THE WEEK AHEAD SUNDAY MASS FAITH AND THE PANDEMIC ❈  ENTRANCE ANTIPHON: Live the Word 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B Save us, O Lord our God! And gather us from the atholic ink Divine Offi ce: Week IV  31 January 2021 Mon 1 Feb Bl. Benedict Daswa, M C nations, to give thanks to your holy name, and Wisdom 2:12-20; Psalm 27; John 12:24-26 L make it our glory to praise you. FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 18:15-20. Loving God, like Blessed Benedict, may I always proclaim the truth of the Gospel by the witness of my RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 95. life. Keep me away from all deeds of darkness. Make RESPONSE: Return me a true Apostle of Life in my family and in society. O that today you would listen to his voice! ast week we considered the element of loving person. Family members could not Harden not your hearts. Tue 2 Feb PRESENTATION OF THE LORD retreat in our refl ection on four biblical believe the change, the new-found liberation themes helpful to our faith response to from negativity and the serenity she brought 1. Come, let us ring out our joy to the Lord; Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24; Luke 2:22-40 L hail the rock who saves us. the Covid pandemic. After the “time out” to all her relationships. In many religious orders novices traditionally commit which retreat The most Let us come into his presence, giving thanks; themselves to fi rst vows on today's feast. Let us come let us hail him with a song of praise. implies, there is recent example is ℟ before God today and pray, "Here I am Lord, do with a return. But the of someone who 2. O come; let us bow and bend low. me what you will", and surrender yourself to God. one returning is had contracted Let us kneel before the God who made us, changed, and Covid-19 in for he is our God and we Wed 3 Feb (St Blaise, BM) the place one its severest the people who belong to his pasture, Hebrews 12:4-7.11-15; Psalm 103; Mark 6:1-6 returns to is also form leading to the fl ock that is led by his hand. ℟ Strive for peace with everyone: do not hold grudg- changed. By unconsciousness 3. O that today you would listen to his voice! es; let go of what steals your joy; be kind to those place we don’t for two days. just mean a Once again there ‘Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, with a negative attitude; refuse to make an enemy as on that day at Massah in the desert street address. is a new-found of anyone; reconcile, even when its not your fault. when your forebears put me to the test; How many times inner freedom when they tried me, though they saw my Thu 4 Feb Liturgy of the Day haven’t we heard and a change work.’ ℟ Hebrews 12:18-19.21-24; Psalm 48; Mark 6:7-13 the phrase “the of priorities in SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35. new normal” life. What both Most of us carry too much baggage – too much stuff, applied to what patients have GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: too many hard memories, too many fears. Life is a we expect to get said is that after Alleluia, alleluia! The people who sat in darkness journey and Jesus instructs us to travel light, trusting back to after the their near-death have seen a great light, and for those who sat that what we need will be provided. pandemic. Things experience they in the region and shadow of death light has will never be the Photo by Sharefaith from Pexels have a completely Fri 5 Feb St Agatha, VM dawned. Alleluia. same. different GOSPEL: Mark 1:21-28. Hebrews 13:1-8; Psalm 27; Mark 6:14-29 More pertinent to our faith reflection, perspective on the things that matter and the COMMUNION ANTIPHON: Many think that God is elusive, but quite simply however, is to ponder on the person returning. things that don’t. Their eyes were opened to Let your face shine on your servant, Save me in God is present when love is present. We see God's What changes have happened there? By way know what’s really essential and to challenge your merciful love, O Lord, let me not be put to face whenever we open our hearts to the weak of common analogy, it is often said that family that subtle distinction in our brainwashed minds shame, for I call on you. and the vulnerable. members who have travelled abroad, younger about the difference between “I want” and “I ones who have done “gap” years (a form of need”. Both returned with a sense of gratitude Sat 6 Feb Ss Paul Miki & Companions, Ms retreat!) or who have studied overseas, return for even the smallest blessings. The lives of saints and other holy Hebrews 13:15-17.20-21; Psalm 23; Mark 6:30-34 with new attitudes. “My, how you’ve grown!”, Gratitude must become the “new normal” people show us what ordinary Technology and noise seemingly invade our every we might hear Granny say. as we gradually return from the exile which There is, however, a far more intense the pandemic has imposed on us. We have all human beings, aided by the waking moment, and can block out what is impor- experience from which people return differently: been at death’s door so to speak. Some have grace of God, have managed tant. Like Jesus did, fi nd a quiet place to allow your to accomplish. They give us those who have looked death in the face. There had to face the death of loved ones, but all heart to open up to a deeper spiritual connection. examples of greatness and are volumes of written records of people who of us have had to face the hard fact that the nobility of spirit. This booklet is Sun 7 Feb 5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME have had a “near death experience”. But we Coronavirus is a potential killer. Its properties an anthology of lives of some don’t need to get bogged down on a discussion have been so elusive that no one can claim great people and the prayers they Job 7:1-4.6-7; Psalm 147; Mark 1:29-39 of the mechanics of it all. All we need to do is absolute freedom from risk. composed. Written by Fr Larry The story of Job reminds us that our faith does not heed the words of Jesus: “By their fruits you On that point, it is not over yet, as we all Kaufmann CSsR. preserve us from pain. But as Christians we are not will know them.” Today’s Link writer can vouch know. But we can already practice the lessons for two profound examples. learned from when the fi rst major lockdown R50 plus delivery alone. Jesus, who knows quite a bit about pain and suffering, is with us in our anguish at all times. In the fi rst case a mother and grandmother began in March 2020 to today. We can change who much of her life lived with unfortunate attitudes and behaviour. We can return from Order from our website www.rpp.org.za or email (KEY: SOLEMNITY; FEAST; Memorial; (Optional Memorial) phobias and complexes, returned from death’s our ordeal more wise and more mature. We [email protected]. Enquiries: 082 667 3857. M=Martyr; B=Bishop; V=Virgin Books from Redemptorist Pastoral Publications Redemptorist Pastoral Books from door a different person. She let go of all her must see things differently now, and be more Redemptorist Copyright. Do not reproduce without permission. © Redemptorist Pastoral Publications, P O Box 341, Merrivale, 3291. hang-ups and all she wanted to be was a more grateful, or it’s all been a waste of time. Publications Phone 082 667 3857. Fax 086 545 4381. Email: [email protected]. Internet: www.rpp.org.za. SouthAfrica ❈

