2 July 2017

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Kings 4:8-11, 14-16
Psalm 88:2-3, 16-19
Romans 6:3-4, 8-1
The Gospel of Matthew 10:37-42

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.

  ‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.

  ‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward.

  ‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’

Follow in His Footsteps

Imitate what He wrought: love what He loved, and finding in you the Grace of God, love in Him your nature in return, since as He was not dispossessed of riches in poverty, his glory not lessened in humility, his eternity not lost in death, so you also, treading in His footsteps, despise earthly things that you may gain the heavenly ones: for the taking up of the cross means the slaying of lusts, the killing of vices, the turning away from vanity, and the renunciation of all error. The Lord’s Passover can be kept by no immodest, self-indulgent, proud, or miserly person.
St. Leo the Great, Sermon 72

Saints of the week
Mon 3 Saint Thomas, Apostle Feast 
Tue 4 Saint Elizabeth of Portugal  
Wed 5 Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria, Priest  
Thu 6 Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin, Martyr  
Sat 8 Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Psalter Week I

Next Sunday’s Readings
Zechariah 9:9-10
Psalm 144:1-2, 8-11, 13-14
Romans 8:9, 11-13
Matthew 11:25-30

St. Thomas the Apostle (Feast 3 July)

St. Thomas who is called Didymus (the twin), is one of the better known Apostles thanks to the Gospel of John where he plays a distinctive role. He is particularly remembered for his incredulity at Christ’s Resurrection, making his act of faith in Christ eight days later: “My Lord and my God,” then our Lord rebuked him: “Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed.”                 

Several writers attest to the fact that St. Thomas preached in India and there is a widely spread tradition holding that he suffered martyrdom Near Madras, where a low-relief cross is found on a granite slab with an inscription in ancient Persian dating from the seventh century; many believe this to be the exact place where St. Thomas laid down his life.
Cf. St. Thomas the Apostle, Catholic Encyclopedia

Saint Maria Goretti, Martyr (6 July)

Maria Goretti was born in Italy to a devout family of farmers. Her father died when she was ten. A couple years later, a young neighbor became attracted to Maria and one day he tried to force himself upon her and when she resisted he stabbed her several times, she was later found and taken to the hospital where she forgave her attacker saying “I hope I see him in heaven,” she died shortly after. The youth was captured and went to prison unrepentant, until a few years later, Maria came to him in a dream offering him flowers, after this, he converted and when he came out of prison, he went to ask forgiveness of Maria’s Mother.
St. Maria Goretti, pray for us.

Parish Lunch Sun 9 July at the LPH. Bring and share. All welcome.

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).

Prayers and donations always help. Contact Wendy Burdon 99 040294.

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

Mass Times HERE