St. Michael’s Catholic Church ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark. 3. Stay fit....

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TO BE CATHOLIC IS TO BE PRO-LIFE! Tom & Carol Bielejeski President: Steve Reding (559) 275-4977 X-3014 www.careding.com Offers 11-month Vocational Nursing Program approved by BVNPT. BPPE approved, ABHES accredited school 1340 North El Dorado (209) 941-0968 www.xavier-college.com PRAY TO END ABORTION St. Michael’s Catholic Church Office Hours: Monday 9-2pm T-F, 8:30-12:00&1:00-4:00pm Other times by appointment only 5882 North Ashley Lane Stockton, CA 95215 (209) 931-0639 or (209) 931-6536 Fax: (209) 931-3621 Website: www.stmichaelparish.net E-mail: [email protected] 193rd Edition Sacraments Confession: Saturday-4:00-5:00pm Baptism: 1st & 3rd Saturday 11:00am English Baptism: 2nd & 4th Saturday 11:00am Spanish Marriage: 6 months advance notice & Pre-marriage preparation required Schedule of Masses Saturday 7:15am&5:15pm Sunday 7:30am&10:30am Sunday 2:00pm Spanish Weekdays 7:15am Holy Days English 7:15am, 6:00pm Spanish 7:30pm First Friday Holy Hour 4:00 pm Mass 7:15am, 5:00 pm February 19, 2017 ST. MICHAELS MISSION STATEMENT St. Michaels Parish is a Catholic faith community deeply rooted in the Holy Eucharist. Through our faith and worship, we honor the Lords command- ment to love Him and one another, to proclaim the Gospel and bring about a fair and just world for all people. Pastor Msgr. Agustin Gialogo In Residence Msgr. Richard J. Ryan, J.C.D. Deacon Allen Moznett 209 598-4811 [email protected] Deacon/Business Manager Edward Formosa 209 401-8378 [email protected] Parish Secretary Diane McSorley 209 931-0639 [email protected] Director of Religious Education Sr. Angelamaria De Leo, msc 209 931-2696 [email protected] Director of Adult Faith Formation Roz Rine 209 931-0639 [email protected] Director of RCIA Elena Molina 209 931-5390 [email protected] Bulletin /Bookkeeping Patti Saldaña 209 931-3128 [email protected] Veneration of the Relic of St. Faustina: The 3rd Thursday of each month at 3pm in the church Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Perpetual Adoration Chapel (Enter from Vestibule of the Church) For Adoration hours Please Call: Roberta 931-3104 or Jan 956-2861 The following hours are available for permanent coverage. Wednesdays 1pm-2pm

Transcript of St. Michael’s Catholic Church ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark. 3. Stay fit....

TO BE

CATHOLIC IS TO BE

PRO-LIFE!

Tom & Carol Bielejeski

President: Steve Reding (559) 275-4977 X-3014 www.careding.com

Offers 11-month Vocational Nursing Program approved

by BVNPT. BPPE approved, ABHES

accredited school

1340 North El Dorado (209) 941-0968

www.xavier-college.com

PRAY TO END ABORTION

St. Michael’s Catholic Church

Office Hours: Monday 9-2pm

T-F, 8:30-12:00&1:00-4:00pm Other times by appointment only

5882 North Ashley Lane

Stockton, CA 95215

(209) 931-0639 or (209) 931-6536

Fax: (209) 931-3621

Website: www.stmichaelpar ish.net

E-mail: [email protected]

193rd Edition

Sacraments Confession: Saturday-4:00-5:00pm

Baptism: 1st & 3rd Saturday 11:00am English Baptism: 2nd & 4th Saturday 11:00am Spanish

Marriage: 6 months advance notice & Pre-marriage preparation required

Schedule of Masses Saturday 7:15am&5:15pm Sunday 7:30am&10:30am Sunday 2:00pm Spanish Weekdays 7:15am

Holy Days English 7:15am, 6:00pm Spanish 7:30pm

First Friday Holy Hour 4:00 pm Mass 7:15am, 5:00 pm

February 19, 2017

ST. MICHAEL’S MISSION STATEMENT

St. Michael’s Parish is a Catholic faith community deeply rooted in the Holy Eucharist. Through our faith and worship, we honor the Lord’s command-ment to love Him and one another, to proclaim the Gospel and bring about a fair and just world for all people.

