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Parish Office - ПАРАФІЯЛЬНА КАНЦЕЛЯРІЯ 1001 Grant Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 1Y3 Tel: (204) 453-4653 Fax: (204) 475-0928 Website: www.holyfamilychurch.wordpress.com Office Hours Tue-Fri, 9:30 am-400 pm Від вівтірка до п’ятниці - 9:30 рано до 4:00 пополудн Clergy and Staff - Духовенство й Працівники Fr. Darren Kawiuk, Parish Priest - 204-453-4653 [email protected] Joe Kulyk, Office Manager - 204-453-4653 [email protected] Eucharist - Божественна Літургія Sunday Divine Liturgy 9:00 am-English - по-англійськи 11:00 am-Ukrainian - по-українськи Weekday Divine Liturgy - Будні - Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 am Repentance (Confession) - Сповідь Sundays during Liturgy & by appointment Baptisms - Хрещення Notify the Parish Office at least a month before the baby is expected or shortly afterwards. There is a special information class which parent’s must attend before the Sacrament of Baptism & Confirmation can be celebrated. Weddings - Вінчання Contact the pastor 9-12 months in advance Parish Hall - Храмовий Зал - 204-452-2332 Parish Pastoral Council Calla Komarnicki, Chairperson - 204 - 489-6189 Knights of Columbus Zenon Scraba, Grand Knight - 204-797-4862 UCWLC, Vicky Adams, President - 204-453-7514 Leona Shewchuk, Assistant - 204-257-4315 Club 55+, Stella Hyska, President - 204-489-6425 Queen of Peace Prayer Group Leonard Terrick, Coordinator - 204-269-4696 Decorating/Altar Guild Elizabeth Weselowski - 204-477-0030 Catechism Program Martin Pasieczka, Coordinator - 204-453-4965 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE 9-го Лютого February 9, 2014 Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish Українська Католицька Церква Пресвятої Родини CHURCH BULLETIN Церковний Бюлетень Glory to Jesus Christ! Слава Ісусу Христу! Glory Forever! Слава На Віки! The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble- mindedness. Con’t on back page

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Page 1: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

Parish Office - ПАРАФІЯЛЬНА КАНЦЕЛЯРІЯ

1001 Grant Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 1Y3 Tel: (204) 453-4653 Fax: (204) 475-0928

Website: www.holyfamilychurch.wordpress.com

Office Hours Tue-Fri, 9:30 am-400 pm Від вівтірка до п’ятниці - 9:30 рано до 4:00 пополудн

Clergy and Staff - Духовенство й Працівники

Fr. Darren Kawiuk, Parish Priest - 204-453-4653 [email protected]

Joe Kulyk, Office Manager - 204-453-4653 [email protected]

Eucharist - Божественна Літургія Sunday Divine Liturgy 9:00 am-English - по-англійськи 11:00 am-Ukrainian - по-українськи Weekday Divine Liturgy - Будні - Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 am

Repentance (Confession) - Сповідь Sundays during Liturgy & by appointment

Baptisms - Хрещення Notify the Parish Office at least a month before the baby is expected or shortly afterwards. There is a special information class which parent’s must attend before the Sacrament of Baptism & Confirmation can be celebrated.

Weddings - Вінчання Contact the pastor 9-12 months in advance

Parish Hall - Храмовий Зал - 204-452-2332

Parish Pastoral Council Calla Komarnicki, Chairperson - 204 - 489-6189

Knights of Columbus Zenon Scraba, Grand Knight - 204-797-4862

UCWLC, Vicky Adams, President - 204-453-7514 Leona Shewchuk, Assistant - 204-257-4315

Club 55+, Stella Hyska, President - 204-489-6425

Queen of Peace Prayer Group Leonard Terrick, Coordinator - 204-269-4696

Decorating/Altar Guild

Elizabeth Weselowski - 204-477-0030

Catechism Program Martin Pasieczka, Coordinator - 204-453-4965

SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE 9-го Лютого February 9, 2014

Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish Українська Католицька Церква Пресвятої Родини

CHURCH BULLETIN – Церковний Бюлетень

Glory to Jesus Christ! Слава Ісусу Христу! Glory Forever! Слава На Віки!

