moment when we decide to embark on our journey.

But in order to make this passion

into true love, we must begin to plan, to suffer, to sacrifice, in order to continue towards
our destination. This is difficult after the fall, for our wounded nature causes us to rebel
St. Philip the Apostle Byzantine (Ruthenian) Catholic Church against the “traffic rules” of life. This is especially true with spiritual realities, which we
3866 65th street cannot “see” with our eyes. We are tempted to give up when the journey becomes too
Sacramento, CA 95820 difficult, or to want to change the course or disobey the rules when the terrain is tough or
traffic too thick. However, God’s commandments and ways are designed for our good;
Phone: (916) 452-1888 E-mail: feromurin@hotmail.com veering from the path leads to danger and destruction. Therefore, with trust in God’s
wisdom and love, we must “deny ourselves”—our own thoughts and ways, and follow
Him, no matter how difficult it might sometimes seem or be. Only in this way do we,
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory for ever! safely and surely, reach our goal: eternal life and bliss with the Most Holy Trinity, and all
Slava Isusu Christu! Slava i vo viki! the saints in heaven!
Announcements
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, • Last Sunday’s attendance was 43 souls, collection was 241.00 total. May
take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mk 8,34) our Lord God reward you abundantly for your generosity.
Imagine you decide to go for a trip to, say, Monterey. Why there? Because you • Our parish has a web site! Visit us at:
heard it is very beautiful, with beaches of white sand, walks along the water, well http://www.stphilipofsacramento.com/ Refer to friends and family.
preserved nature, many new things to see and admire. Friends who have traveled there
assure you that you will not regret it, that it is worth the trip. So you decide to go.
You begin to plan for your journey, researching accommodations and activities so Liturgical schedule
you can rest and enjoy your stay. You must also work some overtime first, and to save up
money, often sacrificing pleasure time and hobbies, to be able to afford the trip, maybe Tue Sept. 22 6.30 am Divine Liturgy
give up pleasure time and hobbies, to save up. Then you “google” directions for your trip.
There are freeways, and highways and little roads leading to your destination. But you are Thu Sept. 24 6.30 am Divine Liturgy
new to this country; you don’t know the traffic rules. This is my case; I am not used to
the traffic here, the laws are different, and the pace much faster. I would certainly change Sun Sept. 27 9.00 am Confessions 17th Sunday after Pentecost.
few things, if it was up to me! But the traffic rules are set, and everybody who wants to 9.40 am Office of the Tone 8
travel must obey them. They are designed for our good, so that all reach their destinations 3rd hour
safely, so I ought to learn and abide by them. 10.00 Divine Liturgy
Jesus says today “whoever wishes to come after me”. God desires that we would Fridays in general are marked as days of simple abstinence or equivalent
seek and find and ultimately love Him for all eternity. He has also made us for Himself, penance. Let us remember each other as we offer prayers and sacrifices to God.
designing us for all that is true, good, and beautiful. However, we must “choose” Him, Let us especially remember this week those who are sick and home-bound.
for He will not force us. He tries to draw and attract us, showing forth His goodness and
love throughout our lives, in both natural and supernatural ways. This is the beginning of
love. For St. Thomas Aquinas tells us that love is always a “passion” first—something
that affects us from outside and causes us to “desire” it from the inside. This is the 2