One of the most fascinating moments in American history is when George Washington could have become the king of the newly liberated United States and didn’t. At the height of his power and fame, on Dec. 23, 1783, he resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief, and went home. The astonished King of England remarked that in doing so, Washington was “the greatest man in the world.” Greatness is often defined by what we could do but don’t. Greatness is measured by the temptations we overcome.
Jesus’ greatness is revealed in his victory over temptations, too. The three offered him by the devil contain, we might say, all potential possible temptations: food, power and fame. They correspond to the triple human needs of body, soul and spirit. In overcoming these three, he says “no” in essence to every and even the greatest temptation. We see that every desire of his humanity — body, soul and spirit — is perfectly united to God, to love. This is a power available to each member of his body. It is the path to true greatness. How can we, who so easily fall into even small temptations, find the power to overcome large ones? By entering into the great dynamics of Jesus’ temptations.
Lenten challenge: This first week of Lent, list some concrete ways you can overcome temptations that correspond with your desires. For example, you may give up snacks between meals, choose not to participate in an activity of which you are an expert, and decide to reduce social media posting by 50%. It may not seem like much, but by saying “no” to the tyranny of food, power, and fame (in this example), you’ll discover true greatness. — Father John Muir ©LPi
General Mass Notes
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Welcome
Welcome to our Eucharistic Celebration on this First Sunday of Lent.
The intentions of this Mass are for all those in our special intention basket and...
Please stand for our procession.
Mass Intentions
Saturday, March 8
5:00 PM
Francisca Nolasco • †
Hector Barquero • †
Animas Del purgatorio • Prayers
Sunday, March 9
6:00 AM
Pilar Maldonado • †
10:45 AM
Jesus Manzo • †
Rev. Fr. Vincent Mba • †
Patricia Susana Miranda Sandoval • †
Victor Molina Mendoza • Salud
Alejandra Sandoval Alvarez • Salud
Stephan Sandor • Salud
12:30 PM
Juan & Juanita Cervantes • †
Universal Prayer (Petitions)
A. For Pope Francis, may God grant him renewed strength, vitality, and healing, so that he may continue his sacred mission.
B. For world leaders, that they may resist the temptations of power and glory and may use their positions to the benefit of those most in need, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For those who suffer from chronic hunger or acute food insecurity, who do not have even bread alone to fill their stomachs, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For those preparing to receive the Easter sacraments of initiation, especially our own catechumens, whom we send for election today, that they may be strengthened in faith, hope, and love during this Lenten season, let us pray to the Lord.
Announcements
1. Today we have a second collection to support the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. Communism in this region fell more than 30 years ago, but the Church still struggles to rebuild after decades of oppressive rule. Under communism, religion and religious practices were openly persecuted, and atheism was actively propagated and enforced. Your support of this collection funds grants for vital pastoral ministries throughout the region.
2. Due to our first reconciliations of our religious education students, there will be no confessions on Mondays of March.
3. We invite you to out immigration information night on Thursday, March 27 at 7pm in Redahan Hall. The session will be sponsored by Catholic Charities and cover pathways to Citizenship and an overview on your rights.
4. The St. John Seminary in Camarillo is hosting an open house on Saturday, April 5, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to tour and experience the largest seminary in the southwest region of the country.
5. We thank our Parishioner Juvy Johnson and her financial planning company for sponsoring our bulletin; their information can be found on the last page of our bulletin. If you have a business and would like to sponsor our weekly bulletin, you can call the phone number at the bottom of the last page.
