August 18, 2013
TwentiethSunday in Ordinary Time
Jer 38:4-6, 8-10 Heb 12:1-4 Lk 12:49-53 (120)
“Since we for our part are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses; let us lay aside every encumbrance of sin which clings to us and persevere in running the race which lies ahead; let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who inspires and perfects our faith.” “I have come to light a fire on the earth. How I wish the blaze were ignited.”
A police or ambulance siren, an interruption of a television program or a streamer, always gets our attention. An emergency or announcement summons us to look or listen.
The words of Jesus should shake us as we ask ‘what does He mean?’ Perhaps He sees our world as it is, divided in so many ways, individuals broken, families fragmented. Certainly this is not His plan. What He states is His passion for all of us to set things right.
Hebrews asks us to get rid of whatever keeps us from full union with Jesus. Sin in any of its guises, great or small, is a blemish and obstacle to union with Christ. We ask not to fall into temptation, a fundamental decision on our part. Might we have the same passion as He does for us. How can this happen? Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus; discover His care, His welcoming embrace, His deep desire to abide with us. Remember the apostles on the mount of the Transfiguration? After hearing the Father’s voice, they looked up and saw only Jesus. He looks on us today. Where are our eyes focused today?
His Word Today by Rev. William J. Reilly
Our COLLECTIONThe collection for August 11th was $.
We encourage you to enroll via the Parish Pay website
and click on the St. Joseph West
Village link. Use the paperless way to help our ministry.
Here is the breakdown of our collection from last Sunday’s collection.
Please do your best to be as generous as you can.
5:30 Mass $ 9:00 Mass $
11:30 Mass $ 6:00 Mass $
Total for our Air Conditioning Second Collection was
$
Please send your announcements and events to be included in the bulletin to:
The Sick Need Your Help, Not Just Sympathy
Commodianus tells us that we owe help---not just kind words--- to the sick who are in need. God himself will pay us back far more than our help costs us.
If your brother should be weak---I mean a poor man---do not go to visit him empty handed. Do good in the sight of God. Pay your obedience in money. That will help him recover---or, if he should die, then he will be refreshed, though he has nothing to pay you back with but the Founder and Creator of the world.
Or if you are too squeamish to go visit a poor sick man, then send him some money and something to help him recover.
And in the same way, if your poor sick sister is ill, have your matrons bring her something to eat. God himself cries out: “Break your bread for the needy!”
You don’t have to visit with words---just with help. It is wicked that your brother should be sick because he does not have enough to eat. He needs food and drink. Do not satisfy him with words.
Look after people who are really weakened, who cannot look after themselves. Give something to them now. I pledge my world that God will give you back four times as much.
~~Commodianus, Instructions, 71
In God’s Presence, Consider…
Do I know anyone who’s suffering with illness and could use some help? What help can I give?
Closing Prayer
Lord, you sent your Apostles forth to heal all disease and sickness. Give me the strength to do your will, and let me be an instrument of healing to the sick among your people.
Once in a while a little division may not be such a bad thing. “Do you think I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” What’s this? Is this coming from the same Jesus known for his greetings of peace? How could this be? What could this mean?
It has much to do with that other Jesus quote from Sunday’s Gospel: “I have come to set the earth on fire.” When you set the earth on fire, or even just put a spark under someone’s feet, you likely disturb the status quo. When you preach love your enemies; forgive not seven time, but seventy times seven times; let the one without sin cast the first stone, and so forth, you’re bound to rouse some hostile reactions. It happened to Jeremiah in the first reading when he advocated trust in God rather than armed revolution, and it happens today when people choose Jesus’ way of love and mercy rather than hate and vengeance. In such cases, may we, too, set the earth on fire. Once in a while a little division may not be such a bad thing. ~Pax Christi Metro New York
First Reading: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10
Jeremiah urged the people of Jerusalem to surrender to the enemy. This angered the princes, who then requested that Jeremiah be put to death. The king allowed the princes to leave him in a cistern without food or water. But after Ebed Melech pleaded for Jeremiah's life, the king decided to free him.
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4
This letter to the Hebrews inspires all Christians to persevere, in spite of the trials they may face. Jesus endured much suffering and was rewarded by God. Despite our struggles, we must remember Jesus' ability to endure and maintain strong faith in him.
Gospel: Luke 12:49-53
Jesus tells his disciples that his message will not bring peace to the earth. Instead, even families will become sharply divided because some members will embrace him, while others condemn him.
FROM THE PASTOR
Once again this week we will be taking a second collection for the improvement of our air conditioning. The bill will be around $75,000, so we need your generosity to help us out. We have virtually nothing in our Capital needs fund and, as you can see, our summer collections have been lower than our usual collections which admittedly are less than we need.
Please be generous!
Also, here is an update on the status of the Cardinal’s Appeal. Our goal this year is $70,000 and I’m happy to inform you that over $62,000 has been pledged by 130 donors. We are so close to our goal, so won’t you please do your part to help us achieve the goal if you haven’t done so yet. Thank you.
FEAST DAYS, SCRIPTURES, CITATIONS & SPECIAL INTENTIONS
Saturday, August 17
Jos 24:14-29
12:10 PM Rita Cea
5:30 PM Charles Cea
Sunday, August 18
Jer 38:4-6, 8-10 Heb 12:1-4 Lk 12:49-53
9:00 AM William Harris Burke
11:30 AM Mercedes Camarillo
. 6:00 PM Barbara Iacovone--living
Monday, August 19 Saint John Eudes
Jgs 2:11-19 Mt 19:16-22 (419)
12:10 PM Firefighters Robert Beddia & Joseph Graffagnino
5:30 PM Thomas Corsitto
Tuesday,August 20 Saint Bernard
Jgs 6:11-24a Mt 19:23-30 (420)
12:10 PM Rose Arias
5:30 PM Rita Cea
Wednesday, August 21 Saint Pius X
Jgs 9:6-15 Mt 20:1-16 (421)
12:10 PM Gerri Schmelle--living
5:30 PM Florencio Arias
Thursday, August 22 The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Jgs 11:29-39a Mt 22:1-14 (422)
12:10 PM Anne Donati
5:30 PM Mike Zahradka
Friday, August 23 Saint Rose of Lima
Ru 1:1, 3-6 14b-16, 22 Mt 22:34-40 (423)
12:10 PM Carlos Espinoza, Jr.—1st Anniv.
5:30 PM Carlos Arias
Saturday,August 24 Saint Bartholomew
Rv 21:9b-14 Jn 1:45-51 (629)
12:10 PM Jose Arias--living
5:30 PM Catherine Corsitto
MONTHLY PARISH ACTIVITIES
Sunday10:00 AM / Children’s Religious Studies / Casserly
10:00 AM / Scripture Discussion / Library
2:30 PM / Roman Forum Lectures / Casserly
7:00 PM / Grad Law / Casserly/Rectory
Monday
6:30 PM / Centering Prayer / Church
Tuesday
Wednesday
6:30 PM / Korean Catholic Students / Catholic Center at NYU
Thursday
6:30 PM 1st /mo / Pax Christi Bd Mtg / PCMNY
7:00 PM
7:00 PM / Newman Club
YATCH Club for Young Adults / Catholic Center at NYU
7:00PM / Scripture Study / 1st Floor-Back Parlor
Friday
6:00 PM 1st/mo / Novena/ Sacred Heart / Church
Saturday
10:00-3:00 PM / Soup Kitchen / Casserly
12:30 PM 1st/mo / Blessing of the Sick / Church
6:00 PM / Alcoholics Anonymous / Casserly