Pastor Msgr. Agustin Gialogo

In Residence Msgr. Richard J. Ryan, J.C.D.

Deacon Allen Moznett 209 598-4811 [email protected]

Deacon/Business Manager Edward Formosa 209 401-8378 [email protected]

Parish Secretary Diane McSorley 209 931-0639 [email protected]

Director of Religious Education Sr. Angelamaria De Leo, msc 209 931-2696 [email protected]

Director of Adult Faith Formation Roz Rine 209 931-0639 [email protected]

Director of RCIA Elena Molina 209 931-5390 [email protected]

Bulletin /Bookkeeping Patti Saldaña 209 931-3128 [email protected]

Veneration of the Relic of St. Faustina: The 3rd Thursday of each month

at 3pm in the church

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Perpetual Adoration Chapel

(Enter from Vestibule of the Church) For Adoration hours Please Call: Roberta 931-3104 or Jan 956-2861

The following hours are available for

permanent coverage.

Wednesdays 1pm-2pm

Save the date: Catholic Char ities Sunday is May 20-21, 2017. Catholics throughout the Stock-ton Diocese will have an opportunity to contribute to the important work of Catholic Charities on Cath-olic Charities Sunday. Poor and vulnerable individu-als and families have been hit hard by these eco-nomic times. Your help is needed more than ever.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Stockton was found-ed in 1935 with the idea that everyone, regardless of race, gender, income or religious affiliation deserves to be treated with compassion and dignity. Today Catholic Charities continues to strive to provide so-cial services and advocacy for underserved groups such as Veterans, immigrants, the poor, homeless women, children and the frail elderly. Catholic Charities has offices in Stockton, Modesto, and So-nora. In 2016, services were provided to 26,000 people of all ages, faith and ethnic groups.

For more information about Catholic Charities, please visit the website at www.ccstockton.org or call 209-444-5900.

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Your gift to the 2017 Bishop’s Ministry Appeal helps put our faith into action. Our ultimate goal is 100% participation! Your gift directly supports diocesan min-istries serving our parishes. Here’s how you can help support your Diocese and Parish. Give On-Line: https://stocktondiocese.org/BMA Make checks payable to: BISHOP’S MINISTRY AP-PEAL TRUST.

Healing the Pain of Abortion, One Weekend at a Time Rachel’s Vineyard weekends are a beautiful opportuni-ty for any person who has struggled with the emotion-al or spiritual pain of abortion. It is an opportunity to heal repressed feelings of anger, shame, guilt, and grief in a safe and confidential environment. Dates for Project Rachel Retreats April 28-30, 2017 - English Sept. 22-24, 2017 - Spanish Oct. 6-8, 2017 - English For more information or to register contact Kim, 209/465-5433 - English or Gloria, 510/384-6875 - Spanish

You may have noticed that some of the symbols on our Precious Souls Memorial have discolored. We are removing them and are in the process of repairing. They have been blessed so they will be treated re-spectfully and returned to their original positions.

Thank you for your patience.

Baby Bottle Drive: The annual Baby Bot-tle Drive will start on Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19. This year’s collections will go to the Stockton Pregnancy Help Center. Remember, this is not a big dollar appeal. What we ask each parishioner to do is put their loose change in the baby bottles during the time of the Drive. Of course, if you wish to put dollars or checks in the bot-tle the Pregnancy Help Center will be happy to have those too. The Pregnancy Help Center receives no Federal or State funding so their continued ability to sup-ply services to pregnant mothers is solely through the gen-erosity of people like you.

