Dear Holy Rosary Mission Parishioners, here are a few announcements:
Gospel: Jesus, in the Gospel about "The Woman at the Well" asks her to choose the living water. Please see homily and readings below.
Confirmation and First Communion: The Archbishop will be here the 29th of May to celebrate the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation. Those to be confirmed will be Johanna Belleque, Joshua Ingram, Brian Venua, Walter Reynolds, and Anthony Reynolds. To all Sponsors, please be present next week for the first Scrutiny.
Around the Mission: Our Cherokee Warrior is still waiting parts in King Salmon. It will hopefully be flyable sometime this week.
Easter Sunday: Bernina Venua is preparing for a children's Easter egg hunt after Mass on Easter Sunday. Easter Mass this year will not be on Saturday eve, but on Easter Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Have a wonderful week and see you Sunday! Fr. Scott
Homily and Readings:
3rd Lent Sun A DLG 2011, Ex 17:3-7; Rom 5:1-2&5-8; John 4: 5-42
Have you ever been dying of thirst? I have. I can remember one time when my dad and I were out hunting and we got lost in the woods. Every one of us has probably been dying of thirst at least once in our lives?
Even the Israelites in the reading for Exodus, God’s chosen people, thirsted for water in the desert. No one is exempt form becoming thirsty.
The word thirst can be used when we have a craving for anything. We thirst for the newest and fastest car, computer, or snow machine. We thirst for approval, prestige, and status. We thirst for comfort, pleasure, and gratification.
The woman at the well thirsted. She thirsted for water. But she also thirsted for something else. She thirsted for understanding. She thirsted for insight. She thirsted of knowledge. She thirsted for truth…and Jesus quenched that thirst.
Jesus offered the Samaritan women a different way to quench her thirst. He offered her living water.
About Living Water, the theologian Hans von Balthasar says this, “Earthly water again makes thirsty, but to those who believe, Jesus' water quenches thirst forever.”
Saint Ignatius of Antioch says, “There is no thirsting in me for any earthly thing. Rather within me is the living water, which says deep inside me: "Come to the Father. I want only God's bread, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, and for drink, I crave his blood, which is love that cannot perish.”
The Samaritan Woman at the Well knew the quality of water at Jacobs well. Her thirst will be quenched, but only for a short period of time. Sound familiar? Earthly possessions, shopping sprees, Drugs, and alcohol will only quench our thirst for a brief time.
But Jesus is making her choose between the well water and another kind of water and living water. She is very curious about the living water. Jesus makes her choose between the two.
The water Jesus offers is a long-term plan for the salvation of her the woman’s soul. The water from Jesus will quench her spiritual thirst forever. It will give her eternal life. The Woman made a choice. She chose Christ, the living water.
Those being confirmed this May have a similar choice. They can choose the well water or the water Jesus has to offer.
We have all chosen the water Jesus offers or we wouldn’t be here right now. But have we chosen Christ everyday or just on Sundays? How do you handle temptation and peer pressure. Are you able to acknowledge your sins? Are you able to recognize the grace being offered you? Are you able to choose correctly between the well water and the living water? My advice, choose the living water everyday. It will quench your thirst forever (477 Words)?
Ex 17:3-7 - Here, then, in their thirst for water, the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "Why did you ever make us leave Egypt? Was it just to have us die here of thirst with our children and our livestock?" So Moses cried out to the LORD, "What shall I do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!" The LORD answered Moses, "Go over there in front of the people, along with some of the elders of Israel, holding in your hand, as you go, the staff with which you struck the river. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock in Horeb. Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink." This Moses did, in the presence of the elders of Israel. The place was called Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled there and tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD in our midst or not?"
Rom 5:1-2&5-8 - Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
John 4: 5-42 - So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, "How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?" (For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." (The woman) said to him, "Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?" Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water." Jesus said to her, "Go call your husband and come back." The woman answered and said to him, "I do not have a husband." Jesus answered her, "You are right in saying, 'I do not have a husband.' For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true." The woman said to him, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem." Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth." The woman said to him, "I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Anointed; when he comes, he will tell us everything." Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one who is speaking with you." At that moment his disciples returned, and were amazed that he was talking with a woman, but still no one said, "What are you looking for?" or "Why are you talking with her?" The woman left her water jar and went into the town and said to the people, "Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Messiah?" They went out of the town and came to him. Meanwhile, the disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat." But he said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." So the disciples said to one another, "Could someone have brought him something to eat?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'In four months the harvest will be here'? I tell you, look up and see the fields ripe for the harvest. The reaper is already receiving his payment and gathering crops for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together. For here the saying is verified that 'One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the work, and you are sharing the fruits of their work." Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me everything I have done." When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the woman, "We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world."
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Announcements: 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
Dear Holy Rosary Mission Parishioners, here are a few announcements:
Congrats: Grace Amelia Swift was baptized March 13, 2011. Below, Laticia holds Grace over the baptismal font to be baptized while Brian Venua and Walter Reynolds altar serve. For more about the baptism CLICK HERE.
Thanx Anthony and Walter: Anthony and Walter Reynolds have been donating their time and talent to help around the Church. This past week they took home a chalice and the metal tops placed on the altar candles. The brought them back this week all shined up. They also took home last year’s palms to burn and crush for Ash Wednesday next year. Thank you two for your generous donation of time and talent. Both Anthony and Walter plan to be confirmed May 29, 2011.
Transfiguration: The second Sunday of Lent highlights the Transfiguration. During the Transfiguration Jesus became bright as light. At some point in our lives we have experienced a transfiguration. It is when something so spiritually profound happened in your life that made you know, without a doubt, that there was a God. Please see the Homily about Penance below.
Confirmation: The Archbishop’s office emailed me this week and told me the Archbishop will be here in Bristol Bay Memorial Weekend. We have several people to be confirmed. I ask that those to be confirmed at Holy Rosary be sure they will be in town Sunday, May 29, at 12:30 PM for the confirmation service. The confirmation for Saint Theresa in King Salmon will be Saturday, May 28 at noon.
IMPORTANT: Those to be confirmed, by March 20, must have a letter written to the Archbishop and a sponsor. Let me know is I can help with this. Fr. Scott.
First Communion: First Communion will be with the Archbishop at 12:30 PM, May 29, 2011 at Holy Rosary and Noon, May 28, 2011 at Saint Theresa in King Salmon.
Around the Mission: Please CLICK HERE for a summary of my travels this past week.
Scrutiny: The first scrutiny will be during mass on the 3rd Sunday in Lent. All those to be confirmed, with their sponsors, should attend. They will be called forward for the Scrutiny. There are three scrutinies, which are bestowed the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent.
