WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S FLOCKNOTE
“Salt, Light, and a Life That Speaks”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives His disciples a new identity. He does not say, “Try to become salt” or “Aim to be light.” He says plainly:“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”This is who we are because we belong to Him. Salt and light do not exist for themselves. Salt gives flavor and preserves; light reveals and guides. In the same way, a disciple of Christ is not called to live a private or self-centred faith, but a faith that touches, heals, and transforms the world.
This identity finds its challenge and clarity in the words of the prophet Isaiah. God rejects empty religion and speaks clearly about the fast He desires:
to break unjust chains, to share bread with the hungry, to shelter the homeless, to clothe the naked,and to care for our own brothers and sisters.
Here, God teaches us that true worship is lived out in justice, mercy, and compassion. A faith that does not change how we treat others loses its flavor just like salt that has gone flat.
Saint Paul, in the second reading, reminds us that this Christian life is not built on impressive words or human wisdom. He came with simplicity, humility, and trust in the power of God. The light we shine is not our own brilliance; it is the light of Christ working through ordinary people who depend on Him.
When we live this way, Isaiah’s promise is fulfilled:“Then your light shall break forth like the dawn.”Our good works do not point to us, but to God. As Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may glorify your Father in heaven.
As followers of Christ we are to know that:
1. Our identity comes before our activity . We act as salt and light because we belong to Christ.
2. Faith must be visible . Prayer without charity, and worship without justice, are incomplete.
3. Small acts matter – Feeding, forgiving, visiting, listening—these are powerful ways of shining Christ’s light.
4. Humility strengthens witness– God’s power is revealed when we rely on Him, not on ourselves.
Dear brothers and sisters, to follow Jesus is to accept this identity and its demands. The world does not need louder Christians, but truer ones, disciples whose lives make God’s love believable. If we allow Christ to season our lives with love and set our hearts on fire with His light, then the world will see, and God will be glorified.
Your Priest,
Father Anthony
Please do not hesitate to contact Father Charles (frenyinnia@yahoo.com) (613-328-8331), Father Anthony (dimtony3482@gmail.com) (613-200-5357) or the parish office (stjohn.perth@archkingston.ca ) (613-267-1043), if we can be of any assistance to you in any way. We are very glad to respond to a request for prayers, the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession, Sick Calls and/or Conversation.
Pope Leo XIV: Prayer Intention for February
In his prayer intention for February 2026, Pope Leo XIV: For children with incurable diseases. Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.
34th World Day of the Sick
Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 34th World Day of the Sick, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, offers a reflection on the theme “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain”. In his message, the Holy Father offers and implores us to “raise our prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, asking her to assist all who suffer and are in need of compassion, consolation and a listening ear. Let us seek her intercession with this ancient prayer, that has been invoked in families for those living with illness and pain”:
Sweet Mother, do not part from me. Turn not your eyes away from me. Walk with me at every moment and never leave me alone. You who always protect me as a true Mother, obtain for me the blessing of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
WELCOME HOME, FR. CHARLES! We hope that you’ve enjoyed a wonderful and rejuvenating time with friends & family back home in Nigeria. With grateful hearts, we warmly welcome you back home to (chilly) Canada!
THIS WEEK: (See Upcoming Events for more details).
First Communion & Reconciliation Candidates: The next class will be this
Sunday, February 8th, beginning with 11am mass, followed by class in the Narthex
CWL Monthly Meeting - Monday, February 9th@ 7pm, All welcome!
St. John's Movie Club - The Saint John's Movie Club will be holding its next meeting on Friday, February 13th at 7:00pm, at 15 Church St.
Community Dinner: Saturday, February 14th, 4:30-5:30pm, or until they run out of food. St. James Anglican Church. Goodwill offering appreciated.
Ash Wednesday is on February 18th, just a couple weeks away! In anticipation of this season of renewal, please return last year’s palms.
REMINDER – FOOD DONATIONS for The Table continue to be collected in the baskets(church entrance). Your generosity can make a real difference!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We are grateful to the volunteers who have generously stepped up to assist with St. John's cleaning & we would appreciate more help.
St. John’s 2025 Income Tax Statements: A reminder that 2025 income tax statements are available for pickup in the narthex.
Important Notice: Please take care when parking to ensure our neighbours driveways remain accessible.