sept. 9 – No mass Tues., Sept. 10 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Sept. 10 – 1:00 pm Mass at Elders Lodge on Flying Dust Tues., Sept. 10 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Thanksgiving by Swapna Abraham & Bijo Augustine Wed., Sept. 11 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Wayne Bettcher by Ken & Margaret Alger Thurs., Sept. 12 – 8:30 am Adoration before mass Thurs., Sept. 12 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Hana Johnson by Troy & Rita Johnson & Family Fri., Sept. 13 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Don Sinclair by Wilfred Sinclair Sat., Sept. 14 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Sept. 15 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Sept. 15 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – September 1: Meadow Lake $1953.50 Green Lake $383.00 Children’s Collection $2.00 August CAFT $2375.00 Sunday Church Attendance – September 1 – Adults 111 Children 13 Total 124 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for September – for the cry of the earth – We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live. Please pray for Robert Chaillee whose funeral took place September 7 at 11:00 am in our church. Please remember Robert and his family in your prayers. Parish Garage Sale – Our parish will be holding a garage sale on Saturday, September 21 in the Parish Hall. Donated items for the sale can be dropped off at the hall on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 19th and 20th. Parish Secretary – We are still looking for a new parish secretary. The current secretary will be retiring by the end of the year at the latest. The secretary is willing to work with/train anyone interested. Please contact the office for any further information. Scripture Insights – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 320. In the Gospel reading, people marvel when Jesus heals a man who can neither hear nor speak, opening his ears and loosing his tongue. Their astonishment is appropriate, since Jesus is fulfilling what the prophet Isaiah foretold: “Then will . . . the ears of the deaf be cleared . . . then the tongue of the mute will sing” (Isaiah 35:5, 6). The key to understanding the amazement in the Gospel is in Isaiah’s word then. When will these things happen? When God comes with vindication and divine recompense to save his people Israel. When they see those signs – the blind see, the deaf hear, the mute speak – they will know, “Here is your God!” Mark’s Gospel shows Jesus performing these signs and declares, “Here is your God!” Mark places Jesus in the role of Yahweh, the Savior if Israel. But there’s more. The healing occurs in the region known as the Decapolis – ten Roman cities originally settled by Greeks. It’s unclear whether the man that Jesus healed is a Jew or a Greek, but Jesus’ healing ministry in the Decapolis region hints at his mission to save not only Israel but the world.
Take care to not equate physical limitations with sin, or with a need to be “cured”. Those who navigate the world with differently-abled bodies are no less loved by God, and are certainly no more sinful than any one of us. Rather, focus on the need for all of us to be spiritually opened, freed from all that gets in the way of the flow of communication between God and his people. What limits our access to spirituality? Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected] Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Psalm 15 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Sept. 2 – No mass Tues., Sept. 3 – No Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge (Fr. Uche away) Tues., Sept. 3 – No mass (Fr. Uche away for Priest Study Days) Wed., Sept. 4 – No mass (Fr. Uche away for Priest Study Days) Thurs., Sept. 5 – 8:30 am No Adoration before mass Thurs., Sept. 5 – No mass (Fr. Uche away for Priest Study Days) Fri., Sept. 6 – No mass (Fr. Uche away for Priest Study Days) Sat., Sept. 7 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sat., Sept. 7 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Sept. 8 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God Sun., Sept. 8 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – August 18: Meadow Lake $668.05 Green Lake $131.25 Children’s Collection $2.20 August 25: Meadow Lake $1151.70 Green Lake $135.20 Children’s Collection $7.25 Sunday Church Attendance – August 18 – Adults 85 Children 8 Total 93 August 25 – Adults 132 Children 10 Total 142 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for September – for the cry of the earth – We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live. Labour Day Weekend – This weekend marks the end of the summer vacation period and the resumption of activities in home, parish and school. Parishes could take this as an opportunity to encourage active and renewed participation in the community. Labour Day is a special day of prayer in Canada. Taken from Ordo page 198 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation – September 1 – In 2015, Pope Francis declared September 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Coinciding with a celebration instituted by the Orthodox Church, it is also a day of ecumenical prayer and unity. Gatherings for prayer are encouraged in parishes. The faithful should also be encouraged to take practical initiatives to combat earth’s environmental crisis. Taken from Ordo page 200 Parish Garage Sale – Our parish will be holding a garage sale on Saturday, September 21 in the Parish Hall. Donated items for the sale can be dropped off at the hall on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 19th and 20th. Scripture Insights – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 314. All of today’s readings illuminate God’s call to wholehearted obedience. Deuteronomy 4 names two purposes of God’s holy law: one purpose faces inward, intended for the flourishing of Israel: one purpose faces outward, intended for witness to the world. For Israel, God gave the law “that you may live.” As the psalmist writes, whoever follows the law will live well: in peace, without disturbance. The law is not to restrict followers but to set them free for a life of true abundance. As for the world, the law was given to Israel so that they could bear witness that their God’s wisdom and kindness surpass all other nations’ gods. The law illuminated the Israelites so that they might shine brightly, drawing other nations to Israel’s God. James picks up on the theme of fruitful obedience and applies it to Christians. He uses three metaphors to show how intertwined our lives are with God’s “word of truth” (that is, the Scripture, or God’s law): we are the infant children of the Word; we are like the first figs blossoming on the Word’s tree; and we are the soil in which the Word is planted. Our lives are bound up with God’s Word in such a way that to hear the Word without living it out would be to turn away from our parent, to wither on the tree, or to dry up and crack as desert soil. Finally, Mark’s Gospel warns that obedience to the law must be deeper than mere observance. Our obedience should be inward, coming from hearts turned toward |God. Mark warns, rather literally, against paying “lip service” to the law without loving God with the heart. The purpose of God’s holy law is inner transformation leading to abundant life.
