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Church of Saint Edward the Confessor 785 NEWARK ROAD, GRANVILLE, OHIO 43023 Dominican Sisters of Peace PASTOR: MSGR. PAUL P. ENKE ASSISTING CLERGY REV. MICHAEL BALTRUS DEACON: REV. MR. JOHN BARBOUR PASTORAL MINISTER/R.C.I.A. PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION: 740-587-4160 MIKE MILLISOR SARAH SWEEN PARISH OFFICE: 740-587-3254 OFFICE MANAGER: CHERYL BOGGESS, CPA OFFICE STAFF: BARBARA HINTERSCHIED ANNE ARNOLD YOUTH MINISTER: MARISSA SCHLABACH 740-587-3254 PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR: ADRIENNE EVANS 740-587-3275 MAINTENANCE: DIANE KINNEY KEVIN KINNEY FLOYD LAHMON DIRECTOR OF MUSIC: PAUL RADKOWSKI 740-587-3254 BAPTISMAL CLASS: (CONTACT PARISH OFFICE) PATRICIA BELHORN 740-587-3254 MARRIAGE PREPARATION INVENTORY PROGRAM DCN. JOHN AND CINDY BARBOUR 740-587-3254 RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE: JOHN KOENIG 740-587-0720 PARISH COUNCIL: JOHN MARTIN 614-403-0567 VISITS TO SHUT-INS: DIANE KINNEY 740-587-4121 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: KIM CHUPKA 740-587-7067 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: ERIC GUERIN 740-398-4776 MASS SCHEDULE SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE: SATURDAY: 5:00 P.M. SUNDAY: 8:15 A.M. 10:45 A.M. HOLY DAY MASS SCHEDULE: TBA IN BULLETIN WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE: MONDAY-FRIDAY: 9:00 A.M. CONFESSIONS: SATURDAY: 4:00-4:30 P.M. BULLETIN DEADLINE: MONDAY NOON Parish Office: 740-587-3254 Fax: 740-587-0149 Home Page: www.saintedwards.org E-mail: [email protected]

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Church ofSaint Edward the Confessor

785 Newark road, GraNville, ohio 43023

Dominican Sisters of Peace

Pastor: MsGr. Paul P. eNke

assisting Clergy rev. Michael Baltrus

DeaCon: rev. Mr. JohN BarBour

Pastoral Minister/r.C.i.a. Parish sChool of religion:

740-587-4160 Mike Millisor sarah sweeN

Parish offiCe: 740-587-3254

offiCe Manager: cheryl BoGGess, cPa

offiCe staff: BarBara hiNterschied

aNNe arNold

youth Minister: Marissa schlaBach

740-587-3254PresChool DireCtor:

adrieNNe evaNs 740-587-3275MaintenanCe:

diaNe kiNNey keviN kiNNey

Floyd lahMoN

DireCtor of MusiC: Paul radkowski

740-587-3254BaPtisMal Class:

(coNtact Parish oFFice) Patricia BelhorN

740-587-3254Marriage PreParation inventory PrograM

dcN. JohN aNd ciNdy BarBour 740-587-3254

resPeCt life CoMMittee: JohN koeNiG

740-587-0720Parish CounCil:

JohN MartiN 614-403-0567

visits to shut-ins: diaNe kiNNey

740-587-4121euCharistiC aDoration:

kiM chuPka 740-587-7067

Knights of ColuMBus: eric GueriN

740-398-4776

MASS SCHEDULEsunDay Mass sCheDule:

saturday: 5:00 P.M. suNday: 8:15 a.M. 10:45 a.M.

holy Day Mass sCheDule:tBa iN BulletiN

WeeKDay Mass sCheDule: MoNday-Friday: 9:00 a.M.

Confessions:saturday: 4:00-4:30 P.M.

Bulletin DeaDline:MoNday NooN

Parish Office: 740-587-3254Fax: 740-587-0149

Home Page:www.saintedwards.org

E-mail:[email protected]

ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR CHURCH GRANVILLE, OHIO

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENTMONDAY, FEBRUARY 29 9:00 a.m. Special Intention of Mary Albright by Mary AlbrightTUESDAY, MARCH 1 9:00 a.m. John Bolgar (RIP) by Robert & Nellie PallagiWEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 9:00 a.m. Emily Piaseczny (RIP) by Lois Bending & FamilyTHURSDAY, MARCH 3 – Saint Katharine Drexel, Virgin 9:00 a.m. Carol Stewart (RIP) by Andy & Lisa SloanFRIDAY, MARCH 4 – Saint Casimir 9:00 a.m. Gladys Maurer (RIP) (Anniversary) by Maurer FamilySATURDAY, MARCH 5 5:00 p.m. Deceased Members of Clovis Schall Family and Mr. & Mrs. H. S. Clarke (RIP) by Charles & Jo Ann Clarke FamilySUNDAY, MARCH 6 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT 8:15 a.m. Ralph Meyer (RIP) by Sharon & Thomas Plageman 10:45 a.m. Tom Martin (RIP) by Members of St. Vincent de Paul 4:30 p.m. Mass at Swasey Chapel, Denison University for the Living & Deceased Members of St. Edward ParishPray for all priests, seminarians and priestly vocations.

