Teaching with Authority ~ 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) ~ by Ronnie Archer

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dt 18:15-20
Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9
1 Cor 7:32-35
Mk 1:21-28

In the Deuteronomy reading, the people of Israel weren't yet prepared to have an encounter with God. They feared hearing HIS voice; neither did they want to see the great fire anymore. They feared they would die!

Moses was considered to be the "model" of a prophet, since he was the one who God spoke through to His people. Moses assured the people that after his death, "the Lord would raise up for them, a prophet like him, from their own kin." (Dt 18:18) God would put His words into his mouth. That prophet shall tell them all that God commands him. Whoever did not listen to the prophet would speak in HIS name, would have to answer for it.

St. Paul, in the second reading to the people of Corinth, is saying that since the unmarried are free of responsibilities of marriage and home life, they are better able to devote themselves to the works of the Lord.

The Gospel of Mark this week, tells of the time that Jesus and the Apostles went to Capernaum, and entered the synagogue to teach. There was an unclean spirit that had attached itself to one of them. The people were amazed at Jesus' teaching, and astonished to see the authority with which Jesus confronted the unclean spirit and how it obeyed Him, immediately coming out of the man.

A teacher should always show good example. We have to open ourselves to Jesus' teaching, asking Him to drive out our "unclean spirits"... because we are all called to teach and spread the GOOD NEWS about Jesus. We can do that best IF we are ourselves, living in God's will and ... "Walking in Authority".


~ Artist: James J. Tissot (1836-1902) - The Pharisees Question Jesus Christ

1st Diocesan Young Adult Retreat ~ sent by Mieko Timmons

Bert Drummond of the Office for Evangelization of Youth and Young Adults has sent the following information concerning the 1st Diocesan Young Adult Retreat.

Date: March 16 - 18, 2012

Place: Wintergreen Resort (near Waynesboro and Crozet, VA)

For whom: Young adults (18-29). Married couples, engaged couples and singles are all welcome.

Cost: $75.00 per person which includes lodging and food for the weekend. There is an additional fee for a private room and a discount for married couples attending together.

Registration: 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16th. The retreat will begin promptly at 8:30 p.m. The retreat will end by 12:00 noon on Sunday, March 18th.

Facilitator: Todd Lemieux, who has been leading retreats for all ages for 12 years. Author of "100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know." The theme of the retreat is "Ordinary Holiness" and is based on the writings of Saint Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei.


Register online at www.tinyurl.com/CDRyoungadultretreat


One registration is required for each individual. All registrations will close at 4:30 p.m. on March 2, 2012. Space is truly limited, so be sure to register early.

Check out the retreat's Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/CDRyoungadultretreat

Repent and believe: The call to Conversion ~ Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (4a)
1 Cor 7:29-31
Mk 1:14-20

Our readings this week speak to us about the need of conversion. A change in the way we do things; a change in the way we live. The sins of the people of Nineveh caused God to decide on the destruction of this pagan city; and he told the prophet Jonah to announce that this would happen. Surprisingly the people were receptive to Jonah's words and believed what he had to tell them. God's grace caused a conversion in each of them and they put on sack cloth and called for a fast. Most importantly, they gave up their evil ways... and God spared them.

We see conversion occurring in a different way in the Gospel reading. Mark describes how Jesus called his Apostles from their lives as fishermen to a life of spreading the Good News of the Kingdom of God that Jesus preached.

This happened to be a time of fear among the people because their prophet, John the Baptizer, had been arrested. Wouldn't it have been safer for these fishermen to have kept a low profile and remained where they were?

But the work of God cannot be stopped as Jesus steps into the breech, proclaiming that the Kingdom of God has arrived! The cures and other miracles that Jesus performed among the people were proof enough for them that he was the long-awaited Messiah. And thus, when Jesus called out to Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John, they did not hesitate but left their nets and followed him...

"For the world in its present form is passing away" (1 Cor:31) are the words that St. Paul used in writing to the Corinthians. And indeed, a New Era had begun... We are to reform ourselves and become new persons; people who live our lives in such a way that will put an end to the divisions among us. As we put sin behind us and live out Jesus' command to love one another, we become truly free...

In the beautiful words of the psalmist, we pray:

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me to your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior. (Ps 25:4-5)


~ Image from the Lebanese Saints Blog

Jackson Cooper Francis Stell Baptism!

Katie and Scott's baby boy was baptized last Sunday, January 15, 2012. Here are a few pictures taken by my cell phone camera of the happy event...

St. Elizabeth's has a new member!