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS: our hands. Just observing someone will not let you seek the healing power of Jesus of Nazareth, the Holy (Fr Mike offers his daily private Mass for the intentions know if that person might test positive for COVID-19. One of God. requested each day when there are no public Masses)

ONLINE MASSES: Sunday Masses are available In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 1:21-28), Jesus comes One of the ‘demons’ that can easily captivate us in this online, via YouTube and Facebook from 8am. into the synagogue in Capernaum. He astonishes the time of lockdown and distancing from others is the people because he teaches “as one having authority demon that takes advantage of our aloneness to (No Public Masses until advised) and not as the scribes.” create in us a desperate sense of loneliness and self-

St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish Weekend Sat 30 & Sun 31 Jan pity that saps us of our emotional and spiritual energy. Father Michael Foley, OMI (Parish Priest) Archbishop Abel Gabuza R.I.P. [Parish] While there, a man possessed by an unclean spirit Jesus can give us the grace to turn from focusing on C: 072 968 3394 Monsignor Paul Nadal R.I.P. [Parish] suddenly cries out, “Have you come to destroy us?” self towards reaching out in care to others through Deacon Malcolm Wright H: 031 466 4524 Emma & Taryn’s Birthdays [Naidoo Family] prayer, phone calls etc.. There is tremendous healing Deacon Carl Emmanuel C: 082 493 8668 Naidoo Family’s Thanksgiving for the birth of a new If Jesus had not entered the synagogue that day, power in letting Jesus love through us. Patrick Marescia (PPC Chairperson) grandchild would the congregation have known the man was Franklin Ferdinand (Finance Chairperson) Mon 01 Feb possessed? And perhaps even more importantly, NOTICES: Office Hours: Open – see notice on door Beryl McInerney R.I.P. [Betty Williams] would the man himself have recognized the evil that SOUTHERN CROSS: February 2021 issue has had taken over his life? arrived and is available from the parish office. @ R30. P O Box 16004 Bluff 4036 Durban Tue 02 Feb Older issues (Oct/Nov/Dec & Jan) are still available as Tel: 031 467 0524 Lilly, Betty & Barry’s Special Intentions Wed 03 Feb The teacher who came into the synagogue, the well Fax: 031 467 3854 teacher the possessed man recognized on a human Email: [email protected] Elliana Ferdinand’s Birthday [Family] LIVING FAITH: The January to March issue has th level as “Jesus of Nazareth,” and on a spiritual level Website: www.stfrancisxavier.org.za Reggie Pottier’s 80 Birthday [Family] arrived and is available at R30 from the parish office David & Martha Abrahams’ Wedding Anniversary as “the Holy One of God,” diagnosed the man’s during regular hours. condition and rebuked the demon. Evil could not hide Guided by the Holy Spirit, we strive, as a Parish, [Paulson Family] in the presence of Jesus, the light of goodness. GUIDELINES FOR VISITS TO THE PARISH to grow into disciples of Jesus Christ, Thu 04 Feb Pottier Family’s Thanksgiving OFFICE: reaching out in Faith into a wider Community. a) Your temperature will be taken and registered with Fri 05 Feb Today, our world is filled with darkness, filled with Prayer Circle: All Parishioners “unclean spirits” that can corrupt and possess people. your name and contact number. Contact Jeannette Nicholson Weekend Sat 06 & Sun 07 Feb There are the unclean spirits of materialism, b) If your temperature is above 38°C, entry may be 031 467 7658 / 083 524 5619 Ivan & Quintin Plowman R.I.P. [Sheila] selfishness, greed, racism, hypocrisy, pornography, denied. Tony Firmin R.I.P. [Pottier Family] crime, sexual abuse, domestic violence, lust, c) A face mask must be worn at all times, hands will REPOSITORY IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER Bradley & Antoinette Paulson’s Wedding Anniversary addiction, pride, laziness, moral indifference, digital be sanitized, and a safe distance of 1.5m is to be NOTICE: [Family] idolatry, etc.. kept. See notice on door for contact numbers for items d) Small items may be dropped into the locked urgently required. FR MIKE’S HOMILY: In the presence of Jesus, the Holy One of God, those letterbox outside the office door (it will be cleared I came across this homily that is both contextual and evils become evident. His word proclaims the truth, daily) PLEASE PRAY FOR: The seriously sick: insightful in our present circumstances, so I would like and his example reveals the way to a life of meaning, Dorothea Johns, Anthony Norris, Brian Fuller, Judy to share it with you. purpose, and happiness. Willman, Scarlett Wright, Patrick Marx, Winnie Parsons, Glen Desplace and Andre Herder. During this time of the coronavirus pandemic, health In our day, many people seem to be walking away The Repose of the Souls of: Leslie Roberts and care professionals and government authorities have from Christ and from his Church. That may be Norman James. been urging us to be tested to determine if we may be happening because, like the man in Sunday’s Gospel, infected with COVID-19. they find the presence of Christ makes them uncomfortable. He is too unsettling to the unclean Such tests are critical because sometimes the spirits that may have found a place in their lives. presence of the virus is not readily apparent. People can be asymptomatic yet still be infected and able to Just as it takes a test to detect the presence of pass on the coronavirus to others. Looks can be COVID-19, it takes the presence of Christ to help us deceiving. That is why we are urged to wear face realize the “unclean spirits” in our society and in our coverings, stay socially distant, and frequently wash personal lives. Once we realize our condition, we can

