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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 I love you, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18 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., Nov. 4 – No mass Tues., Nov. 5 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Nov. 5 – 1:00 pm Mass at Flying Dust Lodge Tues., Nov. 5 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Frey Family by Geoff Frey Wed., Nov. 6 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Tearza Hart by her family Thurs., Nov. 7 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Thanksgiving by Swapna Abraham & Bijo Augustine Thurs., Nov. 7 – 10:00 – 11:00 am (Adoration after mass) Fri., Nov. 8 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Nick Hrychuk by Jane & Ed Weber Sat., Nov. 9 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Nov. 10 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Nov. 10 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Nov. 10 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Oct. 27: Meadow Lake $2652.00 Green Lake $285.00 Children’s Collection $8.00 Sunday Church Attendance – Oct. 27 – Adults 146 Children 7 Total 153 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for November – for anyone who has lost a child – We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit. Bishop’s Annual Appeal: “Bring Your Gifts to the Altar” October 27, 2024 – December 31, 2024 Every gift is greatly appreciated! Bishop’s Annual Appeal – We sometimes need to remind ourselves that God has given us all the resources and we are but stewards of what we have been given. The ability of the Church to be fruitful in today’s world is dependent on the willingness of the faithful to nourish the Church with our gifts through such things as the Sunday collection and the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Please give generously as you are able. Christmas Shoebox – The main reason to pack a shoebox is to ensure that children from the poorest families of the world know that someone cares, which is demonstrated be receiving a shoebox that is filled with toys, school supplies and personal care items. Shoeboxes can be picked up at the back of the church. More boxes have been ordered (also an ordinary shoebox can be used). All shoeboxes must be at the church on or before November 17th. For gift suggestions and information Google SamaritansPurse.ca/OCC. Pancake Breakfast – The Knights of Columbus will be cooking their famous pancakes after mass next Sunday, November 10. Scripture Insights – 31st 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. 376. The scribes knew God’s law. They loved God’s law. When a scribe, then, asks Jesus which is the first or greatest of the commandments, he is testing the Lord. Jesus answers the query by naming the two “love commandments”: love God and love your neighbor. The command itself explains how to love God – with all one’s soul, mind, and strength. That is, with your entire being, from head to toe. The scribe agrees; Jesus has identified the heart of the law. While the reading from the Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as the wisest of scribes, the Book of Hebrews reveals his identity as a high priest. Jesus is like the high priests because he offered a sacrifice that atoned for the sins of the people. But the risen Christ is unlike them because he will never die; his priesthood endures forever. He is also unlike them because the other high priests had to continually offer sacrifices. Christ needed to offer only one sacrifice: himself. As both priest and sacrificial lamb, Christ made one perfect sacrifice on the cross, “once for all.” Despite this, Jesus’ work as priest is not done. Although he no longer offers sacrifices to atone for sin, the author of Hebrews writes that “he lives forever to make intercession” for those who approach God through him. That is his priestly role now: when we come to Jesus, he intercedes with God on our behalf.
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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 The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. Psalm 126 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. 28 – No mass Tues., Oct. 29 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Oct. 29 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Hana Johnson by Troy & Rita Johnson & Family Wed., Oct. 30 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Carl & +Minnie Hofer by Jane & Ed Weber Thurs., Oct. 31 – 8:30 am Adoration before mass Thurs., Oct. 31 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Tearza Hart by her family Fri., Nov. 1 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) (All Saints Day) - Special Intention by Swapna Abraham & Bijo Augustine Sat., Nov. 2 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) (All Souls Day) - People of God Sun., Nov. 3 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Nov. 3 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Oct. 20: Meadow Lake $1192.65 Green Lake $148.10 Children’s Collection $8.15 Sunday Church Attendance – Oct. 20 – Adults 139 Children 12 Total 151 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. The Pope’s Prayer Intention for November – for anyone who has lost a child – We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit. Thank You – A huge thank you to all who helped in any way (volunteers, food givers and customers) for the success of our Fall Supper. The total raised was $3545.00. Bishop’s Annual Appeal: “Bring Your Gifts to the Altar” October 27, 2024 – December 31, 2024 Every gift is greatly appreciated! Bishop’s Annual Appeal – Please support the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. The Appeal is directed at enabling the Bishop, through various diocesan programs, to fulfill the mission of the Church. It is one of the many ways in which, as responsible members of God’s family, we can share in the mission of spreading the Good News. Please pray for Kevin Friedrich whose funeral will be held on Saturday, November 2 at 2:00 pm in our church. Please remember Kevin and his family in your prayers. Scripture Insights – 30th 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. 368. The readings this week show life with God as a journey along “the way.” In the Old Testament readings, “the way” is a journey home from exile in Babylon. God gathers his displaced people and brings them back to the land of Israel. It’s a familiar road. The Jews first walked it weeping after Israel’s defeat by Babylon. Now it is a path of joy and laughter as they set their hearts toward home. As the Gospel reading indicates, early Christians sometimes referred to the lifelong journey of following Jesus as “the way.” After the blind beggar Bartimaeus receives his sight again, he follows Jesus “on the way.” When Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus has a simple answer: “I want to see.” In Scripture, sight often has a double meaning. It means to see with one’s physical eyes, but it also means to see with the heart and the mind – to perceive or understand. Bartimaeus receives both kinds of sight. He is no longer physically blind and does not need to beg on the side of the road anymore. But he also sees correctly that Jesus is the Son of God. Just before Jesus heals Bartimaeus, he tells him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” The same Greek word is used for “heal” and “save”, and Jesus has done both: healed Bartimaeus and saved him. Instead of following Jesus’ instructions to “Go your way,” Bartimaeus does the right thing – he goes Jesus’ way instead, taking up the role of the disciple by following him.
