1st Sunday of Lent
5th March 2017

Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7
Ps 50:3-6, 12-14, 17
Romans 5:12-19
The Gospel of Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry, and the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves.’ But he replied, ‘Scripture says: Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

The devil then took him to the holy city and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. ‘If you are the Son of God’ he said ‘throw yourself down; for scripture says: He will put you in his angels’ charge, and they will support you on their hands in case you hurt your foot against a stone.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Scripture also says: You must not put the Lord your God to the test.’

Next, taking him to a very high mountain, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. ‘I will give you all these’ he said, ‘if you fall at my feet and worship me.’ Then Jesus replied, ‘Be off, Satan! For scripture says: You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.’ Then the devil left him, and angels appeared and looked after him.

Three Temptations

Our ancient enemy rose up against the first human being, our ancestor, in three temptations. He tempted him by gluttony when he showed him the forbidden food of the tree, and told him: “Taste it.” He tempted him by vain glory when he said, “You will be like gods.” He tempted him by adding avarice when he said: “knowing good and evil.” Avarice is concerned not only with money but also with high position.

But the means by which the devil overcame the first Adam were the same ones which caused him to yield when he tempted the second. He tempted him by gluttony when he said, “Tell these stones to become bread.” He tempted him by vain glory when he said, “Cast yourself down.” He tempted him by avarice, “I will give you all these (kingdoms) if you will fall down and worship me”… The devil departed by the same way which he entered.
Cf. Saint Gregory the Great, Homilies on the Gospel, 14

Saints of the week
Tue 7 Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs
Wed 8 Saint John of God, Religious
Thu 9 Saint Frances of Rome, Religious
Sat 11 Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem, Bishop

Psalter week I

Next Sunday Readings
Genesis 12:1-4
Psalms 32: 4-5, 18-20, 22
Timothy 1:8b-10
Matthew 17:1-9

Christian Penance

Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms of penance: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. Besides the purification brought about by Baptism or martyrdom they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins: effort at reconciliation with others, tears of repentance, concern for the salvation of others, the intercession of the saints, and practising charity “which covers a multitude of sins.”

Conversion is accomplished in daily life by gestures of reconciliation, concern for the poor, the exercise and defence of justice and right, by the admission of faults to one’s brethren, fraternal correction, revision of life, examination of conscience, spiritual direction, acceptance of suffering, endurance of persecution for the sake of righteousness. Taking up one’s cross each day and following Jesus is the surest way of penance.
Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1434, 1435.

NEWS

Migrant Worker in Need: Remy is a Filipino girl who was living in Paphos but was transferred to Nicosia for surgery after suffering a stroke. There will be a 2nd collection next Sunday (12 Mar) to help her.

Parish Lunch Sun 12 Mar at Parish Hall. Bring & Share. All welcome.

Friday Mass during Lent 11:30am, followed by Stations of the Cross.

Lenten Fast for CARITAS Join us for Soup and Roll Lunch on Fridays at the Coffee Shop after Stations of the Cross. €2 donation

The Way of the Cross: We need help putting together our Passion of the Lord 2017 (9 Apr). Please contact Fr. Fernando 9993 3130.

For Sick Calls at home or at the hospital, please call Fr. Carlos, Fr. Fernando or Fr. Jim. Numbers in the back of Newsletter.

International Woman’s Day Fashion Show Wed 8 March, 11 am at Archangel Michael Hospice. Buffet Lunch €15.00. Call Linda 99562387

Saint Patrick’s 2017: Sat 18 Mar, 7pm at St. Giorgio’s Restaurant. Buffet. Music by Joe Mac. Raffle. 15€ per person (100 seats) entrance by ticket (none sold on night). Call Joe Mac 99043329, or Fr. Jim.

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: 7-14 Oct. Call Fr. Carlos. 

Mass Times HERE