The people who died in Haiti are still in the news and still in our prayers, but if the disaster had happened in biblical days it might have had a very different resonance. The two disasters in today’s gospel story prompted people to ask whether the victims had somehow deserved their demise. Were they sinners? Why else would God let them die? Were these disasters some kind of punishment? Jesus replies very promptly that of course disasters are not sent as a punishment from God, but adds that we too will similarly perish if we don’t repent.
“Repent or perish!” It sounds like a threat, but it’s more of an invitation. Jesus invites us to repent, but he isn’t asking us to wallow in guilt and shame or shuffle round wearing sackcloth. Repenting means changing the way we live and this is a very positive and exciting prospect. Jesus illustrates his point with the story of the fig tree. The fig tree had not borne fruit for three years and the exasperated owner was on the verge of giving it the chop. The merciful gardener on the other hand suggested cultivating it and giving it one more chance.
The fig tree was not planted by accident; it was put there for a purpose. So too are we on this earth for a purpose. We are not here simply to ‘take up space’. Our lives are ours to live, but we have to remember that our lives are a gift from God, and with this comes a certain expectation. The expectation is to live fruitful lives. Today we are invited to take another look at talents and skills that we might have failed to recognise or cultivate. Could we be living our lives in a more productive way, or are we content to drift through life simply existing.
The poor people who died through no fault of their own in the Haiti disaster did not know that the day of the earthquake was their last day. Some of those people would certainly have welcomed more time to put their relationship with God in order. The rest of us are lucky, not simply because we sill have our lives, but because, like the fig tree, we have a second chance to live out the purpose of our existence.
Sanctuary Light:
The Sanctuary Light this week has been sponsored for a Special Intention.
Please remember:
Wednesday evening Mass at 7.00pm to be preceded at 6.00pm by, Exposition/Benediction and the opportunity for Reconciliation.
Friday’s during Lent: Mass at 7.00am - Stations of the Cross at 7.00pm.
The Lenten Alms box can be found at Our Lady’s Icon.
Easter Egg Raffle:
Tickets on sale after weekend Masses. Price £1.00 per strip. The draw will take place on Sunday 21st March. Thank you for your support.
Sacrament of Confirmation:
At the Cathedral on Sunday 20th June at 3.00pm. Enrolment Mass here at St. Matthew’s on Sunday 25th April at 10.00am. If you are in Year 10/11 and you would like to be confirmed, please see Paula or Ronny Burke after weekend Mass or call 0151 476 8533.
Pope Benedict’s Prayer Intention for March: For the World Economy
Last July the Pope called for reform of the United Nations and financial bodies, giving them the "real teeth" needed to tackle economic and social injustice.
The Pope wrote, "There is a strongly felt need... for a reform of the United Nations Organisation, and likewise of economic institutions and international finance, so that the concept of the family of nations can acquire real teeth... there is urgent need of a true world political authority," The strengthened international body should work "to bring about integral and timely disarmament, food security and peace, to guarantee the protection of the environment and to regulate migration,"
We are invited to join Pope Benedict’s prayer intention for March, “…. That the world economy may be managed according to the principles of justice and equity, taking account of the real needs of peoples, especially the poorest.”
Nugent Care Foreign Money Project:
Any type of currency (coins or notes) including old English and Euros. The money is then sorted, bagged and sent to a coin exchange. In 2009 £3.046 was raised. The donations go towards training volunteers (currently there are 350) on the Protection of Vulnerable Adults, Epilepsy, Disability Awareness, First Aid etc. This training helps to meet the client’s needs, such as supporting and being a Buddy for a person with a disability. If you have any questions please speak to Anne Carter or Paula Burke.
Fr. Joe Bibby: Silver Jubilee/Buffet Reception
On Friday 30th April at 7.30pm, Parishioners of St. Matthew’s are invited to join Fr. Joe, as he celebrates the Silver Jubilee of his Ordination to the Priesthood, at St. Joseph’s, Meeting Lane, Penketh, WA5 2BB.
Lent Talks: BBC RADIO 4 - Wednesday’s 8.45pm-9.00pm
Each year, BBC Radio 4 commissions six 13-minute talks from eminent and influential writers and thinkers – one for each Wednesday evening during Lent. This year, each essay explores how faith and religion interact with a variety of aspects in society – areas such as the military, arts and culture, the financial world, politics and science. www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice
50/50 Club Members:
The prize money paid out for the draw held on Sunday 28th February was £93.00 and the winning number was 26. Congratulations to the winner and thanks to all those who support this venture.
Appeal - Liverpool Echo Wish List Tokens:
If you buy the Liverpool Echo can you please collect the Wish List tokens. Liverpool ME Support Group have registered. There will be a box at the back of church or alternatively please pass them to Paula Burke, after Mass. Thank you to those who have already handed in tokens.
Thank you
To those parishioners who have donated to Maria’s treatment, since the beginning of Lent, and to those who continue to support her on a weekly basis. God Bless. Love Paula, Ronny & Maria xxx
