SUNDAY OF THE LEPPER
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 referred 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 imprinted 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 discover that much of what you thought you knew was wrong.”
Quote from Matthew Kelly from the bestlentever.com.
Benediction of the Cross
The Benediction of the Cross will take place every Friday evening during Lent at 7pm. Following the Benediction there will be a potluck supper in the Lebanon Room. During Lent, please remember to abstain from meat on all Fridays and to fast and abstain on Great Friday.
Benediction of the Cross Speakers:
Friday February 19: Bishop Emeritus Robert Shaheen
Friday February 26: Bishop Edward Rice
Friday March 4: Monsignor Michael Witt
Friday March 11: Deacon Louis Peters
Friday March 18: Chorbishop Moussa Joseph
Schedule of Friday Lenten Meals:
February 19: Men’s Society March 11: Kitchen Volunteers
February 26: Choir March 18: Parish Council
March 4: Faith and Heritage
Sub-Deacon Candidate’s Corner
As part of our formation, one of the goals of our ministry is to help parishioners develop a greater understanding of our rich Maronite Catholic History and Heritage. In furtherance of that goal we will be adding a short explanation to each bulletin about some aspect of our faith. This continues the discussion about our Maronite Liturgy.
Prayers and Exchange of Peace
Having been baptized into Christ we must be messengers of peace and restore harmony with God, each other, and in the world. Our Lord also taught us that before we offer our gifts we must make peace with our brothers and sisters. Therefore, at this point in the Divine Service we are called to express our peace and love to all those gathered with us in the assembly. In the gestures of peace the celebrant first touches the altar to symbolize that the source of all peace is Christ Himself.
The second prayer is called the prayer of imposition of hands and the presumption is that at this point there used to be an imposition of hands by the celebrant on the community. This gesture probably signified that the celebrant was petitioning the Holy Spirit to bless the congregation in their desire for purity and peace.
The third prayer is referred to as the prayer of the veil and may point to a time in the past when a veil surrounded the altar in some Syriac churches. During the Service of the Word the veil would have been closed since the liturgical action would be occurring at the place where the Sacred Scriptures would be read. At this point in the Divine Service the veil was opened to enable the congregation to share in the action occurring at the altar. Syriac writers see in the opening of the veil an image of the opening of the heavens, since our divine liturgy on earth is an earthly reflection of the eternal divine liturgy taking place in heaven.
The second prayer is called the prayer of imposition of hands and the presumption is that at this point there used to be an imposition of hands by the celebrant on the community. This gesture probably signified that the celebrant was petitioning the Holy Spirit to bless the congregation in their desire for purity and peace.
The third prayer is referred to as the prayer of the veil and may point to a time in the past when a veil surrounded the altar in some Syriac churches. During the Service of the Word the veil would have been closed since the liturgical action would be occurring at the place where the Sacred Scriptures would be read. At this point in the Divine Service the veil was opened to enable the congregation to share in the action occurring at the altar. Syriac writers see in the opening of the veil an image of the opening of the heavens, since our divine liturgy on earth is an earthly reflection of the eternal divine liturgy taking place in heaven.
The Anaphora
The Eastern Churches give the name Anaphora to the Eucharistic prayer. The term comes from the Greek and means to lift on high or to elevate. Therefore, it has the meaning of offering, which is the principal action that is taking place. During the Eucharistic service we seek to unite ourselves with the sacrificial offering of the Body and Blood of Christ, so as to achieve union with God. In the introductory dialogue to the Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving," the faithful pray: "Let us lift up our thoughts, our minds and our hearts." Thus the spirit of Anaphora should imbue our interior attitudes and dispositions.
The Maronite Church is heir to a large selection of anaphoras. These represent ancient Eucharistic prayers originating from various parts of the Syriac world. Each anaphora provides us with rich spiritual insights into the meaning of the Eucharistic Celebration and the work of salvation. The Anaphora of the Twelve Apostles which is the most ancient anaphora of the Antiochene tradition and is perpetuated by the Maronite Church. Our present missal features six anaphoras. Noteworthy among our present anaphoras is the majestic Anaphora of Saint James.
The Maronite Church is heir to a large selection of anaphoras. These represent ancient Eucharistic prayers originating from various parts of the Syriac world. Each anaphora provides us with rich spiritual insights into the meaning of the Eucharistic Celebration and the work of salvation. The Anaphora of the Twelve Apostles which is the most ancient anaphora of the Antiochene tradition and is perpetuated by the Maronite Church. Our present missal features six anaphoras. Noteworthy among our present anaphoras is the majestic Anaphora of Saint James.
Taken from A Commentary on the Holy Mysteries: The Holy Mystery of Offering (Qorbono)
If you have questions about Catholic teaching or our Maronite tradition, or would like to suggest a topic, please email us or tell us the next time we see you. Thank you and God Bless.
Altar Servers
As we have announced in the past, we are still in great need of altar servers at ALL MASSES. We are looking for all interested BOYS AND GIRLS that would like to serve at mass to send an email to Tony or David. We would love to have more servers and can teach you everything you need to know. NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Ladies Society Fashion Show
The Ladies Society Fashion Show is Sunday March 6th. Invite your family and friends to this fun Shopping and Luncheon event. Tickets will be sold after liturgies on Sundays or you can also contact the rectory 314-621-0056. Tickets are $25 and children 12 and under are $10. We need models ( Women, men, and children of all ages), vendors, and volunteers to help. If anyone is interested please contact Gina Fanetti at gfanetti5@gmail.com .
Weekly Finances for February 7th-February 14th
Income: $4,180.00
Expenses: $5,212.00
This does not include Wednesday Lunch
Kitchen Scoop
The Kitchen is in need of help preparing for Palm Sunday and Wednesday Lunches. We depend on our Parish Volunteers to help make the Wednesday lunches successful and any time you can give will be very helpful.
Rolling Cabbage Rolls on Mondays @ 8 am,
Rolling Grape Leaves Feb 16th @ 4:30pm and Feb 17th @ 9am also March 8th and March 22nd @ 4:30pm,
Making Kibbi Aras on Tuesdays @ 8 am, Preparing to serve lunch on Wednesdays from 8 am-11:00am,
Serving Wednesday Luncheon from 11am-1:30pm.
The Cedars will be closed for lunch on Wednesday February 17th, but the kitchen will remain open Mon-Wed to prepare for Palm Sunday.
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