Reflection by Greg Sunter

In today’s gospel passage we see the importance that the gospel of Matthew gives to portraying Jesus as the fulfilment of scripture. Throughout this gospel, the author is at pains to demonstrate that Jesus fulfils prophecy. The purpose in doing this was not only to tie Jesus into the prophecies of the Messiah but to demonstrate that Jesus was part of God’s plan all along. This gospel was written at a time when there were growing tensions between early Christian communities and mainstream Jews. By highlighting the

fulfilment of scripture, the author attempts to firstly reassure the Christian community in the face of aggression and resentment from the mainstream Jews and secondly, challenge those who oppose the Christian sect to see this movement as just another thread in the ancient story of their people. Having established the credentials of Jesus, the gospel writer then provides a summary of the teaching that will be played out in the gospel, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ Repent had a far more powerful meaning than what we tend to ascribe to it today. Much more than simply being sorry, repent carried with it a sense of turning one’s life around; making amends for past failures; and choosing a whole new direction for one’s life. Literally, it meant a ‘change of mind’. To demonstrate the urgency and strength of this teaching, Jesus calls his first four disciples who immediately drop what they are doing and set out on a new life with him. These disciples are the first of many to ‘repent’ and turn their lives around.

Australia Day First Reading

Is 32:15-18

Second Reading

Rom 12:9-13

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 84:9-14. R. v.9

(R.) The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

1. I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace. His help is near for those who fear him and his glory will dwell in our land. (R.)

2. Mercy and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced. Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth and justice look down from heaven. (R.)

3. The Lord will make us prosper and our earth shall yield its fruit. Justice shall march before him and peace shall follow his steps. (R.)

Gospel Acclamation

Mt 5:9 Alleluia, alleluia! Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called children of God. Alleluia!

Gospel

Mt 5:2-15

Best wishes to all the students and

teachers going back to school

next week!

26th January 2020 - Australia Day This Weekend Fr Michael will be using:

Preface of Australia Day & Eucharistic Prayer II

Anniversaries Carmen Azzopardi Doris Azzopardi Andrew Minotti Francisca Reyes Menandro Diola Fabiana Rabada Paula Donelan Tony Donelan John Paine Andrew Minotti Olive Payne Joe Larko Fr Henry van Riel Nell Hart Gregory Harland John Rauch May Mitchell Michael Hayes Sr Concepta rsm

James Willis Fr Aub Edwards Ruth Harvey Juanito Lugo Megan Laws Ursula Poole John Hunt Joan Rauchle Norma Ellis Fr John O’Connor Walter Palmer Charles Zorawski Jack Nagle Di Lloyd Fr Boniface Cotter Fr Russell Redford The sick Kelly McClellan John Moore

Stella Tegg Yvonne Wiley Emma Woods Pat Ellington Geoffrey Langford Barry Redman John Doyle Elaine Moore Kevin Goldman Ian Wiley Isobel Hermann Steven Brindle Tom Pulchinski Mary Burdekin Margaret Cini Rosa Maria Santos Don Blanford Mary Davis Roy Spence Jenny Campbell

Paige Humphreys John Laarhoven Mary Rupapara Paul Duncan Margaret Pearce Martin Gorman Madonna Dechphant Michael Kelly Christine Bell Kai Clarke Wendy Hartcher Recently deceased Andrew Jones Terry Griffin Noelene Milson Aunty Jessie Williams Fr Tony Casey Brian Baker

Towards Healing Hotline: 1300 369 977-for advice & assistance concerning church-related abuse.

SUNDAY MASS TIMES Saturday Vigil 6pm; Sunday 7:30am and 9am

SACRAMENTS RECONCILIATION: Saturday 11:30am to 12:30pm and any time on request BAPTISMS: By appointment. A few weeks notice is required. WEDDINGS: By request. 6-12 months notice is required.

*Our Lady of the Way Chapel - Located in the grounds of Sawtell Catholic Care - 3 Marian Place, Toormina.

Parish Office: 1/44 Boronia Street, Sawtell Telephone: 6658 3544 Email: sawtell@bigpond.net.au Website: sawtellcatholicchurch.com.au

Lenten Program 2020 Lent begins with Ash Wednesday - 26th February 2020. First Sunday of Lent - 1st March, concluding with Palm Sunday - 5th April. If you would like a book for the Lenten Program or to join a group - please write your name on the form in the annexe. Or call the Parish Office. Books are $8.

National Pilgrimage of Relics of St Therese & her parents Saints Lois & Zellie Martin

Grace is a 76- page, full

colour book containing short daily reflections perfect for

individual devotional reading in addition to the longer-form

Sunday Gospel reflections, spiritual direction, Gospel

readings, responsorial psalms, prayers and reflection

questions that traditionally form part of Lenten group

gatherings.

First Eucharist will be on Sunday, 29th March. Groups will commence shortly. Keep an eye on our website for further

information.

Tuesday, 18th February at MHOC Church 3pm Official welcome & liturgy 3:30pm Private Veneration 6:30pm Communal Rosary 7pm Mass 8pm Farewell of Relics

If you are interested in joining the team to prepare for this event, we would love to hear from you. Please contact the Parish Office this week.

Next Weekend Presentation of the Lord

Bring in your candles from home to be blessed at Mass

(all Masses).

1st & 2nd Feb 6pm 7:30am 9am

CO-ORDINATOR Jennifer Oliver Volunteer Please Don Kirkaldy

SACRISTAN Volunteer Please Les Michalik Brigid Flannery

READER Les Thornborough Gwen Nyhan Lorraine Kirkaldy

RESP./PRAYER Jenny Triglone Deb O’Rorke Dawn Sillato

SPECIAL MINISTER Jacob de Dassel Mark Henschke Ellen Leary

OF THE EUCHARIST Margaret Ryan Kyra Quin Brigid Flannery

Greg Ryan Michael Hewitt Louise Thompson

OFFERTORY Watts Family Norma & Carolyn Roff Family

WELCOMING Mary McNamara Sheila Latham Nadia Bridge

POWERPOINT OP Jennifer Oliver Volunteer Please Volunteer Please

ALTAR SERVERS Group 1 Group 7 Group 9

Tuesday 28th St Thomas Aquinas 9:30am Church

Wednesday 29th 9:30am Chapel

Thursday 30th 5:00pm Church

Friday 31st St John Bosco 9:30am Church

Office closed Monday, 27th January - Public holiday