Come, and you will see ~ Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19
Ps 40:2, 4, 78-8, 8-9, 10
1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Jn 1:35-42

Our Sunday readings this week focus on the Call, an invitation from God who wants us to follow him in a specific manner. God has a mission for each of us. The psalmist understands this call when he speaks about the Lord, "Sacrifice and offering you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me." (Ps 40:6)

In the first reading, we find young Samuel being awakened by the Lord at night. Samuel does not yet know he is being called by the Lord, and so goes to Eli each time thinking that Eli has called him. In the end, through the instruction given to him by Eli, Samuel willingly responds to God's call. "Speak, for your servant is listening." (1 Sm 3:10)

In John's Gospel, the Baptist points out Jesus to his disciples as the Lamb of God. Out of curiosity, they approach Jesus to speak to him and ask him where he is staying. They are not yet sure what to make of this man. "Come, and you will see" is Jesus' invitation... (Jn 1:39)

Just as he issued that invitation so many centuries ago, Jesus continues to do so today. We each have a mission to fulfill; to bring God's Kingdom to fruition here on Earth. Sometimes we become so overburdened with daily life that we forget what we are here for; but in the quiet of our hearts, the Lord continues to prod us... Out of his great and unending love for us, he never stops calling our name.

Are you listening?


~ Image from the Ultimate Bible Picture Collection

The Epiphany of the Lord - Youth Sunday at St. E's!

The Epiphany of the Lord

Is 60:1-6
Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6
Mt 2:1-12

Our celebrant for this Feast of the Epiphany was Fr. George Clements, an old friend from Chicago, who has visited with us in the past. He was brought to Richmond by the Office for Black Catholics in honor of Martin Luther King, jr's birthday. Fr. George and Fr. Francois concelebrated the Mass and Fr. George was the homilist. Since this Sunday had been planned as Youth Sunday, the young people of the parish assumed the roles of ushers, readers, announcers and also provided a singer/musician for the meditation song, Let It Be.

The children brought up the statues of the Three Kings to place next to the the Nativity scene. Fr. George made certain that all the children in the procession had a role to play. After explaining who the Three Kings were and the races they represented, Fr. George brought the smallest child forward and asking him to stand next to the Three Kings, and named him to be Martin Luther King, jr. - the man who represents ALL OF US! It was a powerful moment!

After Mass, there was a reception downstairs in the parish hall that was catered by the Diocese. We will be seeing Fr. George again in February when he comes to St. E's to help us celebrate Black History Month.


~ Detail of the Three Kings from "The Adoration of the Magi" Tapestry, designed 1888, woven 1894, Edwin Burne Jones

A special Nativity scene ~ Photo by Larry Williford

The beautiful Nativity display that you can see in the rear of the Church is the creation of parishioner, Nancy Freeman. It is stunning!

Nancy has collected these pieces over many years. The scene consists of the Holy Family, shepherds, angels, a variety of animals, the Magi on elephants and dozens of accompanying pieces. The photograph does not show the entire display so don't miss taking a look at the entire scene as you leave Mass.

Thanks, Nancy, for lending your collection to the parish for the Christmas season.


~ Photo by Larry Williford

Surrendering our lives to God ~ Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God

Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God

Nm 6:22-27
Ps 67:2-3,5,6,8 (2a)
Gal 4:4-7
Lk 2:16-21

As we reflect on this feast dedicated to Mary the Mother of God, we consider the importance of her place in the history of salvation. In order for God's plan to unfold, Mary had to say "Yes". Because of her willingness to become a servant of the Lord and to allow His Will to be accomplished in her life, we venerate and honor her today.

Despite the complications that her status as an unwed mother could have caused her, Mary accepted God's grace that enabled her to trust her Heavenly Father's love. Joseph also followed the Lord's direction and took on the responsibility of protecting and caring for this special Mother and Child. They both had faith that God would provide and guide them. Just as had been foretold, Mary treasured all these things in her heart and pondered what the future would bring.

As we begin this new year, we reflect on our own spiritual journey. Are we prepared to bring the Kingdom of God to fruition in our lives and in the lives of those we meet every day? How do we do that? It seems too great of a task to accomplish alone. How can we love and help others, even as we find ourselves struggling to care for those we find difficult to love. How can we show tolerance for them? How do we even begin to sacrifice ourselves for others when we ourselves have so many needs?

There is only one way... and it is Mary's way. We, too, must surrender our lives to God. Only by trusting Him and allowing His Spirit to guide us, can we live in the freedom that life in Him brings. Are we ready to say "Yes" as Mary did?



~ Image: "Mother of God" by Klaster Prazsjeho Jezulalla

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

Happy Birthday, Everyone!

01/04 ~ Nat Kaine

01/05 ~ Alberto Moore

01/06 ~ Sharon Morton and Patrice Schwermer

01/10 ~ Almetia Strother

01/13 ~ Rosalie Robinson

01/15 ~ Grace Ponton

01/16 ~ Mary Hill


~ Clipart by Webweaver

Fr. Francois' 21st Ordination Anniversary ~ December 16, 2011

Congratulations to Fr. Francois on his 21st Anniversary!

Our parish family celebrated Fr. Francois' Ordination Anniversary on December 18th, the closest Sunday to his actual anniversary date. Fr. Dan Brady from St. Michael's was our homilest for the occasion.

After Mass, we gathered in the parish hall for a reception complete with an anniversary cake and punch in addition to lots of good food.


~ Photographs by Ethel Cooley