The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness.

Con’t on back page

Page 2: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

ПРОСИМО МОЛИТВУ ЗА ЗДОРОВЯ - Please remember in your prayers those people of our parish who are in the hospitals, care homes and those who are shut-ins, as well as those who need our prayers. Remember, if you

would like a hospital visit or to have your name published in the bulletin, you or a member of your family must call the parish office and let us know.

we are in need of prizes for the Auction. (no used items please) You can hand them

in anytime between now and Saturday, March 1st to Ed Belinsky at 204-452-6743 or Zenon Scraba at 204-797-4862

Silent Auction

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Fundraiser for charity

LENTEN SUPPERS

Fish & Chips or Spaghetti Fri, Mar 7, 14, 21, Apr 4,11

5:30 - 6:45 pm

Join us for Way of the Cross, 7:00 pm

Perogy Help

Sun, Feb 16 - (After the 9 am Liturgy) - potato peeling Tue, Feb 18 - making potato balls - 8:00 am

Wed, Feb 19 - perogy pinching - 8:00 am

Fri, Feb 21 - hall setup, perogy supper, 5 - 7 pm

Order Now and Place Your Perogy Order Call the Parish Office - 204-453-4653

$5.00 per dozen

Friday, February 21st Friday, March 28th

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Perogy Suppers

Page 3: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

VIGIL LIGHTS

Icon of Mary

Icon of Jesus

Feb

9-15

Health of Randy

by Mom and Dad Health of Randy

by Mom and Dad

9:00 AM DIVINE LITURGY

Feb 9 Feb 16

Rosary Natalka Sharpe Linda Marak

Greeters Vera Kostyshyn John Nicholson

Alice & Lawrence Maksymetz

Epistle Paulette Terrick Barbara Larkins

Ushers Frank Pacholuk Nelson Caruk

Dan Myk Michael Henderson

Eucharist Eugene

Statkewich Peter Tataryn

Sacristan Zenon Scraba Leonard Terrick

11:00 AM DIVINE LITURGY

Feb 9 Feb 16

Greeters

Ushers

Lawrence Luba

Oliver Moreau

Lawrence Luba

Oliver Moreau

Epistle

Eucharist Myron Musick Myron Musick

Sacristan Peter Tkach

Randolf Moreau

Peter Tkach

Randolf Moreau

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

2014 YOUTH WINTER GAMES

INDOOR SOCCER/HOCKEY-February

22nd. Immaculate Heart of Mary

School (650 Flora Avenue). 5-10 yrs:

12:30-2:30 pm; and 10-16 yrs: 2:30 pm

- 4:30 pm; Host Councils: Holy

Eucharist and Bishop Budka

BALL HOCKEY - March 8th, Location:

TBA, 9-12 yrs: 1:00-3:00 pm; 13-16 yrs:

3:00 pm-5:00 pm; Host Councils: Holy

Family Council and Fr. Shyshkowich

YWG WIND-UP – March 21. Location:

TBA; 6:00-10:30 pm; Host Councils: All

Councils

Lenten Retreat Sunday, April 6 - after both Liturgies

Monday, April 7 - 7:00 pm Tuesday, April 8 - 7:00 pm With Easter Confessions

Back by Popular Demand The Holy Family Movie/Pizza Night

Friday, February 28th $5/person includes Santa Lucia

Pizza, popcorn, drinks & movie (TBA)

Page 4: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

Attention Brother Knights!

We hope you have you sold your ICCD Book of Tickets if not you have not you still have time. All tickets must be returned by March 9th. The Major Draw is coming up. Please return them preferably “SOLD” Return the tickets

to: Bill Woroschuk - ICCD Chairperson or Ed Belinsky, Deputy Grand Knight

Sunday Envelopes (81) $2,735

Loose Cash $53

Visitor Donation $70

Candle Donation $62

Perogy Supper $3,074

Initial Offering $40

Vigil Lamps $10

Church Maintenance $560

K of C movie licence donation $75

Carpathia Credit Union shares $125

Parish Collections Жертводавство у нашій Парафії

February 2, 2014

We need your help!

