Third Sunday Of Lent
Sunday, March 20, 2022
The Lord is kind and merciful,” we will sing in the responsorial psalm, and it is that kindness and mercy that we rely on, like the Chosen People did, rescued from slavery in Egypt, like the Corinthians, anticipating the end of the age, like the fig tree in Jesus’ parable, barren year after year.
Exodus 3:1–8a, 13–15: Psalm 103: 1 Corinthians 10:1–6. Luke 13:1–9. The Lord is kind and merciful,” we will sing in the responsorial psalm, and it is that kindness and mercy that we rely on, like the Chosen People did, rescued from slavery in Egypt, like the Corinthians, anticipating the end of the age, like the fig tree in Jesus’ parable, barren year after year. Listening to today’s readings and singing the responsorial psalm, let us consider how we stand in need of God’s infinite kindness and mercy.
Domenica 3A Di Quaresima
Dio cerca sempre l’uomo che si allotana, l’aspetta e gli usa misericordia. Paolo accenna alle lamentele del popolo per la fame, la qualità del cibo, la sete, il lunghissimo viaggio nel deserto. L’uomo non sa comprendere le vie di Dio. Gesù condanna il suo peccato. Chi pensa che ci sono cose più gravi e più dannose dei peccati dimostra di non conoscere la natura umana.
四旬期第三主日
教宗方濟各宣佈去年十二月八日開始為慈悲禧 年，他說「基督是天父慈悲的面容」。這話總括了基督信仰奧跡的意義。在耶穌身上，慈悲活生生地彰顯出來。今天，耶穌以無花果樹作比喻，述說出天主慈悲容貎的另一面：忍耐。
葡萄園主人看見了不結實的無花果，便要園丁把它砍下，免得白佔土地。但園丁懇求主人把它留下，讓他施肥鬆土，給它機會繼續生長。天主就像那個園丁，祂永遠忍耐，永遠給人機會悔改，永遠寛恕。有時悲劇發生，並不是天主懲罰我們，因為天主通常不用懲罰對待人，祂總給人機會，提醒我們，藉聖經、聖母、聖人、良師、益友、幫助、引導、勸勉我們，在我們的心園中施肥、灌溉，務求結出美果，問題在我們怎樣反應。
四旬期是改善我們自己的好時機，我們可以比平日多用點時間祈禱，不單主日參與彌撒，平日也多參與彌撒，又利用告解聖事使我們靈魂潔淨，每天默想聖經。願我們的心受到觸動，不單領受到天主仁慈忍耐的恩賜，自己也要在身處的環境中，效法天主的慈悲，散發出仁慈忍耐的氛芳 。
From the Pastor's Desk
We have been journeying, and are halfway through Lent. We are called to transform ourselves as we prepare for the celebration of Easter Sunday.
Today is the Third Sunday of Lent, and, from the Gospel of Saint Luke, Jesus tells us the parable of the fig tree. Normally, a fig tree takes about three years to be pruned, then it produces fruit. Of course a gardener has to care for the tree by preparing a good soil, feeding it with water and fertilizing with food so that the tree can be productive. This particular fig tree has not produced any fruit for three years and so the owner ordered it cut down. But the gardener begged the owner to give the tree another chance.
This parable implies to us that God gives us many chances. Jesus, as the gardener, begs God the Father to give us chances by calling us to repent, renew and return to God. The three “R’s” remind us that the Lenten season is a chance for us to transform our spiritual life.
How can we convert ourselves to be closer to God throughout this Lent? Besides almsgiving, fasting, and charity, we need to reconcile with God. Every time we search for forgiveness from God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God always forgives our sins and pours out grace to help us in resisting temptations and sins. God gives us many chances and so, for our part, we need to put our efforts into transforming ourselves to be better Christians and to live this Lenten season in a meaningful way.
As we are continue journeying this Lent, let us ask God to help us stay focused on the Lenten practices and renew our spiritual life. So that we will be ready to celebrate the Risen Christ on the Easter Sunday.
Have a blessed week!
