Author: ANTONINO
Holy Trinity Year B
Deut 4: 32-34, 39-40; Psalm 32(33); Romans 8:14-17; Matthew 28: 16-20
Deuteronomy, the second book of the Law, consolidated Israel’s beliefs and rituals. A long introductory teaching by Moses emphasises the requirement for Israel to keep the Law, as its part in their covenant with God. In today’s reading Moses emphasises the uniqueness of God, who has made himself known to Israel, speaking out of a fire, and who has made a covenant with them: He will be their God and they are to be his people. Moses then repeats the ten commandments, given by God.
The Psalm picks up God’s omnipotence, who created even the heavens and the stars. We can rely confidently on His promises.
God’s revelation in Christ fulfilled this covenant relationship: Paul tells the Romans that if we are in the Spirit we are not in the flesh. We are no longer dominated by our human tendency to turn from God. We are now God’s children, sharing in Christ’s inheritance, in his suffering and in his glory.
There only two resurrection appearances in Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus appeared very briefly to two Marys. Then the Gospel ends with Jesus commissioning the eleven disciples to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. And He promises to be with his people always.
(Deut 4: 32-34, 39-40; Psalm 32(33); Romans 8:14-17; Matthew 28: 16-20)
Ascension Year B
Acts 1: 1-11; Psalm 46(47); Eph 4: 1-13; Mark 16: 15-20
Luke begins Acts by repeating Jesus’ ascension, both to emphasise its importance and to link the coming work of the apostles with Jesus’ earthly ministry. Before Pentecost the disciples still do not understand, asking if the time has come for the kingdom of Israel to be restored. But only God knows. Jesus must return to the Father so that the Holy Spirit can come and give them power to be his witnesses “to the ends of the earth”. The two men from the empty tomb appear again, promising Jesus will return. But we are not to know when.
The Psalm calls on all nations to acknowledge the God of Israel as the only true God. He is King and reigns over all the earth.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians gives a broad, developed understanding of Jesus. Christians should seek unity in the one Lord, making good use of the various gifts given us by Christ.
In the second ending of Mark’s gospel, Jesus appeared after his resurrection to Mary Magdalen, and then to two disciples walking in the country. All three told the Apostles – who did not believe them. Jesus then rebuked the apostles, before commissioning them as his witnesses. He was then taken up into heaven.
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Job 7: 1-4, 6-7; Psalm 146(147):1-6; 1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22-23; Mark 1: 29-39
In this Wisdom Book the blameless Job laments his sufferings at great length. The Lord allowed Satan to afflict Job any way he chose except death. Today’s reading describes the drudgery that many people see in their lives, with only death to look forward to. Job refuses to curse God, but challenges God to say what he has done to deserve these sufferings. Then he accepts that “I have dealt with great things that … I cannot know”. But Job’s challenge is not answered.
The Psalm sings the praises of God who restored Israel to Jerusalem after their exile, and who sustains the needy.
Our readings from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians have omitted a long argument that Christians should not behave in a way that might be a stumbling block to others. Today Paul gives an example: he does not claim justifiable payments for spreading the gospel in case people doubt his motives – and so doubt the gospel message.
In Mark’s gospel the demoniac was healed by word, now Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law by touch – well enough for her to get supper immediately. Jesus heals many more, but again the demons are not allowed to say who Jesus is – Jesus cannot be understood until the Cross demonstrates God’s infinitely merciful love for mankind.
(Job 7: 1-4, 6-7; Psalm 146(147):1-6; 1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22-23; Mark 1: 29-39)
The Orange Walkathon Update
The walkathon in the Santa Catarina park on the 7th April, to raise funds for our ‘People Helping People’ charity was a great success.
The weather was beautiful and the occasion was enjoyed by everyone who participated. Special t-shirts were commissioned with the new PHP logo, and we will continue to sell these for the charity should anyone be interested.
We not only raised awareness for the charity but raised some much needed funds. We would like to thank everyone who were involved in the organisation of the walk, the sponsors, and the walkers themselves. Over 1000 euros was raised! We would also like to thank the “Why Not Restaurant” for their generous donation. – The PHP Fund Development team
4th Sunday of Easter Year B
Acts 4: 8-12 ; Ps 117(118); 1 John 3: 1-2 ; John 10: 11-1
After healing the cripple in Jesus’ name and calling on the people to repent, Peter and John were put in prison overnight. Peter then repeats his preaching to the Jewish leaders. The leaders cannot deny “a notable miracle has been worked”. Undecided, they order the Apostles not to speak in Jesus’ name again, and release them without punishing them – at least this time.
The Psalm is from the Passover Psalm heard on Easter Sunday, thanking and praising God for repeatedly saving us.
John’s first letter insists that the love the Father has given us makes us his children now, anticipating already in some way what we shall be “when he appears”. John goes on to contrast the righteous who do not sin with those who commit sin. You are either for God or against him – there is nothing between.
In John’s gospel, after healing the man born blind, Jesus describes himself both as the door through which we can enter and be saved, and also as the good shepherd, whom the sheep know and follow. In contrast to the false shepherds criticised by Ezekiel, the good shepherd cares for his sheep, even at the cost of his life. Jesus emphasises that he is in control of his life, causing division among the Jews.
