Sacred Heart Parish West Reading

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - 1/31/21

ATTENTION EVERYONE!!!! We will have Mass this Tuesday on February 2, 2021 at 8am. As we celebrate the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of Mary. Both commemorate events in the life of Jesus and Mary related to the observance of Jewish Law as narrated in the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke. The day is also known as Candlemas because on that day, the mid-point of winter candles are blessed for use in church as well as for our homes.... On Tuesday, February 2nd -we will bless the candles we will use during our liturgies this coming year and we will have Candlemas candles available for a donation. These candles can be lit at home when we find ourselves in a difficult time so they may give us hope as their light breaks the darkness. They are also an invitation for us to become what the candles symbolize: Where the world is dark with illness let me kindle the light of healing. Where the world is dark with hatred let me kindle the light of love. Where the world is bleak with suffering let me kindle the light of caring. Where the world is dimmed by lies let me kindle the light of truth. (from a prayer for Shabbat)

Being an instrument of Jesus is Metanoia! Two men in today’s reading heard the voice of God challenging them to think differently. Paul is asked to do a complete 180 degree turn around and go from a persecutor and murder of Christians to one of the greatest evangelists because Christ touched Paul’s heart and opened his eyes which were blinded by self interests . Our good friend Ananias has to forget everything he has heard about Paul and be Jesus’ messenger to facilitate his ...conversion. I ask sometimes Am I an instrument of Jesus? Why can’t I accept and embrace this role? So many times I refuse to ‘listen’; my fear, my anxiety separates me from God. Going it alone, taking responsibility for everything keeps me from being open to Jesus. Never forget He is there with us till the end of our days. Ask the Holy Spirit, fill me with love, courage and conversion of heart!