4 June 2017
Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2: 1-11
Psalm 103: 1, 24, 29-31, 34
1 Corinthians 12: 3-7, 12-13
The Gospel of John 20: 19-23
In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. ‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’ After saying this he breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.
For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.’
The Spirit of Confidence
He showed Himself so openly, and strengthened their wavering minds by His voice: “Peace be to you,” reminding them of what He had said before His crucifixion; “My peace I give to you” and again, “In Me you shall have peace.” And what He had promised before the crucifixion, “I shall see you again, and your heart shall rejoice,” is now fulfilled. At the same time He shows the efficacy of the cross, by which He undoes all evil things, and gives all good things; which is peace. All hindrances then being removed, and every thing made straight, he adds, “As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.” All these things brought them to a most confident faith. As they were in endless conflict with the Jews, He says again, “Peace be to you.” Having then given them confidence by His own miracles, and appealing to Him who sent Him, He uses a prayer to the Father, but of His own authority gives them power: “He breathed on them, and said, ‘Receive you the Holy Ghost …’”
Cf. St. John Chrysostom, Catena Aurea
Saints of the week
Mon 5 Saint Boniface, Bishop, Martyr
Tue 6 Saint Norbert, Bishop
Fri 9 Saint Ephraem, Deacon, Doctor
Sat 10 Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Psalter Week I
Next Sunday’s Readings
Exodus 34: 4-6, 8-9
Resp. Psalm Daniel 3: 52-56
2 Corinthians 13: 11-13
John 3: 16-18
The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
These are supernatural and permanent qualities intended for the sanctification of the recipient as they make us attentive to the voice of God, more susceptible to his grace and docile to his inspirations. These are the gifts:
- Wisdom: To desire only heavenly things and renounce the world.
- Understanding: To grasp the truths of religion as far as is necessary.
- Counsel: To choose what gives glory to God and helps our own salvation.
- Fortitude: To overcome obstacles in the practice of our religious duties.
- Knowledge: To see the right path and the dangers along the way.
- Piety: To joyfully embrace the service of God with a filial confidence.
- Fear of the Lord: To never offend God out of respect for his majesty.
Cf. Catholic encyclopedia, Holy Spirit
Prayer to Obtain the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
We pray to the most kind Father through you, his only-begotten Son, who for us became man, was crucified and glorified, that he send us out of his treasures the Spirit of sevenfold grace who rested upon you in all fullness. For you have wished that we ask for these things in that sacred prayer which you have taught us; and now we ask to obtain them through your cross for the praise of your most holy name. To you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, thanksgiving, beauty and power, forever and ever. Amen.
Cf. Saint Bonaventure, The Tree of Life, 49
NEWS
Parish Lunch: Sun 11 Jun, 1pm at LPH. Bring and share, all welcome.
House Visits of Our Lady: We are continuing with this devotion in honor of our Blessed Mother. If you’d like to have the image of our Lady of Lujan visit your home for a week, just talk to one of our priests.
Boozy Basket Raffle: 1 ticket €1 or get 5 tickets for €5. Draw on Sun 25 June. Talk to Ruth. To help our Hospice and Caritas.
Paphos Classic Vehicle Club: Annual Show at the harbor, Sun 11 June, 9am-1pm. Free entrance. Raffle with major prizes like transport to and private tour at the Motor Museum in Limassol. To help our Hospice.
Evening with St. Michael’s Hospice Charity: Thurs 15 June 7pm, at Aphrodite’s Rock Brewery. Entry €10 includes meal. Live music by Arizona. Please Call 26101901.
Archangel Michael Hospice: Volunteers needed in the areas of reception, nursing assistants and cafeteria. Contact Mona 99494140
Help Sri Lanka Victims: There will be a 2nd Collection on Sun 11 June to help those affected by the recent natural disasters in Sri-Lanka.
CARITAS PAPHOS current needs:
- Nοn-perishable food to support approximately 40 households a week in the Paphos area.
- Computer whiz to manage crowdfunding appeals.
- Teachers for basic Greek.
- Transportation of students (lifts).
Donations and prayers welcome. Contact Wendy Burdon 99 040294.
Mass Times HERE
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