/Bulletin/
Week of Jan 5, 2020
Dear Sisters, Brothers and Children in Christ Jesus,
I wish you A Great feast of Epiphany to all, the star of Humanity which
led the wise men may lead us to the life of equality, communion and
fellowship.
In the gospel we have three groups: first, Herod who rejected
vehemently the birth of Messiah, child Jesus, it was a threat for his
power and authority. Second, chief priests and scribes who
fundamentally opposed the birth of Jesus as their expectation of
Messiah would be different. Finally, Magi or wise men who
accepted journeyed and worshiped with symbolical gifts.
The gifts signify Jesus as king, as priest and as prophet for all. In Luke
the angels announced, proclaimed and revealed the good news to
shepherds but here in Matthew, it was star which revealed messiah to
the wise men. But the message is clear, in the midst of division,
opposition and rejection it was the ordinary shepherds and the
strange, non-Jewish wise men believed and accepted the good news
joyfully and privileged to visit and worship Him. They become
partakers and sharers in Jesus community of one kingdom.
The wise men did not know where the star would lead them. They just
followed it until it brought them to Bethlehem – and to Jesus. They
never, I am sure, regretted their decision. If we can only have the
courage and the trust to follow their example, I doubt if we will have
regrets either. If we have not already done so, today is the day to make
that start.
COLLECTIONS: Sunday, December 29 th , 2019 – ICC - $753.00.
St. Margaret’s Bulletin
Thank you to those who donated poinsettias. We appreciate
the donation in memory of Stanley Dostal.
Yah!! Our parish just received $5000 from a grant through the
Catholic Extension Society for the year 2019. The Diocese
helped us apply for the grant money to aid in supporting our
pastor. This money will go toward the monthly fee we pay for Fr.
Mohan. This contribution to our parish funds is a big boost. We
are to receive another $5000 in 2020 from the Catholic Extension
Society.
Reflection by Trish—Be a candle in 2020
Fr. Mohan inspired this reflection through the words of his homily
on New Years Day.
In this New Year we are called to be the light in the darkness. If
we are each mindful to be a light, choosing God’s love and avoid
choosing fear, during this coming year we will experience a
difference in our spirituality. Choosing fear focuses on what is
wrong and increases anxiety and looking on impending doom.
Suffering and misery increase with fear and the feeling of being
overwhelmed can envelop us.
If we chose to reflect the light of Christ in each encounter, we are
like a candle in front of a mirror. When the electricity goes out I
like to place candles near mirrors as the light reflected increases
the power of the candle. The darkness in the corners becomes
illuminated.
If we focus on God’s love and being a light we find more hope and
love. We can find the power and strength that comes from God,
and therefore not focus on our perceived lack. We gain
understanding and wisdom. By calling on the Spirit of God within
us we are able to shine a light wherever we may be. Our light
strengthens each time we let it shine.
Here are a few quotes to express the above idea:
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and
the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never
decreases by being shared.
~Buddha
We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light the candle that
can guide us through the darkness to a safe and sane future.
~John F. Kennedy
How far that little candle throws it beams! So shines a good deed
in a naughty world. ~William Shakespeare
Sometimes we are not sure how to show our light. We may doubt
the best way to present our candle. We are not asked to be
flamboyant or loud. We are called to just be a presence of peace
and love in each encounter and every situation. I think the
following quote can get us through many situations.
I wanted to buy a candle holder, but the store didn't have
one. So I got a cake. ~ Mitch Hedberg