Building Our Faith, One Page at a Time
Continue your Lenten journey with a selection from the Liturgical Seasons section of our Lending Library, such as:
“Lent, an Uncommon Love Story”
“Thirsting for Prayer”
“Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent & Easter”
“Living with the Mind of Christ”
ST. JOHN FISHER LENDING LIBRARY
2. The Second Sign at Cana: A Story of Faith and Healing
In the Gospel of John, the account of Jesus' second sign at Cana offers a profound narrative of faith, healing, and the transformative power of belief. Set in the town of Cana in Galilee, this miracle involves a royal official whose son is gravely ill in Capernaum. Let's delve into the rich layers of this narrative and explore its timeless lessons.
The story unfolds with the introduction of a royal official, a man of status and authority, whose desperation leads him to seek out Jesus upon hearing of his arrival in Galilee. Faced with the looming specter of his son's impending death, the official approaches Jesus with a plea for healing. Despite the urgency of the situation, Jesus responds cryptically, challenging the crowd's dependence on signs and wonders as a condition for belief.
In the face of Jesus' enigmatic response, the royal official persists in his plea, pleading with Jesus to come down and heal his dying son. Jesus, however, offers a surprising directive: "You may go; your son will live." In this moment, the official is confronted with a test of faith – to trust in Jesus' words without tangible proof or to succumb to doubt and despair.
Remarkably, the official chooses to believe. His journey back to Capernaum becomes a testament to his newfound faith as he encounters his servants on the road, who deliver the news of his son's miraculous recovery. The timing of the healing aligns precisely with Jesus' declaration, serving as a tangible confirmation of the divine intervention at work.
Read more: 2. The Second Sign at Cana: A Story of Faith and Healing
Introduction to 10 Miracles of Jesus - 1. The Wedding at Cana
The life and teachings of Jesus Christ, chronicled in the New Testament of the Bible, are rich with accounts of miraculous deeds that attest to his divine nature and authority. These miracles serve as powerful demonstrations of Jesus' compassion, mastery over nature, and ability to bring about profound transformations in the lives of individuals. In this exploration, we delve into ten notable miracles attributed to Jesus in the New Testament, each revealing unique facets of his character and mission. From turning water into wine to calming stormy seas, these miracles offer glimpses into the extraordinary power and love of the Son of God. Join us on this 10-week journey as we uncover the significance and impact of these miraculous events in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
1. The Wedding at Cana: A Revelation of Divine Grace
The account of the wedding at Cana, as recorded in the Gospel of John, offers a captivating narrative rich with symbolism and spiritual significance. Set in the picturesque town of Cana in Galilee, this story unfolds as a testament to Jesus' compassion, power, and the abundance of divine grace. Let's explore the profound layers of this transformative event.
The scene opens on the third day of a wedding celebration, a joyous occasion marked by feasting and fellowship. Jesus, accompanied by his disciples, graces the festivities with his presence, underscoring the sanctity of marriage and the importance of communal celebration.
However, the joyous atmosphere is soon clouded by a pressing concern – the wine supply has run short. In a moment of maternal concern, Mary, the mother of Jesus, approaches her son with a simple yet poignant observation: "They have no wine." Her words carry a deeper significance, signaling a recognition of Jesus' divine capacity to address human need and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Jesus' initial response appears enigmatic, as he cryptically remarks, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." This seemingly curt exchange between mother and son unveils a deeper truth – that Jesus' ministry is governed by divine timing and purpose, and that the unfolding of miracles is intricately woven into the divine plan.
Read more: Introduction to 10 Miracles of Jesus - 1. The Wedding at Cana
Understanding Jesus as "The Lamb"
In the rich tapestry of Christian theology, few metaphors are as poignant and powerful as that of Jesus being referred to as "the Lamb." Found predominantly in the New Testament of the Bible, this imagery evokes deep theological significance, encapsulating the essence of Christ's sacrificial mission and the redemption he offers to humanity.
John 1:29: The Proclamation of John the Baptist
The Gospel of John opens with a striking declaration by John the Baptist upon seeing Jesus: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). In these words, John the Baptist not only acknowledges Jesus' divine identity but also foretells his sacrificial role in redeeming humanity from sin. By likening Jesus to a lamb, John draws upon the imagery of sacrificial offerings in Jewish tradition, symbolizing Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of all.
Revelation: The Lamb Standing as if Slain
The book of Revelation provides vivid imagery of Jesus as the Lamb in various passages. In Revelation 5:6-14, a Lamb standing as if it had been slain is depicted at the center of heavenly worship, receiving adoration and praise from celestial beings. This imagery emphasizes Jesus' sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, underscoring his role as the focal point of divine worship and the source of redemption for humanity.