Terminology for Adults in RCIA:
Catechumen: Refers to the un-baptized. These people are seeking full communion into the church, i.e. baptism, confirmation, first communion
Candidate: Refers to a baptized Christian, not necessarily baptized Catholic. These people are seeking Confirmation and First Communion.
The Elect: Refers to both the Catechumens and the Candidates for RCIA.
Terminology for Catholic Teens:
Not Really Named: Because it is the normal route to confirmation, a teenager, baptized Catholic, and who has celebrated First Communion, does not really have a special name except maybe, “those to be confirmed.”
Have a fantastic week and see you Sunday...Fr. Scott
Congrats: Grace Amelia Swift was baptized March 13, 2011. Below, Laticia holds Grace over the baptismal font to be baptized while Brian Venua and Walter Reynolds altar serve. For more about the baptism CLICK HERE.
Thanx Anthony and Walter: Anthony and Walter Reynolds have been donating their time and talent to help around the Church. This past week they took home a chalice and the metal tops placed on the altar candles. The brought them back this week all shined up. They also took home last year’s palms to burn and crush for Ash Wednesday next year. Thank you two for your generous donation of time and talent. Both Anthony and Walter plan to be confirmed May 29, 2011.
Transfiguration: The second Sunday of Lent highlights the Transfiguration. During the Transfiguration Jesus became bright as light. At some point in our lives we have experienced a transfiguration. It is when something so spiritually profound happened in your life that made you know, without a doubt, that there was a God. Please see the Homily about Penance below.
Confirmation: The Archbishop’s office emailed me this week and told me the Archbishop will be here in Bristol Bay Memorial Weekend. We have several people to be confirmed. I ask that those to be confirmed at Holy Rosary be sure they will be in town Sunday, May 29, at 12:30 PM for the confirmation service. The confirmation for Saint Theresa in King Salmon will be Saturday, May 28 at noon.
IMPORTANT: Those to be confirmed, by March 20, must have a letter written to the Archbishop and a sponsor. Let me know is I can help with this. Fr. Scott.
First Communion: First Communion will be with the Archbishop at 12:30 PM, May 29, 2011 at Holy Rosary and Noon, May 28, 2011 at Saint Theresa in King Salmon.
Around the Mission: Please CLICK HERE for a summary of my travels this past week.
Scrutiny: The first scrutiny will be during mass on the 3rd Sunday in Lent. All those to be confirmed, with their sponsors, should attend. They will be called forward for the Scrutiny. There are three scrutinies, which are bestowed the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent.
Terminology for Adults in RCIA:
Catechumen: Refers to the un-baptized. These people are seeking full communion into the church, i.e. baptism, confirmation, first communion
Candidate: Refers to a baptized Christian, not necessarily baptized Catholic. These people are seeking Confirmation and First Communion.
The Elect: Refers to both the Catechumens and the Candidates for RCIA.
Terminology for Catholic Teens:
Not Really Named: Because it is the normal route to confirmation, a teenager, baptized Catholic, and who has celebrated First Communion, does not really have a special name except maybe, “those to be confirmed.”
Have a fantastic week and see you Sunday...Fr. Scott
Homily and Readings
2nd Lent Sun A DLG 2011, Mtn Gen 12:1-4; 2 Tim 1:8-10; Mat 17:1-9
When I was in middle school my friend Tedd invited me to climb the South Sister in Oregon. It is part of the Cascade range. We got up early, drove for about 40 minutes, and started out in the dark. Tedd’s dad brought a packsack. We traded off carrying it. By the time we got close to the top of the mountain, the pack was getting heavy. We wondered, What was in this thing?
We all finally reach the top and the pack was opened up. Tedd’s dad had included a bottle of Champaign, for himself and his lawyer friend. Tedd and I were too young to even drink it. The two men celebrated the beauty of the view and the exhilaration they experienced during the climb.
Climbing a mountain is transforming. It brings one closer to God, literally. It is spiritual to be up on top a huge mountain. All of God’s creation is out before you. It is awe-inspiring.
In the bible, great things happen on mountains. In fact, Jesus and Moses have life changing experiences on mountaintops. Although life changing, there experiences are a bit different.
Moses goes up Mount Sinai alone. Jesus climbs Mount Tabor and takes companions with him who share in the experience. The face of God is hidden from Moses. Jesus is given to us as the face of God for the world.
On My. Sinai, Moses receives a code of law and is told to make sure the people obey it. On Mt. Tabor, Jesus receives a proclamation of God’s love and we are told to listen to him. While Moses’ face shines, Jesus’ whole body is transfigured with light. Moses descends the mountain to enforce the law; Jesus comes down to die that we might live.
The God who came to Moses on Mount Sinai wanted us to fulfill the letter of the law. The God who came to us on Mount Tabor wants us to have hearts that listen to the gospel of love.
By listening to the gospel of love and by opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit, we gain the power to transform the world. That is what sacrifice is about during lent. It is not suppose to be a grim season of self-denial. It is about sacrificing for forty days so we can grow more deeply in love with the God who loves us.
The penance we receive during confession is meant to help us sort out what really matters. Does everyone remember what penance is? Penance repairs certain damages that our sins have caused, such as restoring the reputation of someone we have injured, returning money that we have stolen, or rectifying an injustice. During Lent, Penance is intended to cast some light in the darkness of our lives. It is meant to focus on the relationship that gives meaning and purpose for this world and the next.
Sunday Mass is meant to be a weekly mountaintop experience for us. On this weekly mountain, we hear God call us by name and confess his love for us. It is a place to be re-energized. That energy transfigures us…it makes us brighter. During Mass, we not only climb up the Mountain, we receive the tools and faith to actually move mountains (545 Words).
Genesis 12:1-4
The LORD said to Abram: "Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father's house to a land that I will show you. "I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you. Abram went as the LORD directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.
2 Timothy 1:8-10
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Matthew 17:1-9
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid." And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, "Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Announcements: 1st Sunday of Lent Year A
Dear Holy Rosary Parishioners, here are a few announcements:
Ash Wednesday Mass: Please invite your friends, co-workers, etc. to our Ash Wednesday celebration. You do not have to be Catholic to receive ashes. The Mass will start at 12:15 PM, March 9, 2011.
First Communion and Confirmation: We are trying to schedule the Archbishop to be here Saturday and Sunday of May 28 and May 29. Let us know if this time will not work for you.
Around the Mission: Our Cherokee Warrior II is getting an annual inspection for Tibbett’s Airmotive in King Salmon. It should be done in a couple weeks. I was in Anchorage all week attending training for the New Roman Missal. I returned on Thursday. On Friday I flew with Grant Aviation to Clarks Point where I prayed a rosary with Louise and Betty Gardener and ate lunch at the school with the children. John Bouker picked me up at Clarks and donated the air fare back to Dillingham. John has a crucifix (we at Holy Rosary gave him) hanging on his compass. I then flew to King Salmon and back on Saturday, March 5, with Penair for Mass at Saint Theresa at noon.