ALTAR SERVERS: 5:00 p.m. Joe Pappas, Daniel Pappas, Luke Pappas 8:15 a.m. Natalie Cannon, Christopher Ouweleen, Michael Ouweleen 10:45 a.m. Isabella Rodgers, Alyson Valenzuela, Thomas Weis

LECTORS: 5:00 p.m. Chuck Peterson, Kevin Skinner 8:15 a.m. Kathy Horton, Selma Lesher 10:45 a.m. Eric Guerin, Tim Miller

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT FEBRUARY 28, 2016 – YEAR C

5:00 p.m.ENTRANCE: From the Depths We Cry to Thee (#129)PSALM/GOSPEL ACC.: p. 80-81PREP. OF GIFTS: Shepherd of Souls (#372)MASS SETTING: Chanted (#850, #10, #852, #854)COMMUNION: Eat This Bread (#331)SENDING FORTH: Jesus, Remember Me (#409)

8:15 and 10:45 a.m.ENTRANCE, PREP., COMMUNION: TBDPSALM/GOSPEL ACC.: p. 80-81MASS SETTING: chanted (#850, #10, #852, #854)10:45 BELL CHOIR: God So Loved the World (arr. Larson)SENDING FORTH: Jesus, Remember Me (#409)

CANTORS 5:00 p.m. Deb Butt 8:15 a.m. Randy Kerr 10:45 a.m. Kevin Skinner

VIOLIN 10:45 a.m. Robin Brown

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: 5:00 p.m. Dave Conway, Alex Deak, Lisa Deak, John Jauch, Gary Kristensen 8:15 a.m. Lisa Cannon, Chris Carter, Gary Carter, LaFern Davis, Martin Flautt 10:45 a.m. Paul Gassman, Rebecca Gassman, P.J. Gassman, Lynn Harden, Mark Harden, Alexandra Kerns, Kathy Kiebel, Joe Krempel, Robin Krempel

HOMEBOUND MINISTERS:Robert Novak, Jr., Jeannine Nock

GIFT BEARERS: 5:00 p.m. Charles & Jo Ann Clarke 8:15 a.m. Sharon & Thomas Plageman 10:45 a.m. St. Vincent de Paul

SUNDAY NURSERYThe Nursery/Playroom for young children is open during the 10:45 a.m. Mass. To be added to the Sunday schedule of volunteers, contact the new coordinator, Kristen Gilbert, at 740-920-4078 or Email [email protected].

SUNDAY OFFERTORY COLLECTIONThe Sunday offertory collection for February 21st was $20,499.55.

RCIAThe next RCIA session will be this Tuesday, March 1st at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall (after the Stations of the Cross devotion). The topic is the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and anyone in the parish is invited to attend.

WELCOME!You may have come as a stranger to us, yet you are known to Our Lord, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray you will find peace, hospitality and friendship with us.

A WORD FROM YOUR PASTOR…

1. On the 3rd day of Lent, the Prophet Isaiah directed us on the sort of fasting God asks of us in Lent: “This, rather, is fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.

2. Pope Francis offered the following remark when he was in Philadelphia last year:

“Among us today are members of America’s large Hispanic population, as well as representatives of recent immigrants to the United States. Many of you have emigrated (I greet you warmly!) to this country at great personal cost, in the hope of building a new life. Do not be discouraged by whatever hardships you face. I ask you not to forget that, like those who came here before you, you bring many gifts to this nation. Please, you should never be ashamed of your traditions. Do not forget the lessons you learned from your elders, which are something you can bring to enrich the life of this American land. I repeat, do not be ashamed of what is part of you, your life blood. You are also called to be responsible citizens, and to contribute fruitfully – as those who came before you did with such fortitude – to the life of the communities in which you live. I think in particular of the vibrant faith which so many of you possess, the deep sense of family life and all those other values which you have inherited. By contributing your gifts, you will not only find your place here, you will help to renew society from within. Do not forget what took place here over two centuries ago. Do not forget that Declaration which proclaimed that all men and women are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights and that governments exist in order to protect and defend those rights.”

In this year of mercy, as politicians fail to address the plight of immigrants, let us continue our fasting in the steps of Isaiah and Jesus.

3. Thanks to those who sent greetings on my 70th birthday (February 28th). I appreciate them all very much and include here the humor of the late Cardinal Cushing of Boston, included in one card:

I’M FINEThere’s nothing whatever the matter with me.I’m just as healthy as I can be.I have arthritis in both my kneesAnd when I talk, I talk with a wheeze.

My pulse is weak and my blood is thin, But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in. I think my liver is out of whack And a terrible pain is in my back.

My hearing is poor, my sight is dim, Most everything seem to be out of trim, But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in.

I have arch supports for both my feet, Or I wouldn’t be able to go on the street. Sleeplessness I have night after night, And in the morning I’m just a sight.

My memory is failing, my head’s in a spin, I’m peacefully living on aspirin. But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in.

The moral is, as this tale we unfold, That for you and me who are growing old, It’s better to say, “I’m fine” with a grin Than to let them know the shape we’re in.

EVENTS/MEETINGS THIS WEEK

Sunday, February 28PSR – see scheduleFood Pantry CollectionCatholic Times CollectionIGNITE – 6:30 p.m. – HallMonday, February 29Eucharistic Adoration – 9:30 a.m. until Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – ChapelLighthearted Scripture – 7:00 p.m. – LoungeTuesday, March 1Soup Supper & Speaker – 6:00 p.m. – HallStations of the Cross – 7:00 p.m. – ChurchRCIA – 7:30 p.m. – HallMen’s Group for Rediscovery – 7:30 p.m. – LoungeWednesday, March 2Rosary Makers – 9:30 a.m. – LoungePSR – See scheduleMen’s Faith Sharing – 7:00 p.m. – Chapel & LoungeThursday, March 3Scripture Study – 9:30 a.m. – Classroom 8Choir – 7:00 p.m. – LoftFriday, March 4Fish Fry – 5:00-7:30 p.m.Saturday March 5That Man is You – 6:45 a.m. – HallBlessed Sacrament School Information – Gathering Space – After all weekend Masses

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDRENBlessed Sacrament Parish is hosting a Protecting God’s Children workshop on Saturday, March 19th in the school cafeteria (394 E. Main Street, Newark). For more information or to register, please contact Mike Millisor in the Religious Education Office (740-587-4160 or [email protected]).

