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A Reading from the Book of Leviticus
Lv 13:1-2, 44-46
In ancient times, there was no scientific diagnosis of leprosy, and many other curable diseases were included in this designation. These diseases were considered dangerous and detestable not only because they were contagious but also because they made a person religiously unclean and unworthy to take part in community worship. Notice that disease, and certainly this kind of disease, was thought to be caused by sin! These sick people had to present themselves to the priest who decided how long they had to stay in quarantine.
Avoided by fellow citizens, these outcasts lived in miserable, poor, and squalid quarters. Scientific health care is a luxury of recent times in affluent societies! When the sick thought that they were cleansed of their disease, they had to go and see the priest again and could return to normal life in the community. Sinners are spiritually unclean. They should confess their faults to the Lord!
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 10:31-11:1
Paul encourages us to imitate the Lord Jesus who was considered and thoughtful. The problem in the congregation of Corinth was of that eating meat sacrificed to the pagan gods that was available at the market. Informed Christians knew that such gods did not exist and thus could eat this meat without thinking anything more about it. Paul himself sees no harm in eating sacrificed meat, bit he knows that such an action might well scandalize less instructed Christians (perhaps those of Jewish background). Hence, Paul's advice, "Avoid giving offense, whether to Jews or Greeks"; in other words, do not eat sacrificed meat for that reason.
God's message is: Be considerate! Do not hurt others' feelings! Both" progressives' and "conservatives" in the matter of Church renewal should heed the message.
In the Gospel of Mark
Mk 1:40-45
The healing of a leper and sending him to the priest should not be seen as just a proof of Jesus' power. Saint John calls Jesus' miracles "signs." They are signs that indicate the breakthrough of God's kingdom of love, justice, concern, peace, and happiness into human history. Jesus shows why he has come, namely, to share our helpless and miserable condition and to redeem us from evil.
I turn to you, Lord. Do you take part in any of your parish penitential services? Confession of guilt is part of Christian life!
Newsy Notes
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Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
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REMEMBER:
On February 14th we begin Lent with the Ash Wednesday Mass
Mass times are:
8:30am
12:00pm
7:00pm
Rules for Fasting/Abstinence
Fasting: Catholics between the ages of 18-59 are obligated to fast (1 single full meal) on Ash Wednesday & Good Friday.
Abstinence: All Catholics 14 years and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays in Lent.
"1st Communion
CONFIRMATION
Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
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