Knights of Columbus

St. Michael’s Council 11052 Cordially invites you to attend It’s Your Lucky Knight XVIII

St. Michael’s Church-Fr. Meyer Center Annual Fund Raiser Dinner

Saturday, April 1, 2017 Cocktails 6:00—7:00

Dinner 7:00 (Ravioli & Tri-Tip) 1st number & every 10th number chosen wins

$100 Last number -$2,500 2nd Place—$1,250

3rd Place -$800 4th Place—$400 For tickets call Stave Habecker 451-3102

Al Pelligrini 887-2923 or Ed Formosa 478-7067

One Hundred Dollar Donation Admits One Additional Guests $25.00 each

Save the date!

Saturday, March 25th

Annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner

In Father Meyer Center

Social at 6 pm

Dinner at 7 pm

This is a parish favorite so get your tickets early!

Adults (13-up) $20.00

Children (6-12) $10.00

Children under 5 are free!

Call Diane at the office for reservations.

In Celebration of the lives of

Jose Galvez Edita & Quintin Abellera

& Carlo Abellera

In Loving Memory of

Ralph Cesena, Tom & Katherine Castles, Arthur & Virginia Cesena

In Loving Memory of Herbert A. & Mable H. Mer-ritt; Dawn Landeen, Shannon Denby, Eddie Reposa, Clinton Paraka, George Newel Merritt

& Andrew Merritt

In Loving Memory of

Bruno & Frances

Malucchi

In Loving Memory of

Maria Luz Tirado Canchola

Mafi Concrete Design

"ALL TYPE OF CONCRETE"

Stamp with color Patio Slap Driveway etc. Flack Stone Wall Block Wall etc. All Type of wood fence

Contractor State License #752320

Robert Cell: (209) 475-2560 Free Estimates

· Income tax preparation 20 Years of Experience · All states · Audit representation · Audit Protection Plus · Bookkeeping/Payroll · Immigration consulting · Consulta de inmigración

16 W Elm Street Lodi, CA 95240 209 224-5410 http://

saldanacompany.com

BellaLise School of Dance Is Taking Registration

for the 2015-2016 dance year. Offering:

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop And Adult Fitness

for children 2-18 years old. $50 monthly tuition

(family discount) $25 registration fee

Studio Location: 18827 East Highway 26

Linden, CA 95236 Please contact us for

registration information and class schedule (209) 845-8246 or

[email protected] See you in class!

Remember your loved ones with an

In loving memory ad Space now available!

www.musicismymotto.com

Attention Young Adults!!! - All are welcome, 18 and older to Young Adults Group on

Sunday's at 9 am in Room 11. If you have any questions or for more information you may contact us through email at

[email protected]

Cheapest Rate in Town!

Ramel Cruz (209) 298-5077 Maria Celena Cruz (209) 688-8776

Patricia Saldaña Enrolled Agent, Notary Public,

Parishioner of St. Michaels

Margie Solari has misplaced her “Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ” book with her Pro Life Rosary. If anyone finds it, please bring it to the office. Thank you!

The Central California School of Italian Language and Culture will hold its annual Carnevale Shrimp and Pasta Dinner on Tuesday, February 28. For more information contact Elyse at 209-465-7909 or email [email protected]. Reservation forms can also be found on our website, www.ItalianSchoolOfStockton.com

Thank you for your support.

Immaculate Heart Radio Needs Your Help! March 6th-10th Vol-unteering a few hours of your time to assist us in answering phone calls during our Pledge Drive would be a blessing to us. Meet the announcer staff, enjoy food, fun and fellowship and even win some great books, movies and CD’s. Contact Ni-cole [email protected] 888-887-7120.

Trivia answer: The Pallium

Schedules for next weekend, February 25-26

Lectors 5:15PM Rick Knipper, Mia Knipper

7:30AM Robert Hermann, Manuel Mendez

10:30AM Yolanda Arroyo, Raphel-Marie Sinco

2:00PM Daniel Valencia, Guadalupe Lua

Eucharistic Ministers 5:15PM Deacon Ed, E. Mafi, P. Simon

7:30AM C. Westphal, E. Rodriguez, L. Rodriguez

10:30AM J. Perkins, N. Sallady, C. Moznett, C. Hofheinz, S. Misasi, B. Filas, M. Lemos

2:00PM J. Esqueda, H. Fernandez, R. Medrano, L. Ma. Paniagua, S. Valencia, A. Valencia, R. Valencia

Altar Servers 5:15PM M. Rodriguez, R. Migliori, M. Kaehler

7:30 AM AJ Amen, J. Amen, F. Segura

10:30AM J. Garcia, V. Parada, S. Ponce de Leon 2:00 PM V. Barreto, E. Alvor, D. Ochoa

Weekly Collection Offertory $7,274.07

Candles $ 195.20

Please use your church envelopes!

