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Fr. Craig’s Contemplations
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
For this weekend and next weekend, we will open up the beginning of St. Luke’s Gospel. Scholars teach us that St. Luke’s Gospel is the only to provide a “preface.” You might immediately, think, “what about John’s Gospel?” St. John’s Gospel contains a “prologue” which is essentially what all of John’s Gospel contains. Setting that aside, St. Luke’s prologue is very concise and elegantly written, and describes WHY it was written. Which was “to provide an orderly, documented account of the life of Christ, starting right at the beginning.”
We learn from the Second Vatican Council, Dei Verbum, “God, then wanted us to have a written permanent, divine testimony providing a firm basis for our faith.” St. Luke stresses that there were “eyewitnesses” to the events, Our Lady, Mary; the Apostles, and the holy women and others who shared Jesus’ life during His earthly pilgrimage.
And so, the framework, is built on the basis as a sacred text that should remain close to each of our hearts. From this, we “jump” literally into the fourth chapter of Luke’s Gospel, which is the ministry of Jesus in Galilee. This is where we can enter both in our thoughts and prayers, this image of our Lord Jesus in the synagogue, reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. [Isaiah 61:1-2] After Jesus completes His reading of the prophet Isaiah, which is where the prophet announces the coming of the of the Lord, who will free His people. In our Lord Jesus Christ, this sacred prophecy finds its fulfillment, for He is the Anointed, the Messiah whom God the Father has sent to His people in their time of tribulation. Jesus has been anointed by the Holy Spirit for the mission, God the Father has entrusted to Him. {Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. Ref. Luke 4:21}
Our Holy Catholic Church, as our Holy Father says is the field hospital for the soul, we continue the mission, Jesus began 20 centuries ago. Next month, on the evening of February 11th, St. Anne’s will offer for all of the parish, a night of encounter. The evening event is titled, “Come, Encounter Christ.” This event has been offered in other parishes throughout the country. It is a beautiful night of prayer and encounter with our Lord. Each of us are called to be on mission, to carry on the work Jesus’ began in the time we are living, this for many will help stir up the Holy Spirit in a new way to help us share the light and love of the Gospel. Please prayerfully consider attending this beautiful night.
READINGS FOR JANUARY 23, 2022
THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
1st Reading—Nehemiah 8: 2-4a, 5-6, 8-10—Ezra the priest stood before the people and proclaimed the book of the law. Then he “interpreted it so that all could understand.” He declared the day holy and urged the people to rejoice.
Responsorial Psalm: 19: 8, 9, 10, 15— “Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.”
2nd Reading—1 Corinthians 12: 12-30—The body is one and has many members, but all members, though many, are one body. Further, each part is indispensable. So it is with Christ’s body: we, though many, are one.
Gospel Acclamation—Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Give the glory, and the honor, to the Lord.
Gospel—Luke 1: 1-4; 4: 14-21—Returning to Nazareth, Jesus entered the synagogue and read from the prophet Isaiah. After reading, Jesus proclaimed, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
3RD SUNDAY OF THE YEAR - C - JANUARY 23, 2022
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
1) Let us pray for the Church:
Loving God, watch over your Church and its leaders.
Many though we are, may we be one body in Christ.
Help us find the way to restore unity with the other Christian Churches.
We pray to the Lord…
2) Let us pray for civil leaders:
Prosper the mission of peacemakers in our world.
Bless our nation, and all those who are chosen to serve the common good. Keep our police and military in your loving protection.
We pray to the Lord…
3) Let us pray for respect for life:
Creator of all life, fill the hearts of all people with a desire to
cherish your precious gifts.
We pray to the Lord…
4) Let us pray for the sick:
Anointed One, bring your healing to our friends, especially --
Betty Morici Kirk McCoy Sue Petruccioli Marge Park
Ruthie Reid Kevin Petrusha Don & Margaret Kengerski
Don Hauser Lydia Chisholm Chuck Marteney Max Justus
And for all who have asked for our love and prayers.
We pray to the Lord..
5) Let us remember the dead:
Eternal Lord, be the strength and the joy of those who have gone before us, especially…
(5:00 Mass) Lolita Lopez Doncillo
(8:30 Mass) Mae Lokar
(10:30 Mass) Jerry & Helen Zubalik
We pray to the Lord…
ANNOUNCEMENTS – January 23, 2022
- The food pantry is in need of jelly.
- Our parish is hosting the event, “Come, Encounter Christ” on Friday, February 11th from 6:30 to 9 p.m. there is no cost to attend.
- Next weekend, we will honor the Feast of St. Blasé with a general blessing of throats.
- Next weekend, after Mass, the Knights will pray the rosary, all are welcome to stay.
- (Sunday) Please come to Hardy Hall where the Knights of Columbus have prepared a delicious breakfast for you today.