Father's weekly message
February 9, 2025 – Fourth Sunday of the Ordinary Time – Prayers of the Prophets
This week, let us consider the prayers of the prophets. God chose prophets as spiritual leaders, to deliver his messages to the people. The Hebrew word for prophet is Navi which is derived from the verb nabû which means “to announce” or “to declare”. The Greek word for prophet is prophḗtēs, which means to “speak for another” especially for God. There are 16 prophets in the Old Testament period; they are grouped as four major prophets and twelve minor prophets. Prophets served as intermediaries between God and humanity. They were called during times of crisis or moral decline to remind the people of their covenant with God. They were directed to speak the truth with divine authority, to call upon people for repentance, to deliver divine judgments on the wicked, and to provide guidance and hope to God’s people. Prophets had personal relationship with God, so they were able to hear and understand God who spoke to them through visions, dreams, inspirations, and sometimes through the angels. Prophets not only delivered God’s messages to the people, but also, they prayed earnestly for the wellbeing of the people. The Catechism of the Catholic Church # 2584 says, in their "one to one" encounters with God, the prophets draw light and strength for their mission. Their prayer is not flight from this unfaithful world, but rather attentiveness to The Word of God. At times their prayer is an argument or a complaint, but it is always an intercession that awaits and prepares for the intervention of the Savior God, the Lord of history. There are numerous examples of prayers of the prophets in the Bible: the prayers of intercession, repentance, requests for help, or personal conversations with God. Here are some examples of prayers of the prophets, which can help us to pray like the prophets. 1. Elijah begs God to raise the dead boy to life (1 Kings 17:20-21). 2. Elijah prays for fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice (1 Kings 18:36-37). 3. Amos cries out to God for forgiveness (7:1-6). 4. Prayer for Peace (Isa. 26), 5. Prayer and Confidence (Isa. 41), 6. Prayer for Relief from Sin and Drought (Jer 14:7-22), 7. Prayer for Divine Vengeance (Jer 15:15-21), 8. Prayer for Overthrow of Evil Counsel (Jer 18:18-23), 9. Prayer of Gratitude for Divine Goodness (Jer 32:16-25), 10. Prayer of Praise for Triumphs (Isa. 25). These prayers teach us how we can pray at all circumstances and needs. The prophets always prayed for others. Praying for others is one of the duties of the prophets. We too are called to fulfill our prophetic duty by praying earnestly for our world, our nation, and the people around us. — Fr. Jesu.
Announcements for February 9th
If you plan to have a Quiceañera this year both the parents and child must attend classes next Sunday, February 9th and February 16th after the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Please sign up in the church office.
Si planea tener una Quiceañera este año, tanto los padres como el niño deben asistir a clases el próximo domingo 9 y 16 de febrero después de la Misa de las 11:30 a. m. Por favor regístrese en la oficina de la iglesia.
The Tree of Life (located in the Parish Hall) is a special place to share loving messages in memory or honor of someone you love in an everlasting memorial. Leaves are $100.00 each and can be purchased in the church office. Kindly consider purchasing one today for your family!
El Árbol de la Vida (ubicado en el Salón Parroquial) es un lugar especial para compartir mensajes amorosos en memoria o en honor de alguien a quien amas en un memorial eterno. Las hojas cuestan $100.00 cada una y se pueden comprar en la oficina de la iglesia. ¡Considere comprar uno hoy para su familia!
Please consider signing up for various ministries, we would like to have more ushers, lectors, and members for linen care ministry. Kindly see one of the hospitality ministers to sign up.
Considere inscribirse en varios ministerios; nos gustaría tener más ujieres, lectores y miembros para el ministerio de cuidado de la ropa blanca. Por favor consulte a uno de los ministros de hospitalidad para registrarse.