FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 25, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 25, 2026

 FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

As you know, we are closed this Sunday due to winter weather.  There will be no Mass this Sunday, in person or online, as unsafe travel conditions are grounds for dispensation from the Sunday Mass Obligation.  Please stay home, stay warm and stay safe!

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed 2026 as a special Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi.  This special year will take place from January 10th, 2026 to January 10th, 2027; the later date being the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis' death.  The life of the Poor Man of Assisi shows that God's mercy works in history also through people who have opened their hearts to his actions.

Therefore, the jubilee is an opportunity for the faithful to rekindle their faith, strengthen their relationship with God and with the community of the Church.

You can click here to read the full letter from Pope Leo XIV to the Ministers General of the Conference of the Franciscan family.  A significant element of the document is the care shown for the sick and the elderly who cannot leave their homes; they may unite themselves spiritually to the celebration of the Year of Saint Francis by offering to God their prayers, sufferings and daily difficulties of life and by committing themselves to fulfilling the usual conditions as soon as this becomes possible.

In the document of the Apostolic Penitentiary, we read these words:  "This Year of Saint Francis should encourage all of us, each according to his or her own possibilities, to imitate the Poor Man of Assisi."  What message does the life of Saint Francis offer to modern man?

For today's person, living in a world of consumerism, this is an extremely timely invitation to moderation, responsible use of goods and placing God and neighbor above material possessions:  it is a matter of "being" more than "having."

Not least, St. Francis also shows that peace is born from a converted heart, not from self-interested declarations or compromises without truth.  In a world marked by conflicts, social violence and insecurity, his life is a call to build peace based on the Gospel of Christ, the only Redeemer of humanity!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

(Notes on the Jubilee Year of St. Francis adapted from vaticannews.va)

 

 

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