March 7, 2021 Third Sunday of Lent (B) Ex 20:1–17 or 20:1–3, 7–8, 12–17 1 Cor 1:22–25 Jn 2:13–25

While he was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, many began to believe in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. JOHN 2:23

Whenever the law of Israel seems to be criticized (as The Long Arm of the Law is often the case in St. Paul’s writings), it is not really ventually you’re going to get caught. That’s the law itself but the inappropriate attitude toward it what this expression means. And that is pretty much that is censured. As important and precious as the law Ehow most people understand law—as something that hems might be, it is only a means to an end. It is not the end them in and, if disregarded, will get them in the end. But itself, any more than the directives for flying a plane that is not how Israel understood its law. The psalm verses are what are uppermost. From the Bible’s point of view, for today insist that the law refreshes the soul, rejoices the the long arm of the law is meant to direct and support heart, enlightens the eye, is more precious than gold, and us, not intimidate us. is sweeter than syrup or honey from the comb. The people Sr. Dianne Bergant, CSA cherished the law because it outlined for them how they were to live as God’s Chosen People. FOR People who want to run a marathon, learn to fly a plane, Reflection or join a club are eager to take on the directives that will ✵ The laws in today’s first reading deal with basic living. enable them to accomplish their goal. That is how Israel Which ones seem to be the hardest to live by? Why? viewed the law outlined in today’s first reading. It’s as if ✵ Which laws give you the most support as you try to live God said: “If you want to be my people, this is the way you with integrity? should live.”

ST. MICHAEL’S P.O. BOX HM 727, HAMILTON, HMCX BERMUDA 51 South Road, Paget, PG 03 Email: [email protected] Pastor: Rev. Joseph F. H. Morley • Cell: 705 0236 Pastoral Council Finance Chair: Robert Mason email: [email protected] (h) 292 3178 Pastoral Council CCD Coordinator: Patricia Carreiro email: [email protected] (c) 737 1047 Community Building Committee Chair: Grace Lovecchio email: [email protected] (h) 236-5006 Parish Administrator: Karen Marsh email: [email protected] (c) 799-0842

Weekend Masses: Vigil: 5:45pm, Sunday: 10:00am : by appointment 3 weeks in advance Weddings: by appointment 6 months in advance Vocations: Fr. Toby Collins www.vocationculture.ca

www.facebook.com/stmichaelpaget & ‘‘LIKE’ us Diocesan Webpage: www.romancatholicbermuda.bm We welcome our parishioners and visitors who have The Bishop’s come to St. Michael’s to worship this weekend. Corner May you be blessed by your presence here today.

