The 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time
From the Scriptures
For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? There is a constant tension in our lives and in our faith between the transactional and the altruistic. Every “yes” is also a “no.” Every choice for this or that is a choice against many other things. And because our lives are on a clock, those choices are a limited resource. In the world of business, we can talk about risk analysis and whether saving is preferable to investing in a new venture. We can choose to spend our time and our accrued cash on ourselves or our kids or our bills or whatever. In the context of Faith, we can think in a similar way. The Catechism uses the analogy of an “Economy of Grace” in which prayer, Holy Mass, and a life of moral virtue makes our prayers valuable and increases our likelihood of Heaven. This transactional way of thinking, though, is only an analogy. Surely, there is a this-for-that in faith. It’s there in every book of the Bible and in every human relationship we have. We are told that if we love the Lord and act in accordance with His commands, we will be rewarded with blessings in this life and with eternal life in Heaven. That’s the definition of transactional. But we’re also told that we can’t earn our way into Heaven and that Faith - rather than right actions - is the linchpin of salvation. There’s a humbling aspect in which God is good, loving, and generous beyond what we deserve, what we can earn, and even what we have the capacity to receive. Just as we love our kids more than they understand, so God loves us in a way and to a degree which we can’t even begin to fathom. And so we return His love as best we can - to use that analogy of transaction again - and, in part, we hope to go to Heaven. But we know that eternal life can’t be earned or achieved. Still we work to store up treasure in Heaven just as we work on our human relationships. As I said, these exist in a tension. In fact, many great philosophers have argued that every aspect of human life can be understood as a series of tensions between seeming-opposites. We are Body and Soul. Not one or the other, but both. And they’re in tension! Our bodies want one thing while our souls long for something else. In the same way, the world itself is both material and spiritual. Every culture in history has looked at a beautiful sunset or the fresh arrival of Spring as meaningful and important rather than mere coincidence or accident. All of us are living with tensions between self-interest and the good of those we love. We’re all facing a constant back and forth between spending on what we want and having a safety net for a rainy day. In politics, we want to balance freedom and safety. In all things, there are tensions and how we react to them and what we make of them determine the kind of people we are, the kind of life we want to lead. These tensions in Faith are not bad! They are part of what it means to have a religion in which human beings are honest with themselves about what we are doing. Worshipping God means offering to the Lord what we have and what we have is US. And so we expect that our religion would reflect our humanity and our humanity is full of tensions... What matters is what we do with them.
Thoughts from Fr. Ryan
Even with a very late Lent, Ash Wednesday really snuck up on us! We’re 10 days away and, with all the flu going around, some of us might feel like Lent is already here. Every year someone I know is already struggling with some huge issue and I remind them that sometimes “Lent finds us.” One of the most moving and difficult things Our Lady taught at Fatima is that the best penance is not the hardest or the most innovative or the most challenging, it’s the one that God gives you. The phrase that came to be associated with this teaching is “offer it up.” If you go to the shower and there’s no more hot water, offer it up. Practically, that just means to accept the inconvenience/difficulty/suffering as a way of growing nearer to Jesus on the Cross. It may very well help to look at or imagine Jesus on the cross and think that this little suffering of mine isn’t such a big deal. It may help to say a little prayer asking the Lord to help me to endure this suffering and in doing so, to grow in humility and trust of God’s providence. Practically, it can happen however it needs to so that I am able to entrust my suffering to Jesus. This is the way that Lenten penances are meant to work as well. It’s not just about not drinking Coke. Not drinking Coke is neither pleasing or disappointing to God. I assure you He doesn’t care much. But in saying no to myself and choosing not to do whatever I want whenever I want it, I am reminding myself that this world is never truly satisfying. I am reminding myself that Jesus is Lord and that Heaven is where true happiness is to be found. Suffering doesn’t please God, but trusting in the Lord does. And so when I take a small suffering upon myself, I am denying my own pleasure and building up trust in the Lord. We do the same thing in our human relationships when we over-spend on someone we’re courting. Overpriced flowers and an expensive meal tell my date that I’m serious. An overpriced engagement ring proves (to my fiancé and to myself) that I’m willing to sacrifice for our relationship. All of this overspending has consequences... It deprives me of something that I care about and it confirms that there is something I care about more. So as we’re thinking about what we’re going to give up beginning next Wednesday, don’t pick something because it’s annoying or tough, think about what will help speak to your heart and mind about sacrifice and loving Jesus!