After stoping in Manokotak and picking up a family, Bush Pilot John Paul Bouker dropped by Clarks Point and flew me back to Dillingham. John donated the Air Fare to Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Thank you so much John Paul!
The crucifix Holy Rosary gave John Paul Bouker always hangs from his compass.
Gospel: The readings talk about sin and temptation. Please see homily and readings below.
Have a wonderful week and see you Ash Wednesday! Fr. Scott
ASH WEDNESDAY HOMILY AND READINGS
Ash Wed 2011 DLG, Joel 2:12-18;2Cor5:20—6:2;Mt 6:1-6&16-18
During Lent, the Penitential rite and creed are not said on Ash Wed. Throughout Lent, the Gloria is not recited and the Alleluia is not said or sung. The Altar should not be decorated with flowers
Ashes remind us of mortality, repentance, and reform. In other words the ashes remind us that we are fragile, that we die, to be sorry for our sins, and the necessity to change our lives.
Ash Wednesday begins Lent. The season of Lent is to help prepare new members entering the church. We also celebrate it to prepare ourselves for Easter. We do this through Confession, Penance and the renewal of our baptismal vows. I encourage all of you to call me and make an appointment to go to confession.
Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent are days of universal abstinence and fasting in the church.
Abstinence means that we do not eat (we abstain) from meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent. It was a part of the Christian practice for about 40 years. All ages must abstain from meet on Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent
Fasting is a bit different. Only those who are 18 years of age through 59 should fast. There are two main reasons to fast and two different types of fasting.
Main reasons. (1) to prepare for a great event, i.e. Easter and (2) and to prepare for penance.
Actually, fasting can be given as a penance. Fasting takes discipline. Only if we are disciplined will God’s grace work within us. Fasting is an offering made for a favor. For example, one might beg for healing then fast for a day.
There is the complete and partial fast.
Complete Fast: Fast for all of Lent or fast every Friday. For example, one might completely cut out coffee, deserts, or fats for all of lent or every Friday.
Partial Fast: We do not have to just stop eating. For example, If you love coffee everyday, drink one less cup per day.
We are asked to do a partial fast. On Friday’s of Lent, eat only one full meal. Smaller quantities of food may be taken at two other meals. We are also asked not to snack.
For Lent, I encourage all of you to give up something destructive in you life or add something good. In the past I have given up (Complete Fast) chewing tobacco, coffee, and cable TV. One lent I added on to my daily prayer reading the gospel in Spanish. This year I plan to pray the rosary all every day for the 40 days of Lent.
In a few minutes you will receive ashes. Ashes remind us just how fragile we are. We can die at any time. God created us and can take us at any time.
Now, I will Bless the ashes. Then you will all come forward to receive the ashes on your forehead (485 Words).
REMEMBER YOU ARE DUST
AND TO DUST YOU WILL RETURN
Joel 2: 12-18;
Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind him a blessing, Offerings and libations for the LORD, your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion! proclaim a fast, call an assembly; Gather the people, notify the congregation; Assemble the elders, gather the children and the infants at the breast; Let the bridegroom quit his room, and the bride her chamber. Between the porch and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep, And say, "Spare, O LORD, your people, and make not your heritage a reproach, with the nations ruling over them! Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'" Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land and took pity on his people.
2 Corinthians 5: 20—6:2;
So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says: "In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you." Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Mt 6:1-6&16-18
"(But) take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.
FIRST SUNDAY LENT HOMILY AND READINGS
1st Lent Sun A DLG 2011, Genesis 2:7-9&3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
Many of you probably do not know that sins can be forgiven right here during Mass. They are forgiven during the Penitential rite. At the beginning of Mass I have three introductions to the Penitential rite, Form A, B, and C. Form A is, “As we Prepare to Celebrate the Mystery of Christ’s of Christ’s Love, let us call to mind our Sins.” Form B is, “Coming together as God’s Family with confidence let us ask the Father’s forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion.” Form C is, “My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins.”
So, after we here this introduction to the penitential rite, or similar words, there should be a silence. During that silence, we call to mind our venial sins. Then the remainder of the penitential rite absolves us of those venial sins.
So, how do we distinguish between a venial sin that can be forgiven during the penitential rite, and mortal sins that we have to confess? Well believe it our not our Catechism is not clear-cut. The Church is concerned with how GRAVE a sin is? For example, if I got up in the morning and told my self I was going to lie to my boss at lunchtime, then that would be a premeditated lie…I planned to lie to my boss. That is not a venial sin.
On the other hand, if you happened to be talking to your boss, and accidentally told a lie, that could be a venial sin.
So, as you can see, any sin could be a mortal sin that needs to be confesses. However, things like accidentally telling white lies, catching yourself gossiping and stopping, and swearing without meaning to are probably considered venial sins. Also, ask yourself, and be honest, is this a grave problem? Is the sin really bothering me?
Our catechism says, “Venial sin allows charity and love to subsist, even though it offends and wounds it. Mortal sin destroys charity and love in the heart of people by a grave violation of God’s law. It turns Man away from God by preferring an inferior good to him” (CCC 1855).
For a sin to be mortal:
1. It must be of a grave matter, i.e. and offense against the 10 commandments
2. It is committed with full knowledge, i.e. one understands how grave it is
3. It is done with deliberate consent, i.e., you know it’s wrong but still do it.
Every sin can be traced back to a focus on ourselves…what satisfies me, my needs, my wants, what makes me feel good. Sin is not always something major like killing, stealing, or adultery.
Sin can be when you think only of yourself and your needs. Sin is when you hardly ever think about what God wants or other people want.
The Gospel gives us a great lesson about sin. When we start focusing on ourselves, then the devil starts to win. Focusing on ourselves seems natural. The devil knows this. The devil temps Jesus several times. Every temptation tries to get Jesus to think only of himself. “Turn stones to bread so YOU won’t starve.” All of these Kingdoms can be YOURS.” Jesus refused to put himself first and thus he was able to hear his calling from God and fulfill it.
Here is our slogan for Lent: Say no to self and yes to God (575 Words).
Genesis 2:7-9&3:1-7
The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being. Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and he placed there the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the LORD God made various trees grow that were delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the animals that the LORD God had made. The serpent asked the woman, "Did God really tell you not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?" The woman answered the serpent: "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, 'You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die.'" But the serpent said to the woman: "You certainly will not die! No, God knows well that the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is bad." The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
Romans 5:12-19
Therefore, just as through one person sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all, inasmuch as all sinned -- for up to the time of the law, sin was in the world, though sin is not accounted when there is no law. But death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin after the pattern of the trespass of Adam, who is the type of the one who was to come. But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by that one person's transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one person Jesus Christ overflow for the many. And the gift is not like the result of the one person's sinning. For after one sin there was the judgment that brought condemnation; but the gift, after many transgressions, brought acquittal. For if, by the transgression of one person, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of one person the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of one the many will be made righteous.
Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread." He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you and 'with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'" Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me." At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.
Ash Wednesday Mass: Please invite your friends, co-workers, etc. to our Ash Wednesday celebration. You do not have to be Catholic to receive ashes. The Mass will start at 12:15 PM, March 9, 2011.
First Communion and Confirmation: We are trying to schedule the Archbishop to be here Saturday and Sunday of May 28 and May 29. Let us know if this time will not work for you.
Around the Mission: Our Cherokee Warrior II is getting an annual inspection for Tibbett’s Airmotive in King Salmon. It should be done in a couple weeks. I was in Anchorage all week attending training for the New Roman Missal. I returned on Thursday. On Friday I flew with Grant Aviation to Clarks Point where I prayed a rosary with Louise and Betty Gardener and ate lunch at the school with the children. John Bouker picked me up at Clarks and donated the air fare back to Dillingham. John has a crucifix (we at Holy Rosary gave him) hanging on his compass. I then flew to King Salmon and back on Saturday, March 5, with Penair for Mass at Saint Theresa at noon.
After stoping in Manokotak and picking up a family, Bush Pilot John Paul Bouker dropped by Clarks Point and flew me back to Dillingham. John donated the Air Fare to Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Thank you so much John Paul!
The crucifix Holy Rosary gave John Paul Bouker always hangs from his compass.
Gospel: The readings talk about sin and temptation. Please see homily and readings below.
Have a wonderful week and see you Ash Wednesday! Fr. Scott
ASH WEDNESDAY HOMILY AND READINGS
Ash Wed 2011 DLG, Joel 2:12-18;2Cor5:20—6:2;Mt 6:1-6&16-18
During Lent, the Penitential rite and creed are not said on Ash Wed. Throughout Lent, the Gloria is not recited and the Alleluia is not said or sung. The Altar should not be decorated with flowers
Ashes remind us of mortality, repentance, and reform. In other words the ashes remind us that we are fragile, that we die, to be sorry for our sins, and the necessity to change our lives.
Ash Wednesday begins Lent. The season of Lent is to help prepare new members entering the church. We also celebrate it to prepare ourselves for Easter. We do this through Confession, Penance and the renewal of our baptismal vows. I encourage all of you to call me and make an appointment to go to confession.
Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent are days of universal abstinence and fasting in the church.
Abstinence means that we do not eat (we abstain) from meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent. It was a part of the Christian practice for about 40 years. All ages must abstain from meet on Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent
Fasting is a bit different. Only those who are 18 years of age through 59 should fast. There are two main reasons to fast and two different types of fasting.
Main reasons. (1) to prepare for a great event, i.e. Easter and (2) and to prepare for penance.
Actually, fasting can be given as a penance. Fasting takes discipline. Only if we are disciplined will God’s grace work within us. Fasting is an offering made for a favor. For example, one might beg for healing then fast for a day.
There is the complete and partial fast.
Complete Fast: Fast for all of Lent or fast every Friday. For example, one might completely cut out coffee, deserts, or fats for all of lent or every Friday.
Partial Fast: We do not have to just stop eating. For example, If you love coffee everyday, drink one less cup per day.
We are asked to do a partial fast. On Friday’s of Lent, eat only one full meal. Smaller quantities of food may be taken at two other meals. We are also asked not to snack.
For Lent, I encourage all of you to give up something destructive in you life or add something good. In the past I have given up (Complete Fast) chewing tobacco, coffee, and cable TV. One lent I added on to my daily prayer reading the gospel in Spanish. This year I plan to pray the rosary all every day for the 40 days of Lent.
In a few minutes you will receive ashes. Ashes remind us just how fragile we are. We can die at any time. God created us and can take us at any time.
Now, I will Bless the ashes. Then you will all come forward to receive the ashes on your forehead (485 Words).
REMEMBER YOU ARE DUST
AND TO DUST YOU WILL RETURN
Joel 2: 12-18;
Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind him a blessing, Offerings and libations for the LORD, your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion! proclaim a fast, call an assembly; Gather the people, notify the congregation; Assemble the elders, gather the children and the infants at the breast; Let the bridegroom quit his room, and the bride her chamber. Between the porch and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep, And say, "Spare, O LORD, your people, and make not your heritage a reproach, with the nations ruling over them! Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'" Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land and took pity on his people.
2 Corinthians 5: 20—6:2;
So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says: "In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you." Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Mt 6:1-6&16-18
"(But) take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.
FIRST SUNDAY LENT HOMILY AND READINGS
1st Lent Sun A DLG 2011, Genesis 2:7-9&3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
Many of you probably do not know that sins can be forgiven right here during Mass. They are forgiven during the Penitential rite. At the beginning of Mass I have three introductions to the Penitential rite, Form A, B, and C. Form A is, “As we Prepare to Celebrate the Mystery of Christ’s of Christ’s Love, let us call to mind our Sins.” Form B is, “Coming together as God’s Family with confidence let us ask the Father’s forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion.” Form C is, “My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins.”
So, after we here this introduction to the penitential rite, or similar words, there should be a silence. During that silence, we call to mind our venial sins. Then the remainder of the penitential rite absolves us of those venial sins.
So, how do we distinguish between a venial sin that can be forgiven during the penitential rite, and mortal sins that we have to confess? Well believe it our not our Catechism is not clear-cut. The Church is concerned with how GRAVE a sin is? For example, if I got up in the morning and told my self I was going to lie to my boss at lunchtime, then that would be a premeditated lie…I planned to lie to my boss. That is not a venial sin.
On the other hand, if you happened to be talking to your boss, and accidentally told a lie, that could be a venial sin.
So, as you can see, any sin could be a mortal sin that needs to be confesses. However, things like accidentally telling white lies, catching yourself gossiping and stopping, and swearing without meaning to are probably considered venial sins. Also, ask yourself, and be honest, is this a grave problem? Is the sin really bothering me?
Our catechism says, “Venial sin allows charity and love to subsist, even though it offends and wounds it. Mortal sin destroys charity and love in the heart of people by a grave violation of God’s law. It turns Man away from God by preferring an inferior good to him” (CCC 1855).
For a sin to be mortal:
1. It must be of a grave matter, i.e. and offense against the 10 commandments
2. It is committed with full knowledge, i.e. one understands how grave it is
3. It is done with deliberate consent, i.e., you know it’s wrong but still do it.
Every sin can be traced back to a focus on ourselves…what satisfies me, my needs, my wants, what makes me feel good. Sin is not always something major like killing, stealing, or adultery.