March 6th/7th – THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Dear Fellow-Catholics, 5:45PM Veronica & Herman Tucker ++ Sister Dianna Ortiz, died at the age of sixty two while in hospice 10:00AM Deolinda & Antonio Carvalho ++ Maria Ruggeiro & Vito Lovecchio + care in Washington D.C., on the 19th of February, 2021 after a Christine DaCosta (Living) recurrence of cancer. Sister Ortiz was born September 2, 1958 and March 13th/14th – THE FORTH SUNDAY OF LENT was raised in Grants, New Mexico. She was an Ursuline sister for forty three years. 5:45PM Louise Litro + Sister Ortiz was teaching indigenous children as a missionary in 10:00AM Elizabeth Bergen + Christine DaCosta (Living) Guatemala in 1989 when her ministry was torn apart in the midst of the country’s brutal civil war. Guatemalan soldiers abducted her March 6th/7th – THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT from a garden, detaining her for thirty hours. She reported being 5:45PM Lector: Joshua Blee gang raped and tortured repeatedly until she escaped. More than 10:00AM Lector: LaVerne Lau one hundred cigarette burns were found on her body. Returning Counters: The DeFrias to the United States, Sister Ortiz became a human rights advocate March 13th/14th – THE FORTH SUNDAY OF LENT and peacemaker, starting an organization for torture survivors and 5:45PM Lector: Karen Marsh becoming a visible presence of nonviolence at vigils and marches in 10:00AM Lector: Emma Leitch the nation’s capital. In the years following her ordeal in Guatemala, Counters: The Almeidas Sister Ortiz challenged U.S. policy makers in the Central American You are welcome to attend Morning Masses at country. She petitioned the government for files regarding her case St. Theresa’s - 7:30 Mon.—Fri. | St Anthony’s - 8:00 Tues.—Fri. and even conducted a bread-and-water only fast in Lafayette Park across from the White House in 1996. Following the fast, other protests and revelations of unauthorized CIA funding of the The overall financial well-being of Guatemalan military, which Congress the parish is so important prohibited in 1990, President Bill at this time. Clinton ordered the release of documents related to her case. COLLECTION TALLY: $1,238.00 (Including 11:30 FHC Mass Last Week) Friends and colleagues recalled Sister Ortiz, who in her last year MONTH OF FEBRUARY ONLINE COLLECTION: $1,320.00 became deputy director of USA, for having a gentle ELECTRONIC CONTRIBUTIONS FOR YOUR WEEKLY COLLECTION are welcomed. spirit that guided a steely determination to work for justice and peace Consider making it a quarterly, monthly or even weekly transactions. for three decades. “She was a witness to justice and human rights. So much of what she did was pretty quiet,” recalled Marie Dennis, When making your online transaction, be sure to include your name and collection as your memo on your banking transaction. senior adviser to the secretary general of Pax Christi International. Sister Ortiz received several honorary degrees and awards, including “Please note, that we are charged $20 for US$ checks drawn on a US Bank.” Pax Christi USA’s Paul VI Teacher of Peace Award in 2000, ST. MICHAEL’S uses your regular collection contributions and the 2003 U.S. Award for furthering the cause of women to support Parish Operations. in the Church. Thank you to those parishioners who have She wrote an award-winning book, “The Blindfold’s Eyes: answered our call for stewardship to St. Michael’s. My Journey from Torture to Truth” in which she recounted her harrowing experience in Guatemala and journey toward advocacy YOUR SUPPORT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. rooted in faith. “People remember Sister Ortiz for being attentive to Direct Deposit to Butterfield Bank (BNTB) to: building “deep, deep” relationships,” said Dennis, who credited the “The Ordinary of the Roman , Ursuline for having the courage and capacity to address injustice St. Michael’s” Acct # 2000-6060-081824 -100 on many fronts. Have a blessed Sunday and a fruitful week! WORD FROM

I urge the members of the Church to take up the Lenten Bishop Wes journey with enthusiasm, sustained by almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. If, at times, the flame of charity seems to die in our own hearts, know that this is never the case in the ST. THERESA’S CATHEDRAL: heart of God! He constantly gives us a chance to begin Weekday Mass 7:30am loving anew. 12:10pm Mass – Wednesday, Thursday & Friday LENTEN MESSAGE FOR 2018, NOVEMBER 1, 2017 SUNDAY READINGS

FIRST READING Exodus 20:1-17 (or Exodus 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17 or for the First Scrutiny: Exodus 17:3-7) In those days, God delivered all these commandments: “I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 (or for the First Scrutiny: Romans of slavery. You shall not have other gods besides me. You shall not carve idols for 5:1-2, 5-8) yourselves in the shape of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth; you shall not bow down before them or worship Brothers and sisters: Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we them. For I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, fathers’ wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the fourth generation; but bestowing mercy down to the thousandth generation on the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the children of those who love me and keep my commandments. weakness of God is stronger than human strength. “You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain. For the Lord will not GOSPEL ACCLAMATION leave unpunished the one who takes his name in vain. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. “Remember to keep holy the sabbath day. Six days you may labor and do all your God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in work, but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord, your God. No work may be him might have eternal life. done then either by you, or your son or daughter, or your male or female slave, or your beast, or by the alien who lives with you. In six days the Lord made the GOSPEL John 2:13-25 (or for the First Scrutiny: John 4:5-42 or John 4:5-15, 19b-26, heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them; but on the seventh day he 39a, 40-42) rested. That is why the Lord has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy. Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found “Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money which the Lord, your God, is giving you. You shall not kill. You shall not commit changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money changers You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or ass, nor anything else that belongs to here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the him.” words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered RESPONSORAL PSALM) and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.(R). Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart, the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. (R). While he was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, many began to believe in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. But Jesus would not trust himself to The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, them because he knew them all, and did not need anyone to testify about human all of them just. (R). nature. He himself understood it well. They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. (R).

