X

Browsing From the desk of Fr. Tharp

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

CMA

At the time when this is being written, it is too early after Commitment Sunday to know how well we are doing on this year’s appeal.  If you misplaced your card and need another, feel free to ask one of the ushers or stop by the table in the narthex or vestibule, or feel free to ask me at the door.  Thanks to all who have made a commitment.

Infant Pre-Baptism Instruction

If you are having your first child baptized at Sacred Heart or St. Ann, or you are having a child and have not yet been through a pre-baptism instruction class at another parish, please come to the infant pre-baptism class on Monday, February 13 at 8:00 p.m. in the basement of Sacred Heart Church.  The class takes about forty minutes.

Reflection on Scripture

Does Jesus really mean that if a part of our body leads us to sin we should eradicate it or cut it off?  Of course not!  This type of teaching tool was frequently used by Rabbis of the time to point out by exaggeration the seriousness of sin.  God made us in His image and likeness.  He does not want us to mutilate ourselves.  He does want us to recognize the deadly seriousness of sin.  Jesus died on the cross to free us from our sins.  All we need to do is accept forgiveness of sin in him.  Still we must recognize the seriousness of sin and seek to abandon it and eradicate it from our lives.

Jesus makes the distinction that it is not just what we do that constitutes sin.  It is what we intend!   Motivated by good intentions, we please God in our efforts; even if the effort fails by human measure.  But if our intention is malevolent, even the intent without the action is sinful.

In other words, “Don’t just behave better!   Change your hearts!”

Readings for Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lv 19:1-2, 17-18

1 Cor 3:16-23

Mt 5:38-48

ThemeHealing the epileptic boy. 

Subscribe

RSS Feed

Archive


Access all blogs

Subscribe to all of our blogs