DO NO HARM
We listen quite a while before we get to the “punch line” of the first reading today: even though it would be an easy thing to do, David will not harm the anointed one of the Lord. We, of course, know that Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one of God, but the Bible uses this term for many different people. It is scripture's way of indicating who has been chosen by God for a special place and mission in salvation history.
In today's Gospel, Jesus presents a greatly enlarged list of those who, as children of God, we should not harm, but love instead: our enemies, those who curse us or do us harm, those who owe us money, the ungrateful, the wicked. The point of Jesus' teaching is not to encourage these kinds of behaviors in others, but rather to form us in the image of our heavenly Father by increasing our opportunities to love unconditionally, expecting no return; to be merciful and forgiving, even when it would be easier not to.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time;
Lunar (Chinese) New Year 4705
Monday:Orthodox Clean Monday; Presidents' Day
Tuesday:Mardi Gras; Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday:Ash Wednesday; Fast and Abstinence;
Almsgiving
Thursday:The Chair of St. Peter; Washington's Birthday
Friday:St. Polycarp; Abstinence
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:Sir 1:1-10; Mk 9:14-29
Tuesday:Sir 2:1-11; Mk 9:30-37
Wednesday:Jl 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20 — 6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Thursday:1 Pt 5:1-4; Mt 16:13-19
Friday:Is 58:1-9a; Mt 9:14-15
Saturday:Is 58:9b-14; Lk 5:27-32
Sunday:Dt 26:4-10; Ps 91; Rom 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13
Merciful and gracious is the Lord,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness. — Psalm 103:8
TODAY'S READINGS
First Reading — David found Saul in a deep sleep, but would not harm him (1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23).
Psalm — The Lord is kind and merciful (Psalm 103).
Second Reading — We shall bear the image of the heavenly Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45-49).
Gospel — Give to everyone who asks of you. Lend expecting nothing back (Luke 6:27-38).
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Every one of us has something we can do to help others. It doesn't matter how rich or how poor we are, how smart, educated or famous we might be. Each of us has been given at least one gift that we can use on behalf of the rest of humanity.
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May the special graces of baptism, through water and the Holy Spirit lead you to everlasting life.
Our community at Immaculate Conception Church rejoices with you and gives praise and thanks to God for this new gift of life.
God bless...
Julianna Veldran daughter Stephanie and Michael
Giovanni Patire son of Gina and Michael
Matthew McKenna son of Tara and Kevin
Gabrielle Thybulle daughter of Kristen and Renan
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Sacrificial giving nurtures the spirit of the giver and helps to build a better world. Thank you for your support and generosity for last week's collection.
Last Sunday's Collection: $5,132.00
Project Faith Collection: $1,561.00
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The beautiful flowers in the sanctuary this weekend are in loving memory of
Nellie Kohut
requested by Elaine & Charles Marron
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Immaculate Conception's Grief Support Group
On the first Wednesday of each month Immaculate Conception Parish offers an ongoing Grief Support Group. If you or someone you know has suffered a loss, please join us. The next meeting is on March 7th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Ministry House (former Convent).
Let us take time and feel blessed for those who are a part of our lives - for those who have died we may take time to think about and miss them, maybe we “talk” to them, light a candle, or say a prayer, but let us also take time for those who are living to say “Thank you, I appreciate you, I love you.” Acknowledge the people in your life now, do not wait. Regret is painful.
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Ministry to the Homebound
If you are unable to come to Church or know of someone who is homebound and would like to receive Communion, please call Janice at the Rectory at 973-827-9575 and arrangements will be made to visit your home. Janice is in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our next Prayer Shawl Meeting is February 19th at 7:30 p.m. in the Ministry House.
Please join us in this loving Ministry. We share prayers and stories that affirm the power of God's presence.
If you would like to join or donate yarn or needles please call Janice or Isabel at 973-827-9575.
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Lent... embrace a prayerful journey by attending:
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Friday during Lent from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Stations of the Cross and Benediction takes place every Friday evening during Lent at 7:00 p.m.
Abstinence means no meat or meat products for all who have reached the age of 14. All Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
Fast means one full meal or meat products for everyone between the ages of 18 and 59.
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Operation Rice Bowl
For thirty-two years Operation Rice Bowl has been extending the love of the Catholic Community in the U.S. to our neighbors in developing nations around the world. Operation Rice Bowl is Catholic Relief Services' Lenten program that helps us be one with our brothers and sisters in other countries through prayers, activities and offerings. As we pray, we recognize how Jesus is present to those who suffer. When we fast, we understand how devastating hunger can be. We learn how much is being done by Catholic Relief Services to provide clean drinking water, basic health care, good farming techniques, and income-producing projects. And we give in honor of the many blessings we have received so that others may have life. Our community is participating in Operation Rice Bowl this Lent. Please take home a Calendar Guide and Rice Bowl for your family and follow the suggested activities during Lent.