Joke of the Day!

A man asked his wife what she'd like for her bir th-day. "I'd love to be six again," she replied. On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off they went to a local theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park: the Death Slide, the Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear--everything there was! Wow! Five hours later she staggered out of the theme park, her head reeling and her stomach upside down. Right to McDonald's they went, where her husband or-dered her a Big Mac along with extra fries and a re-freshing chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie - the latest Star Wars epic, and hot dogs, popcorn, Pepsi Cola, and M&Ms. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed. He leaned over and lovingly asked, "Well, dear, what was it like being six again?" One eye opened. The wife said, "You idiot, I meant my dress size!" The moral of this story is: If a woman speaks and a man is actually listening, he will still get it wrong.

Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah’s Ark.

1. Don’t miss the boat. Remember that we are all in the same boat.

2. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.

3. Stay fit. When you’re 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

4. Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

5. Build your future on high ground.

6. For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.

7. Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

8. When you’re stressed, float a while.

9. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Ti-tanic by professionals.

10. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.

Immediate Opening: Kindergarten and 2nd Grade Instructional Aide Positions

St. Luke School is in search for part-time Kindergarten & 2nd Grade Instructional Aide due to growing class sizes. This position is for 25 hours per week. Candi-dates will be responsible for assisting the teacher with implementing curriculum, small group pull-out, overall classroom & playground supervision. Prior teaching/supervision of children and experience with youth is needed. Please submit the following for consideration:

Completed Diocese of Stockton Application Form

Letter of Interest

Resume

Two letters of Recommendation

To: John Rieschick, Principal 4005 North Sutter Street, Stockton, 95204

(209) 464-0801 or [email protected]

Ladies Guild invites all parishioners to join them in the Rose Liel Hall for the annual Ash Wednesday “Breaking Bread” supper. Please bring a meatless soup to share with others. The Ladies Guild will provide bread, butter, coffee, salad, etc. needed to complete this Ash Wednes-day meal. This will begin after the 6:00 pm mass.

Ash Wednesday, March 1 Lectors 7:15 am Robert Herman, Gloria Silveria 6:00 pm Michele Bryson, Cheri Lombardi Eucharistic Ministers 7:15 am Jan Yturri, Karen Norman 6:00 pm Sandi Misasi, Kathy Formosa Altar Servers 6:00 pm R. Garcia, X. Garcia, I. Garcia 7:30 pm S. Esquedo, A. Ochoa, Y. Ochoa

Prayers for the Sick – Lolo Murry, Rosa Maria Santos, Louis Filas, Larry Silvieria, Merle Bowmen, Marie Parra, Cali Vanni, Harold “Gi” Raggio, Mark Fernandez, Corey Bowerman, Estela Flores, Vanessa Sanchez, Cathy Westphal, Pedro Alvarez, Valeti Fakava, Linda Bosche, Yvonne Ley, Catherine Maghirang, Jaime Villarreal, Deacon Al Moznett, Enrique Parada, Lourdes Parada, Matt Lemos, Veronica Carranza, Richard Hinojos, Ted Kerr Jr., Jose Fuentes, Raymond Fuentes, Kasandra Nicole Valenzuela, Hector Vega, Stella Mia Baez, Jamerson & Jackson Lopez, Kelly Roddy, Pat Harris, Tom & Noelle Seesing, Joseph Madar, Lynda Ripley, Shawn Arnell, Diane Daugherty, Sam Mafi, & Sal Castellon. Please call the office to add your loved ones name for prayers.

