The first experience of Jesus as one whose word affects what he says occurs in the synagogue. Here Jesus encounters an unclean spirit. The spirit makes the first move, naming Jesus as the Holy One of God. In biblical thought, naming a person gave you some degree of power over that person. Not here. With a few quick words, Jesus asserts his authority: “Quiet! Come out of him!” How fitting that Jesus’ first public act in the first Gospel to be written down is to free a human being from an evil spirit that has brought him chaos and destruction. This event reveals Jesus as one who came to free us from all that oppresses and beats us down. This liberation continues to be the work of all who follow Jesus.
Please join me at the Parish Appreciation Tailgate Party next Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM. Here we will recognize the recipient of the Father Straub Service Award, and celebrate ALL that you do for Holy Cross Church! Keeping with the tailgate theme, please feel free to wear your favorite team colors!
Thursday, February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a day when the Church blesses candles. Because there is no Mass on Thursday, the candles will be blessed on Wednesday and will be available in the back of the church for use in your home.
Friday, February 3 is the Memorial of St. Blaise, the traditional day for the blessing of throats. There will be individual Blessing of Throats during the 8:00 AM Mass and we will extend a general blessing at all weekend Masses.
This week is Catholic Schools Week. The theme is “Faith, Academics, Service,” the three pillars of Catholic Education. As we celebrate this week we all can focus on how we promote these values in everyday living.
Our Responsorial Psalm this week, "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts," reminds us to quiet our souls in order to listen to God’s voice in our hearts.
