January 2018

Septuagesima Sunday (“B”) – January 28, 2018

Frackville, From the Pastor /

Every human voice makes a different sound, and we often recognize one another by the sound of the voice that we hear, especially on the telephone when we cannot see the person in the flesh. Our voice comes from deep within us and its best is expressive of our inner self.

In the synagogue at Capernaum Jesus begins to speak. He makes His voice heard for the first time as a preacher and teacher and healer. The listening people quickly recognize that this voice is something new. This voice and the man it belongs to are something entirely new. They are deeply impressed. There is a man in the synagogue who is very disturbed and who begins to shout and disrupt proceedings. He recognizes that Jesus is a powerful man, who is able to deal with troubled mind. Jesus by the power of His word, His voice, quietens the demon of torment and brings the grace of calmness and peace to that person. In a world of so many voices raised and often shouting, in a world where human suffering and torment are rampant, here is something new and with authority behind it.

The question put to Jesus by the tormented man, is a question for us today. In our tormented world it is easy for us to hide away in our own little lives, save perhaps from the dramas all around us. His voice is powerful today to enliven our lives, to change our settled ways and to heal our hurting hearts… The tormented man’s cry truly was a cry for help and healing. Cry out today, therefore, and ask the Lord for that same healing power in your life.

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III Sunday in Ordinary Time (“B”) – January 21, 2018

Frackville, From the Pastor /

Lots of motives and events influence people who switch their path in life for a new one. In today’s Gospel we hear of our fishermen – Simon, Andrew, James and John – who dropped their fishing nets when Jesus called them to follow Him. They left behind their daily routine as the Sea of Galilee as soon as they heard the call to a new life. God has a way of showing up in the ordinary places and interrupting the daily routines. This was also the experience of Jonah in today’s first reading, who was sent on a mission by God to the city of Niniveh. When these men accepted the invitation, their lives were different for ever. God’s call led them into uncertain but inspirational future.

Whatever your life is, however you spend your time, whatever circumstances affect normal living, there is in that life Jesus’ call to “Follow me”. It is a call to participate in God’s saving work and the building up of the kingdom of God. That work is always about moving to a larger vision, orienting life in a new direction and experiencing that our own story of life is connected to a much larger story of life, God’s life. It happens in context of our everyday activities: work, school, families, paying the bills, running errands, fixing dinner, relationships and trying to do the right thing. The call to follow Jesus is the call to discipleship. It was not an easy then and it will not be easy now. Christian discipleship is the commitment to live a Gospel life, a marginal life in this place, at this time, whatever the cost. True discipleship means being a witness for justice and peace even in situations of injustice or war. We choose our careers and jobs hoping that we can use the gifts and talents God has given us. What might God be asking you to leave behind? What is standing in the way of you following Jesus today? Christ is calling you. How will you respond?

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Baptism of the Lord (“B”) – January 7, 2018

Frackville, From the Pastor /

The journey to sainthood begins with baptism. When we begin our prayers, we recall our baptism by making the sign of the cross. When we enter a church, we remember our baptism by dipping our fingers in the holy water and blessing ourselves. God’s grace begins to strengthen us in a new way from this time onwards.

Just as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism, so baptism for each and every person is the gateway to life in the Spirit. We rejoice that we are the beloved of the Lord. Each of us shares in this wonderful title and wears the white garment of baptism. Baptism with water marks our birth into the Church as members of the body of Christ. We become adopted sons and daughters of God whose favor rests upon us. Baptism is also the beginning of the entry into eternal life. On the last day, we will find happiness in the presence of God and every tear will be wiped away to those who deserve it.

At the beginning of this year, it would be good to find out more about our baptism… This year offers a new opportunity to deepen life in the Holy Spirit by becoming more attentive to God’s word in prayer. You can focusing on the Sunday readings and allowing them into your hearts. What would happen if you looked at the Bible as many times as you check for new messages, emails or postings on social media? God desires to speak unto your heart. Are you ready to listen?

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