ST. EDWARD YOUTH MINISTRY

LENTEN MONDAYS starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Adoration Chapel at St. Edward. The youth will start with a brief adoration then dive deeper into faith through Lenten activities and study.

Sunday, February 28th – Social and Service with guest speaker, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Tuesday, March 1st – Summer Mission Trip Interest Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTSSteubenville Conference – Registration is quickly approaching. If you are looking to deepen your personal relationship with Christ through praise and worship, Adoration, the Mass, and inspiration from Catholic “Celebrity” speakers, then you won’t want to miss Steubenville 2016. Email [email protected] for more info and be looking for registration flyers soon!

Summer Mission Trip 2016 – We will have an interest meeting Tuesday, March 1st at 6:00 p.m. We will choose our trip which will be close to Ohio this year and we will decide on fundraising.

UPDATE ON YOUTH RETREAT 2016

Praise God for a perfect retreat weekend! We started with the bus arriving an hour late but all was well because we had excitement and joy to overcome the obstacle. Through our sessions on Imagination, Inspiration, Romance, Adventure, and Family, we were able to grow deeper in our faith. We connected as a community that grew into a family with the great outdoors becoming our common home. Thank you to Deacon John who gave us an Adoration talk and a morning prayer and also for playing Mafia with us on Friday night. Often we said we didn’t want to leave but just as the Gospel from the weekend, we must all come down from the mountain top and spread God’s glory to the world. Thanks to everyone who made it possible and for everyone at home who prayed. We are truly blessed as a Youth Group to have a parish and a pastor who supports our faith and our Youth Group.

PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION – 2015-2016The PSR schedule this week isToday, Sunday, February 28Grades 5, 6, 7... 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 15-minute break for dismissal and arrivalGrade Pre-K/K... 10:45 a.m. to the end of Mass

This Wednesday, March 2Grades 1-A, 2-A, 3-A, 4-A... classes from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. 15-minute break for dismissal and arrivalGrades 1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B... classes from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

NOTES FROM THE LOFT This week’s responsorial Psalm, “The Lord is kind and

merciful,” is frequently sung during Lent, as part of Reconciliation services, and during funerals. It is a reassuring reminder that God’s forgiving mercy is always there for us.

The Bell Choir piece at the 10:45 Mass is an arrangement of two pieces associated with Lent: “God So Loved the World” and “O Sacred Head Surrounded.”

~ Paul ([email protected], 740-587-3254)

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES COLLECTIONNext weekend, our parish will take up a second collection for Catholic Relief Services. This collection supports six Catholic agencies that touch more than 100 million lives around the world. The funds from this collection help provide food to the hungry, support to displaced refugees, and Christ’s love and respect to all people. Next week, please give generously to The Catholic Relief Services Collection and help Jesus in disguise.

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES RICE BOWL HUNGERING FOR A HEALTHY STARTOur CRS Rice Bowl journey takes us to the African nation of Rwanda, where we’re reminded to care for the unborn. This week we pray for pregnant mothers, that they may have the medical and nutritional support they need to raise healthy, thriving children. Visit crsricebowl.org for more. For more information, contact Erin Cordle, diocesan CRS director, at 614-241-2540 or [email protected].

ANNUAL CATHOLIC TIMES SUBSCRIPTIONYou can still sign-up for Catholic Times. For a minimum donation of only $17.00 (parish rate) you will receive the weekly news of what’s happening in the Catholic world. Use the envelope provided in your February packet, or write your name and “Catholic Times“ on a plain envelope, make your check payable to the parish, and drop it into the collection basket, or use our Online Giving program.

DON’T GIVE UP CHOCOLATE THIS LENTDynamic Catholic invites everyone to join author Matthew Kelly and the Dynamic Catholic Team to enhance your Lenten experience in a special way. Based on his new book, Rediscovering Jesus, this free email program will take you on a 40-day spiritual journey to encounter Jesus and yourself in a deeply personal way. Each day you will receive an inspirational email with a short video featuring Matthew and a member of the Dynamic Catholic Team. Simply go to DynamicCatholic.com/lent to sign up!

FIRST SUNDAY ROSARYCome one and all! You are invited to pray the Rosary with your St. Edward community ~ before the 10:45 a.m. Mass! Please join us next Sunday, March 6th at 10:20 a.m. in the Church. Rosaries

and guides will be handed out in the Gathering Space. We look forward to praying together!

ST. EDWARD CHURCHLENT ~ HOLY WEEK ~ EASTER 2016

Lenten TuesdaysMarch 1, 8, 15 (See bulletin article for topics)Soup Supper ~ Hall ~ 6:00 p.m.Speaker ~ Hall ~ 6:30 p.m.Stations of the Cross ~ Church ~ 7:00 p.m.Penance ServicesSt. Edward the Confessor, Granville: Tuesday, March 8 ~ 7:00 p.m. with Stations of the CrossOur Lady of Mt. Carmel, Buckeye Lake: Sunday, March 13 ~ 4:00 p.m.St. Francis, Newark: Monday, March 14 ~ 7:00 p.m.Fish Fry FridaysMarch 4, 11, 18 (Seniors 4:00 p.m. – General Public 5:00-7:30 p.m.)Palm SundayMarch 20 ~ Masses 5:00 p.m., 8:15, 10:45 a.m.Holy WeekConfessions, Wednesday, March 23rd ~ 7:00-8:00 p.m.Holy Thursday, March 24

Mass of the Lord’s Supper ~ 7:00 p.m.Vigil ~ After Mass until 10:00 p.m.Night Prayer ~ 10:00 p.m.

