St. Hilary Dinner Auction is coming!
Reserve the date, February 17, at Monastero’s Restaurant.
The auction items will amaze you!
In today's first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses tells the people that the Lord will raise up a prophet like Moses to whom they should listen. The people asked for a prophet like this because they were terrified by the manifestations of God on Mount Horeb. This prophet was to be one of their own. He would speak in the name of the Lord. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy of Moses.
Returning to Capernaum on the sabbath, Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were amazed because he taught them with authority. An unclean spirit interrupted his teaching so Jesus rebuked it. The spirit also recognized the authority of Jesus and immediately came out of the man with a loud cry and convulsions.
It seems odd to find an unclean spirit in the synagogue, a house of prayer. What better place to interfere with God’s people and their efforts to worship and connect with their God and Father? Our sabbath worship is likewise central to our identity as followers of Christ. At the Last Supper he instructed his apostles to “do this in memory of me.” “When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.” If our lives have become too busy to keep holy the Lord’s Day, then we have lost or will soon lose our identity as Christians. Our connection with the Body of Christ in the congregation and in Holy Communion is that important.
Today’s prophets call us to put down our "busyness" and listen to what God has to say. We have recognized prophets like John Paul II and Mother Theresa. Do we recognize the prophets who are even closer, here in our own community?
One of the proven and most successful methods of sharing the truths of Jesus has been the Catholic schools. The sacrifices of faith-filled lay men and women built the schools and since then they have been staffed by dedicated religious and lay teachers and staff who make every effort to share their Catholic faith with our children. St. Hilary School continues that tradition bringing the power of the gospel to another generation of children today.
If you are a parent, make it a point everyday to talk about their day with your children. Don't hesitate to point out the ways in which God is working in their lives and in yours as well. If you are a grandparent, share the stories of your faith with your grandchildren. Your example can help your children to share their faith also. As for the rest of us, let us give the best example we can for our children and for one another. We are called to be a holy people and we often need to remind each other of what that really means.