St. Leonard Catholic Parish
Manotick, Ont
"Where disciples grow"
There will be no public Masses this weekend as we remain under an Ontario wide lockdown until Feb 11th. Online Masses from St. Leonard's will be available on our YouTube Channel. To visit this site click here. On Saturday at 4 pm a recorded version of the Sunday Mass will be available and during the week, the 9 am Wed, Thurs and Friday Masses will be Livestreamed.
Pastor's Message: The Arrival of the Kingdom of God
St. Augustine is quoted as saying, “The New Testament is hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is revealed in the New.” It is of particular importance this week that we read the first reading and the Gospel together, for the former sheds enormous light on the latter.
Combined these readings provide clear answers to the questions, with whose authority does Jesus speak and, in response, how should we order our lives?
In the First Reading from the Book of Deuteronomy, GOD, through Moses’ mouth, promises to send another prophet (spokesperson) who will teach with authority. Moses received the word from God, but this new prophet would be an authority greater than Moses. He would speak with the words of God. And in the Gospel reading from Mark, this is precisely who Jesus is revealed to be: the highest prophet and the Word of God made flesh. The Gospel presents us with Jesus’ teaching authority both by means of words and action.
The reading does not tell us the exact words that Jesus used in his teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. Only that, “the people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.” (Mark 1:22) It is left to the demonic to call Him out directly, “I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”. (Mark 1:24) He is not simply a teacher. Not simply a scribe and not just another in a long line of prophets. But rather He is the one who Moses predicted would come in Deuteronomy 18. The one in whom His mouth God would place his very words. The one who would speak in the name of God. This is why Jesus is able, on His own authority, to expel the demon. And the people responded with amazement and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority.” (Mark 1:27)
If Jesus is the authoritative teacher that Moses spoke of, the one whose “words which he speaks in God’s name” (Deut 18:19), what are we called to do? Moses tells us, in not too uncertain terms, that we are to listen to Him. There is no other. Do not expect a higher prophet or authority. He is not one among many. He is the one to whom we must listen. The voice that calls us back to order is Jesus Christ. The authority of Jesus still speaks loudly in our day and has never been more needed than in this time of global pandemic. If we submit ourselves to Him, we will find peace.
The personal question for today is how ready am I to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus and respond (obey)? And furthermore, does the the way I live my life show everyone that I am a follower of the Lord Jesus and that I place my full trust in His authority?
God bless you folks, Father Gerard.
The personal question for today is how ready am I to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus and respond (obey)? And furthermore, does the the way I live my life show everyone that I am a follower of the Lord Jesus and that I place my full trust in His authority?
God bless you folks, Father Gerard.
Worship
Regular Mass Times
There will be no public Masses until Feb 11th as we remain under a Province wide lockdown.
Online Masses from St. Leonard's will be available on our YouTube Channel. To visit this site click here. On Saturday at 4 pm a recorded version of the Sunday Mass will be available and during the week the 9 am Wed, Thurs and Friday Masses will be Livestreamed.
Reading 1, Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Reading 2, First Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel, Mark 1:14-20
Gospel, Mark 1:14-20
Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons will air every Sunday morning at 8:15 AM Eastern Time. Click on Bishop Barron’s YouTube channel and then chose the Sunday you wish to view.
Virtual Children's Liturgy
The St. Leonard Children’s Liturgy Team offers virtual Children’s Liturgy of the Word videos to keep our children connected to their faith! The videos include prayers, the week’s Gospel reading, lessons, all geared for our younger parishioners. Click here to view.
Stewardship
Youth
Next Virtual Youth Alpha Night is Saturday, January 30th 7-8:30 pm!
Come hang out virtually with your peers and also take in Youth Alpha.
Topic: “How and why to tell others”
To join, email Colleen O’Mahony-Menton before 6:45 pm, Jan 30th (colleen.menton@rogers.com).
Topic: “How and why to tell others”
To join, email Colleen O’Mahony-Menton before 6:45 pm, Jan 30th (colleen.menton@rogers.com).
Faith Formation
Media Worth Sharing
- Why Aquinas wrote the Summa | Br. Simon Teller, OP at Domincana
- Ven. Fulton Sheen's warning about counterfeit Catholicism | Fr. Dwight Longenecker
- Chesterton and the vocation of our senses | Joel Clarkson at the Word on Fire Blog
- Was St. Luke a medical doctor?| Philip Kosloski at Aleteia
Bishop Barron on Pope Francis and Our Responsibility for the Common Good
Jackie and Bobby talk about how to bring your children to Mass.
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