Good Friday, March 25Ecumenical Cross Walk ~ 10:45 a.m. begin at St. EdSolemn Liturgy ~ 12:30 p.m. (Only one Service)

EasterHoly Saturday ~ Easter Vigil, March 26th ~ 8:00 p.m. (No 5:00 Mass)Sunday Masses ~ March 27th ~ 7:30, 9:00, 11:00 a.m. (Note change in Mass times. No Denison Mass)

ONLINE GIVINGOur Online Giving Program has an option for the Catholic

Times subscription (suggested amount $17.00) as well as the March 6th Annual Diocesan Collection for Catholic Relief Services. Contributions to Catholic Relief Services can be made any time during the year either as a one-time or recurring to assist with the many services and programs provided by CRS.

If you are not using Online Giving, visit our website: www.saintedwards.org and click on the link to register or create a new gift. Please contact the Parish office if you have any questions at 740-587-3254.

~ Update for givers using credit cards – If you have received notice that your card has been compromised and has been replaced, you will need to go into your Online Giving account and update the payment selection then check the box for “Active.” If card is not processing you may have not made this selection and your account may still be suspended.

CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS RECORD ~ 2015You may request that the parish office send you a summary of your 2015 donations to St. Edward Church. We can also provide information about your Bishop’s Annual Appeal contribution. You can call the office at 740-587-3254 or email [email protected]. Your tax information will then be mailed or emailed to you.

The Edwardians!Thank you to the 78 Edwardians and guests who attended the Valentine/Mardi Gras Dinner Dance and The Forever Young Band for great music and songs. Gracias!

March 17 (Thursday) St. Patrick’s Day Buffet Dinner and Suitcase Theater at Sts. Peter & Paul Retreat Center. $13.00 per person. Arrive after 5:30 and eat at 6:00 p.m. Plenty of parking! Irish dinner followed by Marilyn Stocker and cast in a mystery play. Who will solve the mystery/murder? Who knows – YOU might be the victim! PREPAID Reservations due by Monday, March 14th.

April 12 Shhhh! Deluxe Motor Coach Mystery Day Trip starting at Pigfoot Square. All inclusive price of $34.00 per person (includes a wonderful complete buffet lunch)! Leave St. Edward Church at 8:30 a.m. and return by 5:00 p.m. A day of mystery and fun unwinds as we venture from Pigfoot Square. 40 people required for the bus. Invite friends! Please make your reservation as soon as possible; the deposit has been made to reserve the bus. PREPAID Reservations due by April 5th.

June 8th-14th Boston, Massachusetts Coastline and New Haven, CT motor coach trip. Accepting names for wait list in case of cancellation. Call Linda for details and itinerary. Seven days – six nights $595.00 per person double occupancy. $75.00 per person deposit required upon signing and balance in full by April 1st.

For questions or Edwardian reservations, contact Linda at 740-323-3105 or email [email protected]. For reservations, make checks payable to “The Edwardians” and mail to Linda Woolard, 481 Beacon Road, Newark, OH 43055.

You are welcome to come and join the Edwardians!

THE 7 LAST WORDS OF JESUSThe Men’s Faith sharing group invites all parishioners to join us for the Rosary and a presentation on the 7 Last Words of Jesus. The evening will begin with praying the Rosary at the tabernacle (behind the altar) at 7:00 p.m. Deacon Bob Ghiloni, retired deacon from Blessed Sacrament, will lead us through a presentation on the 7 last words of Jesus from 7:30-8:30 in the Lounge. The series will conclude on Wednesday, March 3rd. All are invited, men, women, and children; all those seeking to grow in their faith. Any questions, call Deacon John Barbour at 740-973-5583.

During Lent, we prepare ourselves for the Easter celebration of the paschal mystery: Christ’s death and resurrection. In his encyclical on the environment, Laudato Sí (On Care For Our Common Home,) Pope Francis invites us to contemplate another “joyful mystery” - the world, created by God and entrusted to our care. Our Tuesday evening talks will consider what Pope Francis is saying to us in Laudato Sí. Using themes identified by the US bishops, speaker Paul Radkowski will discuss the document from a different perspective each week. The schedule is:

This Tuesday, March 1-- Global Solidarity -- In Laudato Sí, Pope Francis identifies the need for an “integral ecology” that strengthens solidarity among all peoples of the world, especially those living in poverty. How does he use these concepts to promote the dignity of all humans everywhere? {SOUP SUPPER AT 6:00 p.m. ~ hosted by the Edwardians}

Tuesday, March 8 -- Eucharist and Creation -- As the source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist is central to our lives, including our relationship with the created world. In Laudato Sí, how does Pope Francis propose that we consider this connection between the Eucharist and creation? {SOUP SUPPER AT 6:00 p.m. ~ co-hosted by the PSR Teachers/Parents and the Preschool Teachers}

Tuesday, March 15 -- A Time to Act, A Reason to Hope -- Pope Francis calls us, as individuals and as Church, to care for our world by acting with hope. For we who are faithful followers of the risen Christ, how does Laudato Sí challenge us to live this call? {SOUP SUPPER AT 6:00 p.m. ~ co-hosted by St. Vincent De Paul, the H.S. Youth Group & the Adult Faith Formation Committee}

SVDP FEBRUARY VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTHTom Martin was elected our February Volunteer of the Month. Tom had been instrumental in many aspects of the SVdP Center volunteering at the Thrift Store, the Haven and the Food Pantry. He was also a dedicated fryer at the Fish Frys. He was a Eucharistic Minister along with his wife Sharon. They were one of two couples on the monthly counting team for the SVdP collection. Already his presence has been sorely missed. We felt we would be honoring his mission by assisting Sharon for a day. Members of the Conference will be doing some yard work and creating a Memorial Garden to Tom for Sharon to enjoy. We are planning to do the work in April or May, SVdP Month. If you would be interested in honoring Tom in this way, please call Kathi Jackson at (740) 920-4348.