From the Saints
Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers, and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love. -- Thérèse of Lisieux
What is the benefit of fasting in our body while filling our souls with innumerable evils? He who does not play at dice, but spends his leisure otherwise, what nonsense does he not utter? What absurdities does he not listen to? Leisure without the fear of God is, for those who do not know how to use time, the teacher of wickedness. -- Saint Basil
We must not be wise and prudent according to the flesh. Rather, we must be simple, humble and pure. -- Francis of Assisi
Mass Intentions for the Coming Week
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Vicki Morelli/Ernst
- Sun 9:30a Pro Populo for the Living & Deceased Members of our Parish
- Mon 9:00a In memory of Carol LaHitte/P Lancaster
- Tue No Mass
- Wed 9:00a In memory of Norman Stephen Ernst/family
- Thu 9:00a In memory of Rosa and Gus Gremshell and May DiTomasso
- Fri 5:30p In memory of Brian Stamey/family
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Joe Farlow/Bullard
- Sun 9:30a Pro Populo for the Living & Dead members of our Parish Family
ALTAR CANDLES this week are burning for the special intentions of Margo Corulla
Assistants at Holy Mass
| Date | Servers | Lector(s) | EMHC(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/22 5:30p | None Scheduled | A Farlow | N Ernst |
| 2/23 9:30a | Annie & Thomas Meyers | C Guizerix | - |
| 3/1 5:30p | None Scheduled | MA Gilfoil | A Keene |
| 3/2 9:30a | Kathleen & Evelyn & Ashlyn | D Hamilton | - |
Upcoming Events
Confessions every Friday & Saturday from 5p until Mass and Sunday from 9a until Mass
Sunday Morning Catechism in the Hall (with Coffee & Donuts) after the 9:00a Mass during the School Year unless otherwise indicated
Pastoral Council meeting monthly on the third Wednesday at 6p unless otherwise indicated
Mar 1 First Saturday
Mar 2 First Sunday Benediction
Mar 2 Potluck Brunch to celebrate Mardi Gras - First Quarter Social - after Mass
Mar 5 Ash Wednesday (Not a Holy Day of Obligation) Mass at 9a & 5:30p
For Your Information:
FORMED.ORG… has an entire page of weekly featured videos that are worth checking out at https://watch.formed.org/this-week-on-formed. Remember to sign in using our parish’s zip code (71282) at https://signup.formed.org
ROSARY GROUP… a group of parishioners is meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. to pray the Rosary. Everyone is invited to join the group. If you need additional information, please contact the Coordinator, Louise Magoun, at 318-341-2403. THE WORD AMONG US… The March edition can be found on the table at the back of church.
FIRST QUARTER SOCIAL: The First Quarter (Jan, Feb, March) Social Committee will organize a Potluck Brunch for March 2 following Sunday Mass. Margo Corulla and Darryl and Abby Ellerbee (co-chairs), Norman and Marie Ernst, Katherine Ernst Bedgood, Brian Johnson, Sidney and Mary Jane Johnson, Robbie and Tori Kivett, Brian and Brittany McFall, Ed Mills, Billy and Courtney Nadeau, Teddy and Alyssa Oliver, Mike and Sue Rome, Jason Trichell, Mary Trichell, and Levi Washington make up the committee. Mark your calendars and plan to join in the Mardi Gras fun!
FIRST SATURDAY, MARCH 1… Mass and Holy Hour … 9 a.m. Our Lady of Fatima called for special devotions to be offered on the first Saturday of each month. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
FIRST SUNDAY BENEDICTION… MARCH 2…at the conclusion of weekend Masses as part of our larger program to improve Eucharistic Devotion and to understand what a gift we have in the Most Holy Eucharist.
EMPOWERING GOD’S CHILDREN… parish volunteers must be VIRTUS trained and go online regularly at www.virtus.org for the latest training bulletins. Any questions or issues can be reported to the office. Printed resources are available on the table at the entrance to the Church. “Protecting our Children, Understanding and Preventing Child Sexual Abuse” includes Resources and Contact Numbers for reporting abuse. “Protecting God’s Children, Teaching Touching Safety Quick Reference Guide” The Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Minors and The Diocesan Code of Pastoral Conduct for Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Ministers, Administrators, Staff, and Volunteers are available in the Safe Environment section of the diocesan website at DioceseAlex.org or a copy may be requested from the Safe Environment Office (318) 445-2401.