Mass Intentions for the Week Saturday - February 18

7:15AM Angelo & Maria Barbagelata+

5:15PM Jack Bozzano+ Msgr. Edward Donohoe+

Sunday February 19

7:30AM Joaquin Costa+ Olivia Moules+ john & Margarida Cotta+

10:30AM Mass for the People (Missa Pro Populi)

2:00PM Jose Amezcua-Intention Jose & Lucia Amezcua-Intention

Ignacia Gutierrez+ Lucio Macias+ Jose Arreola+

Monday February 20

7:15AM Msgr. Edward Donohoe+ Jeannelle Ospital+ Idalina Silveira-Intention

Tuesday February 21

7:15AM Manuel Trovao+

Wednesday February 22

7:15PM Gary Caffese+ LaVonne Ward+

Thursday February 23

7:15AM Lillan Risso+ Uta Maria Reitnauer/ Schlueter+

Friday February 24

7:15AM Jack Bozzano+ Mary Jane Trojacek+

Saturday February 25

7:15AM Luz Moreno+

5:15PM Andy Machiwalla+ Palmira Bargagliotti+

Readings for the Week Monday Sir 1:1-10 Ps 93:1-2,5 Mk 9:14-29

Tuesday St. Peter Damian Sir 2:1-11 Ps 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40 Mk 9:30-37

Wednesday Chair of St. Peter the Apostle 1Pt 5:1-4 Ps 23:1-3a,4-6 Mt 16:13-19

Thursday St. Polycarp Sir 5:1-8 Ps 1:1-4,6 Mk 9:41-50

Friday Sir 6:5-17 Ps 119:12,16,18,27,34-35 Mk 10:1-12

Saturday Sir 17:1-15 Ps 103:13-18 Mk 10:13-16

Sunday Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 49:14-15 Ps 62:2-3,6-9 1Cor 4:1-5 Mt 6:24-34

Calendar for the Week Mon., Feb. 20 7 pm Light Weigh bible study LMC #7

Tues., Feb. 21 10am Adult Bible Study LMC #7,8,9,10,11 6:30 pm Tongan Choir practice FMC/PS 7 pm Divorce Survival Guide LMC#10

Wed., Feb. 22 4 pm Catechism Classes 4 pm Parent Bible Study FMC 5 pm 4th degree Knights of Columbus RLH 6:30pm-9pm Spanish Charismatic Prayer Group FMC-Meeting Room 7pm Our Lady Queen of Peace in Chapel Thu., Feb. 23 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study Luke LMC #9 7 pm Charismatic Prayer English LMC #8 7 pm Social Justice Committee LMC# 7

Fri., Feb. 24 6 pm Tongan Choir practice FMC/PS

Sat., Feb. 25 8:15 am Luke Bible Study LMC #8

Sun., Feb. 26 9 am Young adults meeting LMC#11

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time In today’s first reading, the Israelites are urged to love their neighbors as themselves. In the Gospel, Jesus spells out how we are to do that-to give generously to those who ask of us and not to turn our backs on those who seek to borrow.

En la primera lectura de hoy, los Israelitas son incitados a que amen a su prójimo como a sí mismos. En el Evan-gelio, Jesús explica cómo debemos hacer esto– dar generosamente a quienes nos lo piden y no volver nuestras es-paldas a aquellos que solicitan un préstamo.

SAVE THE DATE: General meeting of all the Ministries Feb. 28 at 7 pm

St. Michael’s has many ministries in need of car-ing volunteers. Some ask for a very small amount of your time. There are many to choose from. Please inquire at the office about the various min-istries and how you can make a difference!

Catholic Trivia! - Answer located in the ads section. The strip of wool adorned with six crosses and three gold pins that can only be worn on the shoulders of the Pope and metropolitan archbishops, as a symbol of their high jurisdiction, is known as what?

