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Category: Archived
Recite the Ten Commandments by ‘heart!’
As we continue by our sacrifices to open our hearts, to convert those parts of our lives which are not of God, we find ourselves in the desert with our ancestors in faith. We find ourselves at the foot of Mount Sinai, here at the foot of the Altar. We listen as they once did to the Words of God, spoken to us from human lips. We open our ears so these words can enter our heart.
But now, we listen with hearts that are Christian and with the mark of our Baptism, we find our hearts turning to Jesus in the Church. Paul says, “Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.” We need not be anxious now because Christ has conquered all that seeks to darken our souls. Our fears come from a deception that is false.
Jesus Christ is the Truth!
I WATCH TOO MUCH NEWS! It drives me crazy when I hear someone say something about ‘their own truth,’ or ‘I’ve made my own ‘conscience’ decision, therefore I am right and you must believe it’ What they don’t seem to understand is that making a decision with an ill formed conscience always leads to making bad decisions because they are never rooted in Christ.
Conscience is not an isolated, personal or individual thing. Consciences are formed by experience, by authority, by what is human, and by what is divine. They involve the soul, our most human element which seeks after the truth in all things.
The Gospel presents a plan for Lent
When we look at the Gospel today, it is short but lays out the plan for our Lenten retreat.Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God” ‘This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.’”
And so, we begin our Lenten journey here with this proclamation and we work backwards. We begin where Jesus began; by going into the desert for forty days. The desert of the Gospel is symbolic of the three practices, given to us by the Church, for the Lenten season: Prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
We are warned by John that as we journey through this desert time we will be tempted by satan; that we will be among wild beasts of those who reject God. But, we also hear that angels will minster to us as we go.
Parish-Wide “40 Hours” of Adoration Prayer: Feb 18th – 20th!
WHAT IS “40 OF HOURS ADORATION”?
This is a time within the Lenten season when our parish community takes turns to spend “40 Hours” in prayer before the Lord in Church (Adoration). We ask God’s blessing upon ourselves, our families, and our community.
All are invited to stop by at least once during our “40 Hours” of prayer!
Times:
- Sunday: following 11:30 am Mass until 7:30 pm
- Monday: following 8:00 am Mass until 7:30 pm
- Tuesday: following 8:00 am Mass until 7:30 pm
Benediction Closing Prayers and Homily each evening at 7:30 pm with the newly-ordained guest priest, Fr. Matthew Brody.
If you can Sign Up to “cover” a time slot, this helps us ensure that the Blessed Sacrament is never left unattended. If you cannot sign up for a spot, you are still very much welcome to come by on your own schedule, and stay for as long as you like!
Sign Up Here: 40 Hours of Adoration Prayer
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FAQ:
WHAT IF I CAN’T SIGN UP FOR A TIME SLOT – CAN I STILL ATTEND?
Absolutely! You are very welcome to come and go as needed on your own schedule – some people stop by for just a few moments, while others stay for a full hour. While volunteers to “cover” time slots are very helpful to us, if your schedule does not allow this we still hope to see you stopping by as you are able!
WHAT DO I DO DURING MY TIME SLOT???
This is a quiet time for prayer and reflection in front of the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. There are no “rules” to how or what you pray during your time in Church. Many people bring their Bible, a Rosary, a holy book or a prayer journal to help them focus on Jesus. Even “just sitting there” counts!
WHAT IF ALL THE TIME SLOTS ARE TAKEN?
Our goal is for LOTS of people to be in Church at all times. If your preferred time slot is taken, please come anyway or consider taking another time slot that is empty! We are asking for 2 people as a minimum to assure there is attendance at all times.
God is waiting for you with love!
“I do will it, be made clean!”
There was no disease regarded with more terror and disgust than leprosy. Not only did a leper have to deal with physical pain but also self-loathing. They were given no social or emorional supports; he was completely alienated from the human touch.
Each of us has had moments when we have felt alienated or a loss of emotional or spiritual comfort. We worry about our social position and what our so-called friends can do to us if we don’t fit in.
Jesus, moved with pity, stretched out His hand and touched the leper. He tore out the consequences of prejudice, hatred and fear and restored to the leper as He does us, our human dignity. He touched the man and thus his humanity was transformed into a life of true humility.
What is your story?
If Jesus’ words had amazed the people in the synagogue, his deeds would leave them awestruck.
The miracles Jesus performed tell us something about three people: Himself, the disciples, and Peter’s mother-in-law. The Gospel reveals to us that Jesus was rather shy, introverted man. He did not need to make himself the center of attention. He did not need to make great incantations or gestures to dispel demons.
Jesus simply needed to speak with authority. He had confidence that His relationship with His Father was such that whatever He asked, would be granted.
A miracle for Jesus was not a means of increasing His prestige; it was not something He loathed to do. Jesus performed miracles because He was usually, ‘moved with pity,’ keenly interested in the lives of the people He touched.
Father Charles E. Gormley, Pastor Emeritus
Father Charles E. Gormley, who was the Pastor of Mother of Divine Providence Parish from June, 1981 until his retirement in June, 1996, died on Sunday, January 28, 2018.
The Reception of the Body into the Church will be held at Mother of Divine Providence Church on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 9:00 am, followed by a viewing.
Bishop Edward M. Deliman will celebrate a Funeral Mass for Father Gormley at Mother of Divine Church, King of Prussia, on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 11:00 am.
Please offer prayers for the repose of his soul and for his family at this time of loss.
Stop worrying. Learn to be ‘amazed!’
An old priest told me once the worry is 99% in your own mind. Today our society has many self-inflicted anxieties. St. Paul would like us to be free of anxiety and able to concentrate on our natural inclination as human beings to be with God.
Moses speaks with clarity, “A prophet like me the Lord your God will raise up; to him shall you listen.” Here, this morning, in this place, our parish gathers to listen and to understand. ‘Jesus entered the synagogue and taught.’
Jesus comes with the authority of God to change hearts, to obliterate fear and to destroy anxiety. The Gospel goes on to tell us about a man with an unclean spirit, who, like us is afraid of change. He cries out, just like we might, ‘Have you come to destroy my comfort zone? Have you come to change me?’
“Lead me Lord”
John Henry Newman, an Anglican went to Rome to discern if Jesus was calling him to become a Roman Catholic. One day, on his voyage home he prayed. “Lead me Lord…I cannot see the way…lead me kindly light.” The words brought such peace to him that he was able to hear clearly the voice of Jesus. Newman became a saint and was a significant mind in the Catholicism of the nineteenth century.
His life begs the question of us, do I believe? Do I trust Jesus who speaks to me so vitally in the Scriptures, Who commingles with my humanity in the Eucharist? Am I confident that He will lead me where I need to go?