26 February
First Sunday of Lent
You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.
COLLECT PRAYER: Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observances of holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy conduct pursue their effects. Through our Lord …
Readings:
Gen 2:7-9; 3:1-7.
Ps 50:3-6,12-14,17.
Rom 5:12-19.
Gospel Acclamation: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Gospel -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.
Meditation
“Entering Lent” means a special commitment in the spiritual battle to oppose evil in the world: Around us and in each one of us. It means looking evil in the face and being ready to fight its effects and especially its causes, even its primary cause which is Satan.
Not off-loading the problem of evil on to others, but rather recognizing one’s own responsibility and assuming it with awareness. In this regard Jesus’ invitation to take up our “cross” and follow him with humility and trust is particularly pressing. Although the “cross” may be heavy it is not synonymous with disgrace; rather it is an opportunity to follow Jesus and to acquire strength in the fight against sin and evil.
Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus, Feb. 2008
We Venerate the Saints
- Mon 27 … St. Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
- Sat 4 …… St. Casimir, Prince of Poland.
The Saints of Lent
Although the days of Lent take precedence in the liturgical celebrations, memorials may still be observed as optional. During these days of intensified spiritual life we celebrate such saints as Ss. Felicity and Perpetua, 3rd century martyrs in the north of Africa who are mentioned in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I); St. John of God, renowned for his service to the sick and laying the foundations for the Brothers Hospitallers; St. Patrick, the great “apostle of Ireland”; St. Cyril, 4th century bishop of Jerusalem who made the Holy City a pilgrimage destination; unfortunately, St. Joseph Spouse of the Virgin Mary will fall on a Sunday, but we still venerate him in a special way throughout the month of March; and of course, the Queen of all Saints, the Virgin Mary on her solemnity of the Annunciation.
These shining examples of the Christian life should remind us of the great need that this world has for holy people … why not us?
Have a fruitful season of Lent, everyone! The Priests at St. Paul’s
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY (2nd of Lent)
- Genesis 12:1-4.
- Psalm 32:4-5,18-22
- Timothy 1:8-10.
- Matthew 17:1-9.
ST. PATRICK’S LUNCH
Friday, 17 March 1pm at The Local in Chloraka. €20 Buffet lunch. Entertainment by Joe Mac. Contact Fr. Jim 99793169
FISH AND CHIPS AT NEO’S
To help AMH. Friday 31 March, for booking contact Fr. Jim.
LATIN PATRIARCHATE’S WEBSITE (LPJ)
Check out Patriarch Pierbattista’s Sunday reflections, news and info from our diocese of Jerusalem at lpj.org
CARITAS PAPHOS
Thank you very much for the food donations. We are currently in need of winter items. For info, please contact Fr. Fernando.
COFFEE SHOP
Have some tea or coffee, shop bric a brac, enjoy community time. Volunteers needed, please contact Fr. Jim.
Mass Schedule for this week
- Mon, Tues and Thurs …….. 9 am at Agia Kyriaki.
- Wednesday ………… 12, preceded by Holy Hour.
- Fridays of Lent ………… Mass 11:30 followed by Stations of the Cross.
- Sat ……………………… 4 and 6pm AK. /// 6 pm Polis.
- Sun …………………… 10am (Latin), 11am (Polish), 12pm (English) in AK.
Sri Lankan Mass: Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 1:15 pm.
Filipino Mass: Every last Sunday of the month at 12 pm.
Maronite Mass: Sunday at 9 am, Info: Fr. Youakim 9981 4316.