A. The Pallium B. A cape C. The humeral veil D. The temple garments

All Day Preschool Available! Annunciation Preschool

Annunciation Preschool is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, March 15th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm to kick off their Open Registration Event. New Extended Hours! More preschool and pre-kindergarten programs will be offered including extended hours until 5:30 pm. Registration packets will be available for new perspec-tive parents. Teachers will be present for questions. Annunciation Preschool is located at 440 West Rose Street near Dameron Hospital and the Cathedral of the Annunciation Catholic church in Stockton. Come tour our parish preschool and meet our experienced and dedicated staff!

Visit our website at annunciationstockton.org (under the Welcome Tab) or call (209) 465-2961 for more de-tails!

The Virtue of Generosity

Donald DeMarco

Generosity inspires gratitude, and gratitude inspires generosity. God is generous to us and our generosity, as St. Paul tells us, gives proof of our gratitude towards God (2 Cor. 9:11).

In gratitude we are human; in gener-osity we are divine: "Y ou received without pay, give without pay" (Mt. 10:8).

An admirer of the great German composer, Johannes Brahms, left him 1,000 pounds in his will. Upon learn-ing about the bequest, Brahms was deeply moved. "It touches me most deeply and intimately," he wrote to a friend. "All exterior honors are noth-ing in comparison." Then, in the very next sentence, he informed his friend that since he did not need the money, he was "enjoying it in the most agreeable manner, by taking pleasure in its distribution."

Thus, the virtue that touched Brahms inspired replication of itself in the generosity that Brahms himself demonstrated. And one hopes that it stirred the same virtue among his beneficiaries. Generosity is the virtue that can go on mirroring itself until the end of time.

The highest gift we can give to an-other is the gift of ourselves. Giving ourselves in this way epitomizes the virtue of generosity. The perfect ex-ample of generosity is God the Crea-

tor. By means of His generosity, He generated man in His image. For Christians, God's gift of Himself through Christ represents the ulti-mate form of generosity, and serves as a model for all human generosity.

Because God creates -- or generates -- man in His image out of His own generosity, a dynamic impulse to-ward generosity is implanted in the depth of man's being. As a conse-quence, to live authentically means to give generously. Personality and generosity, therefore, are virtually synonymous. To live authentically is to give generously of oneself. The great Thomistic philosopher, Jacques Maritain, underscored this uni-fication of personality with generosity when he wrote: "Do not he-roes and saints im-press us as men who have reached the heights of personality as well as generosity?"

What are the limits of generosity? Since virtue is rooted in love, this question is tantamount to asking, "What are the limits of love?"

To the calculating mind, being gener-ous seems to be costly. To the gener-ous heart, being greedy seems in-comprehensible. It is greed that im-poverishes us, not generosity. True generosity, indeed, enriches us a hundredfold. There is a superabun-dance within each of us. Not to re-

lease it is to cost us who we are (cf. Jn. 12:24-25). Nothing, therefore, is more costly than greed; nothing is more rewarding than generosity. The fact that greed is as common as it is indicates that human beings can be estranged from themselves while try-ing to live a life that is alien to them.

Literary characters such as King Midas, Silas Marner, Ebenezer Scrooge, and The Grinch Who Al-most Stole Christmas, are driven by greed in such a way that the more greedy they become, the less human they appear. The conversions of Midas, Scrooge, and the Grinch are, in effect, returns to humanity, and are met by readers with great jubilation.

Generous people are not only more likable than their greedy counterparts, but they ap-pear to be more human, more real.

A poor man who is in touch with the fundamental generos-

ity of his existence can be pro-ductive, happy, and at peace with himself. It is more blessed to give than to receive; but it is far more blessed to give than to take. In the final analysis, we cannot take with us what we have, though many people seem to live as though they could. But we can leave behind what we have given. Greed is an affliction of the dispossessed. Generosity is the plenitude of the self-possessed.

The highest gift we can give to another is the gift of ourselves.

Gospel Reflection:

What does Jesus expect of his fol-lowers?

In creating his gospel, Matthew uses Mark’s narrative and adds many more of Jesus’ sayings and parables. In chapters five to seven, Matthew creates the scene in which Jesus gives a lengthy sermon with people gathered around him on one of the hills that surround the Sea of Galilee on the north. The sayings are recipes for living as a community of love and care. For four weeks the Church has been hearing Jesus’ sermon.

