A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel
Ez. 18:25-28
Among the first group of Hebrews deported to Babylon there was a priest and prophet called Ezekiel. As a wandering preacher, he went from one Jewish settlement to another, encouraging his people to have faith in God, but also correcting them when he found them guilty.
Human freedom implies full responsibility for what we do and should do. Only when I do not project my guilt onto somebody else and honestly admit" that I have sinned through my own fault, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do" can God forgive and show the mercy besought by the Responsorial Psalm.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him.
in your self-giving. He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord hears the cry of the poor!
A Reading, From the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians
Phil 2:1-11or 2:1-5
Paul writes from his "imprisonment in Christ's cause". He worries about dissension, an evil that besets many congregations. "United in heart," united in spirit and ideals-- this should be the goal of all the members of your parish as well! Christ is the model, as described in the hymn Paul quotes in his letter.
In the Gospel of Matthew
Mt 21:28-32
Jesus was constantly refuting the legalism and void formalism of the religious establishment of his time. One of the two sons in this reading signifies the self-styled righteous people who criticize Jesus for paying so much attention to religious outcasts who first refused the kingdom, but then repented.
The message(God's word) may be: Avoid formalism as a cover-up for genuine love and commitment. Have an open eye for the real Christian values! "Father... continue to fill us with your gifts of love."
Newsy Notes
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Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
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REMEMBER
Welcome Back
1st Reconciliation
Our 1st Reconciliation Retreat will be on September 30th for all 2nd graders and at least one parent needs to attend.
CONFIRMATION
ATTENTION
There will be an 8th grade Confirmation Retreat on October 14th, 2023 at 9:00 here at St. Thomas More. You will all meet at the Parish Dining Hall. Please do not be late!
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Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
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