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Parish Bulletin

9/27/2024 0 Comments

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time  September 29, 2024

 
        
       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
  1. Children’s catechism – We are accepting registrations at the office until Oct. 4 for classes which will begin October 6 after mass.
  2. Parish Work Bee Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 am to 2 pm. Please come help if you can.
  3. Parish Family Fun Day Sunday, October 6 after mass. The Knights of Columbus will provide hamburgers and hot dogs. We are asking parishioners to bring potluck salads & desserts.

 
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.
 
  • Joshua is concerned that those who are prophesying are not all officially installed, according to the rules and customs of the community. But Moses knows that God often calls us in unconventional ways, and that it is important to be open to the Spirit that does not always follow our rules! There are such inspired prophets among us today – women and young people – who are not “ordained” in the way we might expect, but who still carry a message of hope. Are we open to their message?
·         It is nearly impossible to read this second reading without thinking of all the black and brown bodies that have been unjustly murdered by our prejudice. Many of them, with their hands up in surrender before their assailants attack. Do we hear the cries of their people, begging for God’s new world to usher in ever-swiftly, urgently?
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?
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9/19/2024 0 Comments

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time  September 22, 2024

 
        
       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
  1. Adult catechism will be on Saturdays before mass  at 6:00 pm.

 
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).
 
  • Obnoxious. When we’re behaving badly, in secret, cutting corners, or telling half-truths, those who are succeeding with gentleness and love can be like fingernails on a chalkboard. Their seemingly-perfect nature is an affront to our shortcomings! The opposite is true, too: when we are doing right, we can become even more of a target for those who would rather believe dishonesty is a necessary evil. Consider what strikes you as obnoxious: is there a reason doe this reaction that we’d rather not admit?
·         Jealousy, on its face, is a valid emotion. It is difficult to watch others who are having an easier time, who have more comfort, or who seem to be favored in the world. Rather than pretend that our jealousy does not exist, can we bring it to God? Can we express our longings and our fears to our Creator instead of directing our outrage toward the created?
·         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.

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9/13/2024 0 Comments

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time  September 15, 2024

 
        
       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
  1. Adult catechism will be on Saturdays before mass  at 6:00 pm.
  2. Parish Garage Sale on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
  3. Pastoral Council Meeting Tuesday evening after mass; Finance Council Meeting Thursday at 1:00 pm.

 
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).
 
  • Sometimes God calls us to places and people we’d rather not go to. This call can be uncomfortable, painful even. What gives us the courage to heed this call, even when we face great opposition?
·         Once again, easier said than done is the work of our Lord. Is it enough to believe? What good is our faith in this world, while the poor are still struggling, the hungry still without food? Do we let our faith prompt our action? Where are we missing the opportunities to connect those dots?
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.
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9/6/2024 0 Comments

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time  September 8, 2024

 
        
       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
  1. Adult catechism will be on Saturdays before mass  at 6:00 pm.
  2. Mass at Elders Lodge on Flying Dust this Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 1:00 pm.

 
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.
 
  • For people who have lived through trauma, who have had to survive their circumstance, it can be easy to constantly feel the need to brace for the worst, to be your own best advocate and protector. These words today from the prophet Isaiah are directed to a people who have long learned this pull to expect the worst. But with God on our side, we need only a message of reassurance: that we are not alone. Fear not.
·         Especially with increasing focus on social media, and the carefully curated outward presentation of our lives, we can get too focused on appearances. St. James reminds us that God does not judge us on our differences, but rather declares that it is the poor who will inherit the kingdom. Where does our focus lie?
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?
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