Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,

Today is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time as we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Day. The Scriptural texts bring before us the power of God’s Word and the effect that it brings to the community of believers. In both the Old Testament lection and the Gospel we see how the liturgical proclamation of God’s word commands attentive listening by the assembly as a sign of respect and in anticipation of hearing God’s voice. We sing in today’s Responsorial Psalm, “ Your words, Lord, are spirit and life,” and indeed they are!

God’s word motivates us, inspires us, encourages us, challenges us and chastises us! The word of God positions us to enter into this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. In today’s Gospel we find the Lord Jesus reading from God’s word at the Synagogue in Nazareth. From the Book of the Prophet Isaiah is the announcement of the jubilee year, “a year acceptable to the Lord.” During this blessed time wonders occur and mercy is abundant.

This Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy is a rich time which invites us to approach the throne of mercy so that we might experience the generosity of the Lord’s compassion. In the upcoming weeks I will share with you the various opportunities we will have to visit and pass through the “Holy Door” and the plenary indulgence which is associated with it. Through the Sunday bulletin and homilies we will learn about the Jubilee Year and the graces which emanate from it. This is a blessed time and we want to make sure that we benefit from the spiritual riches which are to be found during this Year of Mercy.

God bless you!
Father Zig