To escort residents of Holy Family Nursing Home to Divine Liturgy every Sunday morning for the month of February This is a parish sponsored charitable service. Please try to give some time to help with this event. Sign up sheet is in the narthex. Contact Zenon Scraba at 204-797-4862.

Щиро Вам дякуємо!

Thank you for your Generosity!

Do you sometimes find your Catholic

Faith not as vibrant or strong as you

would hope to be? For over 40 years a

very dedicated group of Catholic

Christians have offered a seven weeks

seminar called the Life in the Spirit,

allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity

to reignite one’s faith and hope in

Christ. If you would be interested in a

personal growth and a deeper spiritual

experience. Consider this an invitation

to join “Life in the Spirit Seminar”. All

are welcome.

February 13 to March 27, 2014 Thursdays only. 6:45 to 7:45 pm

Holy Family Parish 1001 Grant Avenue

Life in the Spirit Seminar

Knights of Columbus

Meeting Monday, February 10, 2014 7:30 pm Church Auditorium

Page 5: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

2014 YOUTH

WINTER GAMES

INDOOR SOCCER/HOCKEY-February

22nd. Immaculate Heart of Mary

School (650 Flora Avenue). 5-10 yrs:

12:30-2:30 pm; and 10-16 yrs: 2:30 pm

- 4:30 pm; Host Councils: Holy

Eucharist and Bishop Budka

BALL HOCKEY - March 8th, Location:

TBA, 9-12 yrs: 1:00-3:00 pm; 13-16 yrs:

3:00 pm-5:00 pm; Host Councils: Holy

Family Council and Fr. Shyshkowich

YWG WIND-UP – March 21. Location:

TBA; 6:00-10:30 pm; Host Councils: All

Councils

We express our condolences to the family and friends of

MICHAEL ZWARICH

Who passed away Wednesday, January 29th. Michael was a longtime parishioner of Holy

Family Parish. Prayers were held on Monday, February 3rd and

Funeral service held in our Church on Tuesday, February 4th, 2014. Please remember Michael in your

Prayers.

Vichna pamjat’ Вічна пам'ять!

We express our condolences to the family and friends of

DANIEL PASIECZKA

Who passed away Friday, January 31st. Prayers were held on Tuesday, February 4th and

Funeral service held in our Church on Wednesday, February 5th,

2014. Please remember Daniel in your Prayers.

Vichna pamjat’ Вічна пам'ять!

We express our condolences to the family and friends of

HELENA WATRAL

Who passed away Sunday, February 2nd. Funeral service

held in our Church on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Please remember Helena in

your Prayers.

Vichna pamjat’ Вічна пам'ять!

Page 6: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

Divine Liturgy Schedule Порядок Богослужінь

Sun Feb 9 9:00 am

11:00 am

For intentions of all our parishioners

Anna Tkach (40 days) by Family

Tue Feb 11 8:00 am Bill Landiak by Family

Wed Feb 12 8:00 am God's blessing & Health for Michael by Elaine Packer

Thu Feb 13 8:00 am God's blessing and health for Mary

Fri Feb 14 8:00 am Nick Stupack by Christine

Sun Feb 16 9:00 am

11:00 am

For all deceased Knights especially Sergei Sherman

For intentions of all our parishioners

Tue Feb 18 8:00 am In thanksgiving by Ned and Yvonne Derkach

Wed Feb 19 8:00 am Sam and Anastasia Slobodian by Jean Uchach

Thu Feb 20 8:00 am Birthday blessing for Mary Nedolny ( 90 yrs) from

daughter Rosemarie

Fri Feb 21 8:00 am Harry Phil by Family

Sun 23 9:00 am

11:00 am

Harry Phil by Family

For intentions of all our parishioners

† †

Page 7: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

St. Boniface Diocesan High School’s OPEN HOUSE Scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 7:30 pm. Visit www.sbdhs.net