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Lenten Reflection Evenings
at St. Jude the Apostle Church
Lent is a special time for all of us to reflect on Christ's suffering and death. Dr. Thomas Wisniewski from the College of St. Elizabeth will present Christ's suffering and death in light of the gospels. His presentations will take place on Wednesday evenings March 14, 21, 28 and April 4th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the church hall at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Hamburg. There will also be time for questions and answers. Please take time for you and your family to enhance your love for Christ.
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place each Friday during Lent beginning on February 23rd, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. concluding with Stations of the Cross and Benediction. Sign-up sheets are located on the podium near the confessional area.
Please sign up for a time you are available to assure that there is adequate coverage each hour. If you sign up for a specific hour but find that you are unable to attend, please call the rectory.
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Out of love, place yourselves at another's service.
-Galatians 5:13
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Paterson Diocesan Council
of the National Council of Catholic Women
Lenten Spiritual Enrichment Day for Women
Presenter: Rev. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D.
Dean of the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University, former Director of the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at the College of Saint Elizabeth, internationally know Spiritual Director, Preacher, Author, Educator.
SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2007 from 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. St. Clement Pope & Martyr Parish, 154 Pleasant Ave, Rockaway 2 minutes from Rt 80 - near Rockaway Townsquare Mall.
Coffee and registration at 9 a.m. - Program at 9:30 a.m.; Celebration of the Eucharist at 11:00 a.m.
All women of the Diocese are invited to attend and to enjoy this enriching and inspiring program. Donation (including registration) is $5.00. Please bring a “brown bag” lunch; beverages and dessert will be served.
Call the rectory at 973-827-9575 if you would like to attend . All reservations and fees must be in by March 13th.
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Natural Family Planning - Give your health and your marriage a fresh start — learn NFP! A spring session on Natural Family Planning will begin March 2nd at St. Anthony's Church in Butler. To register please call, 973-838-3731 or email njnfp@hotmail.com. For information on modern methods of NFP visit www.ccli.org
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HELP SUPPORT
Immaculate Conception Regional School!
Scrip gift cards available after Masses and at the school. Shop-Rite, Weis, A&P available in many denominations.
Also available: Sussex Meat Packing, Staples, Barnes and Noble, J.C. Penney, Sears, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Wendy's Applebee's and many more. The cards cost only face value with a percentage returned to the school from the retailer. See Marie McKeever or contact Kathy Trainor at the school 973-827-3777.
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YOUR KIDS WILL THANK YOU FOR GOING ON A WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND!
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend allows married couples to get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phone for 44 hours and focus on each other. See the difference an encounter weekend can make as you grow and are enriched in your relationship! Come to the March 9-11th experience in Fairfield, N.J. For registration or more information call Ralph and Eileen Perez at 800-499-6552.
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DESTROYING ONE'S ENEMIES
Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them? —Abraham Lincoln
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Baby Shower for Birth Haven
Our Confirmation students will be sponsoring the Annual Baby Shower for Birth Haven each Sunday during Lent, at which time they will collect items needed for babies as well as the new moms.
Birth Haven has been in existence for over 20 years and has provided support and hope for teens and women who have chosen to carry their pregnancies to full term. It is an independent, non-profit organization that welcomes women from all over New Jersey, regardless of age, race, creed, nationality, financial ability or marital status. Birth Haven is the only transitional home that accepts and welcomes minors.
All donations may be brought to Church and placed near the bassinet any Sunday during Lent, ending on Palm Sunday.
Wish List
Phone Cards, Ladies' Watches, Boppy Pillows, Batteries (AA,C,D), Laundry Baskets, C-Fold Towels, 1"-3" Ring Binders, Journals, Week-a-glance Planners, Towels, Slippers, Spring and Summer PJ's, Gift Certificates to Block Buster, Old Navy, and Wal-Mart.
Thank you for your support!
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TCSF Scholarship Application Announcement
Applications for scholarships from the Tri-County Scholarship Fund serving students who wish to attend private or parochial schools in Morris, Passaic and Sussex Counties are now available. Scholarships are issued based on financial need. Please consider:
The average income of the families TCSF serves is $21,26.
90% of our recipients qualify for the Federal Government's free or reduced lunch program.
78% of TCSF families are single parent households.
The Tri-County Scholarship Fund is a 501(c) (3) private, non-sectarian organization committed to the care and development of economically disadvantaged children in Passaic, Morris and Sussex Counties. Scholarship aid goes towards quality, value centered education, through scholarships to private and parochial schools, for those who need it the most in grades Kindergarten through Twelve.
If you qualify, or know of someone who would benefit from this financial assistance, please call Mary Pat Wagner at 973-984-9600 for an application. For the academic year 2006-2007, TCSF was able to offer almost $900,000 in assistance. If you would like to make a contribution, please call or visit us at www.tcsfund.org and click on Donate.
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2007 Sussex County St Patrick's Day Parade- The 4th Annual Sussex County St. Patrick's Day Parade is scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 10, 2007 on Spring Street in Newton with a start time of 12:00 Noon. This is the second year that the parade will be held in the County Seat of Newton. The parade route will run through downtown Newton, along Spring Street, ending at Memory Park and will last about an hour. This years Grand Marshal is Sussex County Freeholder Glen Vetrano. Glen is also a Battalion Chief for the Paterson Fire Department. For more information please contact Dennis Harrington, Committee Chairman at 973-827-9179.
