19 February 2017
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18
Ps 102:1-4, 8,10,12-13
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
The Gospel of Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was  said: Eye for eye  and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance.   On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.

‘You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

Love Your Enemies

In measuring the commandments of God, many go by their own weakness, not by the strength of the saints. They see these commands as impossible, and say that not to hate our enemies is enough virtue, but to love them is beyond human nature. But it must be understood that Christ instructs not impossibilities but perfection. Such was the temper of David towards Saul and Absalom; the Martyr Stephen also prayed for his enemies while they stoned him, and Paul wished himself anathema for the sake of his persecutors. [Rom 9:3] Jesus both taught and did the same, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34]
Cf. Saint Jerome, Catena Aurea, in Matthaeum

Saints of the week
Tue 21 Saint Peter Damian, Bishop, Doctor 
Wed 22 Saint Peter’s Chair Feast
Thu 23 Saint Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr
Sat 25 Memorial of the Bl. Virgin Mary  

Psalter week III

Next Sunday Readings
Isaiah 49:14-15
Psalm 61:2-3, 6-9
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Gospel Matthew 6:24-34 

The Chair from which Peter Baptizes

The feast of the “Chair of Peter” is celebrated on 22 February. The original chair or cathedral where the Apostle sat, is preserved at St. Peter’s Basilica in memory of the day when Peter held his first service with the faithful of the Eternal City, Rome. Throughout the centuries new parts were added whether for strengthening or decorating purposes, but the chair is now much worm-eaten and pieces have been cut for relics [seen right in an 1867 picture]. However, even though the physical chair is venerated in a special way on this day, what this feast is really about, can be better understood by Damascus’ inscription at the Vatican Basilica: Una Petri sedes unum verumque lavacrum, “One Chair of Peter, one true font of baptism.”

On this day, the Church also used to commemorate Peter’s witness to Christ’s Divinity by which our Lord appointed him to be the Rock upon which He would found his Church, i.e., made him the Pope.
Cf. Catholic Encyclopedia,

NEWS

Palm Branches Needed to make the Ash Wednesday ashes (1st Mar). You may leave them at the Church or the Coffee Shop. Thank you.

The Way of the Cross: Our Passion of the Lord 2017 is coming (9 Apr). We need actors and readers, as well as prop designers, help with costumes, setting up, publicity, etc. Call Fr. Fernando 9993 3130.

Coffee Morning at the Hospice Cafeteria Thur 23 Feb, 10-12. All are welcome to join St. Michael’s Charity to raise funds for our Hospice.

Saint Patrick’s 2017: Sat 18 Mar, 7pm at St. Giorgio’s Restaurant. Hot buffet and sweets. Music by Joe Mac. 15€ per person. Only 100 seats. Contacts: Joe Mac 99043329. St. Giorgio’s 26271627. Fr. Jim.

Paphos 2017 European Capital of Culture is looking for volunteers to help with the exhibitions. Contact Fr. Carlos 99121404.

CARITAS PAPHOS:

• Nοn-perishable food needed for the poor in the Paphos area. Prayers and Donations always welcomed.
• A lift to come to Holy Mass would be greatly appreciated. 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