Caring for the Dying: Ethics & Spirituality at the End of Life. The workshop will focus on the following topics: - Palliative / Hospice care - The Proper Context - Ethics in the End-of-Life Decision Making - Spirituality at the End of Life - Substitute Decision Making for Loved Ones ("Living Wills") There will be plenty of time for questions during and after the presentations. Friday, February 28: 7:00-9:00 pm Saturday, March 1: 9:00-3:30 pm. The workshop will take place at Blessed Virgin Mary Parish hall 965 Boyd Ave, Winnipeg MB Registration $20 (for both days, includes lunch & refreshments) For more information or to register contact Religious Ed office at 204-338-7801 (ext.1)

Immaculate heart of Mary School Fundraising Dinner, Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Holy Family Parish Centre, 460 Munroe Avenue. Cocktails 6:00 pm and Dinner at 6:30 pm. For tickets phone 204-582-5698 or email: [email protected]

Alpha Omega Alumnae presents "Multigenerational Ukrainian-Canadian Identity through Literature" by Dr. Lindy Ledohowski, Research Professor, Carleton Univ., and Board Member of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.This five-part talk looks at Ukrainian-Canadian English-language literature to examine questions about what it means to be a born-in-Canada descendant of Ukrainian immigrants in today's post-multicultural society. Friday, March 21, 2014, 7 P.M., Canad Inns Garden City, $5.00 admission.

St. Paul’s High School is hosting a Vocation Fair on March 1, 20014 between 10;00 invited to attend Saturday, March 1, 2014, between 10:00am and 3:00 pm. For further information contact Fr. Len Altilia SJ at 204‐831‐2304.

Meetings & Events Сходини та Події

Pre-authorized Debit If you would like

the convenience of having a monthly donation automatically debited from your bank account, please complete the form (available in the narthex), include a void cheque, and put in the collection basket,

drop off or mail to the parish office. Donations can be adjusted or cancelled at any time by contacting the parish office.

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting

Wednesday, February 12th

7:30 pm Church Auditorium

Page 8: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

ДЯКУЄМО - THANK YOU!

Many, many thanks to all our wonderful volunteers who came to help with the Perogy Supper preparations – peeling potatoes, making filling and potato balls, pinching, boiling, packing, selling and cleaning. Thank you to the ticket sellers, the kitchen crew, the pie and perogy servers, the cleaning crew on Friday and to the members who donated pies. We had the most volunteers we ever had and it enabled some of us to go home earlier than usual. We have only two more Suppers left (February 21 and March 28) before we recess for the summer. Although we did not have the crowd that we had at our previous Supper, we still realized a profit of $2936.27 and have 20 dozen perogies left to sell. Please note: The reason for moving the February Perogy Supper to the 21

st

is to allow our parishioners to attend a very important session on “Caring for the Dying”- Ethics and Spirituality at the End of Life on Friday, February 28 (7:00 – 9:00 p.m.) and March 1

st (9:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.) Please see the

poster for details. Anyone who needs a ride to these sessions is asked to call Vicky Adams or the parish office. The Holy Family UCWLC is joining all Catholic Women’s Organizations throughout the world in praying for His Holiness Pope Francis by setting aside some time to offer Divine Liturgy or Rosary for the Pope’s intention. On Sunday, February 16 before 9:00 a.m. Liturgy, the members of the UCWLC will pray the rosary and offer their prayer for His Holiness. The members of the UCWLC invite others to join them in prayer. Thank-you to all who supported the Fundraising Breakfast sponsored by the UCWLC Winnipeg Archeparchy to furnish bedrooms at a safe house administered by the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Lviv, Ukraine. Your attendance and your donations have been greatly appreciated for this worthy project. Thank-you to Zenon Scraba for coordinating our turn for the month of February in escorting residents of Holy Family Nursing Home to Divine Liturgy on Sundays.

