28 January 2018

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

1st: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm: 94: 1-2, 6-9
2nd: 1Corinthians 7:32-35
Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus and his followers went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the Sabbath came Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority. In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit, and it shouted, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. ‘Here is a teaching that is new’ they said ‘and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.’ And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.

Miracles to Help Them Believe

Seeing the power of the miracle, they wonder at the newness of our Lord’s doctrine, and are roused to search into what they had heard by what they had seen. Wherefore there follows, “And they all wondered …” For miracles were done that they might more firmly believe the Gospel of the kingdom of God, which was being preached, as heavenly things were being promised and divine works shown even now on earth. For first (as the Evangelist says) “He was teaching them as one who had power,” and then, as the crowd witnesses, “with power He commands the evil spirits, and they obey Him.”
Catena Aurea (Bede the Venerable)

Feasts of the Week
Mon 29 Ss. Paula, Eustochius and Melania (in our diocese)
Wed 31 Saint John Bosco, Priest
Fri 2 The Presentation of the Lord Feast
Sat 3 Memorial of BVM. Also Saint Ansgar, Bishop. Also Saint Blaise, Bishop, Martyr. Also Ss. Simeon and Anna (in our diocese)

Psalter Week IV

Readings for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
1st: Job 7:1-4, 6-7
Psalm: 146:1-6
2nd: 1Corinthians 16-19, 22-23
Gospel: Mark 1: 29-39

St. Ansgar and the Bible of the Poor

The invention of the Biblia Pauperum, or Bible of the Poor, is ascribed to St. Ansgar, Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen. These small books were at first made by hand consisting in illustrations of the New Testament accompanied by a corresponding prophetic type from the Old Testament, e.g., an image of the Annunciation, where the Angel visited Mary, would have next to it one of the fall of man when the serpent tempted Eve (right). Sometimes a brief text was included and the words spoken by the figures were written on scrolls coming out of their mouths (as in today’s comic books). We must not confuse the name “Bible of the poor,” with the term “Poor Man’s Bible” which is used to describe the works of art in the churches, such as stained glass windows, paintings, statues, mosaics, etc., illustrating scriptural passages. However, the idea in both was the same: To use images to evangelise the poor, or rather, the illiterate population.

When the art of printing with engraved blocks became widespread, the Biblia Pauperum was made more accessible and began to have a great influence in transmitting knowledge of the mysteries of Faith; people might have been unable to read, but they could understand the power and love of God. The monks were famous for using these bibles for teaching and even for meditating. As printing techniques evolved, whole text Bibles were produced, and as the average of the population eventually could read, the “Biblia Pauperum” fell into disuse and disappeared. However, today, Bibles with illustrations are still produced which we can say are the “descendants” of the Bible invented by Bishop Ansgar.

St. Ansgar, pray for us … especially the poor.

We now have two re-cycling bins in the basement car park at the Hospice. All recyclables are taken (Please DO NOT bring them to the Coffee Shop). Each time it is filled we help the Hospice and the planet.

We Need Volunteers at the Parish Hall to help with bar stocktaking and/or with the disabled equipment storage. Contact Fr. Jim 9979 3169

Early Lent in 2018: Ash Wednesday is 14th February. Friday Mass will be at 11.30am, Stations of the Cross at 12. Join us for cup of soup, roll and cheese afterwards. Donation 5€. (To help Hospice and Caritas).

Organ Recital at Agia Kyriaki Mon 5 Feb at 12pm to help the Hospice midday. All are welcome.

CARITAS is looking for people to join the Caritas Committee. Please contact Wendy at 9904 0294. We also need duvets and gas heaters. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Mass Times HERE