(Acts 4: 8-12 ; Ps 117(118); 1 John 3: 1-2 ; John 10: 11-18)
A Special Appeal – Father Bernardino memorial appeal
People Helping People – Fr. Bernardino Social Solidarity Association (PHP)
Dear Friends of the Chapel of Penha da França in Madeira,
Most of you will now be aware that Father Bernardino, who celebrated our English service Mass at the chapel for many years, sadly passed away on the 18th January this year. You are probably also aware, if you had spent any time with Father, either by attending our Mass or personally been in his company, that he was a champion of the poor, the downtrodden and repressed. Father Bernardino touched people’s hearts wherever he went. As a testimony to this we received many letters from people all over the world who had come into contact with him and been struck by his humility and kindness.
Father Bernardino, was instrumental in setting up our association “People Helping People” which helps a good number of families dependent on the charity for help with food, medication, house rent, transportation and other basic needs. The main regular source of income has been a collection taken at the end of the English Mass.
We are determined to carry on Father Bernardino’s work in supporting the poor in Madeira by continuing the collection after the 10 am Mass, as well as by undertaking a number of activities to raise money for the charity. Consequently we have decided to dedicate the month of April in memory of Father to raise much needed additional funds.
We would like to appeal to those who have been touched by Father Bernardino, to consider supporting our endeavour. W have provided the banking details of the charity at the end of this letter, in the hope that you might make a donation however small.
Father B used to quote Mother Theresa´s words “What I do for others is just a little drop of water in the ocean, but without that drop of water, the ocean is smaller”.
Each week, we will report donations received in our regular newsletter. If you would like your name to be included please indicate this on your transfer. If not, please indicate “anonymous”.
Love and Peace,
Alexandre Silva President of the Board of PHP
Jane House
Chair – PHP fundraising group
Here are the banking details of “People Helping People” should you wish to donate. Any donation, no matter how small, can make a huge difference to someone who has nothing! Thank you for caring.
Transfer from Bank Account in Madeira:
Bank: Banco Santander Totta
Account Name: Associação Gente Ajudando Gente
Account Number: 0003 4938 1759020
IBAN: PT50 0018 0003 49381759020 94
SWIFT: TOTAPTPL
NIB: 0018 0003 49381759020 94
Donations from the UK:
Account Name: Sinead Moynihan
Bank: Lloyds Bank
Account Number: 02461743
Branch: Univ. of Cambridge
Sort Code: 30-13-55
IBAN: GB05 LOYD 3013 5502 4617 43
BIC: LOYDGB21035
When sending any donation, please send an email to penhafranca.php@gmail.com with the date and the name on the transfer so that Alexandre Silva is able to confirm with you as soon as possible as the transfer is received. Thank you.
2nd Sunday of Easter Year B
Acts 4: 32-35; Psalm: 117(118); 1 John 5: 1-6; John 20: 19-31
During the six weeks of Easter the first readings are from the Book of Acts, in which Luke describes Jesus continuing his ministry through the Church after his earthly life ended. Not intimidated by his arrest, Peter continued to attract many Jews to follow Jesus. Today we hear how this growing community held their assets in common. The next verses give two examples: Barnabas who gave the proceeds from selling a field; and Ananias and his wife, who held back some of the proceeds and were struck dead by Peter in his Apostolic role as a Judge of Israel.
The dramatic Passover Psalm from Easter Sunday is repeated today more fully, thanking God for repeatedly coming to our rescue and saving us.
The second readings in Eastertide are from the first letter of John, whose gospel said little about Jesus’ humanity and his moral teachings. Some members of John’s community needed to be reminded that our faith is in a man, Jesus, who is Son of God, God’s Christ. Loving God means keeping his commandments.
The gospel reading is the beautiful first ending of John’s gospel, after Thomas, in the highest expression of faith in any of the gospels, acclaims Jesus as “My Lord and my God”.
(Acts 4: 32-35; Psalm: 117(118); 1 John 5: 1-6; John 20: 19-31)
An Easter Message from Alexandre Silva – President of PHP
Hello friends!
On Thursday we delivered the Easter hampers, and it was amazing. The bags were really filled with essential goods and wonderful Easter goodies donated by you! Some of the families we delivered these goods to actually had called me earlier and told me they didn’t have any kind
of treats for their kids this Easter. They were surprised and really happy with the hampers.
It’s always a mixture of shame, surprise, joy and relief that I see in our families when I deliver these kinds of goods. That, and a lot of thankfulness. So I feel obligated to make sure I pass along to all who helped, how thankful they all are for your kind hand in their dire moments…
And also thanks to you, our Easter sweets sale last Sunday was a success! In total we sold 207,10€ of sweets! This Sunday (today) we are back with more sweets, and hopefully you have brought some Tupperwares to pack more of them so you can enjoy later! I know at least one person who will!
And of course, next Sunday (7th of April), we will have the Orange Walkathon! We will have oranges, tangerines, water and a People Helping People t-shirt for all runners, so please try to let us know beforehand so we can make sure we have your size t-shirt available.
Even if you don’t have a sponsor, come walk with us! Help us raise awareness for our cause, and
get a bit of exercise done (and a t-shirt!) while you help!
Thank you again to all of you, and to our wonderful volunteers for making the world a little bit better for those in need.
Alexandre Silva (alex.lupus@gmail.com)