Today, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Lectionary begins this year’s cycle of Sunday Gospel readings from Matthew. Note that John the Baptist, having been arrested, is no longer on the scene. This, in fact, signals to Jesus that the time for his public ministry is at hand. And so, Jesus “withdrew (literally “returned”) to Galilee, the northern part of the country of Israel, known as the land of the Gentiles because of its large non‐Jewish population. It is here on the shores of the Sea of Galilee that Jesus began his ministry of shining light. The light grows in brightness as the Kingdom of Heaven becomes increasingly realized through Jesus’ teaching and miracles. (Matthew 4:17)

Pope Francis has also designated this Third Sunday of Ordinary Time as Sunday of the Word of God. The Holy Father says: “Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the word of God, can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches. God has hidden in his word all treasures, so that each of us may find a richness in what he or she contemplates.” In gratitude for so great a gift of the Scriptures, all are invited to an inspiring Soup and Study of St. John’s Gospel this coming Lent, in order to deepen our relationship with the living word that we may grow in love and faithful witness. Please see the bulletin for more details.

Are you new to our parish? We welcome you with open arms to our worshipping community! I do hope that you find here a home of caring community life and spiritual growth in the Lord. We wish to honor you, welcome you and invite you to a delicious “New Parishioner Breakfast” to take place on Saturday, February 1st at 10:00 a.m. Please stop by the Welcome Table today after Mass. Please see the bulletin for more details! We are glad you are here!

Love, Fr. Vince