Dear Friend,
We hope you are doing well this week and staying safe! In recent weeks there has been some varying reports about the Catholic Church’s concerns about the medical ethics related to the COVID vaccine. When in doubt, we encourage going directly to the source. The Archdiocese of Chicago has a website dedicated to the “act of love of neighbor” we perform by being vaccinated. Details and updated information can be found at https://www.archchicago.org/coronavirus/covid-vaccine.
Opening Prayer
O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness, who in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving have shown us a remedy for sin, look graciously on this confession of our lowliness, that we, who are bowed down by our conscience, may always be lifted up by your mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. AMEN.
The Readings
Reading I Ex 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17
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 of slavery. You shall not have other gods besides me. “You shall not take the name of the LORD, your God, in vain. For the LORD will not leave unpunished the one who takes his name in vain. “Remember to keep holy the sabbath day. Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land which the Lord, your God, is giving you. You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or ass, nor anything else that belongs to him.”
Reading II 1 Cor 1:22-25
Brothers and sisters: Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Gospel Jn 2:13-25
Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the 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 and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 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. 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 them because he knew them all, and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.
The Homily
Please click on the video link below to watch the homily for this week.
The Prayers of the Faithful
For the Church, that God’s generosity to Abraham and his descendants might motivate us to share our blessings with those in need.
We pray to the Lord.
LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER
That all the nations on earth may find blessing in their people, as God promised Abraham, and value even the least of them as the handiwork of God. We pray to the Lord LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER
That the world may be transfigured by the presence of God, becoming a world of perfect justice, mercy, and peace. We pray to the Lord.
LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER
For all who are struggling during difficult winter weather, especially those without homes and those who cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.
We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER
For all who have been affected by COVID19, may God’s healing presence be comfort to them and bring health and well-being. We pray to the Lord.
LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER
For the departed, who remain with us in our prayers and our memories, and for the promise of a joyful reunion, and especially for: +Jim Sturm We pray to the Lord LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER
Sunday Offertory
Spiritual Communion
In many places in the world receiving Holy Communion is not possible. Catholics in these areas are encouraged to make “Spiritual Communion.” St.Teresa of Jesus wrote about this practice:
“When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you”
Closing Prayer
As we receive the pledge of things yet hidden in heaven and are nourished while still on earth with your Word that comes from on high, we humbly entreat you, O Lord, that what is being brought about in us in mystery may come to true completion. Through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Announcements
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Lenten Eating Options
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