Ever prayed to God for a cure? Ever prayed really, really hard only to lose a loved one through illness or watch a vulnerable family member struggle with disability? It’s at times like this that our faith can grow fuzzy round the edges.
Today Jesus is called to cure Simon Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever. The news of the cure travels fast, and as a result Jesus is swamped by dozens more people all plagued by emotional, psychological and physical problems, and all anxious for a cure. Jesus cures many people, and then in the early hours of the following morning he retires to a solitary place to pray. What happens next is surprising. Simon Peter tracks Jesus down and tells him that more people are searching for him. We expect that Jesus will return with Simon Peter to work more miracle cures. Instead Jesus replies, “Let us go on to the neighbouring towns so that I may proclaim the message there are also … for that is what I came out to do.” In moving on to the next town, is Jesus turning his back on the people that held such high hopes of being healed?
Our perception of God is often flawed. We know that God can do anything and so we are puzzled and hurt if our prayers aren’t answered. We know that Jesus could cure people, and wonder why he doesn’t cure everyone. We find part of the answer in today’s gospel. Although he shows compassion for the sick and the dying, Jesus didn’t come primarily to promote physical health and fitness, that isn’t what he is about. Nor did Jesus work miracles because he had something to prove …that’s not what he is about either. For Jesus, healing was only part of a much bigger picture. Jesus is interested in us as whole beings not just in our physical wellbeing.
Do miracle cures still exist? Undoubtedly they do, but perhaps it isn’t a question we should ask? We see people in robust health wasting their lives on the frivolous and the superficial. Others have less time on the planet but leave their mark. Naturally our health is of high priority to us, but Jesus encourages us to look beyond suffering to the bigger picture.
Sanctuary Light:
The Sanctuary Light this week has been sponsored In Loving Memory of Mabel Moulsdale - Birthday Remembrance.
North Liverpool Foodbank:
Thank you to all who have already kindly donated to the Foodbank Appeal; keep up the good work.
Year 6 Confirmations:
The Year 6 course concludes this Thursday 9th February at 7pm.
Provision for years 4, 5, 7 and above will be provided later in the coming months.
Education Sunday - 5th February:
As Christians we are called to work for a fairer world – to ensure that everyone has access to education, that our schools include those on the margins of society, and to tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality that lead to millions of people around the world being denied their basic human rights.
Last year’s student protests and the debate around Higher Education funding highlight a fundamental question – ‘What is education for?’ Our time in education is not simply about preparing us for the workplace; it is also about the development of the whole person and finding ways to use our newly acquired skills and knowledge in the service of others.
This week’s Special Collection is for the Catholic Education Services.
Pope Benedict's Prayer Intention for February:
More than 1 in 8 people in the world don't have access to safe drinking water. 1 out of every 5 deaths under the age of 5 worldwide is due to a water-related disease. Nearly 80% of illness in developing countries is linked to poor water and sanitation conditions. This month Pope Benedict invites us to join in his prayer intention for February, "...That all peoples may have access to water and other resources needed for daily life. "
Santa Dash:
If you have not already done so, this weekend gives you the last opportunity to pay any outstanding sponsorship to the East Africa Crisis. A total will be published in next weeks newsletter. Thank you.
Divorced/Separated Support:
Archdiocesan Marriage and Family Life Department. Meetings start mid-February. Further information on the notice board at the back of church or call Frances 0151 727 2195/Maureen 0151 722 1029.
World Day of Prayer for the Sick: 11th February
"Stand up and go; your faith has saved you" (Lk 17:19).
This year the Holy Father focuses on the sacraments of healing; the Sacrament of Penance - the "medicine of confession" - and the Anointing of the Sick.
What is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?
In the past this sacrament became incorrectly known as the "Last Rites" and many of us grew up with images of the priest anointing the dying person, even anointing someone who had already died. There is a common misconception that accompanies this sacrament. Many Catholics believe that the sacrament is intended for those who are on the verge of death. The truth is that although anointing of the sick is for the seriously sick, a person need not be in danger of dying. The beginning of serious illness is the best time to request the sacrament. It may be repeated during a long illness or as the elderly struggle with the infirmities of age.
The purpose of the sacrament is to unite the one who is sick with the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ so the sick may know the healing presence and love of the Lord, be strengthened in faith and experience the support of the Church.
Please remember to pray for the sick of our parish; a list of names can be found on the notice board at the back of church.
The list is about to be updated so if you have a loved one or friend that you like adding to or removed from the list please see or call Paula Burke 0151 476 8533.
50/50 Club:
The prize money paid out for the draw held on Sunday 29th January was £???? and the winning number was ???? . Congratulations to the winner and thanks to all those who support this venture.
Remember you’ve got to be in it to win it!
