Fourth SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Year B
The One we must listen to.
In today’s first reading from Deuteronomy, the Lord promises to raise for his people a prophet like Moses to whom God’s people must listen, and in whose mouth God will put his word. Hence, today’s responsorial psalm prays, “O that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts”.
In Jesus, this promise is definitively being fulfilled. Therefore, at his baptism and transfiguration, a voice came from heaven and said, “Listen to him”. By listening to Jesus’ word and following him, God leads us to the fullness of life and freedom foreshadowed in today’s Gospel when Jesus delivered the demon-possessed simply by the power of his word. Hence, St Paul tells us in today’s second reading to give the Lord our undivided attention.
Jesus listened to and lived by the Father’s words and thus acted with the divine authority (Mtt 28:18). We too can, today, act with and exercise the authority of God’s children over the elemental spirits of this world by listening and yielding to Jesus’ word which then empowers us to exercise divine authority. O Lord, help us by your grace.
Happy Sunday Fr Chinedu.
HEATING
Dear Parishioners
I realise that during this recent cold spell, the church has been exceptionally cold. At first, we thought we just needed to have the boiler seen to. But on a closer inspection, the boiler turned out to be completely, and dangerously, 'beyond its sell-by date' and needs to be completely replaced...a process that will take some time.
In the meantime, we asked for temporary electrical heaters to be installed but that turned up the problem that the electrical capacity of the Church is insufficient and also needs to be updated.
This is a matter of priority for us but, unfortunately, will take some time and will be a significant expense.
We have added some more heaters and will leave them on for longer in order to pre-heat the Church but, I'm afraid, this is simply a stop-gap so I have to ask you to bear with us while we get the entire situation sorted.
With every blessing,
Rev Eugene Curran CM
TODAY IS RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY
The church focuses on the need to oppose racism and pursue racial justice with renewed vigour. There will be a second collection after Mass.
Prayer for Racial Justice
God of light and truth, you call all men and women to live lives of holiness and justice. Help us to see in one another: a heart which is tender, a mind which is humble and a care for our brothers and sisters; so that together we may build up the Body of Christ as a sign of hope and mercy for all. We make this prayer through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Evangelising post-Christian Britain
Monsignor James Shea | Tuesday, 20th February 2024, 7 PM | St James' Church, Spanish Place, Marylebone Tickets £5 Monsignor James Shea, President of the University of Mary (Bismark, North Dakota) co-authored the extraordinary book From Christendom to Apostolic Mission. In a lively lecture and Q&A, he will draw bridges between the different visions that the Church and the world have for our society, and suggest effective strategies to engage our own time and culture with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A and then refreshments will be available. Book your tickets at guild-ransom.co.uk/events
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers those who have died recently: Rebecca Martey, her Funeral Mass will take place here at 1.30pm on Friday 2nd February. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday 1 February at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre office.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised next Sunday 4th February at 4pm in the church.
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY 2023 THANK YOU
Thank you very much for the gift of £380.94 from your parish. You and your parishioners are helping to create a thriving Catholic Church for the future through your prayers and financial support.
Flower Arranging
We are very grateful to those who arrange the flowers in the church. However, we do need more flower arrangers to join the rota. No experience is required. If you would like to help, please speak to Emilia or one of the priests.
Foodbank for the community
Non – perishable food is required for the foodbank, please leave your donations in one of the marked boxes in the church porch. Thank you.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Lourdes Pilgrimage takes place from 19th to 26th July. Join the pilgrimage as a pilgrim. Serve the pilgrimage by coming as a praying assisted pilgrim. Support assisted pilgrims by sponsoring the sick to join the pilgrimage and praying for them. For more information please go to https://rcdow.org.uk/pilgrimages/lourdes/ or contact the Pilgrimage Office on 020 7798 9173
The Divine Mercy Apostolate
The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London is holding a Divine Mercy Afternoon of Reflection on Saturday 10 February 2024 from 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm at St Georges R.C. Cathedral, Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7HY
The Reflection will include teachings on the Message of Mercy, Holy Mass, Way of the Cross, Hour of Mercy with Adoration and Benediction and Veneration of the Image of Merciful Jesus.