ST. EDWARD FISH FRYThe popular St. Edward Fish Fry dinners in the Parish Hall will be served on Fridays through March 18th between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Seniors can be served at 4:00. Carry-out is available. Dinner prices: adults $10.00, seniors (60+) and students $8.00, children (4-12) $5.00, and children 3 and under are free. The carry-out family bucket is $34.00. On the menu: hand-breaded deep-fried ocean perch, baked perch, (macaroni & cheese for the kids), fries, salad, slaw, rolls, desserts and beverages. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up on the poster in the Gathering Space. Your donations of desserts are needed, especially pies, but all desserts are welcome. If possible, please deliver desserts to the Parish Hall on Friday mornings. For questions about donating desserts or if you can help serve desserts, please call Lenna Leo at 740-967-1977.

40 DAYS, 40 CANS: A CAN-A-DAY FOR LENTSt. Edward Monthly Collection ~ February 28thDuring the Lenten season, consider making a sacrifice for the hungry of our community. The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry is sponsoring a “40 Days, 40 Cans” campaign. Each family is asked to donate 40 cans to the pantry as their “works of love” during Lent. The pantry is in need of canned fruit, jelly, soup, spaghetti sauce, skillet dinners and personal items (toilet paper, toothpaste, laundry detergent). Families may also make a monetary donation to the pantry by placing a check in the offering, made out to St. Vincent de Paul, with Food Pantry in the memo section of the check. Thanks for thinking of the pantry during this most holy season.

BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL2016-17 School Year Questions and AnswersBlessed Sacrament School is a Catholic, Christ-centered community, K-8, whose mission it is to educate the whole child – body, mind, and soul. Blessed Sacrament will have a table in our Gathering Space after all of the Masses on March 5th and 6th to distribute information about their school. Mrs. Packham, the principal, will be available to provide information and answer any questions. Please stop by the table to find out what we have to offer in the coming year!

WELCOME SUNDAYWelcome Sunday is March 6th after both Masses. The Knights of Columbus will be providing the coffee and donuts. If your family or business would like to be a sponsor for Welcome Sunday, please contact Scott Scholten at 740-258-3287. All money collected in the jug on the donut tables is for our “Pennies For Heaven” campaign. Your generous donations go directly to support our Seminarians as well as to promote vocations. We thank you for your contributions!

STEWARDSHIP INFORMATIONThere is a Stewardship binder available on the Welcome table at Donut Sunday for anyone wishing to sign-up for new Ministries. Please stop by if you have new interests and/or want to begin serving our Parish Family in a new Ministry.EQUAL EXCHANGE INTERFAITH COFFEE PROGRAMThe Women of St. Edward will have Fairly Traded coffee, hot chocolate and chocolate candy bars for sale in the Hall. As part of the Equal Exchange Interfaith Coffee Program, the sale of fairly traded coffee helps small-scale farmers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia build a better economic future for their families and communities.

MERCY NOWA Psalm of Mercy

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you.

The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.

You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing. The Lord is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.© Catholic Life and Faith www.CatholicLifeandFaith.net

ART EXHIBITION ~ JUBILEE MUSEUM The Jubilee Museum presents The Passion of Christ: The

Crucifixion in Art, an exhibition from the Sacred Art Pilgrim Collection. The exhibition runs through March 27th and includes works of art representing the Crucifixion of Christ. In antiquity, crucifixion was considered the most shameful means of execution, reserved only for the worst criminals but by the 4th century, however, the cross symbol rose in prominence. In this exhibition there are over 50 crucifixion images and in particular, a special bronze wall cross done by sculptor Gilbert Jerome Singleton as a gift to St. John Paul II. Many of Singleton’s works are included in the collections of the Vatican. For more information please visit the Jubilee Museum and Catholic Cultural Center’s website at www.jubileemuseum.org or call 614-600-0054. The suggested donation is $10.00 per person.

THE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUPCOCKTAILS AND CONVERSATIONS

Join The Catholic Foundation’s Young Professionals Group as we hold our 4th Cocktails and Conversations event on Thursday, March 10th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at The Catholic Foundation, 257 East Broad Street, Columbus.

Are you a young professional who is interested in learning more about your personal finances? Are you wondering how to invest? Do you need a will? What is life insurance?

We are excited to host a panel of some of the top subject matter experts in Columbus who will share with you the basics of creating a financial and estate plan in your 20’s and 30’s. They will then be ready to take your questions!

Below is a list of our panel: J.P. Laframboise, CLU – Centric Financial Group, Steve Devlin – Dostal & Kirk, Matt Freiburger – Steele Investment Counsel, LTD., and Eric Van Buskirk – PNC Bank. We will also have a tax expert from GBQ Consulting.

