The miracle of Jesus curing the leper took place when Jesus was visiting the cities of Galilee. At that time, many diseases of the skin were re-ferred to as leprosy. In the time of Jesus, the leper was declared to be "unclean" and was separated from the rest of the community.
The physical disease of leprosy can be compared to the spiritual diseases of sin. A person who sins eventually loses the image of the divine im-printed upon his soul. He becomes hateful to others and even to himself. He becomes separated from the rest of the community, the Body of Christ, and forced to dwell alone.
In the Old Testament , a leper who was cured was treated similar to a repentant person. A cured leper was required to offer two birds at the Temple. One bird was killed and the second live bird was dipped in the blood of the sacrificed bird and allowed to go free. We are also cleansed by the blood of Christ.
We must consider the courage of the leper who approached Jesus for healing. According to the law, he was forbidden to go near anyone, but the leper does not consider the law. He simply wants to be cured and he knows where the healing is to be found. Jesus does not reproach the man for breaking the law, but shows him mercy. Jesus stretched out his hand and touched the leper. (This act itself was forbidden by the law.) His only concern was the desperate need of this suffering man. After curing the man, he instructed him to perform the ritual imposed by the law.
The cure of the leper manifests what sin can do to us and what the miraculous healing power of the Lord can do for us. Just as the leper showed courage and sought the healing power of Jesus, let us seek the healing power of Jesus in confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness.
"Everyone knows something about God, but when we really encounter God, most of us discover he is not like we thought. You may know about God, but now its time to get to know God. And you may dis-cover that much of what you thought you knew was wrong."
Quote from Matthew Kelly from the bestlentever.com.
BEST LENT EVER!
To help us prepare ourselves spiritually for lent, sign up for this "daily inspiration"
http://dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever/
BENEDICTION OF THE CROSS
Every Friday during Lent, service of the Benediction of the cross will be celebrated at St. Raymond’s Cathedral at 7:00 pm followed by pot luck dinner in the Lebanon room.
Below is a list of committees who will sponsor the dinner:
February 20: The Ladies Society
February 27: The Men’s Society
March 6: Faith and Heritage
March 14th: Choir
March 20th: Kitchen volunteers
March 27th: Donors
MARONITE VOICE
St. Raymond’s will be receiving 100 copies of the Maronite Voice every month for our Parishioners. The members who requested and paid for the subscription through the envelope, will receive a copy delivered to their home. Next year, there will be no home deliveries as it will be available at church and online. A new edition is available in the vestibule of the church. Please help yourselves.
REGULATIONS FOR LENT!
Ash Monday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
CARITAS
There will be a second Collection for Caritas on Saturday February 28th and Sunday March 1st . Please be generous in helping this organization for all the humanitarian deeds they do for the needy in Lebanon.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS!
Applications for college scholarships are available in the back of church. High school seniors please take one and return it by April 15, 2015.
LADIES SOCIETY FASHION SHOW!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 8, 2015 for the spring fashion show featuring lunch, shopping, fashion show and a cash sangria bar! For more information, please contact Gina Fanetti at: straymondsladiessociety@gmail.com.
Paperdolls Boutique, Unique Ideas -n- More, Thirty- One, Tru Candle, Longenberger Baskets, Dimvaloo Active Living, Stella & Dot, & Tupperware by Dolores Nordman are some of the vendors that will be present to sell their items. Also Salon Antebellum is doing hair and make-up!
Massabki Award
Congratulations to Mrs. Marie Kallial as she received that NAM Massabki award last Sunday for her dedication, support and commitment to St. Raymond’s. I encourage you to join the National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) so this award can be presented to those of you who work hard and dedicate much of your time to St. Raymond’s. You must be a member of NAM for one year to receive this award.
ANNUAL LENTEN APPEAL
The Annual Lenten Appeal for the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon is now taking place. A copy of a letter from Bishop Elias Zaidan was sent to every family in the mail, together with a special gift. The Eparchy relies upon you to support our Maronite parishes, like this one, and train our future Maronite priests. Every family is asked to participate in the Appeal at a level which is meaningful for them and be generous. You can make your donation with a credit card, and make a pledge payable over 10 months. Our parish’s goal for this year’s Appeal is $8500.00. Please be generous and support the Eparchy. Thank you.
SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars! First Communion will be celebrated on Sunday April 26, 2015 during the 9:00 am Liturgy.
NO FAITH & HERITAGE CLASSES MARCH 8TH DUE TO THE FASHION SHOW