After turning the social order upside down with beatitudes that bless the poor and sorrowing and then calling disciples to be salt and light, Jesus started contrasting the laws of Moses and the prophets with his new law. The words “but I say to you” intro-duce each teaching. More than not kill, Jesus expects us to deal with anger in ourselves and our families. More than not commit adultery, Je-sus expects disciples to keep the in-visible desires of the hearts faithful to our spouses. Jesus calls us to stand on our word, not make shallow promises.

In the gospel this week, Jesus asks us to commit to a level of self-giving like his own, to put ourselves at risk to transform the violence and hate others visit on us. The saying, “Do not resist an evildoer,” calls Chris-tians to nonviolent resistance to inju-ry. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. have taught us nonviolent resistance takes courage and has soul power.

Nonviolence aims to stop violence from escalating and engulfing a wid-er circle like bar fight after a few beers. Nonviolent resistance takes

courage and in the case of protests, it takes training. It is action. It means standing face to face with an evildoer as an equal and offering one’s face for another hit rather than giving a fist in return.

A second hit becomes needless and deliberate, revealing the violent to themselves. This is what happened during the Civil Rights marches when firemen couldn’t turn the fire hoses one more time on the children willing to march after all the adults were in jail.

Jesus offers a prophetic alternative to violence; he wants us to make neigh-bors even of enemies. He calls us to community with our neighbors and active commitment to the well being of all –to those who need coats and loans, to the violent from whom we must help others keep safe.

The sermon on the mount shows Is-rael’s moral standards evolving. When Jesus cites the old law in this passage, he doesn’t recall on of the then commandments. Instead he be-gins, “You have heard it said, ’An eye for an eye.” As a moral standard this code sounds barbaric today, es-pecially when we hear cases in which law punishes thieves by cut-ting off their hands or other literal applications of this ancient code.

Talion, as the eye for an eye code is called, makes punishment propor-tionate to a wrong. In this talion takes a step forward from the code of vengeance, which set no limits on retaliation for a wrong.

In Sunday’s gospel Jesus asks us to take God as our standard in how to treat others. God makes the sun shine and rain fall on the just and unjust alike.

In this Jesus goes beyond the golden

rule which he quotes later in the ser-mon on the mount-”In everything do unto others as you would have them do unto your; for this is the law and the prophets”. The golden rule makes us ourselves the standard of how to treat others.

To respond to enemies and evil with conscious, gracious, undeserved compassion goes farther. This is how a life-giving, loving, merciful God acts.

Jesus exhorts us to be perfect as God is perfect. Perfect is a word that can torment us. Marketers bombard us with images of the perfect body, the perfect home, the perfect hair style, the perfect education, the perfect children, the perfect job and then, of course, the perfect retirement plan.

So, what can we say about Jesus’ exhortation to be perfect as God is perfect? One scripture scholar sug-gest that a better translation of the word perfect would be fully alive. Perfect implies finished, completed, perfected. When one is perfect, noth-ing more can be done.

When one is fully alive, one is whole and wholly operational. We are able to use all our human capacities to know and love others, to live the val-ues and strengthen the bonds that hold us together as families, neigh-borhoods, and a nation.

Being fully alive implies engaging new people, events, and needs with our whole selves. The whole person notices the person who needs a coat as well as a shirt. The whole person can reflect and decide what to lend the borrower. St. Irenaeus said in the 4th century, “The glory of God is the human being fully alive.”

Christ the King Parish Retreat- “I changed my schedule and it changed my life.” Come and join us at Christ the King for a retreat to deepen your relationship with God. The retreat theme is “Gathered in the name of Jesus.” The Retreat is deeply inspired by the Gospel of Matthew who affords us the opportunity to engage the strife in our own time and the uncertainties in our hearts with courage, love, and the example inspired by the Emmanuel who is al-ways with us.

Register for the Men’s Retreat or the Women’s retreat online at ChristTheKingRereatCenter.org. For further infor-mation or registration by phone, you can contact Christ the King retreat center at 916-725-4720 ext. 314.