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A Reading from the Book of the Jonah
Jon 3:1-5,10
The theme of this passage is God's call and our response to be kind of person the Maker has designed us to be. It is a call to repentance. The response: "They proclaimed a fast and all of them... put on sackcloth." This reading introduces Jesus' call for repentance in today's Gospel. "Repent, and believe in the gospel." It is a constant call to Christians of all times. We may pray: "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths."
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 7:29-31
We should first observe that Paul's statement of today is conditioned by his mistaken opinion that the parousia (Second Coming of Christ) would occur during his own lifetime. Does it make sense then to pay attention to this statement, since Paul's expectation was mistaken? Yes, it does, because it is still true that "the world in its present form is passing away."
We should heed Paul's timeless advice that all human values, possessions, and even marriage are relative to the ultimate values of the hereafter: "They neither marry nor are given in marriage." Married people are necessarily involved in the cares of the world, but they should be careful not to attach their hearts to it. Their call involves both this life and the hereafter.
In the Gospel of Mark
Mk 1:14-20
Like the author of Jonah, Mark also deals with two calls. He first sets forth the call for repentance to all of us: "Repent, and believe in the gospel." Conversion, time and again averting yourself from evil in all its forms and converting yourself in even more perfect love to God, is a lifetime job that requires perseverance! Secondly, Mark relates another call of the disciples. Last week, we referred to "call-vocation," in particular to total dedication to Christ, including one's sexuality, as an ongoing process. The disciples have just spent the day with our Lord. In today's reading we see a definitive decision. "They... abandoned their nets [their father] and followed him.
The first call to repentance is addressed to all Christians, the second one to those whom God calls to a life of service in the ministerial priesthood and/or religious life. It requires generosity to respond. Pray that it always may be found among God's people.
Newsy Notes
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Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
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REMEMBER:
1st Communion
2nd Graders get ready!
Your first time for receiving Communion will be here soon.
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
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