–Fr. Tho Bui, SDB Pastor
Mass Intentions For The Week
Sunday March 20, 2022
8:45 For the People of Saints Peter and Paul–Lee Friedman +
10:15 Maria May Leung Michael +
12:00 Ernesto Bacino & Carla Ferrando + – Lucia Montalvo +
5:00 Domenico, Francesca, Tom, Giuseppe, & Frances Cresci +
Monday March 21, 2022
7:00 Luigi & Rosa Mangini +
9:00 Joseph Maggiora & the Maggiora Family + – Lucia Montalvo +
12:00 Intentions of the Knights of Malta
Tuesday March 22, 2022
7:00 Attilio De Martini V – Robert Grant V
9:00 Maria Russo & Luigi Cirelli V
Wednesday March 23, 2022
7:00 Anniversary of the Death of Javier Llorente +
9:00 Pietro, Adele (birthday) & Elena Domenici +
Thursday March 24, 2022
7:00 Joseph Leo Torre & Family +
9:00 Mary & Joseph Lavin V – Javier Llorente V
Friday March 25, 2022
7:00 The Giurlani Family +
9:00 Soul of Eleanor Sabini + – Jane Gardner +
Saturday March 26, 2022
7:30 Pearl Neri + – Erna Egli +
9:00 Caterina & Filippo Besagno +
5:00 Louis & Enes Greco +
WEEKLY INTENTIONS
For each intention mentioned in the group below, individual Masses will be said in our Parishes, Schools or Missions.
Phyllis Fallon
Baptisms
Lucien Benicio Logan – Ayla D’Couto Rao
Marriages
Scott Eisele and Jing Jing – Frank Giorgi and Allison Siri
Rest-in-Peace
Robert Grant – Erna Egli – Maria Petroni
Cathy Trulich – Lorraine Bellesi
Particular Items
Adoration and Confession: We have Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 7-8PM. During Lent there will be priest in the confessional for Reconciliation.
Stations of the Cross: We will have Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent at 7pm, some in person, some on Zoom. The CCD Families, led by Deacon Edward Te, will be hosting on March 25, via Zoom. All are welcome, especially families participating from home. Zoom link to follow.
40 Days for Life Lenten Campaign! Join in in peacefully praying for the end to abortion in San Francisco! The 40 Days for Life campaign runs from March 2 to April 10 at the Planned Parenthood business at 1522 Bush Street. You may sign up for vigil hours on the website www.40daysforlife.com/sanfrancisco.
The Annunciation! The great Solemnity of the Annunciation is this Friday! We have Masses at 7:00 & 9:00 AM.
Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary: Also on March 25, Pope Francis, hopefully joined by all the bishops of the world, will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Our Blessed Mother.
Second Collection for Ukraine: Next weekend our second collection is for Catholic Relief Services, and Archbishop Cordileone has directed that the funds collected be assigned to help the people of Ukraine.
Archdiocesan Annual Appeal: This year’s assessment is $29, 415. The AAA supports many important and necessary functions throughout the Archdiocese. Last year, out of our whole parish, only 77 people donated. We should do better! Consider giving 1% of the total amount—that’s less than one dollar a day!
Pre-K Tours: Our Pre-K (ages 3-5) is currently scheduling private tours! Please contact the director, Barbara Simons (bsimons@sspeterpaulsf.org) or call 415-296-8549 to schedule an individual afternoon tour.
Saints Peter and Paul Young Adults: Our Young Adult Group has lots going on! Dining together, praying together, feeding the poor, etc. They attend the 5PM Mass together (sometimes Saturdays, sometimes Sundays) . To see what they are up to, go here, where there are links to their Facebook and google photo pages.
Church Flowers: Would you like to sponsor a weekend of fresh flowers for your Church? Help beautify the Church, and your intention will be included in the bulletin. Call 415-421-0809.
Saints Peter and Paul Salesian School Accepting Applications: Our K-8 Salesian school is accepting applications for this year and next. Please email Dr. Lisa Harris at lharris@sspeterpaulsf.org, and visit sspeterpaulsf.org/ to learn more.
Liturgical Calendar
Sunday 20 Third Sunday of Lent
Mon-Tues 21-22 Lenten Weekdays
Wednesday 23 Turibius of Mogrovejo; Bishop
Thursday 24 Oscar Romeo; Bishop, Martyr
Friday 25 The Annunciation of the Lord
Saturday 26 Lenten Weekday
Sunday 27 Fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday
Your gifts of March 6: $3,032.
Weekly Goal: $8,670.
Shortfall taken from savings: $5,638.
Thank You! Your parish appreciated your support!