Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,

Today we celebrate the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time as we gather to commemorate the Lord’s Day. The Scriptural texts which we hear proclaimed in our Eucharist assembly this day all focus on VOCATION. In the Old Testament reading we hear of the call of the Prophet Isaiah, in the New Testament reading the call of the Apostle Paul and in the Gospel reading the call of the Apostles Peter, James and John. All the above were called by the Lord to a life of ministry and witness. The Prophet and the Apostles shared in their feelings of unworthiness when called by the Lord but despite this they responded positively and generously. To answer a vocation one must respond with love and fidelity.

God’s call is different to every person. We know that some are called to ministry, some to marriage, some to the single life and all sorts of professions. Listening for God’s voice requires us to enter into prayer. During these quiet moments we are able to discern and respond positively to what the Lord is inviting us to do. In these moments He says to us, “…put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” To do so requires faith, trusting in God and His promise of being at our side.

Next Saturday at the 4:30 p.m. Mass we will conduct the renewal of marriage vows and blessing upon all married couples. Husband and wife are united in the sacrament of marriage to form a family. They respond to the call to be selfless and sacrificial, one to another. Their vocation makes them witnesses to God’s enduring love for mankind.

The call to begin the holy season of Lent will be made on Wednesday of this week. Ash Wednesday is the day on which we hear the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” The Lenten disciplines of PRAYER, FASTING and ALMS-GIVING will be our response to the Lord’s invitation to commit ourselves to a more holy life. The diocesan wide penance initiative, “Welcome Home” will occur every Monday evening from 7 to 8:30 allowing all of us to celebrate the sacrament of confession during this sacred season.

Let us open our hearts to hear the voice of the Lord who calls us into a loving relationship for which He sacrificed His life on the wood of the Cross.

God bless you!
Father Zig