Joke of the Day 7/1

How did Mary and Joseph know Jesus’ weight when he was born?

 

They had a weigh in a manger…

Featured Saint

Featured Saint 29/1

St Photini the Samaritan Woman

 

Claim to fame: St Photini is the name that Jewish tradition attributes to the Samaritan Woman who met Christ by the well. Her story is well known in that she was living a life of sin prior to her encounter with Christ. At the time of their meeting, she was living with a man who was not her husband and was astounded when Christ, being a Jew, not only spoke to her who was a Samaritan woman, but informed her of all that she had done.

She rushed into her town and exclaimed the good news to the rest of the Samaritans who came to see Christ for themselves. She is widely regarded as one of the first New Testament evangelists as a consequence of this.

Quote: “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”

Fun fact: In early Judaism, a man asking a woman for a drink at the well was perceived to be a proposal for marriage. Christ was not only inviting her to be His follower, but also His bride.
Spiritual Message

Spiritual Message of the Day 7/1

January: St Joseph’s Month

Each year in January and after celebrating Nativity, many of the church readings include the role of St Joseph as the carer being the father for baby Jesus. St Joseph is a unique saint who is full of virtues and hence a strong intercessor. Some of his virtues are:

1. A man of faith – not only in believing the strange message from Archangel Gabriel but also in his faith in God’s support throughout Mary’s pregnancy and the remainder of his life 

2. A pure man – he dealt with this young attractive girl with all purity.

3. A man of great mercy –  he did not want to expose St Mary but rather chose to protect her.

4. A man of self-denial – he suffered a great deal to be always there for St Mary and the little baby.

5. A heavenly man – he encountered many angels and they directly conversed with him on many occasions.

6. A man of great obedience – in all what heaven directed him without questioning.

7. A true father – who is much respected and loved by Jesus. St Mary used this love to convince Jesus to return with them to Gallilee.

Do yourself a favour and invite St Joseph to be your patron saint throughout the month of January.

-Fr Jonathan Ishak