Sin can be when you think only of yourself and your needs. Sin is when you hardly ever think about what God wants or other people want.
The Gospel gives us a great lesson about sin. When we start focusing on ourselves, then the devil starts to win. Focusing on ourselves seems natural. The devil knows this. The devil temps Jesus several times. Every temptation tries to get Jesus to think only of himself. “Turn stones to bread so YOU won’t starve.” All of these Kingdoms can be YOURS.” Jesus refused to put himself first and thus he was able to hear his calling from God and fulfill it.
Here is our slogan for Lent: Say no to self and yes to God (575 Words).
Genesis 2:7-9&3:1-7
The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being. Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and he placed there the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the LORD God made various trees grow that were delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the animals that the LORD God had made. The serpent asked the woman, "Did God really tell you not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?" The woman answered the serpent: "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, 'You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die.'" But the serpent said to the woman: "You certainly will not die! No, God knows well that the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is bad." The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
Romans 5:12-19
Therefore, just as through one person sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all, inasmuch as all sinned -- for up to the time of the law, sin was in the world, though sin is not accounted when there is no law. But death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin after the pattern of the trespass of Adam, who is the type of the one who was to come. But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by that one person's transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one person Jesus Christ overflow for the many. And the gift is not like the result of the one person's sinning. For after one sin there was the judgment that brought condemnation; but the gift, after many transgressions, brought acquittal. For if, by the transgression of one person, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of one person the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of one the many will be made righteous.
Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread." He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you and 'with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'" Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me." At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Announcements" 9th Sunday Ordinary Time Year A
Dear Holy Rosary Parishioners, here are a few announcements:
Mass Times:
Ash Wednesday: Mass at 12:15 PM
Holy Week: Holy Thursday and Good Friday 5:30 PM
Easter: Easter Sunday at 10:00 AM
Around the Mission: This week our Cherokee Warrior II is in the hanger at King Salmon. Larry Tibbetts is checking out the Alternator problem and doing an annual inspection. I am in Anchorage to attend the archdiocesan priest convocation. We will be reviewing the changes to the Roman Missal.
Possible New Parishes: Since the Archbishop is moving me in July, 2011, there are three possible parishes I may be assigned two, Sacred Heart in Wasilla, Saint Michael in Palmer, or Holy Cross in Anchorage. I visited Sacred Heart on Sunday and Con-celebrate both Sunday masses.
Gospel: The readings explain how we can build our lives on solid foundations and why it is important to do so. Please see readings and homily below.
Thank you: Thanx to Aileen Walsh for providing a communion service on Sunday. Because of Aileen’s enthusiasm and love for our church we are able to consistently offer the Eucharist every week at Holy Rosary in Dillingham, whether or not I am stuck in bad weather of attending conferences in Anchorage.
Have a fantastic week and see you Sunday!
Homily and Readings:
9th Ord A DLG 2011, Huff and Puff, Deuteronomy 11:18,26-28,32; Romans 3:21-25&28; Matthew 7:21-27
When I was in grade school I told a few lies. It seemed to me that it was easier to lie than to tell the truth. Sometime I would start a fight with my brother and I would tell my mom that I didn’t do it. But the problem was, we would usually both end up getting into trouble. It was like my mom knew I was lying, but she would never actually say that I was lying.
I think parents have a seventh sense, they know when we are lying. The problem is, when they finally say, your lying, it is the one time you are telling the truth.
As I grew up it seemed like the more I would lie, the more trouble I would get into. And to top that off, usually after I told a lie, I would feel really bad inside.
One day, I was about 12 years old, I overheard my dad and mom talking about my grandfather. They said that he was the most honest man they knew. They said he always told the truth no matter what. From that day on I tried extra hard to be honest. I wanted to be just like my grandpa.
Being honest is one way to start a brick foundation. The readings tell us other ways to build a strong spiritual foundation and why its important.
I am sure we are all familiar with the story of the three little pigs. The first pig built his house out of straw, the second sticks, and the third stone. The wolf came to eat the pigs. The pigs ran into their houses. The wolf huffed and puffed and blew the houses down and ate the pigs. Well, not all the pigs. The stone house could not be blown down.
Similarly, Christians continually build a brick foundation by choosing to live a life for God. Bricks get replaced with straw and sticks when we choose to live lives for ourselves. Why is this important?
Straw House no Wolf: Jack is going along fine in life. His faith seems good. He lies, cheats, and takes things from work…after all he is entitled to them…he works there. He swears around his friends but never around church. He Believes in God. He attends church every Sunday.
Brick House no Wolf: Susie used to lie but she stopped. She gossips, but she is trying to stop…really struggling. She goes to church regularly. One of here good qualities is that she always tries to do what she says she is going to do.
All of a sudden a wolf appears. Wolves in our lives are always unexpected. They come in the form of financial difficulties, death, sickness, marital problems, sexual misconduct, prison, and loss of job.
When a wolf appears, all our faith, hope, and love go on trial. There is no way to fool a wolf. How well we hold up when a wolf appears is the true test of faith. Our foundations are tested. Weak foundations mean wolves will penetrate deeply. Strong foundations mean wolves will not penetrate quite as deeply and maybe not at all.
Building our house out of brick means that we have a genuine reverence for the Lord. A strong foundation proves that we are doing the will of the Father. A strong foundation shows that we are people of integrity who mean what we say. It means that we practice what we preach, not only at church, but at home, at work, at school, and on vacation (590 Words).
Deuteronomy 11:18,26-28,32
"Therefore, take these words of mine into your heart and soul. Bind them at your wrist as a sign, and let them be a pendant on your forehead. "I set before you here, this day, a blessing and a curse: a blessing for obeying the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin on you today; a curse if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD, your God, but turn aside from the way I ordain for you today, to follow other gods, whom you have not known. Be careful to observe all the statutes and decrees that I set before you today.
Romans 3:21-25&28
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, though testified to by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed. For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Matthew 7:21-27
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.' "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined."
Mass Times:
Ash Wednesday: Mass at 12:15 PM
Holy Week: Holy Thursday and Good Friday 5:30 PM
Easter: Easter Sunday at 10:00 AM
Around the Mission: This week our Cherokee Warrior II is in the hanger at King Salmon. Larry Tibbetts is checking out the Alternator problem and doing an annual inspection. I am in Anchorage to attend the archdiocesan priest convocation. We will be reviewing the changes to the Roman Missal.
Possible New Parishes: Since the Archbishop is moving me in July, 2011, there are three possible parishes I may be assigned two, Sacred Heart in Wasilla, Saint Michael in Palmer, or Holy Cross in Anchorage. I visited Sacred Heart on Sunday and Con-celebrate both Sunday masses.