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Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends who are ill:
In Nursing Homes: Anna Elekes, Beatrice Brown, Catherine Alvino, Arthur Schaffhauser, Joanna Tugoluko, Mary Devine, Richard Gulitus, Marie DeMario, Betty Swetz, Ed Knight, Frank Kalafut.
At Home: Loraine Schenker, Diane Sidoli, Robert Zeuner, Russell Covert, Jr., Evelyn Caljean, Agnes Maselli, Anthony Fehir, Zina Restivo, Danielle Dionisio, Christine Huntley, Steven “Itchy” Novak, Gabbi Welsch, Flo Yurchak, Ethel Segarra, Mary Carmody, Madison Dorr, Michael Soojian, Don Tilley, Jr. Lisa Stine, Kath Sciascia and Edward Padgett.
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Please continue to keep all those serving in the military in your thoughts and prayers especially:
Dan Greene, Jamison Micke, Stephen Saski, Jr., Christopher Faber, SFC Morgan McHose, Kevin Remus, LCPL William Mathes, LCPL Ernest Mathes, Karen Hassler and Tom Oroho.
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Greece... A Journey in the
Footsteps of St. Paul
Rev. Charles Perricone and St. Monica's Church in Sussex, NJ present their parish trip for 2007, “Greece...A Journey in the Footsteps of St. Paul,” - 11 spiritually uplifting and fun-filled travel days beginning on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 and returning on Friday, October 19, 2007. Please call the rectory office at 973-875-4521 to obtain a copy of the brochure or for further information.
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ADOLESCENT FERTILITY APPRECIATION PROGRAM
This program offers a wonderful opportunity for mothers and daughters to be together as they learn about respect and appreciation for the gift of human fertility and sexuality as well as communication between parent and child.
The purpose of the program is to provide an atmosphere of love and learning to discuss the important topic of growing up and establish a foundation for respect and continued communication between parent and child. The program will be presented by the Paterson Diocese Office of Family Life and volunteer mothers who believe this special time should be shared by mothers and daughters together.
DATE:Sunday, March 4, 2007 TIME: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
WHO:1-12 year old girls and their mothers
WHERE:St. Clare's Hospital Auditorium, 25 Pocono Road, Denville, NJ
COST:$20 per daughter. Mothers attend free. $30 maximum per family. Reservations are required due to limited space and must be received by Friday February 16, 2007. Registration forms are available at the back of the Church.
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A Family Perspective- In today's gospel, Jesus warns about judging and condemning. Children are watching us: they will imitate this negative behavior. However, if you are forgiving and generous, children will imitate this positive behavior and your family will experience “gifts packed together, shaken down and overflowing.” That's a peaceful home.
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OBLIVIOUS LIVING
Sooner or later we all get to the point of thinking about the things in life that have slipped past us without much notice on our part. In some instances, we may never even have noticed what we were missing, oblivious to our very selves.
INSIDE THE READINGS
Today's Gospel challenges every follower of Christ. Jesus says twice, "Love your enemies"(Luke 6:27, 35). That was not easy for those listening to Jesus to hear. Nor is it easy for Christians down through the centuries. Retaliation is the natural instinct in dealing with an enemy. But Jesus insists not only that we love our enemies, but that we do good to them, bless them, and pray for them (6:27).
Christ allows no exceptions to the rule of loving one's enemies. Christians are to love their enemies even when they have no redeeming qualities. God the Father has set the example, "kind to the ungrateful and the wicked" (Luke 6:35). Jesus adds this command, "Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful" (6:36). Jesus brings that Old Testament concept to fulfillment by stressing that one's enemies must always be seen as neighbors and loved.
While it is right for everyone to love those who love them, to do good to those who do good to them, to lend money to those from whom they expect repayment, Jesus points out that those acts of natural kindness have no heavenly reward; "even sinners do the same" (Luke 6:33). He goes on to promise, "Love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High" (6:35).
The Christian must also avoid judging, condemning. Rather, every follower of Jesus must forgive (see Luke 6:37). The promise here is that God will deal with us as we deal with others. If you forgive, you will be forgiven. If you reach out with gifts to the poor and vulnerable, "giving to everyone who asks of you" (6:30), the Father will pour an overflowing abundance of divine gifts into your lap (see 6:38).
THOUGHTS FOR ACTION
How we live often seems to arise instinctively from somewhere deep within us. What we can decide is where our heart lies, what we will treasure and nurture. And then from the heart of our heart comes forth the real us, and we can acknowledge God's presence there. From that presence we can gain the strength and courage to love our enemies and avoid condemning others, as Jesus taught.
Excerpted and edited from LIVING THE WORD FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME commentary by Msgr. Ralph Kuehner and Rev. Joseph Juknialis, © 2007 by J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.2/18/07
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