Words of wisdom The Book of Sirach chapter 27 is full of wise sayings. Let us consider one of them: “When a sieve is shaken, the chaff appears; so do one’s faults when one speaks. (v4)” In biblical times and even today in certain parts of the world, a grain sieve is used to separate the grain from other matter after the harvest. A grain sieve is usually round, 2 to 3 feet in diameter. It is about 3-5 inches…
Love your Enemies Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours…
Blessings and Woes The sermon in Luke is counterpart to the sermon in Matthew (cf. Matthew 5:1–7:27). Many bible readers tend to think that the two sermons are separate events because Luke locates the sermon on a “stretch of level ground” (cf. Luke 6:17) while Matthew locates the sermon on a mountain (cf. Matthew 5:1). Thus, the sermon in Luke has often been referred to as the “Sermon on the Plain,” while the sermon in Matthew has been referred to…
The parishes in the Archdiocese of Atlanta will participate in Pope Francis’ initiative “For a synodal Church.” This initiative is called “Synod 2021-2023.”The purpose of this synod is not to produce documents, but “to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands.” Each parish…
Lenten Retreat and Pilgrimage to the Purification Heritage Center Date: March 19, 2022 (Solemnity of St. Joseph) Place: Purification Heritage Center (Sharon, GA) Click this link for detailed information: LENTEN RETREAT DETAILS Make sure you have directions to Sharon, GA. Do not make the mistake of going to Washington, GA. We will meet at the Church of the Purification. If possible, please fill out the waiver form electronically before Saturday. If not, please fill out the printed waiver forms upon…
Chinese New Year officially began this year on February 1, 2022. Today’s Eucharistic celebration gives our community a means of offering worship to God in thanksgiving for all the blessings we have received in the past year. In addition, Chinese New Year gives us the opportunity to make a solemn tribute to our deceased parents, grandparents and ancestors. By observing this annual ceremony, we set a reminder to our community, especially our youth, of our cultural values – that it…
The Most Valuable Knowledge in the World The Book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament tells us about the time when Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet (Jeremiah 1:4-19). At first, Jeremiah refused; but God told Jeremiah that he had already been chosen and appointed as a prophet even before he was formed in his mother’s womb. Jeremiah’s mission was to prophesy to the kings of Judah that if Judah did not repent of their sins, Jerusalem…
Dear Parishioners, In light of the high transmissibility of the latest COVID variants, I pray to God for your continued health and safety at home, at work or wherever you may be. As always, we ask all parishioners and visitors to practice sound judgment and respect the sensitivities of others by wearing a face mask and observe social distancing inside the church buildings. Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer has issued a conditional dispensation as follows: One does not have an obligation to…
The Law of the Gospel God gave us His Law in two ways. The first way was called the Old Law, which God gave to the Israelites through Moses at around 1400 B.C. Hence, it has been called the Mosaic Law or the Law of Moses. The second way was called the New Law, which God gave to us through His Son, Jesus. Hence, it has been called the Law of Jesus Christ or the Law of the Gospel. The…
Wedding in Cana The Wedding in Cana has traditionally been called one of the “three Epiphanies” of Christ; the other two are the Visitation of the Magi and the Baptism of the Lord. In each of these events, Jesus is manifested in one way or another as the Messiah and the Son of God. Undoubtedly, the miracle of the wedding in Cana, due to its many symbolisms, is one of the richest sources of reflection for personal prayer. If we…