Gospel: The readings explain how we can build our lives on solid foundations and why it is important to do so. Please see readings and homily below.
Thank you: Thanx to Aileen Walsh for providing a communion service on Sunday. Because of Aileen’s enthusiasm and love for our church we are able to consistently offer the Eucharist every week at Holy Rosary in Dillingham, whether or not I am stuck in bad weather of attending conferences in Anchorage.
Have a fantastic week and see you Sunday!
Homily and Readings:
9th Ord A DLG 2011, Huff and Puff, Deuteronomy 11:18,26-28,32; Romans 3:21-25&28; Matthew 7:21-27
When I was in grade school I told a few lies. It seemed to me that it was easier to lie than to tell the truth. Sometime I would start a fight with my brother and I would tell my mom that I didn’t do it. But the problem was, we would usually both end up getting into trouble. It was like my mom knew I was lying, but she would never actually say that I was lying.
I think parents have a seventh sense, they know when we are lying. The problem is, when they finally say, your lying, it is the one time you are telling the truth.
As I grew up it seemed like the more I would lie, the more trouble I would get into. And to top that off, usually after I told a lie, I would feel really bad inside.
One day, I was about 12 years old, I overheard my dad and mom talking about my grandfather. They said that he was the most honest man they knew. They said he always told the truth no matter what. From that day on I tried extra hard to be honest. I wanted to be just like my grandpa.
Being honest is one way to start a brick foundation. The readings tell us other ways to build a strong spiritual foundation and why its important.
I am sure we are all familiar with the story of the three little pigs. The first pig built his house out of straw, the second sticks, and the third stone. The wolf came to eat the pigs. The pigs ran into their houses. The wolf huffed and puffed and blew the houses down and ate the pigs. Well, not all the pigs. The stone house could not be blown down.
Similarly, Christians continually build a brick foundation by choosing to live a life for God. Bricks get replaced with straw and sticks when we choose to live lives for ourselves. Why is this important?
Straw House no Wolf: Jack is going along fine in life. His faith seems good. He lies, cheats, and takes things from work…after all he is entitled to them…he works there. He swears around his friends but never around church. He Believes in God. He attends church every Sunday.
Brick House no Wolf: Susie used to lie but she stopped. She gossips, but she is trying to stop…really struggling. She goes to church regularly. One of here good qualities is that she always tries to do what she says she is going to do.
All of a sudden a wolf appears. Wolves in our lives are always unexpected. They come in the form of financial difficulties, death, sickness, marital problems, sexual misconduct, prison, and loss of job.
When a wolf appears, all our faith, hope, and love go on trial. There is no way to fool a wolf. How well we hold up when a wolf appears is the true test of faith. Our foundations are tested. Weak foundations mean wolves will penetrate deeply. Strong foundations mean wolves will not penetrate quite as deeply and maybe not at all.
Building our house out of brick means that we have a genuine reverence for the Lord. A strong foundation proves that we are doing the will of the Father. A strong foundation shows that we are people of integrity who mean what we say. It means that we practice what we preach, not only at church, but at home, at work, at school, and on vacation (590 Words).
Deuteronomy 11:18,26-28,32
"Therefore, take these words of mine into your heart and soul. Bind them at your wrist as a sign, and let them be a pendant on your forehead. "I set before you here, this day, a blessing and a curse: a blessing for obeying the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin on you today; a curse if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD, your God, but turn aside from the way I ordain for you today, to follow other gods, whom you have not known. Be careful to observe all the statutes and decrees that I set before you today.
Romans 3:21-25&28
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, though testified to by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed. For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Matthew 7:21-27
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.' "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined."
Monday, February 21, 2011
Announcements: 8th Sunday Ordinary Time Year A
Dear Holy Rosary Mission Parishioners, here are a few announcements:
Ash Wednesday: The ashes will be dispersed during Mass at 12:15, April 9th, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Holy Week: Holy Thursday and Good Friday celebrations will be at 5:30 PM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Easter at Saint Theresa in King Salmon/Naknek will be at 4:00 PM, Saturday, April 23, and at Holy Rosary in Dillingham at 10:00 AM, Easter Sunday, April 24.
Gospel: The readings for the eighth Sunday talk to us about the value of worrying. Please see the homily and readings below.
Liturgical Cycle: We are currently in Year A out of three liturgical years, A, B, and C. For the daily readings we are currently in Year 1 of two years, 1, and 2. The way to remember what year we are in for the daily readings is to think this: 2011 is an odd number and 1 is an odd number so we are in Year 1.
Confirmation: We have three candidates for confirmation this year. We will be introducing them at Mass during Lent.
Anchorage: I will be in Anchorage the next couple of weeks fixing our Cherokee (alternator, altimeter) and meeting with the priests in the Archdiocese to go over the changes in the New Roman Missal. I can be reached at the Holy Rosary number because it is forwarded to my cell phone.
Prayers: Please keep all those who are sick in your prayers, especially Pat Durbin and Paul in Aleknagik.
Have a fantastic week and see you Sunday…Fr. Scott
Homily:
8th Ord A DLG 2011, Best Day, Isaiah 49:14-15; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6: 24-34
I tend to be a worrier. In the story about Martha and Mary I am like Martha, running around worrying about everything, the dishes, how clean the house is, etc. I worry about friends. I worry about traveling. I worry about my retirement. I worry about my health. To combat worry I have done a number of things in my life.
I read one book that said to think of your thoughts inside of a box. Don’t let your thoughts go out of the box to the past or to the future. Inside the box is the present.
I also read that 99 percent of the things we worry about never happen.
Another angle I have taken is to think of this slogan: Today is the best day of my life, because it is the only day. Yesterday is gone and we really don’t know what will happen tomorrow, so today is the best.
The most helpful remedy for worry, I have found, lives in our Catholic Christian Faith. The things that come from God are the greatest of remedies. I am talking about calling on the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and the outcome situations. I am referring to prayer. I am talking about the gospel stories in the bible.
In the first reading, if you are worried about something Corinthians tells us that God will never forget us, similar to a mother never being able to forget her infant. This says to me, the worrier, that (1) since God made me and I have value to God, he wants the best for me. (2) God wants me to be at peace because he loves me and since he has not or never will forget me, God is with me in my worry and will help me.
The second reading from Corinthians also helps the person who tends to worry. It tells us that in the END, what will count is what is in our hearts. So, what that says to me, a person who tends to worry too much, is this: why worry if it doesn’t count. What counts is how we view others. What counts is our relationships. What counts is how we have loved others. What counts is how we use our gifts to help others. What does not count is whether we worry.
The Gospel gives me the most help about worry. “Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life span?
