“In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit, he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God’” (Mk 1:23-24)!
Communion Connection –
Indeed, it’s a good question: “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” Especially those of us who find ourselves burdened with sadness, guilt, fear, or anger – we might be tempted to presume our utter destruction. But that is precisely the misunderstanding. For this Holy One – this Jesus of Nazareth who possesses the authority to heal and teach in the name of God – has come not to destroy us, but rather to conquer the sin that weighs us down. So, let us listen well to Him and learn His way of love and mercy in the world, so that we too can claim and say to Jesus, “I know who you are!”
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8 February Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.”
Communion Connection –
Jesus yearned for the life of heaven. He had come from there to reveal the love of God to us, to open up the way to heaven for us, to share in every aspect of our lives. The life-giving power that flowed from him came from his constant relationship with the Father. He and the Father know each other and love each other; they are in each other, for they are one. Since the Son of God came on earth for us, he was not content to be the only one to enjoy this privileged relationship in prayer. By dying for us and redeeming us, he made us sons and daughters of God, his brothers and sisters. Therefore we too can use his divine invocation, “Abba, Father,” with all that comes with it: certainty of His protection, blind trust in His love, divine consolation, strength and ardor – the ardor that is born in a heart that is sure that it is loved. - Word of Life
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15 February Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, ‘If you wish, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, ‘I do will it. Be made clean’” (Mk 1:40-41).
Communion Connection –
Out of bounds! This unclean, outcast of a man has dared to step into public where he is not wanted, not permitted to go. People don’t want to see him, don’t want to speak with him, and are offended by his presence. He is as undesirable as a person can be. And yet – Jesus shows us that he is our teacher. In fact, it is an honor and opportunity to learn from him. While most see ugliness in him, in truth he shows us the beauty of courage, humility, steadfastness. He is the most attractive picture of faith to behold. He cares about only one thing: to see Jesus, to be with Him, and to be touched by Him.
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22 February First Sunday of Lent
“’This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’”(Mk 1:15).
Communion Connection –
The coming of Jesus marks the beginning of a new era, the era of grace and salvation. His first words are an invitation to embrace this great novelty, the actual reality of the kingdom of God which he brings within reach of all people, close to every person. He immediately shows the way, which is to repent and believe in the gospel. Repentance and faith must go hand in hand. There cannot be one without the other, for both spring from contact with the living Word, from the presence of Jesus. In our daily life, it would be enough to try and live just one word of the gospel to find in it unexpected help, special strength, a light for our path. Since that Word is a presence of God, communicating with it makes us free; it purifies, converts, brings comfort and joy, and gives wisdom. - Word of Life
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Parish Communion Prayer
Prayer…..