22 January 2017
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 8:23 – 9:3
Psalm 26:1,4,13-14
1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17
The Gospel of Matthew 4:12-23
Hearing that John had been arrested Jesus went back to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled:
‘Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali! Way of the sea on the far side of Jordan, Galilee of the nations! The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned.’
From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’
As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.
Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.
He went round the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogue proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds diseases and sickness among the people.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light
My brothers, none of you is ignorant of the fact that we were all born in darkness and that, in the past, we lived in darkness. But, now that the Sun of justice has risen for us, let us try not to remain in darkness any more.
Christ has come “to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace” (Lk 1,79). What darkness are we talking about? Anything in our intelligence, will or memory that is not God or does not have God as its source, in other words everything in us that is not for God’s glory and that separates us from God is darkness…Therefore Christ, having light in himself, has brought it to us so that we could see our sins and hate our darkness. In truth, the poverty he chose when he found no room in the inn is, for us, the light by which from now on we may know the happiness of the poor in spirit to whom the kingdom of heaven is given.
Lanspergius the Carthusian (1489-1539), monk, theologian
Saints of the week
Tue 24 Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop, Doctor
Wed 25 The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle Feast
Thu 26 Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops
Fri 27 Saint Angela Merici, Virgin
Sat 28 Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Doctor
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13
Psalm 145:7-10
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Gospel of Matthew 5:1-12
Psalter week III
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Memorial 28 January
Thomas of Aquinas was a Dominican friar in 13th century Italy. He is proof that learning and devotion are not contradictory. He was called “the most saintly of learned men and the most learned of saints”. His works breathe the spirit of God by their piety built on a solid foundation: The knowledge of God, of Christ and of man. His “Summa theologica” can be both a manual of piety and a text-book for theology, St. Francis de Sales, St. Philip Neri, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Pius V, etc., constantly studied St. Thomas. His treatises on Christ are very inspiring, and his treatise on the sacraments, especially on penance and the Eucharist, would melt the hardest heart. He explains clearly the various rites of the Holy Mass, and the effects produced in the soul by the Holy Eucharist. His understanding of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, the Beatitudes, and the virtues makes nearly all good spiritual writers consult his works for accuracy.
Cf. Catholic Encyclopedia,
NEWS
Catenian Social & Lunch Thurs 26 Jan 1pm. Gustoso Restaurant on Tombs of the Kings, €25 incl wine. All welcome. We need reservations ASAP. Please call Richard Daly 99282385, richardinpeyia@gmail.com
Al-Anon Group: Will begin to meet on Wednesdays at 3pm in the Parish Conference Room. Share with people who are dealing with family problems caused by drinking and learn about this program.
CARITAS PAPHOS: We need non-perishable food to be distributed to the poor in the Paphos area. Prayers and Donations welcome. Lifts to come to Holy Mass are greatly appreciated, let us know if there is extra room in your car and where you are coming from. Please contact Wendy Burdon: 99040294.
Archangel Michael Hospice: Volunteers needed in the areas of reception, nursing assistants and cafeteria. Contact Mona 99 494140.
Fatima’s 100 Year Anniversary Pilgrimage: More details to come.
Mass Times HERE