This is an event you do not want to miss! You will gain a wealth of knowledge in a very short time! We will have food, drinks, and an opportunity to network and meet one-on-one with our speakers. The cost is $5.00 to cover food, drinks and speakers.NEW MEMBER SOCIAL

Join The Catholic Foundation’s Young Professionals Group as we invite our newest members to attend a New Member Social on Tuesday, April 26th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Ill Mannered Brewing Company, 30 Grace Drive, Powell. Come and learn more about our group. If you are a veteran member, please come and share your experiences with our new members.

As always, we will provide the first few rounds of quality craft beer for attendees. We will also have some appetizers and snacks available.

To RSVP for both events and to learn more about the group, visit http://www.meetup.com/Catholic-Young-Professionals-Columbus-Meetup/.

OHIO PRIMARY ELECTION – TUESDAY, MARCH 15Make your voice heard. Please vote. For Catholic resources, visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org.

BETHESDA POST ABORTION HEALING MINISTRY

“How long does it take to be healed? I have been to confession. I have prayed. I have tried to forget.” One can only grieve what one deeply loves. The residual effect of abortion lingers. There is hope, there is life after abortion. Bethesda Healing Ministry offers an open invitation to you to join us that you might experience the peace and hope that can be yours. There is a light in the window and welcome in the hearts of those who look forward to meeting you. We have been there and understand. 614-309-0157/614-309-2651

Un ministerio de sanacion para los que sufren despues de un aborto: Si quieres hablar con alguien en espanol, favor de llamar 614-309-0810.

The Catechism Corner

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT FEBRUARY 28, 2016

Week 3 of Lent brings us to petition 3 of the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven” in paragraphs 2822-2827. 2822 – Our Father “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim:3-4. 2823 – He has made known to us the mystery of his will. In Christ we have obtained an inheritance. We ask insistently for this loving plan to be fully realized on earth as it is already in heaven. 2824 – Jesus said on entering the world: “Lo I have come to do your will, O God.” Heb. 10:7. Only Jesus can say, “I always do what is pleasing to him.” Lk 22:42. 2825 – “Although he was a Son, Jesus learned obedience through what he suffered.” Heb:5:8. In committing ourselves to Christ we can become one spirit with him, and thereby accomplish his will, in such a way that it will be perfect on Earth as it is in Heaven. 2826 – By prayer we can discern “what is the will of God” and “obtain the endurance to do it.” 2827 – “If anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.” Jn:9:31. Such is the power of the Church’s prayer in the name of her Lord, above all in the Eucharist. Her prayer is also a communion of intercession with the all Holy Mother of God and all the saints who have been pleasing to the Lord because they willed his will alone. “Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.” Amen.

Our Old Testament Reading, the First Reading, on this Third Sunday of Lent, relates the narrative of Moses and the Burning Bush. Like many readings which we hear throughout our lives, this is an image and a story with which most of us are familiar. Also, through Moses’ experience there is a stewardship message for each of us.

As Moses approaches the bush, God calls out “Moses, Moses!” The fact that the Lord repeats Moses’ name gives the situation a sense of urgency. Perhaps God feels the same sense of urgency in relation to each of us. God calls us, and He calls us by name, but too often we do not hear, or we do not pay attention. Probably most often we are not even listening.

The second aspect of stewardship indicated in this passage from Holy Scripture is found in God’s next statement, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Removing sandals was an act of respect, a sign of humility. To fully live lives of stewardship requires these traits from each of us – to be alert and aware that God is speaking to us, but we must listen, and to live our lives, especially our stewardship lives, with a sense of humility. That is, after all, how we really show love for our God and for one another. www.catholicsteward.com.

OUR AGENDA FOR THE YEAR OF MERCY

The Corporal Works of Mercy: Feed the Hungry

Give Drink to the Thirsty Clothe the Naked

Shelter the Homeless Visit the Sick

Visit the Imprisoned Bury the Dead

The Spiritual Works of Mercy: Counsel the Doubtful Instruct the Ignorant Admonish Sinners

Comfort the Afflicted Forgive Offenses

Bear Wrongs Patiently Pray for the Living and the Dead

www.CatholicLifeandFaith.net

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK:

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Mathnasium Tagline

The Mathnasium tagline describes Mathnasium’s mission in a simple and direct way that resonates with parents and differentiates us from the competition. It can appear on either a white or black background and should be displayed in either of the ways shown below:

We Make Math Make Sense.

We Make Math Make Sense.

Computer Advisors Inc.

BarB Castro,ProPrietor/Parishioner

614-751-8191computeradvisors.com

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7650 Rivers Edge Dr. Suite 250 Columbus, OH 43235 [email protected]

Mickey’s Roofing,Roofing, Gutter & Small Roofing Repairs

Free Estimates3013 Raccoon Valley Rd. • Granville

740-587-2645www.mickeysroofing.com

INDEPENDENT TERMITE & PEST CONTROL, INC.831-1/2 Buckeye Ave., Newark, OH 43055

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InvestmentsCommon StocksMunicipal BondsCorporate BondsTreasury BondsMutual FundsAdvisory AccountsFixed/ Fixed/ Variable Annuities

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Call Laura VonBruenchenhein for all your real estate needs!

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[email protected] • lauravonb.com190 E. Broad Street, Pataskala, OH 43062

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Mathnasium Tagline

The Mathnasium tagline describes Mathnasium’s mission in a simple and direct way that resonates with parents and differentiates us from the competition. It can appear on either a white or black background and should be displayed in either of the ways shown below:

We Make Math Make Sense.

We Make Math Make Sense.

R.A. LONGPAINTING

(740) 348-2900 • www.LMHealth.org

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ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS& SPORTS MEDICINE, INC.