The image of the birds is wonderful. No matter how busy a bird is gathering twigs or wool for their nests or feeding their young; no matter what their struggles are with the wind, rain, snow, or ice, Jesus tells us that our Heavenly Father cares for them and feeds them.
Jesus then says, “ARE YOUR NOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN THEY!” Saint Matthew tills us that even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Most of our worry comes from managing our material possessions. Will be have enough money for food? Will we be able to retire with enough money to live? Will we have enough money to pay our bills?
If we let material things of the earth consume us we will only know disappointment. Jesus says, “Think of the flowers growing in the field. The flowers do not work and look how beautiful they are. Not even Solemn, in all his splendor, was clothed like them.” If God provides for the flowers, won’t he provide for you as well?
So, after the readings this week, what conclusions can people who worry make?: Don’t worry (599 Words)!
Isaiah 49:14-15
But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me." Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.
Matthew 6: 24-34
"No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.
Ash Wednesday: The ashes will be dispersed during Mass at 12:15, April 9th, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Holy Week: Holy Thursday and Good Friday celebrations will be at 5:30 PM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Easter at Saint Theresa in King Salmon/Naknek will be at 4:00 PM, Saturday, April 23, and at Holy Rosary in Dillingham at 10:00 AM, Easter Sunday, April 24.
Gospel: The readings for the eighth Sunday talk to us about the value of worrying. Please see the homily and readings below.
Liturgical Cycle: We are currently in Year A out of three liturgical years, A, B, and C. For the daily readings we are currently in Year 1 of two years, 1, and 2. The way to remember what year we are in for the daily readings is to think this: 2011 is an odd number and 1 is an odd number so we are in Year 1.
Confirmation: We have three candidates for confirmation this year. We will be introducing them at Mass during Lent.
Anchorage: I will be in Anchorage the next couple of weeks fixing our Cherokee (alternator, altimeter) and meeting with the priests in the Archdiocese to go over the changes in the New Roman Missal. I can be reached at the Holy Rosary number because it is forwarded to my cell phone.
Prayers: Please keep all those who are sick in your prayers, especially Pat Durbin and Paul in Aleknagik.
Have a fantastic week and see you Sunday…Fr. Scott
Homily:
8th Ord A DLG 2011, Best Day, Isaiah 49:14-15; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6: 24-34
I tend to be a worrier. In the story about Martha and Mary I am like Martha, running around worrying about everything, the dishes, how clean the house is, etc. I worry about friends. I worry about traveling. I worry about my retirement. I worry about my health. To combat worry I have done a number of things in my life.
I read one book that said to think of your thoughts inside of a box. Don’t let your thoughts go out of the box to the past or to the future. Inside the box is the present.
I also read that 99 percent of the things we worry about never happen.
Another angle I have taken is to think of this slogan: Today is the best day of my life, because it is the only day. Yesterday is gone and we really don’t know what will happen tomorrow, so today is the best.
The most helpful remedy for worry, I have found, lives in our Catholic Christian Faith. The things that come from God are the greatest of remedies. I am talking about calling on the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and the outcome situations. I am referring to prayer. I am talking about the gospel stories in the bible.
In the first reading, if you are worried about something Corinthians tells us that God will never forget us, similar to a mother never being able to forget her infant. This says to me, the worrier, that (1) since God made me and I have value to God, he wants the best for me. (2) God wants me to be at peace because he loves me and since he has not or never will forget me, God is with me in my worry and will help me.
The second reading from Corinthians also helps the person who tends to worry. It tells us that in the END, what will count is what is in our hearts. So, what that says to me, a person who tends to worry too much, is this: why worry if it doesn’t count. What counts is how we view others. What counts is our relationships. What counts is how we have loved others. What counts is how we use our gifts to help others. What does not count is whether we worry.
The Gospel gives me the most help about worry. “Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life span?
The image of the birds is wonderful. No matter how busy a bird is gathering twigs or wool for their nests or feeding their young; no matter what their struggles are with the wind, rain, snow, or ice, Jesus tells us that our Heavenly Father cares for them and feeds them.
Jesus then says, “ARE YOUR NOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN THEY!” Saint Matthew tills us that even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Most of our worry comes from managing our material possessions. Will be have enough money for food? Will we be able to retire with enough money to live? Will we have enough money to pay our bills?
If we let material things of the earth consume us we will only know disappointment. Jesus says, “Think of the flowers growing in the field. The flowers do not work and look how beautiful they are. Not even Solemn, in all his splendor, was clothed like them.” If God provides for the flowers, won’t he provide for you as well?
So, after the readings this week, what conclusions can people who worry make?: Don’t worry (599 Words)!
Isaiah 49:14-15
But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me." Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.
Matthew 6: 24-34
"No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Announcements: 7th Sunday Ordinary Time Year A
Dear Holy Rosary Mission Parishioners, here are a few announcements, Homily, and readings:
Red Fox: I actually hand fed a wild Red Fox this week. For the VIDEO CLICK HERE. Also see www.holyrosaryalaska.org.
Red Fox: I actually hand fed a wild Red Fox this week. For the VIDEO CLICK HERE. Also see www.holyrosaryalaska.org.
Holy Week and Easter:
Ash Wednesday: 12:15 PM, March 9, 2011
Holy Thursday: 5:30 PM, April 21, 2011
Good Friday: 5:30 PM, April 22, 2011
Saint Theresa: 4:00 PM Saturday, April 23, 2011
Easter Sunday: 10:00 AM, Sunday, April 24, 2011
Gospel: When someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek. This Gospel is about dignity. Please see Homily and readings below.
Basement Leak Repair: We are in need of some suggestions to repair the leak in the basement. Also, the water has caused considerable damage to the 30 year old tile floor. We need to take up the tile squares, scrape off the black glue, and figure out how to re-do the floor. Please call me with your suggestions, donations. Thank you.
Thank you: Thank you to Bernie Venua for repairing the water spigot. Many Dillingham residence depend on our pure water for drinking. Bernie was able to find the problem, replace a valve, and get the water back on. Also, thank you Pat D. for working on the basement water leak. We are still trying to figure out how to fix it. Thankfully it is a slow leak now but has the potential to become a gusher.
Around the Mission: I was able to fly to Koliganek, Clarks Point, and King Salmon this week. The weather was below zero. While in King Salmon the wind picked up and the chill factor was at least -35 F. My alternator went out while flying back from King Salmon but fortunately, I reset the alternator switch and the radio main switch and the alternator came back on-line. The wind was very unstable and unpredictable most of the week.
