5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 58:7-10
Psalm 111:4-9
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
The Gospel of Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.’

You are the light of the world

Not of one nation, nor of twenty states, but light of the whole inhabited earth. A light to the mind, a light far better than the sun. First calling us spiritual salt and now we are light; by this teaching us the profit of these precepts and the gravity of this discipline which binds us and permits no one to live immorally; giving clear sight, leading men on to virtue.

“A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub,” here, the teaching is, be earnest in your endeavours, as set before the eyes of all men, and contending in the midst of the amphitheatre of the world … you shall be as conspicuous to all as a city set on the ridge of a hill, as a candle in a house on the candlestick, giving light.
Cf. St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew, 15

Saints of the week
Mon 6 Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, Martyrs
Tue 7 Blessed Pius IX, Pope
Wed 8 Saint Jerome Emilian and Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin 
Fri 10 Saint Scholastica, Virgin
Sat 11 Our Lady of Lourdes and the Dedication of the Co-Cathedral of Jerusalem The Holy Name of Jesus  

Psalter week I

Next Sunday Readings
Ecclesiasticus 15:16-20
Ps 118:1-2,4-5,17-18,33-34
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Matthew 5:17-37

Our Lady of Lourdes

There is no natural cause capable of producing the cures witnessed at Lourdes. However, those who denied the miraculous character of these events looked for scientific explanations such as the chemical composition of the water of the Grotto. Studies were conducted and it was determined that the water of the grotto contains no curative properties (of a natural character). The incredulous went on, suggesting that perhaps the water operated through its temperature or by being submerged in it. However, everyone knows that cold water   or   hydrotherapy   cannot cure  cancer,  or  blindness. Besides,  many cures have taken place without the need of bathing in the water. But the sceptics still proposed two other causes for the cures. The first was, “suggestion,” although the healing power of suggestion is limited to some nervous or psychological diseases. The second cause, some “unknown” natural force, but no natural force can be capable of producing the instantaneous regeneration of tissue or immediately cure an organic disease. Hence these healings must be attributed to an order higher than the natural: The particular agency of God.
Cf. Catholic Encyclopedia, Lourdes

NEWS

Our Lady of Lourdes Mass with the Oratory children: Sat 11 Feb, 11:15am at Agia Kyriaki. All are welcome.

Coffee Morning Thur 23 Feb, 10-12 at the Hospice Cafeteria. Join St. Michael’s Charity to raise funds for our Hospice. All welcome.

Cyprus Hearing Centers: Professionals will do free tests at the Hospice on Tue 7 March 10am – 12:30pm. Come, ask questions and get some advice.

Saint Patrick’s Celebration: Sat 18 March, 7pm at Giorgio’s Restaurant, €15 dinner. More details to come.

Paphos 2017 European Capital of Culture: Volunteers are needed to help with the exhibitions. Contact Fr. Carlos 99121404.

• CARITAS PAPHOS:
  We need nοn-perishable food to be distributed to the poor in the Paphos area. Prayers and Donations welcome.
• Lifts to come to Holy Mass are greatly appreciated, let us know if there is extra room in your car and where you are coming from. Please 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: More details to come. 

Mass Times HERE