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Letter of Father Lester,2/2/2023

Beloved Parish Family and Friends,

“When Jesus spoke again to the people he said, ‘I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ ”
~ ~ ~ John 8:12

The shortest month of the year is here! I hope that you are well and fully alive despite the many surprises that life brings. As they always say to me “there is always something, you never know.”

February comes from the Latin word februum, which means purification. It was named after a purification ritual which was like an early Roman spring cleansing festival. The length of February was finalized when Julius Caesar remade the Roman calendar and assigned the month 28 days, and 29 days occur every four years during leap year.

The 2nd of February is Groundhog Day, which is famously commemorated as a weather prediction. According to tradition, the groundhog emerges from hibernation; if it sees its shadow it returns to its burrow for 6 weeks. A sunny day can indicate a late spring, while a cloudy day would mean an early spring. What do you think…an early spring or 6 more weeks of this long winter?

Today, most importantly, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Both the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of Mary are celebrated. The purification of Mary was required by the Mosaic law 40 days after the birth of a child. Although Mary was morally pure, she fulfilled her religious obligation and throughout her life she was always obedient to God’s will.

As we move forward to another month, may we purify our minds from negative and bad thoughts, and our hearts from hatred and resentment. Let us present our very self to God, Most Holy, and always be obedient to His Divine plan. And through us, the light of Christ may shine in our home, school, community, work place, and in the world.

We extend our condolences to Denise Hines and the family for the death of John. May the good Lord grant them comfort in their sadness. There will be a memorial mass on Saturday, February 25 at 11am at St. Anthony.

I encourage you to find time to check your email and read the weekly letter as well as our bulletin so that you will be up to date on our Parish events. It is always important to be connected with each other and be able to grow in faith and love as a Parish Family.

Thank you for offering your time, giftedness and treasure to God and to His church. May God bless you always.
Fr. Lester.

Prayer:
“Dear God, You are my light and salvation.
You are my hope. Please come into my heart,
forgive all my wrongs, and give me your wonderful
gift of eternal life. Help me be an instrument of
your light to shine on others through me.
Amen.”

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Readings for February 5th ,2023

In the work of justice, light shall break through darkness.
(From 1st Reading)

Excerpt taken From the 1st Reading:
Isaiah 58:7-10

.... He (Jesus) will say: Here I am! If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.

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"Sunday Connection" from Loyola Press

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Paul shows that he came to Corinth preaching Christ crucified.
(From 2nd Reading)

Excerpt taken From the 2nd Reading:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5

....I(Paul) came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, ....so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

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Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time" from "Catholic Culture"

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Jesus teaches that His disciples are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
(From the Gospel)

Excerpt taken From the Gospel of:
Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to His disciples: "You are the salt of the earth.... ....(and) your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.""Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

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