- Vicky Adams

Page 9: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

Christmas Koliadnyky

Page 10: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

Pope’s Mass: It’s absurd to say you follow Christ, but reject the Church

from romereports.com 2014-01-30

In his Thursday morning Mass, the Pope talked about what it really means to belong to the Church. He said being a Christian isn’t just about being Baptized and then going about life on your own. Instead, he said, it’s about being part of God’s community and being part of the Church. POPE FRANCIS “Being Christian without the Church doesn’t make sense. That’s why the great Paul VI, said that the most absurd dichotomy is loving Christ without the Church. To listen to Christ, but not the Church. To be with Christ, but stay at the margins of the Church. It’s not possible. It’s an absurd dichotomy.” Reflecting on today’s readings, the Pope recommended following the example of King David, who accepted God’s will even when he disagreed. For that to happen, explained the Pope, the humility is key. SUMMARY OF POPE’S MASS(Source): Vatican Radio)" Humility, faithfulness and prayer are the three signs of a Christian who belongs to the Church. That was the theme that Pope Francis chose for his homily at morning Mass in the Casa Santa Marta on Thursday, urging his listeners to really "feel with the Church”."The Pope said the first fruit of our Baptism is to make us a part of the Church, a member of the people of God. Recalling the words of Pope Paul VI, he said it’s absurd to claim that we love Christ without the Church, that we listen to Christ but not the Church, that we are with Christ but on the margins of the Church. The Gospel message, Pope Francis said, comes to us through the Church and our path to holiness must be found within the Church." "Speaking of the three pillars which underpin our sense of belonging to the Church, the Pope said the first is humility and the realization that the story of salvation does not start or end with us. A person who is not humble, he said, cannot feel with the Church but only feels what he or she desires. Instead, humility helps us understand that we are just a small part of the great people of God, that is following the way of the Lord." "The second pillar, Pope Francis said, is faithfulness to the teachings and doctrine of the Church. Quoting again from his predecessor Paul VI, he said we receive the Gospel as a gift and we must pass that gift on to others in faithfulness, rather than seeing it as something that belongs to us." "Thirdly, the Pope said, we must remember to pray with and for the Church in all parts of the world. Do we really pray for the Church, he asked, not just at daily Mass but also when we are at home? May the Lord help us, he concluded, to follow this path, to deepen our sense of belonging and feeling with the Church.

Page 11: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

Conquering Fear Written by the Very Rev. Vladimir Berzonsky

“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:21).This alone if nothing else one realizes and takes away from the Divine Liturgy—the peace of Christ. This makes it worth every ef-fort to be present among Christ’s loved ones. Who is more fright-filled than those Galileans in Jerusa-lem on the day when Jesus Christ had been cruci-fied, and they were certain that they were next. Trembling with fear, expecting at any moment for the door to be broken in and to be driven away for execution – suddenly He appears, not through the door but in their midst. He was there all the time, or rather there in their presence incognito. That even ought to inspire all of us, especially when we are afraid. The great spiritual lay writer Paul Evdokimov wrote: “A lay person is also one who is freed by his faith from ‘the great fear’ of the bomb, of cancer, of Communism, of death. The faith of such a person is always a way of loving the world, a way of follow-ing the Lord even into hell.” (Ages of the Spiritual Life, p. 242) Yes, that was the last century. Today we no longer fear Communism, thank the Lord, but we have exchanged fears. Then our presidents thought to protect the USA with a defense shield that would prevent attacks from beyond our bor-ders. Now we have become fearful of attacks within our land. Consider the exercises we go through to take a flight. We arrive at least an hour before scheduled takeoff, are sure to have an official photo image, have tickets in our name, baggage all vetted, then computers, coats, even shoes are sent through the screening apparatus, there is the pos-sibility of a body search, and we are told to be sus-picious of our fellow passengers. When out walking or jogging after dark, I cross over to the other side of the street if I notice a woman ahead of me alone, lest I startle her and cause her anxiety.