The Entire Mass is from Scripture!
The Mass is filled with biblical references and is itself an act from scripture.
AHM Bake Sale Photographs
The goal of our bake sale was to raise $500 to support the AHM initiative aimed at enhancing the mental health resources available to youth and families in our communities. We were thrilled to announce that all donations made during the bake sale would be matched up to 100% by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. This meant that every dollar contributed had an even greater impact, allowing us to make a more significant and lasting difference.
AHM Youth and Family Services have a proven track record of providing vital support to the community. Their commitment to expanding counseling services reflects a dedication to addressing the mental health challenges faced by local families. By contributing to the Therapist Mentoring Program, we were actively participating in building a healthier and more resilient community.
We were delighted by the overwhelming support from our parish during our bake sale. People stopped by the tables after Mass to pick up tasty treats and support this valuable AHM initiative. Their contributions not only satisfied their sweet tooth but also contributed directly to improving the mental health of youth and families in our area.
The 9th-grade Confirmation class is proud to have taken part in this meaningful project and grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the well-being of our community. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who supported this important cause. Together, we made a positive impact on the mental health of youth and families in Amston, Hebron, Marlborough, and Columbia.
CRS Spotlight
As people of faith, we have a moral obligation to uphold human dignity and support our sisters and brothers in need around the world. Humanitarian assistance can provide stability for people in times of conflict and economic stress. Please visit www.crs.org to send a message to your representative asking them to support supplemental package that includes $9.2 billion for vital humanitarian assistance. Thanks for your support!
Drive-Thru Café Was a Huge Success!
Thank you to everyone who volunteered for our Drive-Thru Café event this past Sunday. We were able to provide 38 meals to the Food Bank with plenty of left- overs, which were donated to the Senior Center to disburse with Meals on Wheels. The next Drive-Thru Café will be Sunday, March 24. We will be looking for volunteers to help make a BBQ chicken dinner, cookies, and to serve.
Service to Our Community ~ The Christian Outreach Committee
In the town of Marlborough, the St. John Fisher Parish is bustling with activity as the Christian Outreach Committee is preparing for a year filled with service and outreach opportunities. The committee members are dedicated to following the teachings of Jesus Christ and are eager to involve all our parishioners in their mission to serve the community.
For 2024, the committee is meticulously planning a series of recurrent monthly outreach events to address food and financial insecurity in our community. These events included a monthly food drive supporting the Marlborough Food Bank, sandwich collection and making for patrons of St. Vincent dePaul in Middletown, and the Community Giving Garden providing fresh produce to the Marlborough Food Bank throughout the spring and fall months.
In addition to the recurrent monthly events, the committee has scheduled specific outreach initiatives for each month of the year. From New Year intentions and prayers to a drive-thru café serving patrons of the Marlborough Food Bank, the committee has thoughtfully organized a diverse range of opportunities for parishioners to get involved and make a difference in the lives of others.
Read more: Service to Our Community ~ The Christian Outreach Committee
Lenten Recipes ~ Compiled by the Ladies of St. John Fishers
Hand typed from the days before computers were everywhere. Found lost in a bookshelf of old recipe books. Download your copy of today ...
Example recipe:
FISH AU GRATIN
1 lb. frozen or fresh sole, flounder or haddock
1/3 cup real mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbl. dry bread crumbs
Brush each fillet with mayonnaise. Mix cheese and crumbs. Roll fish in crumb mixture. Bake 375°F. until fish is lightly browned. Serves 3 to 4.
Photos of the Vatican Eucharistic Miracles Display
Click the Magnifying Glass to view full size photos.
Nurturing Seedlings
We are so excited to invite you to join in our Nurturing Seedlings opportunity for parents who have children birth through five years old. Nurturing Seedlings focuses on you as parents and as the most important person in your child’s life to introduce them to God. This is a chance to meet and connect with other parents and form lasting friendships and grow in your faith.
We will meet for five (5) meaningful Sundays beginning on March 3rd for one hour starting at 9:30 am in our church hall. Childcare will be provided. This is your time to be cared for, celebrated and BE together as parents in your wonderful, most rewarding (and yes, challenging) role.
- A Wonderful Outpouring at the Vatican Eucharstic Miracles Display
- St. John Fisher Confirmation Class Bake Sale February 24-25
- We NEED You To Evangelize (Four Steps)
- Knights of Columbus 2023 “Keep Christ in Christmas” Poster Winner
- Christian Outreach Committee & Community Giving Garden 2024
- SCAM EMAIL WARNING!
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