PLEDGE TO HEAL...If you or a family member has been abused or victimized by a representative of the Catholic church or a member of the clergy, please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing. Dr. Lee Kneipp, Clinical Psychologist, Victim Assistance Coordinator, Diocese of Alexandria encourages those persons to come forward and speak out. Dr. Kneipp is establishing support groups in the central Louisiana area for victims and family members. The focus of these groups is to further emotional and spiritual healing as an adjunct to therapy, in an atmosphere of others who understand the pain, betrayal, and fear associated with abuse. Dr. Kneipp can be reached at 318-542-9805. All calls are confidential.
Stewardship Today’s Gospel has encouraging words for good stewards – “Give and it shall be given to you. For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you.” What encouragement to give generously of the resources entrusted to our care!
Our Return to the Lord
| Weekly Budget FY 2023-2024 | $ 2,111 |
| January Budget | $ 8,444 |
| January Collections | $ 9,518 |
| January Total Expenses | $ 7,591 |
| February Budget | $ 8,444 |
| February 16 Collection | $ 1,861 |
| February Collections To Date | $ 9,596 |
In Our Daily Prayers…
Please let us know of anyone who is ill or hospitalized and would like to receive a visit from Father. Also, help us keep our prayer list up to date by advising us of those who should be added or removed.
Our Pope, Francis; our Bishop, Robert Marshall; and our Diocesan leaders, our President, Governor, Mayor and national, state and local elected representatives
Our parishioners who are sick, shut-in, under full-time care and for those who care for them, and for those otherwise in need of our prayers: MaryKathryn & Nap Book, Connie & Dan Copes, Elizabeth Crothers, Leslye Ellerbee, Susan & Johnny Gilfoil, Margaret & Pat Gilfoil,Terry Farlow Hall, C.W. & Alyce Keene, Sidney & Mary Jane Johnson, Frances & Bill Kennedy, Ed Mills, Susie Murphy, Alyssa Oliver, Bobby Reynolds, Mike & Sue Rome, Kenny and Betty Smith
Our friends and relatives who need our prayers: Ashley Alexander (Regan), Graham Allen (S Gilfoil), Kathryn Wood Allsopp (D Wood), Pam Amacker (Gilfoil), Marie Farlow Bellard, Tommy Bickham (C Copes), Nap and Martha Book, Kay Boolos (S Gilfoil), Dick & Sue Boyd (S Gilfoil), Chris Breard (Gilfoil), Sarah Cannon (Gilfoil), Fran Castile (Keene), Caroline and Albert Christman, Jeannie & Donald Collins, Teresa Carney Condra, Jami Cook (Wilks), Gene Cox, Marla Evans Cummings, Carol Dipert (Rome), Mac Donaldson (Ellerbee), Wayne Edwards, Mike Farlow, Patty Farlow, Monique Florence, Jimmy Fordham (Gustafson & Fordice), Emily Fortenberry, Judy Fortenberry, April Franklin (Wilks), Fred and Cathy Fulton, Thom Gilfoil, Wyly Gilfoil (Gilfoil), LaVonne Givens, Charlotte Green, Theresa Gunter, Rita Hargrave, Arlice Evans Headley, Evie Hilburn (Lancaster), Charles Howington, Callie Halback Hyams, Will Irby (P Gilfoil), Diane Johnson, Carla Leese (S Gilfoil), Lynn Lisonbee, LaLa Lopez (Hernandez), Caroline Marcello (Watts), Ruth McDonald (Copes), Michelle McGuire(Gilfoil), Kiely McKellar (S Gilfoil), Mona Martin (MA Gilfoil), Boyce Miller, Randy Parker, Wayne Pitre (Gilfoil), John Neill, Bailey, Scott, and Tiffney Rome, Dianne Roper (Murphy), Janie Saxon (Lancaster), Debbie Kedrick Sims, Tommy Trichell, LeeAnn Rome Tranchina (Rome), Randy Watts, Jr.
Our collegiates: Aidan Collins, Preston Collins, Henry Ellerbee, Lilly Falgout, Jag Gilfoil, Bruen Johnson, Matilda Johnson, Caroline Marsh, EmmyLu March, Charlize Richardson, Blake Sullivan, Carter Sullivan, Walker Sullivan, Chandler Wood, Marsh Wood