Complete Orthopedic Care1980 Tamarack Road,Newark, Ohio, 43055

(740) 788-9220

Licking County’s Local Orthopedic Group Since 1986

“What page, what passage of the inspired books of the Old and New Testaments is not the truest of guides for human life?” ~Saint Benedict, from the Rule of Saint Benedict (73:3)

“Our whole life should be centered on the will of the Father, expressed clearly and obviously in the law given to us by God – summed up in the Ten Commandments and epitomized most perfectly in the one great commandment to love God with all our hearts and minds and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.”

EXCERPTED FROM “LIFE AND HOLINESS” BY FR. THOMAS MERTON, OCSO

Monday, February 29 ~ Third Week in the Season of Lent

Holy Gospel: Luke 4:24-30 Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

Meditation: When Jesus went to his home town and spoke in the synagogue, his statement that no prophet or servant of God can receive honor among his own people was rather startling to those in attendance. He then angered them when he complimented the gentiles who seemed to have shown more faith in God than the “chosen ones” of Israel. They regarded gentiles as “fuel for the fires of hell.” Jesus' praise for “outsiders” caused them offence because they were blind-sighted to God's mercy and plan of redemption for all nations. The word of warning and judgment spoken by Jesus was met with hostility by his own people. They forcibly threw him out of the city and would have done him harm had he not stopped them. The Lord offers us freedom and pardon and the grace to walk in his way of righteousness. His discipline is for our good that we may share his holiness (Hebrews 12:10). “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates reproof is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1). Do you seek the Lord for instruction and help so you can grow in holiness?

Prayer: May your unfailing compassion, O Lord, cleanse and protect your Church, and since without you she cannot stand secure, may she be always governed by your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: What limits God's grace and power in our lives to undergo change and transformation of mind and heart? Our indifference and lack of faith for starters! The prophets confronted God's people with their indifference and unbelief. God's grace and mercy is offered freely to those who seek it with sincerity, repentance, and faith. When Naaman, a non-Jew went to Jerusalem to seek a cure, the prophet Elisha instructed him to bathe in the river. In faith he obeyed and was healed. Jesus did not hesitate to confront his own people with their indifference and unbelief. Have you looked at where your faith life is? Are you indifferent? Are you lukewarm about your faith, and how you live out your faith? If so, it’s time to set your faith on fire. But you need first to rid yourself of those things which hold you back – whatever they may be. Pray that you will rid yourself of these barriers. Then free from those things which hold us back, may our faith lives flourish and bear much fruit.

Tuesday, March 1 ~ Third Week in the Season of Lent

Holy Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35 Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before

him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

Meditation: Who wouldn't be grateful to have someone release them from their debts? But can we really expect mercy and pardon when we owe someone a great deal? The prophet Amos speaks of God forgiving transgression three times, but warns that God may not revoke punishment for the fourth (see Amos 1:3-13; 2:1-6). When Peter posed the question of forgiveness, he characteristically offered an answer he thought Jesus would be pleased with. Why not forgive seven times! How unthinkable for Jesus to counter with the proposition that one must forgive seventy times that. Jesus made it clear that there is no reckonable limit to forgiveness. And he drove the lesson home with a parable about two very different kinds of debts. The first man owed an enormous sum of money – millions in our currency. In Jesus' time this amount was greater than the total revenue of a province – more than it would cost to ransom a king! The man who was forgiven such an incredible debt could not, however bring himself to forgive his neighbor a very small debt which was about one- hundred-thousandth of his own debt. The contrast could not have been greater!

Prayer: May your grace not forsake us, O Lord, we pray, but make us dedicated to your holy service and at all times obtain for us your help. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: There is no way we could repay God the debt we owed him because of our sins and offenses. Only his mercy and pardon could free us from such a debt. Despite how we may feel at times toward people in our lives, there is no offense our neighbor can do to us that can compare with our debt to God! If God has forgiven each of us our debt, we, too must forgive others the debt they owe us. Through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross – which atoned for our sins – each one of us have been forgiven a debt beyond all reckoning. It cost God his very own Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to ransom us with the price of his blood. Jesus paid the price for us and won for us pardon for our sins and freedom from slavery to our unruly desires and sinful habits. God in his mercy offers us the grace and help of his Holy Spirit so we can love as he loves, pardon as he pardons, and treat others with the same mercy and kindness which he has shown to us. God has made his peace with us. Have you made your peace with God? Have you reconciled yourself with God? Especially during Lent we are called to reconcile ourselves with God and with one another. A healthy trip to the confessional to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a first and important start. Have you been to confession lately? If not, why not?

Wednesday, March 2 ~ Third Week in the Season of Lent

Holy Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Meditation: Notice how Jesus consistently taught reverence for God's law – reverence for God himself, for the Lord's Day, reverence or respect for parents, respect for life, for property, for another person's good name, respect for oneself and for one's neighbor lest wrong or hurtful desires master us. Reverence and respect for God's commandments teach us the way of love – love of God and love of neighbor. What is impossible to men and women is possible to God and those who put their faith and trust in God. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit the Lord transforms us and makes us like himself. We are a new creation in Christ (ref. 2 Cor. 5:17) because “God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). God gives us the grace to love as he loves, to forgive as

he forgives, to think as he thinks, and to act as he acts. The Lord loves justice and goodness and he hates every form of wickedness and sin. He wants to set us free from our unruly desires and sinful habits, so that we can choose to live each day in the peace, joy, and righteousness of his Holy Spirit (ref. Romans 14: 17). To renounce sin is to turn away from what is harmful and destructive for our minds and hearts, and our very lives. As his followers we must love and respect his commandments and hate every form of sin. Do you love and revere the commands of the Lord?