THE LAW JESUS, THE LAW, THE JEWS—AND US Today’s reading from Exodus tells of God giving the Ten Commandments to Moses; When Jesus accused the moneychangers of sacrilege and cleared them out of the this passage is well known to Christians, but it is only the introduction to the entire tem-ple, the onlookers asked for a sign of his authority to do such a thing. After all, Mosaic Law, or Torah. The Psalm is a small section of the longest in the Psalter-172 wasn’t it a sacrilege to purchase animals for sacrifice with pagan coins? Wasn’t this verses—which are generally couplets (two lines) praising the Law as perfect, how the Jews adapted to Roman rule? Jesus says nothing about that; he only knows true, just, right, and so on. The Law is both the source of Jewish identity and the that this commercial activity inside the temple was a sacrilege. Elsewhere in the centerpiece of the Jewish intellectual tradition. Paul briefly compares this tradition Gospels Jesus is criticized for not being strict enough with the Law, as when he ate with those of the Greeks, the two groups in the church at Corinth that were often with prostitutes and tax collectors, but here he is prescribing something stricter, quarreling. The passage from John’s Gospel shows Jesus’ righteous anger as he something “more.” chases the moneychangers from the temple. His actions are a sign of Jesus’ own Jesus is doing something extraordinary, contrary to ordinary practice, prompting reverence for “my Father’s house,” which in turn reflects his deep appreciation for the on-lookers to request a sign, evidence that God is acting here through Jesus. the Law. His insistence that the moneychangers depart, his clear vision regarding “my “THE LAW OF THE LORD IS PERFECT . . .” Father’s house,” and his cryptic reference to himself as a temple, are signs of his For pious Jews in first-century Palestine, the Mosaic Law prescribed the way every contemplative intimacy with his Father that is the source of his authority about the action in life is dedicated to God. Today’s reading from Exodus tells how the Ten Law. Commandments, the introduction to this larger legal code, is given to Israel as a gift Catholics, like first-century Jews, have our regular means for living in God’s from God. presence. We have the liturgy, sacraments, devotions, and personal prayer. During In the Gospels Jesus is portrayed as a rabbi, or someone learned in the Law. A rabbi’s Lent, we are asked to be a little stricter with ourselves, listening for learning ideally included both the precepts of the Law and its reverent contemplation God’s own voice. If we do, we might discover that we, too, are as a divine gift, within which one could hear God’s own voice. This was the way rabbis being called to something “more.” through the centuries used the Law to adapt to changing circumstances. This seems to be what Jesus was doing with the moneychangers in the temple. LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR PARISH 1. EMMAUS JOURNEY (EJ) is a Catholic evangelization and discipleship ministry that is conducted primarily in and through Catholic parishes. EJ has embraced Goal One of Go and Make Disciples, “To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living their faith in Jesus, they Each Friday starting - 7:00 pm freely share it with others.” Modern Stations of the Cross followed by Holy Communion. You are invited to St. Michael’s Parish Hall from 7:30 - 8:30 pm Each Tuesday, starting - 3:00 pm on each Tuesday. We will be physically distanced. Please “Agape Bible Study” is an in-depth series of multiple Bible studies bring a mask, hand sanitisation and “track and trace” sign available in the living tradition of the Catholic Church, accessing up sheets will be available. This particular bible study is ancient and contemporary commentaries, with historical and based upon the upcoming Sunday readings. It is FREE OF archaeological information, referencing the Catechism of the CHARGE with all of the materials provided by Fr. Joe. Invite Catholic Church and is faithful to the Magisterium. Please join us in someone else, as you learn and grow together in your faith on the study of the Word of God written down in human terms so that an ongoing basis. we might understand God’s plan for the of humanity. 2. ROSARY, ADORATION, BENEDICTION - Saturdays after the This is FREE OF CHARGE and all material will be provided at St. 5:45 pm Mass starting at 7:00 pm in St. Michael’s Church. Michael’s in Paget, for 60 to 90 minutes on Tuesday’s. We will be physical distancing, wearing mask, hand sanitizing If interested, speak to Fr. Joe at 705-0236 and “track and trace” sign up sheets will be used, we we will for the Tuesday Bible Study. be finishing at 8:00 pm sharp. All are invited to attend as you enhance your ongoing personal spirituality. AROUND THE DIOCESE

