February 17, 2019
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
 

From the Desk of Rev. Anthony C. Ekanem, MSP:
At the heart of today’s readings is the theme of trust in God. For those who trust in human beings are like a barren desert shrub, whereas those who trust in God are like a fruitful tree planted besides a flowing river. The First reading contrasts the fate of those who trust in human beings with the fate of those who trust in God.
To trust in God is a radical choice and not just a feeling. It is to live by the values of the Kingdom (poverty of spirit, cleanness of heart, capacity to show mercy, ability to suffer in the cause of right…) Those who trust in God are the poor, whom Jesus declares in today’s Gospel, ‘the Beatitudes’ as against ‘the bad attitudes.’ Today’s readings are very strong and harsh beginning with the words of the prophet Jeremiah. See Jesus too, does not curse them but laments the people’s lot in life. Jeremiah in our first reading today laments over inner struggle or internal action he faces looking at the situation and consequences of not following God’s ways. He utters cries of distress, describes the problems, and trusts in God’s response. Through this, he announces the punishments of those who have gone astray. Jesus addresses all who suffer misfortunes, poverty, hunger, sorrow, persecution, that they are not excluded from God’s Kingdom. He also presents world’s standard as reverse to the Kingdom of God. This is one reason why the Gospel of Luke is, indeed, a ‘Gospel of Reversals.’ The radical choice we have to make is to either follow values of the world (pursuit of money, pleasure, popularity, power, and prestige) or the values of the Kingdom.
The first reading from the prophet, prepares us for the Gospel, where Jesus declares the poor blessed. The poor are the ‘little ones’ who have no one to trust in but God. Luke’s ‘Sermon on the Plain’ which parallels Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount’, (Matthew 5:1-7, 11) has certain distinctions and similarities as their titles suggest. There are different and somehow similar in their presentation.
When spoken from mountaintop in Matthews, we can miss the important point that Jesus is speaking about with authority and with the voice of God. Mountaintop is a symbol of closeness to God. Recall the experience of Moses and the Ten Commandments in the Book of Exodus.
As in Luke, Jesus teaches on Level ground alongside the disciples and the crowds. Luke presents Jesus authority in a different light. He is God among us. Another distinction is Luke’s version is the audience. Luke’s Sermon on the plain is addressed to Jesus’ disciples, although in the presence of the crowd.
Matthew Sermon on the Mount is addressed in the crowd in keeping with his style. The Beatitudes in Luke’s Gospel sounds more personal than those in Matthew Gospel. Luke uses the articles “You” whereas Matthew uses “they” or “those.”
St Augustine once said, “Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to His love, and the future to His providence.” We are encouraged today to leave behind our pains of betrayal, hurts, and attachments to material things and rely solely on God.
 
Marriages: In order to provide sufficient time for the Marriage Preparation Course, please call the parish office and ask to speak with the pastor at least six months in advance of the wedding.
 
Collection: Last Sunday, February 10, 2019 our weekly collection was $3,173.00
2nd Collection: The 2nd Collection this Sunday will be our monthly Church Property Collection. The 2nd collection last Sunday February 10th for the yearly Peter’s pence Collection which helps Pope Francis works
¨  Anyone that needs their donation statement for Tax purpose are to stop by the Rectory Office and leave your name and envelope number and we will mail it out to you
 
Parish Council Meeting: There will be a Parish Council Meeting this coming Wednesday, February 20th at 7:00 pm in the Parish Rectory.
 

Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal for 2019 Goal is 39,500
Let’s Pray this Prayer

 
Heavenly Father, you have called your church to be a community of faith, hope, and charity. Perfect in us, O God, theses virtues, so that our hearts may belong completely to you and our words and deeds may serve to continue your work of salvation. Increase our faith, that we may bear witness to the Gospel in a world so burdened by pain and anxiety. Strengthen our hope that we may trust your infinite love will bring healing to a broken humanity and a suffering Church. And deepen our charity, that we may serve you and our neighbor with greater devotion. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Mass Schedule for the week of February 17, 2019 to February 24, 2019

 

 

Sunday, February 17, 2019:
7:30 am– For the Parishioners
9:00 am– +Joaquim Neto
 Rita Lopez
11:00 am– Clotilde Dos Anjos Alves
             Eduardo & Esther Rodrigues
Monday, February 18, 2019 :
12:05pm- Margaret Eshoo
 John Eshoo
Tuesday, February 19, 2019:
12:05pm– Lilla Perez (L)
 Lilla Perez
Wednesday, February 20, 2019:
8:15 am– Isabela Torres & Nilda Garza
             Marla Guerra
12:05 pm– Luis N. Feliz
 Esther Sanchez
Thursday, February 21, 2019:
7:00 pm– Maribel Martinez
 Jose Martinez
Friday, February 22, 2019:
8:15am– No Intention
12:05pm—No Intention
Saturday, February 23, 2019:
5:00 pm– Dorothy Boyko
             Edward Carlon
7:00 pm– Ramon Figueroa
             The Figueroa Family
Sunday, February 24, 2019:
7:30 am– For the Parishioners
9:00 am– In Thanksgiving
             Joaquina Tovar
11:00 am– Celio Rodrigues
             Eduardo & Alejandra Rodrigues

 
Parish Membership: Every family or single adult to be considered active members of St. Mary’s must be properly registered in the parish, receiving and regularly using the weekly donation envelopes. Only in this way can the parish issue documents attesting to parish membership and Catholic practice, e.g. a letter to be a Godparent or Sponsor. Also if you have moved and still want to continue as a parishioner of St. Mary’s please stop by the office with your new address so that we may make the appropriate changes. Thank You