We spend so many resources to protect ourselves and our communities from outside danger. But what are we doing to protect us …. From ourselves? From the anger, isolation, and grief that bubbles up inside of us with no healthy outlets? What resources might we redirect to attend to these evils that lurk inside our very hearts and minds? Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected] Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Aug. 26 – No mass Tues., Aug. 27 – No Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge (Fr. Uche away) Tues., Aug. 27 – No mass (Fr. Uche away) Wed., Aug. 28 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Hana Johnson by Troy & Rita Johnson & Family Thurs., Aug. 29 – 8:30 am Adoration before mass Thurs., Aug. 29 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Fri., Aug. 30 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Aug. 31 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Sept. 1 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Sept. 1 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – August 18: Meadow Lake $ Green Lake $ Children’s Collection $ Sunday Church Attendance – August 18 - Adults Children Total Collection and Attendance Numbers will be updated once the secretary returns from holidays. The Pope’s Prayer Intention for August – for political leaders – We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs. Season of Creation - The 2024 Season of Creation will take place from September 1st to October 4th with the theme “To hope and act with Creation”. Ministry Sign Up Sheets – Sign up sheets are available at the back of the church. Please fill in the sheets so we can update our parish list as well as have more people volunteer to help with the ministries in the church. Thank you. Parish Garage Sale – Our parish will be holding a garage sale on Saturday, September 21 in the Parish Hall. Donated items for the sale can be dropped off at the hall on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 19th and 20th. Scripture Insights – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 308. Joshua gives the Israelites a choice. Which god(s) will they serve? “Serve nobody” is not an option. They will serve this god or that. The people choose the God who rescued them from slavery in Egypt; they chose the Ine who heard their cries when they were brokenhearted and saved them when they were crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18 – 19). In John 6, the Jewish leaders have murmured or complained about Jesus’ teaching that he is the bread from heaven, and now the disciples do too. The saying that they must eat Jesus’ flesh is so shocking that some of Jesus’ disciples turn aside and go back to their old lives. Jesus asks the Twelve, his closest friends, if they also want to go away. For once, Simon Peter gets it right. In one of the most poignant lines in the Gospel, he states, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Where else can they go? What other gods could they serve now? They have tasted and seen the truth, that Jesus is the bread from heaven, the Holy One of God, the only one who can satisfy their longings. Like the people of Israel who chose to follow their God even into the wilderness, the disciples have nowhere else to go and will follow Jesus to the end.
