Amazing Experience
Dear brothers and sisters, the Gospel today recounts the unforgettable experience of the apostles who have just started following Jesus. After calling the first disciples, Jesus went to Capernaum. When the Sabbath came, Jesus and the disciples entered the synagogue. The atmosphere in the synagogue on that Sabbath day was significantly different from previous Sabbaths. The disciples and everyone present in the synagogue were amazed by Jesus’ teachings. Even Mark explicitly mentions that Jesus taught with authority, unlike the scribes.
Jesus, whom they had only heard about from people around them, now taught in that synagogue. Admiration for Jesus grew even more when He demonstrated his authority over the evil spirit that had possessed a man. Suddenly, the spirit cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him and commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. The evil spirit convulsed the man, screamed, and left him. This amazed the people. The disciples who had just started following Jesus became even more convinced that the Jesus they followed was not an ordinary teacher; He was the Holy One of God.
Beloved brothers and sisters, like the disciples, our understanding of Jesus will deepen as we choose to follow Him and listen to His teachings. It is in the experience of encountering Jesus that we will find an amazing experience that deepens our faith. I believe that each of us has a personal experience with God that leaves us in awe. This experience makes us more certain that God is always with us and always desires the best for us. Therefore, if our current life feels very burdensome, let’s try to remember a moment in our life when God made us gaze in awe at His power. What was that experience, and how did it happen? By recalling that experience, we believe that the same God will also help and free us from the burdens of life, just as He freed someone from the evil spirit in today’s Gospel story. Lord, thank you for the amazing experience that has happened in my life. Help me, Lord, to always trust in You, regardless of the situation in my life. Amen.
Bro. Henri Suharyono, SCJ
Youth Conference
Friday, February 2nd at 7 p.m.
Father McCarthy will speak on religious vocations at Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish (625 Middlefield Rd.) on Fri., Feb. 2nd for youth.
THANK YOU!
The priests and the coordinator of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Nardina, extend their gratitude to all the parents who helped in the production of the Nativity Tableau last month on Christmas Eve. Also, special thanks to Diana and Donald for their valuable assistance. God bless you all!
First Friday Communion of Reparation
Friday, February 2nd from
10:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
The Alliance of the Holy Family International group is holding a Communion of Reparation on Fri., Feb. 2nd all night from 10:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. The program includes Eucharistic adoration, confession and Communion. Everyone is most welcome.
First Saturday Eucharistic Adoration
Saturday, February 3rd from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.
The Holy Trinity Community will hold a healing Eucharistic Adoration on Sat., Feb. 3rd from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. after the Mass. Prayers and songs will be part of the program. All are welcome!
Calling all Young Adults!!
Saturday, February 3rd at 5:00 p.m.
Hello, young adults of St. Thomas More Parish!
We are so excited to announce our first BIG event of the year which is our Mix and Mingle! There will be food, games, a 50/50 draw, prizes, a photo booth and a chance to meet other young adults in the parish and community. So, please bring a friend and come and share in the fellowship with other Catholic young adults! We will begin with Mass at 5:00 p.m. and Eucharistic Adoration (6:00 p.m.) in the church and then start the party in the parish hall at 7:00 p.m. To RSVP, please say “GOING” on Facebook or send an email to stmyac@gmail.com. For questions or other concerns, please contact us at stmyac@gmail.com. Admission is free although donations are accepted. Friday, February 2 is the deadline for registration.
Prayers Needed for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Merglin Lewis, Victor Lim, Tina Lopes, Corrine Alphonso, Jason Bornstien, Kenneth Colaco, Roberto Huang, Kendrick Mohammed, Victoria Munson, Austin Rosario, Martel Gordon-Tennant, Enza Savatti, Ana Lisa Patena and Theresa Tomaschek Sr. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
Mass Intentions for January 27 – February 3, 2024
Saturday 5:00 p.m. +Leon. L and Alicia V. Solis, requested by the Ladines family
Sunday 8:30 a.m. +Doreen Francis, requested by A. Williams
Sunday 10:00 a.m. +Deceased members of the Lewis family, requested by the D’Mello family
Sunday 11:30 a.m. Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m. Intentions of Eniola Onagoruwa
Monday 7:15 a.m. +Mary Joyce Li Yan, requested by the family
Tuesday 7:15 a.m. Intentions of Francesca D’Almeida
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
- +Aloysius Rayappan, requested by M. and R. Robello
- +Deceased members of the Dunklin family
- Intentions of Drusilla and Varun
- +Candida Garcia, requested by the family
- +Rita, Bastian and the deceased members of the Alfred family, requested by the family
- Intentions of Zinna Milburn
- Intentions of Pat Knox
- +Mr. Joseph, requested by Jake’s family
Wednesday 7:15 a.m. +Gino Paez, requested by G. Tubongbanua
Wednesday 7:00 p.m. +Geraldina Facchini, requested by M. Palumbo
Thursday 7:15 a.m. In thanksgiving to the Holy Family
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
- +Felipe Mantes, requested by the family
- Intentions of Alister and Meena Yeo
- Intentions of Alister and Meena Yeo
- Intentions of Alister and Meena Yeo
- +Kenneth Lawrence, requested by P. Patel
- Intentions of Jake’s family
Friday 7:15 a.m. +Linda Klein, requested by S. McPherson
Friday 7:00 p.m. +Julie Manuel, requested by the Imelda Yamco family
Saturday 9:00 a.m. Intentions of Purificacion Mendoza
