St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Grand Prairie, Texas
Gospel Meditations
February 2, 2025
Presentation of the Lord
Luke 2:22-40
What is the secret to sharing in God’s power to overcome our difficulties? Mary teaches us this in the prophecy of her pierced heart. This Sunday, the old man Simeon prophecies that when her son faces opposition, Mary’s soul will be pierced by a sword. The seemingly pointless agony of a mother helplessly watching her son be mocked, tortured, killed and then cruelly desecrated in death by a spear — somehow this piercing of her heart releases a power by which “the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:35). What to make of this?
Whatever problems we currently face, the deepest threat is finally that evil thoughts are hidden in the human heart: hatred, envy, pride, lust, greed and so on. Behind every tyrant’s injustice, for example, is a heart unpierced by love. Evil hides in our hearts. Mary’s pierced heart, and its suffering love for her son, reveals and scatters these evil thoughts, and replaces them with love, forgiveness, generosity and peace.
This week, I invite us to ponder Mary’s pierced heart. Her heart is quietly at work for us in the Church and world, exposing our evil thoughts and making a path for her son’s divine love. This is how she gently cooperates in our salvation. Closed hearts are our biggest problem; love-pierced hearts are the ultimate power to overcome every difficulty.
— Father John Muir
©LPi
2 de febrero de 2025
La Presentación de Jesús
“Hoy celebramos la Fiesta de la Presentación del Señor. El Evangelio cuenta que, José y María llevaron al Niño a Jerusalén para consagrarlo a Dios, como prescribe la ley judía. Y, mientras describe un rito previsto por la tradición, este episodio llama nuestra atención sobre el comportamiento de algunos personajes. Reflejados en el momento en que experimentan el encuentro con el Señor en el lugar donde se hace presente y cercano al hombre. Estos son María y José, Simeón y Ana, que son modelos de acogida y entrega de sus vidas a Dios” (Papa Francisco). ¿Cómo me presento ante Dios cada día de mi vida? Nuestros modelos son Simeón y Ana que tuvieron la lucidez para reconocer a Dios que llegaba en brazos de María y José al templo.
Ellos, ya ancianos, nos enseñaron y mostraron el camino de ver, abrazar a Dios hecho niño y a anunciar la esperanza. Abracemos también nosotros la ternura de Dios y llevémosla a los tristes, a los enfermos, y a los que no tienen voz en muchos lugares de la sociedad en que vivimos, tal como son los niños y los ancianos. Abramos nuestro corazón al misterio de Dios que está en tantas personas que nos encontramos a diario, en casa, en el trabajo, y en nuestros vecindarios. Ojalá, que al final de nuestros días, Dios nos de la dicha de poder decir como el anciano Simeón: “Ahora, Señor, ya puedes dejar que tu servidor muera en paz, como le has dicho. Porque mis ojos han visto a tu salvador” (Lucas 2:29-30).
©LPi
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bring your candles to Mass on February 1st and February 2nd for a special blessing of candles on the Feast of The Presentation of the Lord also known as Candlemas
This weekend is the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries. This appeal serves as the driving force behind the mission of the Diocese of Dallas. Your generous contributions make essential services available to the 1.4million Catholics across the diocese of Dallas including:
- Assisting parish catechetical and family life leaders in addressing mental health needs within our community.
- Facilitating interpretation for 130 Masses serving our hard of hearing and deaf community.
- Continuing to nurture the mind and spirit of over 15, 000 students enrolled in our Catholic Schools
- Drawing over 400 young adults to each The 635 gathering.
- Supporting men and women in discerning their vocation and calling to priestly or religious life.
Your support enables these vital ministries and many other shared ministries to continue flourishing, uplifting and transforming countless lives throughout our growing Diocese. If you have yet to give, please pick up a pledge form at the back of the church this weekend or dallasbishopsappeal.com. Thank you for your prayers and support .
What is the goal of the Annual Appeal?
The goal of the 2025 Bishop’s Annual Appeal is $9 million; however, the needs of the Diocese far exceed $12.5 million. It will be to the benefit of the ministries that are supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal to be as successful as possible.
How can I make a gift to the Annual Appeal?
- Donate online at donate.dallasbishopsappeal.com
- Make a gift over the phone at 214-528-2540
- Fill out an in-pew card at your parish
- Complete and return the pledge card you received in the mail Gifts of stock, IRA distributions, bequests, and charitable annuities can be coordinated by contacting Kelly Halaszyn at 214-528-2540 or khalaszyn@cathdal.org
Scouting for Food
Next weekend Feb 8th and 9th, our scouts will be collecting food items for St. Vincent de Paul's Food Pantry. Please bring a shelf stable food item to donate to this wonderful cause!
Prison and Addiction Ministry- Come & See
Join us for a powerful seminar that explores the connection between addiction, incarceration, and the transformative work of prison ministries. Hear inspiring stories from former inmates who found redemption and faith through these ministries. Dedicated volunteers will share why they are passionate about this work and how they guide inmates to become followers of Christ. Learn how to rebuild lives through faith.
The Prison Ministry and Addiction Ministry Seminar will take place on February 27th in Mazaika Hall from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Mark your calendars and don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and informed. Whether you’re looking to get involved or simply want to learn more, this seminar is for you. Come and witness the life-changing impact of faith in action!
