A Reflection on the Beatitudes ~ by Phyllis Booth

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Zep 2:3; 3:12-13
Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
1 Cor 1:26-31
Mt 5:1-12a

Life is a Journey... Enjoy It! The journey of life Jesus revealed in the Sermon on the Mount described the old covenant and the New Life we are to enjoy if we embraced the Holy Spirit and let the old order pass away.

Jesus used life values of the people to help them to imagine or have a vision of how the New Life would be. The poor in spirit, those with a clean heart and the peacemakers would see God and join Him in heaven. The mourners must accept the new order and believe the Word of God to be comforted. Many Christians today are mourning over the economy and have lost faith in self and God. The challenge for them is to accept changes in life, move from the darkness and see the light at the end of the tunnel by trying new things, preparing self to live in the new age and seeking God's love and help.

The same challenge includes the meek, the merciful and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Because we are made in the image of God, we are given grace and certain gifts that will lead us to eternal life. But when we stop seeking, loving and pleasing God, God will use steps to bring us back to him. Sometimes the storms of life are to discipline us in ways that direct us to develop new life habits, skills and understandings of how Faithful God is. God wants to transform us to bring those in most need of His mercy to the Kingdom.


~ Image: Jesus on the Mount by Gerard Hoet

~ Image from: Truth Book

Jesus, the Light of the World ~ by Ronnie Archer

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 8:23-9:3-1
Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
1 Cor 1:10-13, 17
Mt 4:12-23

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom, a light has shone." (Is 9:1)

"I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, that all of you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose." (1 Cor 1:10)

The first reading of this Sunday, as well as the Gospel, share the theme of "light". Our second reading from St. Paul to the Corinthians, urges unity among the community; for it had been reported that there were rivalries and division among them. Christ went to the cross for all.

Jesus challenges/invites us through our Baptism, to continue His work on earth. First, we have to believe that we are called, and realize that when we "cast our nets"... that from what we gather, we will have to decide which of that is worth keeping or which we need to discard... We have to separate the "wheat from the chaff".

We need to let go of the sins that we have been used to in our life, and trust in something much different from the sin. We will have to pray for strength to not give in to temptation and sin.

Our old ways will pass away when we accept our call and when we truly claim Jesus Christ as our Savior. When we accept our call, Jesus invites us to lift up our voices and to be active. We are called not to be afraid to speak out in truth, to go forth wherever we find ourselves and to stand up for justice when we recognize that something is wrong.

It is easier to just "blend in", and pretend that we don't notice, but we cannot become complacent. We have to step out on faith and speak truth.

We are called to be that light of hope to others. We should open our hearts and arms as Jesus did.

The apostles were going about their routine chores when Jesus saw and called them. Jesus had such an impact on them that they heard and with hope, they stopped the tasks that they were doing and followed Jesus.

Jesus wants His light to shine through to us, through our Baptism, His call is meant for us all.

We pray that we can see what the apostles saw so we too, can live His way and truly follow Him.

Let's pray also, that our parish can continue to be a beacon of light in our community.


~ Art by Free Christ Images

St. E's Advent/Christmas Projects! - A Note of Thanks by Mary Walker

We are grateful to all who generously gave during the 3 Advent/Christmas Projects sponsored by Social Ministry and other Outreach Programs.

~ With a goal of 300, we received a combination of 350 canned goods and non-perishable items, which were donated to St. Paul's Catholic Church. Their food pantry is an outreach program of the Richmond Food Bank.

~ We collected 195 pairs of socks and 20 assorted bags of candy for the "Socks & Sweets for Soldiers". We collaborated with All Saints School on this project and we thank principal, Ken Soistman, and Barbara Williford for bring this special project to our attention.

~ For several years, St. E's has been involved in a community outreach with Overby-Sheppard Elementary School. Our coordinator with this program is Mieko Timmons. This Christmas ten school families were provided gifts from St. Michael's Catholic Church. St. E's Choir and the Men's and Women's Groups gave three families grocery store gift cards. Several other churches provided gift cards to the other seven families. We had one additional request for help through Social Ministry. That family was helped with monetary donations given by several parish members.

Your generous hearts and spirit of giving made a wonderful difference in the lives of many people that we don't know, yet care about. Thank you so much. May God bless each of you for your generosity to those in need.


Mary Walker, Social Ministry/Outreach Chairperson


Look for more ways to share with others this Lent and early Summer!


~ Free image by Clker.com

No longer Servants ~ A Reflection by M.A. Allen

Sermon of St. John the Baptist (cropped)
Pieter Bruegel the Elder, 1566


Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 49:3, 5-6
Ps 40:2 and 4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10
1 Cor 1:1-3
John 1:29-34

In the First Reading from Isaiah, we discover once again how great a love God has for His people. Though the Israelites were considered servants of the Lord, "through whom I show my glory" (Is 49:3), we now learn that the title of "servant" is not good enough for the people God loves. The Lord decides instead, on a much more important designation and one that will have far reaching effects as salvation history unfolds.

God appoints His people to be "a light to the nations" so that "my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." (Is 49:6) We too, as People of God, are to be that light to the nations that Isaiah spoke of. In our lives today, we are to focus our attention on others; to show them that God loves us infinitely and forever; and that we have no control over His love for us. Even when we sin, God never stops loving us.

God sent His Son, Jesus, to explain His Father's Love to us and to let us know that anyone can come to the Lord. Our task is to go out and tell the world this Good News.

