The Pre-Lenten Sundays this year are introduced on January 29 by the Gospel reading of a small man so eager to see Jesus that he climbs a tree to see over the crowd. This eagerness is not overlooked by Jesus who tells him that He will have dinner with him. Zaccaheus was overcome with happiness and promised to repay all those he may have not dealt fairly with in the past. The eagerness displayed by Zaccaheus is a message to all to display this same eagerness to repent and be with Jesus.

On February 5 we hear the story of the Publican and the Pharisee as told by Jesus in the form of a parable. The two men went in to pray and one of them, the Pharisee, prays to God, “God I thank you that I’m not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast 2 times a week and I give tithes of all that I possess.” The other man, a Publican who was a despised tax collector, did not even look up to heaven but, bowing his head cried softly, “God be merciful a sinner.” Jesus asked. “which one was forgiven and who was condemned?” The Publican, although confessing as a sinner, shows up in the temple to humbly pray. Another lesson to all of us.

The Prodigal Son is commemorated on Feb 12. This is also told as a parable and it describes the actions of two sons. One stayed with his father and the other asked for his inheritance, received it and left to live a wasteful life. When his inheritance was gone and he was in need, he was given a job feeding swine. When he remembered that his father’s servants were treated well and with respect, he decided to go home. When he was still far off, his father was told that he was coming home. The father was so happy, he arranged for a welcoming feast and ran off to greet the son. The other son was saddened by the festivities since he had always obeyed his father. But the father, gently and with great love, told him that he would always be with him but that now his brother who was dead is alive again. Even if you have been away for a long time, you will be happily and warmly received when you return.

Join us all in church on these important days in February and be prepared to start the Great Lent on February 27 with enthusiasm, humbleness, forgiveness and love.

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in February. Stacey Baron Anderson on February 2; Christopher Kary, February 10; Alissa Pecoraro Paduani, February 11, Chris Finno on February 14, and Evgenia Kozienko Jimenez on February 26. We wish all of you a very Happy Birthday and may God grant you all Many Years!

Helen Baron coordinator of our church involvement with St. Peter’s Haven in Clifton for the purpose of helping those in need, would like to thank everyone who helped with the supplies for Christmas. The need is urgent throughout the year and especially at this time when many families have lost jobs and income, food supplies will be sorely needed. Please help with groceries or financially, and let’s fill the basket in the vestibule. Thank you! And thank you Helen for your efforts in this matter.