Prayer: Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, schooled through Lenten observance and nourished by your word, through holy restraint we may be devoted to you with all our heart and be ever united in prayer. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: How do you look upon the laws of God? Negatively? Positively? Pick-and-choose when it suits you (the old “cafeteria Catholic” approach)? Jesus' attitude towards the law of God can be summed up in the great prayer of Psalm 119: "Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day." For the people of Israel the "law" could refer to the Ten Commandments or to the five Books of Moses, called the Pentateuch, which explain the commandments and ordinances of God for his people. The "law" also referred to the whole teaching or way of life which God gave to his people. The Jews in Jesus' time also used it as a description of the oral or scribal law. Needless to say, the scribes added many more things to the law than God intended. That is why Jesus often condemned the scribal law. It placed burdens on people which God had not intended. Jesus, however, made it very clear that the essence of God's law – his commandments and his way of life – must be fulfilled. So, once again, how do you view God’s law? How do you put God’s law into action and practice in your daily life?

Thursday, March 3 ~ Third Week in the Season of Lent Saints Katherine Drexel, Virgin

Holy Gospel: Luke 11:14-23 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

Meditation: Jesus himself encountered personal opposition and battled with Satan when he was put to the test in the wilderness just before his public ministry. He overcame the evil one through his obedience to the will of his Father. Some of the Jewish leaders reacted vehemently to Jesus' healings and exorcisms and they opposed him with malicious slander. How could he get the power and authority to release individuals from Satan's power? They assumed that he had to be in league with Satan. They attributed his power to Satan rather than to God. Jesus answers their charge with two arguments. There were many exorcists in Palestine in Jesus' time. So Jesus retorted by saying that they also incriminate their own kin who cast out demons. If they condemn Jesus they also condemn themselves. In his second argument he asserts that no kingdom divided against itself cannot survive for long. We have witnessed enough civil wars in our own time to prove the destructive force at work here for the annihilation of whole peoples and their land. If Satan lends his power against his own forces then he is finished. How can a strong person be defeated except by someone who is stronger? Jesus asserted his power and authority to cast out demons as a clear demonstration of the reign of God. Jesus' reference to the finger of God points back to Moses' confrontation with Pharaoh and his magicians who represented Satan and the kingdom of darkness (see Exodus 8:19).

Prayer: God of love, you called Saint Katharine Drexel to teach the message of the Gospel and to bring the life of the Eucharist to the Native American and African American peoples; by her prayers and example, enable us to work for justice among the poor and the oppressed, and keep us undivided in love in the Eucharistic community of your Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: We live in a world of compromise. And yet, there are some aspects of our life that we just cannot afford to compromise on – especially our faith life: the laws of God, the teachings of Christ, and the teachings of the one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Remember, the teachings of the Church have their foundation in the laws of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ, and are applied to contemporary situations. Jesus makes it clear that there are no neutral parties. We are either for Jesus or against him, for the kingdom of God or against it. Once we start going down the road of compromise, we turn against God and Jesus, because we begin to place our will above and before the will of God (sound familiar – Adam and Eve?). There are two kingdoms in opposition to one another – the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness under the rule of Satan. If we disobey God’s word – if we compromise God’s word – then we open to door to the power of sin and Satan in our lives. If you want to live in freedom from sin and Satan, then your house – your life and all you possess – must be occupied by Jesus where he is enthroned as Lord and Savior. Is the Lord Jesus the Master of your home, heart, mind, and will?

Friday, March 4 ~ Third Week in the Season of Lent Saint Casimir of Poland

Holy Gospel: Mark 12:28-34 One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Meditation: The Pharisees prided themselves in the knowledge of the law and their ritual requirements. They made it a life-time practice to study the six hundred and thirteen precepts of the Old Testament along with the numerous rabbinic commentaries. They tested Jesus to see if he correctly understood the law as they did. Jesus startled them with his profound simplicity and mastery of the law of God and its purpose. What does God require of us? Simply that we love as he loves! God is love and everything he does flows from his love for us. God loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding grace and kindness towards us. The love of God comes first and the love of neighbor is firmly grounded in the love of God. The more we know of God's love and truth the more we love what he loves and reject what is hateful and contrary to his will. What, then, makes our love for God and his commands grow in us? Faith in God and hope in his promises strengthens us in the love of God. They are essential for a good relationship with God, for being united with him. The more we know of God the more we love him and the more we love him the greater we believe and hope in his promises. The Lord, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, gives us a new freedom to love as he loves.

Prayer: Almighty God, to serve you is to reign; grant that, with the help of Saint Casimir's intercession, we may constantly serve you in holiness and justice. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: In light of today’s gospel the following prayer of Saint Anselm is worth contemplating today: "We love you, O our God; and we desire to love you more and more. Grant to us that we may love you as much as we desire, and as much as we ought. O dearest friend, who has so loved and saved us, the thought of whom is so sweet and always growing sweeter, come with Christ and dwell in our hearts; that you keep a watch over our lips, our steps, our deeds, and we shall not need to be anxious either for our souls or our bodies. Give us love, sweetest of all gifts, which knows no enemy. Give us in our hearts pure love, born of your love to us, that we may love others as you love us. O most loving Father of Jesus Christ, from whom flows all love, let our hearts, frozen in sin, cold to you and cold to others, be warmed by this divine fire. So help and bless us in your Son."

Scripture passages (NAB translation) courtesy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; prayers are from The Roman Missal, Catholic Book Publishing, 2011;

information about saints, solemnities, feasts and memorials courtesy of Catholic Culture. frlumpe:2016