A Reading from the Book of the Deuteronomy
Dt 18:15-20
Meditating on the great prophet Moses, the writer of Deuteronomy assures his readers that the prophetic office will be an ongoing process in Israel. "I [God]will raise up for them a prophet like you [Moses], and will put my words into his mouth. " God will always guide his people through his "mouthpieces, "the prophets.
Later, this text came to be regarded as teaching that God would send a final (end-time) prophet. These are the terms in which Jesus saw himself, and more explicitly in which the early Church understood him. Just as Moses spoke with authority, so did the Lord Jesus. "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."
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 thoro 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 First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
1 Cor 7:32-35
Notice that Paul does not condemn marriage or sex as something inferior. He recommends celibacy as a way of life for those who are called to it, and offers just one reason for it (freedom to be concerned with things of the Lord). There are many more. You should read chapter 7, and remember that the background from which Paul reasons is the patriarchal marriage pattern of his time and culture, which as such is not part of divine revelation.
In the Gospel of Mark
Mk 1:21-28
"The people were astonished at his teaching, a new teaching with authority." Jesus says: "Isay to you. . . " (Mt 5:34). The exorcism accompanying Jesus' teaching in Mark's account underlines this authority. Where God's word breaks through in human history, announcing the coming of his kingdom of justice, love, and peace, there evil must cease.
Listen often and with faith to the Lord Jesus and his teaching with authority, as we have it Scripture. "Astonished" by his words, you will keep balance in a society where so much other "wisdom' is for sale.
Newsy Notes
***********************************************
Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
***********************************************
REMEMBER:
1st Communion
2nd Graders get ready!
Your first time for receiving Communion is here .
We will be having a 1st Communion meeting in the Faith Formation Room on February 4th at 11:15am.
CONFIRMATION
7th Grade confirmation Class
There will be a Parent only meeting on the 25th of January in the Parish Dining Hall at 6:30pm for the 7th grade confirmation class. We will be talking about what your child will be learning about the sacrament of Confirmation for next year. Hope to see all of you there.
Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
|