1 October 2017

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ezekiel 18:25-28
Psalm 24:4-9
Philippians 2:1-11
The Gospel of Matthew 21:28-32                       

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people, ‘What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, “My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not go,” but afterwards thought better of it and went. The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, “Certainly, sir,” but did not go. Which of the two did the father’s will?’ ‘The first’ they said. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.’

Many Believe but Few Arrive at the Heavenly Kingdom

He speaks to the Gentile people first, “Go and work in my vineyard;” through their knowledge of the law of nature; i.e. “Do to no one what you do not want done to you.” [Tobit 4:15] He answers haughtily, “I will not.” But when, at the coming of the Saviour, the Gentile people, having done penitence, laboured in God’s vineyard, and atoned by their labour for the obstinacy of their refusal, this is what is said, “But afterward he repented, and went.” The second son is the Jewish people who made answer to Moses, “All that the Lord said to us, we will do.” [Ex 24:3]

Whence, others think that the parable does not relate to Gentiles and Jews, but simply to the righteous and to sinners. These by their evil deeds had rejected God’s service, but after received from John the baptism of repentance; while the Pharisees who made a show of righteousness, and boasted that they did the law of God, despising John’s baptism, did not follow his precepts.
St. Jerome, Catena Aurea

Saints of the week
Mon 2 The Holy Guardian Angels 
Wed 4 Saint Francis of Assisi 
Fri 6 Saint Bruno, Priest  
Sat 7 Our Lady of the Rosary

Psalter Week II

Next Sunday’s Readings
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 79:9, 12-16,19-20
Philippians 4:6-9
Matthew 21:33-4

The Guardian Angels

That every individual soul has a guardian angel has never been defined by the Church, (it is not an article of faith); but it is the “mind of the Church”, as St. Jerome expressed it: “how great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it.” This belief in guardian angels can be traced throughout all antiquity. In the Old Testament this doctrine is clearly discernible and its development is well marked. Angels are the executors of God’s wrath, they protect and deliver from danger; they are even entrusted with the care of particular districts. In the New Testament the doctrine is stated with greater precision. Angels are the intermediaries between God and man; and Christ set a seal upon the Old Testament teaching: “See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10). Hebrews 1:14 puts the doctrine in its clearest light: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them, who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?” This is the function of the guardian angels; they are to lead us, if we wish it, to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Holy Guardian Angels, pray for us.

The Recitation of the Holy Rosary

“There has also been felt with greater urgency the need to point out once more the importance of a further essential element in the Rosary, in addition to the value of the elements of praise and petition, namely the element of contemplation. Without this the Rosary is a body without a soul, and its recitation is in danger of becoming a mechanical repetition of formulas and of going counter to the warning of Christ: “And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words” (Mt. 6:7). By its nature the recitation of the Rosary calls for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, helping the individual to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord’s life as seen through the eyes of her who was closest to the Lord. In this way the unfathomable riches of these mysteries are unfolded.”
P. Paul VI, Marialis Cultus, 47

Trip To FAMAGUSTA, 11/10/17. Departure 8 am. Visit to St. Barnabas Monastery. The cost is € 32- Call Mona: 99494140 or Linda: 99563287

Latin Parish Hall is available for hire 8.50€ per/ h. For details contact Mon to Fr, 9am to1pm Dave White 96374108 or Fr.Jim 9793169.

Parish Autumn BBQ, 8th Octotber at LPHall. (sugted dotion 10€) Big Raffle and take a book. If coming please put your name on list in church or let Fr. Jim know; not later than Wed 4th Oct. Thank you.

Closing of Parish Hall LIbrary. If you would like to take, for free, any of the books from the library come to the “book giveaway” on Saturday 14 Oct., from 10.30 to 12midday. At the Latin Parish hall. Tea and coffee available

Blessing of animals Wednesday October 4th Feast of St. Francis, at 4pm in grounds of AK.

CARITAS PAPHOS currently needs:

• Nοn-perishable food to help about 40 households weekly.  
• Computer whiz -Teachers -Transportation. Prayers and donations always help and are welcome! Contact Wendy Burdon 99 040294.

CARITAS PAPHOS needs your prayers and support!

Archangel Michael Hospice: Volunteers needed in the areas of reception, nursing assistants and cafeteria. Contact Mona (99 494 140).

Mass Times HERE