· Bartimaeus calls to Jesus, and Jesus calls back to him. Recognizing his authority as the Son of David, Bartimaeus demonstrates that he knows who he’s talking to, and he knows what he needs. Jesus calls back to him, gives him what he asks for, and sends him on his way. What healing do we need before we are called and sent? Do we know what to ask for, and do we believe in the authority of the one we ask? 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 Let your love be upon us, Lord, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33 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. 21 – No mass Tues., Oct. 22 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Oct. 22 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Marius Durocher and + Joseph Durocher by Peter Durocher Wed., Oct. 23 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Minnie Hofer by Jane & Ed Weber Thurs., Oct. 24 – 8:30 am Adoration before mass Thurs., Oct. 24 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - For Dean, Barbara, Sherry, Kenneth, Mark, Merle, Fred, Peter Jr, Michael, Stephanie, Kimberly & Patrick by Peter Durocher Fri., Oct. 25 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Tearza Hart by her family Sat., Oct. 26 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God Sun., Oct. 27 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Oct. 27 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Oct. 27 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Oct. 13: Meadow Lake $4256.25 Green Lake $88.00 Children’s Collection $7.55 Sunday Church Attendance – Oct. 13 – Adults Children Total 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. Bishop’s Annual Appeal – The Bishop’s Annual Appeal will begin next weekend and the diocese needs our support to continue the programs and ministries that benefit both our parish and the wider community. The theme of this year’s appeal is “Bring Your Gifts to the Altar”. Our parish has been asked to raise $16,392.00 and St Jude’s has been asked to raise $1823.00. Every contribution counts. World Mission Sunday – At the initiative of Pope Pius XI in 1926, the second last Sunday in October became known as World Mission Sunday. Catholics throughout the world are invited to pray for and give to the missions. The collection this Sunday is organized by the Pontifical Missions society. The funds collected assist some 1250 mission dioceses under the responsibility of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. As agreed by the Holy See and the Bishops of Canada, a portion of the Canadian contributions to this collection will continue to be used until 2020 to assist six dioceses in Northern Canada which for many years had also been under the jurisdiction of the Congregation. Pastors and pastoral workers are invited to encourage among all the people of God a missionary spirit, to promote missionary vocations, and to collaborate spiritually and materially in the Church’s mission work, including support for all the dioceses in our country’s northern regions. “How I long to find the right words to stir up enthusiasm for a new chapter of evangelization full of fervour, joy, generosity, courage, boundless love and attraction! . . . I once more invoke the Holy Spirit, I implore him to come and renew the Church, to stir and impel her to go forth boldly to evangelize all peoples.” Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 261 Taken from Ordo page 233 Scripture Insights – 29th 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. 362. It is not surprising that the disciples were indignant at James and John. How bold to ask for seats of honor in heaven! If we are honest with ourselves, however, these disciples are asking for the same things most people desire. Perhaps they simply wish to be acknowledged for their dedication to Jesus. Jesus does not scold James and John when they boldly tell him that they want him to do whatever they ask. Instead, he simply asks them what they wish to do. Of course, Jesus knows what they want. He is the high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and waits eagerly for us to approach his throne of grace for mercy and help. They ask Jesus to grant them – literally, give them – the two highest places of honor in the kingdom. Jesus replies that what he has to give is not what they expect. Jesus gathers his disciples and tells them how they will be different from all other people. Instead of lording prestige over one another, they will lower themselves. The highest place of honor is not next to the king at the banquet table but on the floor with the lowest servants, kneeling to wash the dirty feet of the guests. What Jesus has to give them turns out to be himself. He “did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy that “through his suffering, my servant shall justify many.”
· Think of the leaders we associate with today. Do they speak with humility and compassion? Do they flaunt their power, belittle others, stoke flames of division? We begin to resemble the company we choose to keep: consider the ways we might pay attention to the warning signs of false prophets and deceivers and all those who wouldn’t dare suffer alongside their own people. 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? 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. |
Parish BulletinThis bulletin is prepared by the Parish Secretary and the Pastor Archives
January 2025
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