· Even though God has shown his presence throughout history and our remembrance of it – even though we are urged to remain in faithful, loving relationship with one another – God still gives us the choice to leave. We always have that choice – and in having it, we can more easily accept the hardships that accompany our yes. We do not expect it to be easy, and we stay despite the seasons of hardship so that we might have eternal life, What is making it hard to stay Catholic today? What makes it a challenge to stay in this community? Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected] Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Aug. 19 – No mass Tues., Aug. 20 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Aug. 20 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) -Anonymous Wed., Aug. 21 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook)-Anonymous Thurs., Aug. 22 – 8:30 am Adoration before mass Thurs., Aug. 22 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Fri., Aug. 23 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Aug. 24 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Aug. 25 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Aug. 25 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Aug. 25 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – August 11: Meadow Lake $1778.00 Green Lake $305.20 Children’s Collection $4.50 Sunday Church Attendance – August 11 - Adults 177 Children 16 Total 193 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for August – for political leaders – We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs Please pray for Wayne Bettcher who passed away on August 11. Prayers were held Friday evening, Aug. 16 at 7:00 pm and his funeral took place Saturday, August 17 at 11:00 am in our church. Please remember Wayne and his family in your prayers. Please pray for Abbot Peter Novecosky who passed away August 15. His funeral will be held in Humboldt at St. Augustine’s Parish on Tuesday, August 20 at 11:00 am. May he rest in peace. Parish Garage Sale – Our parish will be holding a garage sale on Saturday, September 21 in the Parish Hall. Donated items for the sale can be dropped off at the hall on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 19th and 20th. Season of Creation - The 2024 Season of Creation will take place from September 1st to October 4th with the theme “To hope and act with Creation”. Scripture Insights – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 302. During these weeks when we hear the bread-of-life discourse from the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel, the first readings bring us passages from the Old Testament that highlight the importance of feasting, eating, and drinking in good times and in bad. The first reading today is from the Book of Proverbs, a collection of sayings written over the course of centuries that praise Wisdom in its many divine manifestations. The Book of Proverbs portrays Wisdom as a woman preparing food and drink to nourish those who come to her. Wisdom has prepared a table, and she calls our her invitation through the entire city: “Come, eat of my food, and drink of the wine I have mixed!” While the first reading and the Gospel bring out the importance of wine in tradition – at Wisdom’s table and in Jesus’ words to the crowd – the second reading explicitly warns against drinking wine in excess. St. Paul cautions the Ephesians to think about their daily lives: They should behave moderately and make the best use of their time and abilities. In order to live as Paul encourages, we need wisdom, a gift of the Spirit, to teach us God’s ways. We also need to know our own gifts along with our lacks. But even as St. Paul cautions against “debauchery,” and other Scripture texts occasionally recommend abstinence from wine, in today’s liturgy Proverbs and John encourage consumption – presumably in moderation and for a far better purpose than debauchery! The beautiful passage from John is a continuation of the Eucharistic theology we have been hearing for a few weeks. The Gospel’s concentration on the “flesh and blood” of Christ in the bread and wine is, according to biblical scholars, a kind of sacramental realism. Outside of its religious context, this very specific encouragement to “eat flesh” and “drink blood” would sound strange indeed.
“You are what you eat.” Essentially, Christ is asking us to become more Christ-like by eating his Body and Blood. Everything that nourishes and sustains our body, the fuel that gives us energy to rise in the morning, to propel our organs, the lifeblood that invigorates our mind and heart should be the very stuff of divinity itself. With our beings fixed on this heavenly food, we consume our inheritance of everlasting life. Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected] Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Aug. 12 – No mass Tues., Aug. 13 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Aug. 13 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Wed., Aug. 14 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Marguerite Roger by Irene Lange Thurs., Aug. 15 – 8:30 am Adoration before mass Thurs., Aug. 15 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Fri., Aug. 16 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Aug. 17 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Aug. 18 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Aug. 18 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – August 4: Meadow Lake $1823.05 Green Lake $305.20 Children’s Collection $ Sunday Church Attendance – August 4 - Adults 113 Children 7 Total 120 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for August – for political leaders – We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – August 15 – This is the day that Catholics have long celebrated what is called the Dormition (falling asleep) or Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Assumption celebrates both the happy departure of Mary from this life by her natural death, and her assumption bodily into heaven. Scripture Insights – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 292. Just prior to today’s reading from the First Book of Kings, Elijah killed the prophets of Baal, and Queen Jezebel swore to kill him in retaliation. He flees to the desert and is so disheartened that he prays for death. The prophet Johah also sat down under a tree in the desert and wished to die. Jonah struggled with God’s extravagant mercy; Elijah, with the depths of Israel’s idolatry. Elijah’s forty-day journey to the mountain of God foreshadows other long walks in the wilderness: Israel’s forty years of wandering, and Jesus’ forty days of fasting before facing the devil’s temptations. Elijah, like Jesus, receives help from an angel, who strengthens him: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them” (Ps 34:8). In the Gospel, Jesus’ encounter with the Hews recalls Moses’ interaction with the Hebrews he led out of Egypt. Here, the Jews are “murmuring” or complaining about Jesus just as the Israelites murmured about Moses. Understandably, they are unsettled by Jesus’ words: Jesus claims not only to have descended from heaven but also that whoever eats his living bread will never die and that the bread he offers the world is his flesh. To Jesus’ fellow Jews, these claims must have seemed shocking, even blasphemous. After all, they know his parents; he is from Nazareth, not heaven! The rest of the Gospel unfolds the audacious claim that Jesus has seen the Father, despite Scripture’s insistence that nobody can see God and live (Ex 33:20).
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Parish BulletinThis bulletin is prepared by the Parish Secretary and the Pastor Archives
October 2024
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