ST. THERESA’S GIFT SHOP – NEW OPENING HOURS: Effective this Tuesday, 2nd March, St. PRAY FAST GIVE Theresa’s Gift Shop will open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until further notice. If business picks up they will add Thursdays, but will inform us accordingly. Easter cards have been ordered and hopefully they will receive them soon. The Gift shop The Peace and Social Justice Ministry also have “purse-size” Sunday missals for sale as well rosaries, statues, religious books, of the Roman Catholic Church in Bermuda assorted cards, gifts, etc. Thank you for your patronage! Week 5 (Mar 16th) - Contemplative Prayer, Non-dualism and how the mystics help JOSEPH MEETS JOSEPH: A two part biblical meeting where we canThe encounter visPeace a andWhat Social does it mean to be an anti-racist? vis the two Josephs of the Bible, Joseph the and Joseph the husband of Mary, Tuesday at 7:30-9:00pm – Join us on Zoom and let them talk to our life. The meetings will be on Tuesday 9 and 16 of March, at 7:30 PM in St. Joseph’s Parish center in Somerset. Fr. Attilio Morelli will accompanyJustice us Email: Ministry [email protected] to request a zoom invite. in this event. The event will be a preparation for the Mass for the feast of St. Joseph on Friday March 10 at 7:00 PM at St. Joseph’s Church in Somerset. This year has been dedicated to St. Joseph by Pope Francis and these events are part of theof celebrations the Roman WE HAVE Catholic BEEN OPEN Church FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW AND OUR CHURCH IS FOLLOWING ALL THE BERMUDA GOVERNMENT HEALTH PROTOCOLS. we have on the Island to make this year 2021 special. in Bermuda “THE NO’s THAT GIVE LIFE”: A journey through the 10 Commandments, accompanied It is safe for everyone to attend Mass, come join us. by Fr. Attilio Morelli, pastor at St. Anthony’s and St. Joseph’s Church, which we started before the shelter in place last year, is going to be resumed on a bi-weekly basis at St. These are the Protocols we have in place Anthony’s on Thursday night at 7:30 PM. The first two meeting will be introductive * Physical Distancing Guidelines include, parishioners remaining six feet apart at all and will be held on the 4 and 18 of March in the Church of St. Anthony. We will walk times, no handshakes, hugging or kissing ( unless you arefrom the same household). through the 10 Words of Life (for that is what they really are) deepening their meaning * Sacristy Bathroom is for emergency use only. If you must use the bathroom facilities, with the Holy Scriptures and accompanied by the light of both the Catholic Christian please wash hands with soap and water for twenty seconds. Use paper towels for Tradition and the Jewish Tradition. You will be in for a surprise, trust me. Fr. Attilio. Raisinghand drying, to turn off faucets and open the door. Dispose the paper towel in trash This will be Live Streamed and can be seen on the St. Anthony’s FaceBook page. can. PERSONAL INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT (PIPA) In accordance with the 2016 PIPA Racial* Wear face mask during the Mass. Government Health Protocols apply to all, even Legislation which will be enforced in March 2021, the Diocese will have to implement visitors to Bermuda. policies and procedures in order to be compliant with the Act. The Parish Administrators, along with the Diocesan Centre and Chancery have recently participated in a PIPA/Awareness* Follow Entrance and Departure Procedures. Everyone is required to sign in on the ‘tracking and tracing’ sheet upon arrival. Hand sanitization and temperature taking are Cyber Security Webinar hosted by Deloitte. The purpose of this webinar was to help us understand the requirements of the Act and how we can best manage the personal required upon entering the Church.

information of our parishioners and improve the Privacy and Security of our internal * Father Joe will also follow Bermuda Government Protocols for hand-sanitizing systems. We are committed to staying informed and compliant in all aspects of the Act.An 8 Weekto and after Series the distribution of communion. Parishioners must use automatic hand sanitizing units prior to receiving communion. They should also follow the standard The Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda Onlineprocedures for approaching the altar, single file, physically distanced and pew by pew. Bishop Wes will be taping the Saturday evening Mass each week Week* Please follow 1 the Mass by using the screen in the Sanctuary. You can also follow at the Cathedral and will post it for viewing on the websites below. the Mass on your personal mobile device. There are a few Sunday Living Liturgy Missalettes. Take one home and bring it each week for your own personal use. Please visit, www.romancatholicbermuda.bm th Click on “BishopWes, CR - Gospel reflection Tuesday, 19 January* Windows at 7:30pm should remain - 9:00pm open to allow for ventilation at this time. We will discuss,

Racism and Children’s Books

Presenter - Florenz Maxwell

Author of children’s books, librarian, anti-racism and social justice activist

Join us on ZOOM!

Email [email protected] to request a zoom invite.

Enid Blyton Books

A Faraway Tree Series - Land of the Goodies, Land of the Dreams