Add to that road rage, the expression of pent-up hostility that people behind steering wheels vent on other vehicles as if the highways and streets were fields of combat and the drivers were the enemy. This is life in the new millennium. You may find temporary relief from pills from the drug store’s shelves, even stronger with a physician’s prescription. However, you will discover the glorious lasting peace offered by our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, a peace transcending anything the world has to offer, by clearing your mind and heart from the clutter of remembered offenses done to you with the help of the Holy Spirit within your soul, sweeping away all the detritus of hurts no longer in your power to react to, and thank Christ for the overwhelming gift of affection symbolized in the Cross. Then while you are in Church, forget your watch and what is going on around you. Learn to imbibe the peace of God that surpasses the ability to understand what God is doing for you and with your acceptance. Even if it lasts but a moment, try to cling to it, thank Him for the feeling, and strive to keep it with you as long as you are able, as you return to the challenges of the world outside. As the choir sings “Lay aside all earthly cares,” you may imagine yourself wafting upward where the angels and saints hover above. The Spirit is like the helium in a balloon within you – let it fill you with peace. Your cares are like the heavy sand bags, weighing you down and preventing your ascent. Cut them off. You can see the priest ahead of you taking into the sacred altar the precious gifts of Jesus Christ Himself, offered by Him for the life of the world, and He invites you to proceed with Him. What’s holding you back? Are you enslaved to the wrongs, insults and injuries inflicted on you by the world, or do you belong to His Kingdom? If the latter, then don’t dally. Go with Him.

Page 12: Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Parish · seminar called the Life in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to reignite one’s faith and hope in Christ. If you would

In the gospel, Jesus shared a parable to his disciples and to those who are listening to him. There are two main characters in the gospel, a Pharisee and a tax collector. During that time, Pharisees were the known teachers of the Law who also have political power. They were interpreters of the Law of Moses and the other Jewish rules. Pharisees normally stayed in the temple but sometimes they also went around the city to

see people and so that people could see them.

On the other hand, tax collectors had the reputation of being known as public sinners because they not only collected the tax for the Temple but also tax for the Emperor, as Jerusalem and the rest of Palestine were under the Roman Empire. Not counting the personal and extra amount (money) that tax collectors asked and demanded from the people. During Moses’ time, tax collectors were known as corrupt officials and this

was public knowledge.

In our gospel reading, both Pharisee and a tax collector went to the temple to pray. But the two prayed differently. The Pharisee claimed to be generous, honest, just. He said that he is not like the tax collector

who was in the temple at that time and he bragged that he fasted twice a week and paid his tithes faithfully.

On the other hand, the tax collector who was so ashamed to lift his head beat his breast and asked the Lord for mercy, mercy for a poor sinner. The tax collector did not dare claim who he was but only begged the

Lord for His mercy.

If we reflect on the message of the gospel, we may identify ourselves in one of the characters of the

gospel. What is our prayer? What is our attitude when we pray to God?

Do we pray like the Pharisee in the gospel who prejudged the tax collector?

Some people are self- righteous just like the Pharisee in the gospel, pretending to be always right and that all the others are not like him. But there are also people who, like the public sinner or the tax collector, ask with

all humility for God’s mercy so they can be pardoned for their sins.

Who is justified in the gospel? Jesus assured his disciples on who from the two that God has His favor. The

one who is humble will have God’s favor. The humble will be exalted while the proud will not be exalted.

Have we thought of who are we before the Lord? We are not equal with our God. We therefore should know our position and posture. The tax collector humbled himself before the Lord while the Pharisee was so

righteous before the Lord, and that is the difference.

In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we are reminded of our attitude and posturing when we pray to our God. Do we recognize our God as the creator of everything and the savior of the world? As Christians, do we pray with a humble heart? Do we ask God for his mercy and love? Or do we impress God

with who we are and what we have?

The gospel asks us to be humble for only then can we be justified and exalted. Humility is the crown of all virtues they say. When we are humble, the Lord will bless us more and would listen to us when we go to him

and pray.

Con’t from cover page

By Rev. Fr. Christian B. Buenafe, O. Carm