Have a great week and see you Sunday…Fr. Scott
Homily
07 Ord A Dlg 2011, Leviticus 19:1-2&17-18; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; Matthew 5:38-48
At first glance, the gospel seems to tell us to let people walk all over us. Just lie down and take it like a good follower of Jesus Christ. I don’t think this is the message here. Surprisingly, turning the other cheek says something about dignity.
“When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.” If I were to be slapped on the right cheek, a person would have to use the left hand.
In many cultures today, the left hand is considered dirty, because of how it was used to clean the body. It was a sign of disrespect to be slapped with the left hand.
If I then turned the other cheek, the person would be forced to use the “non-dirty” right hand. It is an act of defiance. I refuse to let you rob me of my God-given dignity.
All of us have experienced low points in our lives. Have you ever felt that you were refused a job because of gender or race? Have you ever felt you had been evaluated or treated unfairly?
One time I overheard someone saying negative things about me behind my back. I wanted to hide. I felt terrible…but then I remembered dignity.
Turning the other cheek says this to us: you can never take away my dignity because I am worth something. I am one of God’s children. Dignity enables us to hold our heads high even when people try to humiliate us.
No one has the right to dehumanize us. If someone tries to cut down our Christian values or treat us unjustly, we can fight back. We have the right to defend ourselves. When we stick up for our rights and beliefs, we become martyrs. Turning the other cheek says I dare you to try and take away my God-given dignity.
We are all created in the image and likeness of God. We are all children of God. God has given us all an equal share in dignity. We all deserve to be treated like God’s children and we need to treat others like God’s children as well (357 Words).
Leviticus 19:1-2&17-18
The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: Be holy, for I, the LORD your God, am holy. "You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart. Though you may have to reprove your fellow man, do not incur sin because of him. Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God, for it is written: "He catches the wise in their own ruses," and again: "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." So let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you, Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or the present or the future: all belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God.
Matthew 5:38-48
You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Announcements: 6th Sunday Ordinary Time Year A
Dear Holy Rosary Mission Parishioners, here are a few announcements:
Around the Mission: This week I flew to Twin Hills, Alaska, located West of Dillingham about 50 miles. I hired Vanair to take me to Clarks point on Friday where I gave communion to the elders and had lunch with the Clarks Point students and staff. Penair flew me to King Salmon and back on Saturday. The wind was blowing over 30 knots most of the weekend, which deterred my own flying. Also, after two feet of snow our Cherokee Warrior II was not dug out enough to taxi to the runway. Here are the Twin Hills the village is named after.
Around the Mission: This week I flew to Twin Hills, Alaska, located West of Dillingham about 50 miles. I hired Vanair to take me to Clarks point on Friday where I gave communion to the elders and had lunch with the Clarks Point students and staff. Penair flew me to King Salmon and back on Saturday. The wind was blowing over 30 knots most of the weekend, which deterred my own flying. Also, after two feet of snow our Cherokee Warrior II was not dug out enough to taxi to the runway. Here are the Twin Hills the village is named after.
Gospel: There are several sayings all clumped together in the Gospel for this coming Sunday. (Please see the Homily below)
Ash Wednesday Celebration: Ashes well be dispersed during a ceremony at Holy Rosary at 12:15 PM.
Holy Week: Holy Thursday and Good Friday will begin at 5:30 PM.
Easter: This year Easter will be Easter Sunday at 10:00 AM for Holy Rosary Parish. Bernina Venua has volunteered her time to organize an Easter Egg hunt for all the children in the Dillingham Community. More to come. At Saint Theresa Easter Vigil will be Saturday at 4:00 PM. Clarks Point will have Easter Mass on Good Friday.
Little Black Book: For Lent again this year we have the “Little Black Books.” Please pick one up in the back of the Church. These books are daily 6 minute prayers and reflections to help prepare us for the most Holy Day of the year, Easter.
Have a fantastic week and see you Sunday...Fr. Scott
Homily and Readings
06 Ord A DLG 2011, Sirach 15:15-20; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10; Matthew 5:17-37
Our society has thousands of sayings. Sayings are easy to remember. They are not necessarily to be taken literally. They normally make us think and have a lesson attached to them. Here is a list of sayings most of us are familiar with:
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
A penny saved is a penny earned
A Fool and his money is quickly parted
Better to be safe than sorry
Beggars can’t be choosers
Can’t see the forest through the trees
The grass is always greener on the other side
You can’t judge a book by its cover
Don’t put the horse before the cart
Every cloud has a silver lining
Good things come is small packages
Great minds think alike
Grin and bear it
Hay is for horses
Honesty is the best policy
Keep your chin up
Laughter is the best medicine
A rolling stone gathers no moss
Man cannot live on bread alone
Monkey see Monkey do
Never change horses in mid stream
No news is good news
Out of sight out of mind
Practice makes perfect
Quit while you’re ahead
Silence is golden
The eyes are the window of the soul
United we stand, divided we fall
Where there is smoke there is fire
You are what you eat
Early Christians heard a number of sayings from Jesus. In the Gospel today these sayings are clumped together. Some of these sayings in Matthew are direct and clear. For example, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother.”
Other sayings are highly inflated language, i.e. cutting off our hands and gouging out our eyes if they cause us to sin. These sayings are not meant to taken literally. A custom of those times was to OVERSTATE a case to help drive a point home. Overstating would also help the student commit the lesson to memory.
In the gospel Jesus outlines seven characteristics of the way Christians deal with one another and the world.
We seek opportunities to forgive those who have hurt us.
We consider reconciliation with those we can see something we must do first before we worship the God we cannot see.
We are slow to sue anyone, preferring personal negotiation to legal action.
We keep our desires in check and do not see other humans as objects.
We look at the causes of our sins and change the circumstances that give rise to our destructive behavior.
We remain faithful to those we love.
We mean what we say when we make serious, mature, and adult promises.
These seven characteristics enable us to fulfill the greatest law of all: The law of love, from which all other laws are judged.
So here is the challenge from the gospel this week: With your eyes fixed on Christ, go from this place today remembering to forgive, reconcile, be faithful, discern you call, be true to your word, shun the court system, and give respect to everyone you meet (527 Words).
Sirach 15:15-20: If you choose you can keep the commandments; it is loyalty to do his will. There are set before you fire and water; to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand. Before man are life and death, whichever he chooses shall be given him. Immense is the wisdom of the LORD; he is mighty in power, and all-seeing. The eyes of God see all he has made; he understands man's every deed. No man does he command to sin, to none does he give strength for lies.
1 Corinthians 2:6-10: Yet we do speak a wisdom to those who are mature, but not a wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away. Rather, we speak God's wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory, and which none of the rulers of this age knew; for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: "What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him," this God has revealed to us through the Spirit.For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.
Matthew 5:17-37: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven. I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, 'Raqa,' will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna. "It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.' But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. "Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, 'Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.' But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' Anything more is from the evil one.
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