John the Baptist points to Jesus as the One who will baptize not with water as John did, but with the Spirit. John testified that he saw the Spirit come down like a dove and remain on Jesus and heard the Father's words, convincing him that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. (John 1:29ff)

This same Jesus was preached by Paul to the people of Corinth. Paul reminded them that with their Baptism into this new life, they are called to be holy and to realize they are now in union with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 1:1-3)

The psalmist recognized long ago that the only response to the love that our Heavenly Father has for us, His people, was this: "...to do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart." (Ps 40:9) We must do the same...


~ Free Christ Images

In Memory of Gertrude Allen + January 8, 2011

Photographs taken right before Christmas 2010, during a visit by Rosemary Overton, Mieko Timmons and Mary Ann Allen.



~ Photos by Mieko Timmons

This is my Beloved Son ~ A Reflection by M. A. Allen

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Is 42:104, 6-7
Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 (11b)
Acts 10:34-38
Matt 3:13-17

Today, we come to the end of the Christmas Season. It is fitting to close this season with Jesus' Baptism by John at the Jordan River because it marks the true beginning of Jesus' active ministry of proclaiming the Good News.

John the Baptist was the herald announcing Jesus' coming. However, from now on, the Baptist's role would diminish and the ministry of Jesus would take center stage.

We can discover what kind of ministry to expect from Jesus and what His Good News will be about by carefully reading the tender words of Isaiah in the first reading. Isaiah tells us that Jesus' ministry will be a servant ministry and one that has been approved and upheld by His Heavenly Father. Jesus will not minister by shouting or crying out to make a statement. Instead, He will protect the "bruised reed" and shelter the "smoldering wick"; those of us who are hurting and in need of His comfort. Jesus will cure and set us free from the sins that bind us and keep us from living fully as God's holy people. (Is 42 ff)

Jesus' Baptism has a special meaning for us also. Our own Baptism activates a new dimension to our lives; something greater than ones self begins. We have now become "Children of the Light" - precious sons and daughters of God the Father and a brother to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

We become part of the community of believers which encompasses not only our parish family, but all who profess Jesus Christ as Lord, wherever they may be.

As the psalmist reminds us: we are to give the Lord the glory and praise that is due His name. We believe and trust that "the Lord will bless His people with peace." (Ps 29:11b)


~ Image from the Bible Picture Gallery

January Birthdays at St. E's ~ by Ethel Cooley

Happy Birthday, Everyone!






01/01/2011 ~ Tracey Lamb

01/04/2011 ~ Nat Kaine

01/05/2011 ~ Alberto Moore

01/06/2011 ~ Sharon Morton and Patrice Schwermer

01/10/2011 ~ Almetia Strother

01/13/2011 ~ Rosalie Robinson

01/15/2011 ~ Grace Ponton

01/16/2011 ~ Mary Hill and Alicia Terreforte

01/20/2011 ~ Charice Jones


~ Clipart by Webweaver

Going Home!

After 11 years in the United States, Fr. Francois will finally be able to make a trip home to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There will be joy in Kinshasa when his family and friends greet him at the airport. We wish him a safe trip and a wonderful reunion with his family.

A monetary contribution was made to Fr. Francois to help him with his travel expenses. Parish groups contributing were the Men's Group, the Women's Group and the St. Elizabeth Gospel Choir.

If you would like to contribute, do so to these groups. Your funds will help refill their treasuries.

Sincerely,

Shelton Jones, Chair
St. Elizabeth Pastoral Council

Attention: Pastoral Council Meeting
January 20th at 6:30 p.m.
Church Hall


~ Image by Bigfoto

Epiphany 2011: "YOUR LIGHT HAS COME" ~ by Ronnie Archer

Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord

Is 60:106
Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matt 2:1-12

On this feast of the Epiphany, our first reading of Isaiah tells us to "Rise up in splendor, your light has come." (Is 60:1)

The world was in darkness, people were living with no direction. Jesus came to bring His Light and hope to the world.

Life very often consists of lots of struggles and challenges for us. God knew that we needed someone to help us and show us the way, His way of living... so HE sent His Son, Jesus.

Jesus came to us in the form of a tiny infant... just as we, ourselves, came into the world. The three Kings were on a journey to find this Infant, as we, in this world are also on a journey.

When we begin to depart on a trip, we need the help of a "roadmap"... the Kings did not have that type of roadmap, but God gave them the star to follow, as their "map" ...a sign of direction, to show them exactly where the Infant Jesus would be found. This infant was special and the three "Wise Kings" recognized that He was the Son of God. They prostrated themselves before Him, brought gifts and worshiped and praised Him.

In the second reading of St. Paul to the Ephesians, we hear that the mystery was not made known to people of other generations, as it had now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. (Eph 3:5-6) He not only came for the Jews, but He came for ALL people. He is all of our Savior, the Universal King!

Some of us want to follow that "Star", but we might be afraid to take risks. Sometimes we might have to take "sensible risks" ... risks that might just take us out of our comfort zone, to follow Jesus, if we want to get to our "destination", which is heaven. That is how we gain faith and eternal life.

God is the Father of all people and we should respect all people, being tolerant, accepting diversity. We are People of God, and our primary "duty" is to give Him honor, praise and worship.

The way that we live should always glorify God, learning to live in peace and harmony with all of His people. He wants to bring all of His people together.

Recognizing all of the darkness that is now in our world, our nation, and our communities, it is our obligation to take up this Light of the New Born Christ and carry it to others.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST... AND PEACE TO HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH!!!

~ Image by Hermanoleon Clipart