August 23, 2024
Saturday, August 22 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
4:00 PM Helene Sirak- Michaelene Ostrum
Sunday, August 23 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM God’s Blessing & Good Health for All Parishioners
SIMPLE FEAST DAY LITURGY:
Saturday, August 29 BEHEADING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
8:30 AM Michael Hubiak- Louise Hubiak
Saturday, August 29 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
4:00 PM Michael B. Sirack- Michaelene Ostrum
Sunday, August 30 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM Donald Magill- Anna Magill
Transfiguration of Our Lord Church
Saturday Liturgy: 6:00 PM
Sunday Liturgy: 10:30 AM
THE BEHEADING OF THE HOLY GLORIOUS PROPHET, FORERUNNER, & BAPTIST JOHN
Commemorated on August 29
The Beheading of the Prophet, Forerunner of the Lord, John the Baptist: The Evangelists Matthew (Mt.14:1-12) and Mark (Mark 6:14-29) provide accounts about the martyric end of John the Baptist in the year 32 after the Birth of Christ. Following the Baptism of the Lord, Saint John the Baptist was locked up in prison by Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch (ruler of one fourth of the Holy Land) and governor of Galilee. (After the death of king Herod the Great, the Romans divided the territory of Palestine into four parts, and put a governor in charge of each part. Herod Antipas received Galilee from the emperor Augustus). The prophet of God John openly denounced Herod for having left his lawful wife, the daughter of the Arabian king Aretas, and then instead cohabiting with Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip (Luke 3:19-20). On his birthday, Herod made a feast for dignitaries, the elders and a thousand chief citizens. Salome, the daughter of Herod, danced before the guests and charmed Herod. In gratitude to the girl, he swore to give her whatever she would ask, up to half his kingdom. The vile girl on the advice of her wicked mother Herodias asked that she be given the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod became apprehensive, for he feared the wrath of God for the murder of a prophet, whom earlier he had heeded. He also feared the people, who loved the holy Forerunner. But because of the guests and his careless oath, he gave orders to cut off the head of Saint John and to give it to Salome.
According to Tradition, the mouth of the dead preacher of repentance once more opened and proclaimed: “Herod, you should not have the wife of your brother Philip.” Salome took the platter with the head of Saint John and gave it to her mother. The frenzied Herodias repeatedly stabbed the tongue of the prophet with a needle and buried his holy head in a unclean place. But the pious Joanna, wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, buried the head of John the Baptist in an earthen vessel on the Mount of Olives, where Herod had a parcel of land. (The Uncovering of the Venerable Head is celebrated February 24). The holy body of John the Baptist was taken that night by his disciples and buried at Sebastia, there where the wicked deed had been done. After the murder of Saint John the Baptist, Herod continued to govern for a certain time. Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, later sent Jesus Christ to him, Whom he mocked (Luke 23:7-12). The judgment of God came upon Herod, Herodias and Salome, even during their earthly life. Salome, crossing the River Sikoris in winter, fell through the ice. The ice gave way in such a way that her body was in the water, but her head was trapped above the ice. It was similar to how she once had danced with her feet upon the ground, but now she flailed helplessly in the icy water. Thus she was trapped until that time when the sharp ice cut through her neck. Her corpse was not found, but they brought the head to Herod and Herodias, as once they had brought them the head of Saint John the Baptist. The Arab king Aretas, in revenge for the disrespect shown his daughter, made war against Herod. The defeated Herod suffered the wrath of the Roman emperor Caius Caligua (37-41) and was exiled with Herodias first to Gaul, and then to Spain. The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, a Feast day established by the Church, is also a strict fast day because of the grief of Christians at the violent death of the saint. In some Orthodox cultures pious people will not eat food from a flat plate, use a knife, or eat food that is round in shape on this day. Today the Church makes remembrance of Orthodox soldiers killed on the field of battle, as established in 1769 at the time of Russia’s war with the Turks and the Poles.
Never be afraid to try, remember…Amateurs built the ark,
Professionals built the Titanic – Unknown.PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL (Feast Day September 6)
Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Father, how has it become traditional that Leonardo DiVinci’s Last Supper is in every Catholic’s dining room? DiVinci originally painted the last supper in the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery in Milan so monks could look at it during silent meals. In addition to this we need to remember all of theology and one important item; the family is the domestic church and the Father is the priest of the domestic church. The duty of every priest, and father, is to lead their congregation to heaven. In Catholic art, whether in iconography, or statues, or western style painting, the saints and the event depicted are truly made present. The Last Supper being in the dining room leads us to heaven by reminding us to live the faith, just as Jesus was leading the Apostles to heaven through all of the actions of His life, thereby He was instructing the Apostles to lead the whole world to heaven. Every Divine Liturgy/Mass is us being transported across time to be with Christ in that one upper room on that Holy Thursday to be with Apostles. As the family is the domestic church, every meal is intended to remind us that we were created for heaven. This why the monks in the monastery ate silently and the Last Supper was on their wall as a reminder of why they are here, struggling for heaven. This is the origin of the Last Supper being in every family’s dining room that they look forward to the Eternal Banquet in heaven with Christ and the Apostles.
ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Is God at work in the world? [How do I know?] Yes. God is at work in the world. God does not tell lies. Jesus Christ tells the Church, the faithful people of God, the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church. In the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 16, Jesus says in reply to Peter, “On this faith the gates of Hell will not prevail.” What this means is that clearly Lucifer and all his demons and all of Hell will work unceasingly to attack the Church and anyone who dares to believe in God. In Luke Chapter 18, Jesus Christ says, “When the Son of Man returns, will there be any faith left?” This is a rhetorical question making a statement, and that statement is; there will be very few people left in the entire world who will know God and live the faith, hence, it will feel like there is no one left of faith in the world. How more can I know that God is at work? Jesus says that he will send the advocate whom he sends from the Father, whom we know is the Holy Spirit. (John 15). Clearly God promises he will always be with the faithful and always at work. Lastly, we know that Jesus says, “No servant is greater than his master, look at what they do to me, they will do the same to you and worse.” So, if it feels bad, that’s because it probably is, but God promises He is always at work. What is God working for? Your salvation, eternity with Him in Heaven. What do the atheists work for? An easy and high life now centered on themselves. Know God, worship Him and may you have salvation.
The Altar Candles were requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her mother Helene Sirak and her brother Michael B Sirak.
The Sanctuary Light was requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her mother Helene Sirak.
WOMEN’S SOCIETY RUMMAGE SALE: The Women’s Society will be holding a rummage sale in October. They are collecting good condition household items, which can be dropped off at the church hall. The dates for the Women’s Society are: October 2nd and 3rd and October 16th, 17th and 18th. They are accepting gently used household items for the sale. They can be dropped off at the church hall or by calling Ana Magill at 570-239-9263.
ALTAR CANDLES & SANCTUARY LIGHT: There are many weeks available for sanctuary lights and months for the altar candles. The lists are in the back of the church. They are a special way to remember our dearly departed loved ones or for special intentions.
LABOR DAY FOOD FESTIVAL:
Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is holding a one day Food Festival on Saturday, September 5th from 11-4pm. Homemade Pyrohy, Haluski, Potato Pancakes, Clam Chowder, and Sausage sandwitches. Can you hear the polka music playing!! Save the date.
UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE FOLK FESTIVAL: On Sun., Aug. 23, at 12:00 PM, the Ukrainian American Sport Center Tryzub(County Line and Lower State Rds., Horsham, PA) invites you to the Ukrainian Independence Folk Festival 2026. Commencing at 1:30 PM, , a BBQ and cool refreshments for all ages will be plentiful. Admission: $20; Free for children to age 14. Info: 267-664-3857; info@tryzub.org; www.tryzub.org. $2 of each paid admission goes to Humanitarian Relief in Ukraine. Review the website for possible offsite parking instructions.
ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Father, what is “Grace?” (But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:19.) Grace is from the Greek, χάρις, Kharece, pronounced “KHAR’-rees,” Greek meaning of a manner or an act of the divine influence upon the heart and it’s reflection in life. Synonyms: Including Gratitude, Acceptable, Benefit, Favor, Gift, Freely Giving with Joy, Pleasure, and Thanks. Grace is commonly used in the Church to explain the concept of God’s gifts to mankind. Some people use the phrase Actual grace and define this as “a supernatural help from God”. This gift from God is to sanctify us hence this usage has garnered the phrase “Sanctifying Grace” which, in general, is a supernatural gift of God to mankind for their eternal salvation, whether the latter be furthered and attained through salutary acts or a state of holiness. Eternal salvation itself consists in heavenly bliss resulting from the intuitive knowledge of the Triune God, who to the one not endowed with grace “inhabiteth light inaccessible” (1 Timothy 6:16). Grace is a fundamental idea of the Catholic Church, the pillar on which, by a special ordination of God, the majestic edifice of Christianity rests in its entirety. Among the three fundamental ideas — sin, redemption, and grace — grace plays the part of the means, indispensable and Divinely ordained, to effect the redemption from sin through Christ and to lead men to their eternal destiny in heaven.1 In short, God’s grace is that gift which God gives the faithful servant when that servant needs God’s help, i.e. this gift. You will notice that many times St. Paul asked God for the gift of “removal of the thorn in his side” yet God told Paul, “My grace is enough for you.” 1. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06689a.htm
DO YOU SAY GRACE BEFORE MEALS? Praise God, from whom all blessings flow… For food in a world where many walk in hunger; For faith in a world where many walk in fear; For friends in a world where many walk alone; We give you thanks, O Lord. Amen.
PRAYER TO ARCHANGEL GABRIEL
Blessed Archangel Gabriel, we beseech you, intercede for us at the throne of Divine Mercy in our present necessities, that as you announced to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers and patronage in heaven we may obtain the same benefits, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living. Amen. … Archangel Gabriel, Pray for Us
Prayer For Peace in Ukraine
Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.” We fervently pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you inspire men to become peacemakers. May mankind seek reconciliation and peace in this world, as is Your Will. May tranquility be restored to all nations, and especially Ukraine. God, Our Father, we beseech You to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the dearly departed into Your heavenly kingdom. May the Most Holy Mother of God extend Her Mantle of Protection over Ukraine, and the whole world. May each of us always live our lives as instruments of Your peace, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Monday, August 24, 2026 is Ukrainian Independence Day. Please continue to pray for Ukraine.
SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church 