Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 17, 2024
| |
|
Spending Our Lives in Self-giving
and Sacrificial Service
Today’s readings focus on the approaching death of Jesus which Paul considers a priestly sacrifice and John considers the moment of Jesus’ “exaltation” and “glorification.” The readings offer us a challenge. Just as Jesus became the “Promised Messiah of Glory” and the “Conquering Son of Man” by offering his life for others, we, too, if we would come to Heaven, must die to self by loving obedience, spending our lives in self-giving, sacrificial service. The Gospel hints at the inner struggle of Jesus in accepting the cup of suffering to inaugurate the New and Eternal Covenant. However, Jesus accepts the cross as his “hour,” meaning the stepping-stone to his passion, death, Resurrection, and exaltation. Jesus also considers his “hour” as the way of glorifying his Heavenly Father and of being glorified by his Father. In addition, it is the way by which all people will be drawn into the saving action of God. Finally, the “lifting up” of Jesus on the cross and later into Heavenly glory by Resurrection and Ascension is the assurance of our own exaltation and glorification, provided we accept our crosses.
The Gospel teaches us that new life and eternal life are made possible only by the death of the self through obedience, suffering and service. Salt gives its taste by dissolving in water. A candle gives light by having its wick burned and its wax melted. The oyster produces a priceless pearl by transforming a grain of sand through a long and painful process. Loving parents sacrifice themselves so that their children can enjoy a better life than they themselves have had. Let us pray that we may acquire this self-sacrificing spirit, especially during Lent.
Only a life spent for others will be glorified, sometimes here in this world, but always in Heaven. We know that the world owes everything to people who have spent their time and talents for God and for their fellow human beings. Mother Teresa, for instance, gave up her comfortable teaching career, and with just 5 rupees (17 cents) in her pocket began her challenging life for the “poorest of the poor” in the crowded slums of Calcutta. We see similar cases in the history of great saints, scientists, and benefactors of mankind in all walks of life. They chose to burn out rather than to rust out. Examples are the Rockefeller Foundation for scientific progress and the Bill Gates Foundation for AIDS Research. Let us, too, spend ourselves for others.
Fr. Anthony Kadavil
| |
|
March 16 - 22, 2024
To schedule a Mass intention, please stop by the parish office.
| |
|
Saturday 5:00 PM
Ben Patellaro †,
Morgan, Alice & Robert Lira
Sunday 8:30 AM
Michael Kelly, Jr. †
Sunday 10:00 AM
Michael Kelly, Jr. †, Karen Hall †
Sunday 11:30 AM
Michael Kelly, Jr. †,
Cindy Weiske Bean †,
Matt Brodersen †
| |
|
Monday 8:30 AM
Don Bowen †, Cindy Weiske Bean †
Tuesday 8:00 AM
Rosalia Bommarito †
Wednesday 8:10 AM
Christopher Catral
Thursday 9:00 AM
Richard Kabonek †,
Helene Lavelle †
Friday 8:00 AM
Cecilia Desmond †
| |
|
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE DECEASED:
Michael Harrington, Teresa Fern Kilian, Alfredo Nisperos,
Spike Standifer, Duane Overby
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE SICK:
Ron Murphy, Al Husted, Annamary Keethaponkalan, Joey Segui, Erna Prasetyo, Esther Wald, Louise Vento, Egualberto Abaya, Katie Hernandez, Amy Gastelum, Paul Krill, Megan Favoli, Bekah Dominguez, Emma Firpo, Jimmy Verna, Greg Rhodes, Kathleen Lupo, Roberta Williams, Connor Vierra, Frances Pizzo, Tom Rodenfils, Marie Flemate, Rodger “OB” O’Brien, Sr.
| |
Please pray with us for our parishioners, family and friends. | |
|
ADA 2024
Supporting Our Mission Together
Our Parish Goal: $150,560
Please prayerfully consider pledging your support to our Diocese. Once our Parish reaches its goal, the additional funds will be returned to the Parish. Donations can be made by completing the pledge card mailed to your home, using the QR code provided here, or online at DSJ.org/ADA. Additional pledge cards are located in the back of the Church and in the Parish Office. Thank you, St. Martin of Tours Parishioners, for your great generosity.
| |
| Week | # Pledges | $ Pledge | Parish Goal
$150,560 | | 6 | 204 | $106,192 | $44,368 to go! | | |
|
To make your pledge, please scan the QR code or click on the ADA link to help us reach our Parish goal as we all participate in
Supporting Our Mission Together.
| | |
AOFFERINGS AND ONLINE GIVING
Sunday Offering 3/3/2024 Fiscal Year to Date
| |
| Budget | $8,930 | $421,830 | | Actual | $10,410 | $432,953 | | Difference | $1,480 | $11,123 | | |
|
If you would like to donate online, please use the
QR Code provided.
Thank you for your generosity!
| |
|
KIDS CORNER
Dear parents and children, kindly click on the link below to download and print out catechetical activity for children for this weekend. This link is updated every week with activities that corresponds to the readings and Sunday celebrations.
| |
|
AROUND THE DIOCESE & COMMUNITY | |
|
Diocese of San Jose Impact Report 2022-2023
Learn about the impact of the Diocese of San José ministries over the past year that serve more than 528,000 Catholics in Santa Clara County, including 54 parishes, missions and pastoral centers, and 34 Catholic schools. Click here to read the full report.
| |
Stay up to date with Diocesan wide news, events, and stories as well as news from the USCCB and the Vatican. Read the Bishop’s messages, see what our children are doing in school, and learn about upcoming community events. Follow the Diocese of San Jose on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Vimeo. Social Media Posts: Facebook | Instagram
| | | | |
