First Sunday in Lent

God tells Noah a flood is coming to destroy the earth. "I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth," God says. He continues, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth." "Baptism, which is prefigured, now saves you- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him." After Jesus was baptized a voice from heaven proclaimed, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Jesus was tempted 40 days in the wilderness by Satan. John was arrested so Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God. The 1st Reading, 2nd Reading, and Holy Gospel today speak a lot of water. Water is a force to be reckoned with. It can be calm and gently flowing, but by the same token can be extremely swift and deadly. Lent is a time when we remember our baptismal vows as we have been sealed by the Holy Ghost. God calls on us all to spread the good news of the kingdom. Sadly, today in America Christianity is no longer the social norm. Often times in the days in which Saint John lived you were not only persecuted, but completely abandoned by your family for believing in this "good news." They saw this as a threat to their cultural heritage as well as their religious heritage. Today God does not seem to be on the minds of the people anymore. Fifty years ago the churches were double, or more what they are today, but God is still God. We may be much fewer faithful and we may need to pray for there to be workers in the fields, but God has always had a people. We need to be the light of the world. We need to so let our lights shine before others that they can see who is in control. Think of where so many people are this day (instead of in a house of worship). Religion isn't cool and is often ridiculed. People seem to forget about God, or his one Catholic and Apostolic Church unless it is a special day of celebration. Church is often times put on the back burner in too many peoples lives. We have a great challenge this day. America today looks at us in many ways as outcasts, or outsiders since we are the faithful few. May we be bold in our attempt to show others the good news of God in Christ. We should not lose heart, or focus that God still steers the ship. May we all be one. May we all share the good news of the kingdom. May our Lent be one more of taking on being a better person than restricting ourselves so harshly. Listen to the words of our Lord Jesus, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." Amen.

Collect:
ALMIGHTY GOD, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted of Satan: Make speed to help thy servants who are assaulted by manifold temptations; and, as thou knowest their several infirmities, let each one find thee mighty to save; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pray especially for healing for:
John Cunningham, Betty Stenger, Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber, Pete Walburg, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Pete Stanish, Nathan McConnell, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Donald Kaltenback, and Susan Beeler.

(1st Reading Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-9, 2nd Reading I Peter 3:18-22, Gospel Mark 1:9-15)

***Do not forget Lenten work days are here. Every Saturday morning during the Lenten season at 9:00AM the work will begin.***

!!!***Father Swann will be available to hear Confessions (by appointment) during Lent***!!!