FOURTH SUNDAY PSALM: SECOND READING: come to destroy us? I know who you ● YEAR B ● 31 JANUARY 2021 Psalm 95:1-2. 6-7. 9 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus DIVINE OFFICE: WEEK II R. O that today you would listen to Brethren: I want you to be free from rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and DAILY MASS READINGS: YEAR I his voice! anxieties. The unmarried man is come out of him!” And the unclean Harden not your hearts. anxious about the affairs of the Lord, spirit, convulsing him and crying with a

how to please the Lord; but the married loud voice, came out of him. And they Come, let us ring out our joy to the Lord; man is anxious worldly affairs, how to were all amazed, so that they ENTRANCE ANTIPHON: hail the rock who saves us. please his wife, and his interests are questioned among themselves, saying, Psalm 105:47 Let us come into his presence, giving divided. And the unmarried woman or “What is this? A new teaching! With Save us, O Lord our God! And gather thanks; virgin is anxious about the affairs of the authority he commands even the us from the nations, to give thanks to let us hail him with a song of praise. Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit; unclean spirits, and they obey him.” your holy name, and make it our glory to …R but the married woman is anxious about And at once his fame spread praise you. O come; let us bow and bend low. worldly affairs, how to please her everywhere throughout all the

Let us kneel before the God who made husband. I say this for your own benefit, surrounding region of Galilee. not to lay any restraint upon you, but to us, FIRST READING: for he is our God and we the people who promote good order and to secure your The Gospel of the Lord. Deuteronomy 18:15-20 belong to his pasture, undivided devotion to the Lord. the flock that is led by his hand. Moses spoke to the people, saying, ”The Lord your God will raise up for you …R The word of the Lord. a prophet like me from among you, from O that today you would listen to his your brethren – him shall you heed – voice! just as you desired of the Lord your God ALLELUIA: “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, Matthew 4:16 at Horeb on the day of the assembly, as on that day at Massah in the desert when you said, ‘Let me not hear again R. Alleluia. when your forebears put me to the test; The people who sat in darkness have the voice of the Lord my God, or see this when they tried me, though they saw my great fire any more, lest I die.’ And the seen a great light, and for those who sat work. in the region and shadow of death light Lord said to me, ‘They have rightly said …R all that they have spoken. I will raise up has dawned. R. Alleluia for them a prophet like you from among their brethren; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not give heed to my words, which he GOSPEL: shall speak in my name, I myself will Mark 1:21-28 require it of him. But the prophet who [In the city of Capernaum] on the presumes to speak a word in my name Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue COMMUNION ANTIPHON: which I have not commanded him to and taught. And they were astonished Psalm 30:17-18 speak, or who speaks in the name of at his teaching, for he taught them as Let your face shine on your servant. other gods, that same prophet shall one who had authority, and not as the Save me in your merciful love. O Lord, die.’” scribes. And immediately there was in let me not be put to shame, for I call on their synagogue a man with an unclean you. The word of the Lord. spirit; and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?

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