January 18, 2015

2nd Sun., Ordinary Time

January 18, 2015:  2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

  • 'Phone' tie bar:  "Here I am; you called me" (1st reading)
  • 'Clock' tie bar:  I've waited for the Lord (psalm)
  • 'Stick figures' tie pin:  Your bodies are members of Christ (2nd reading)
  • 'Holy Spirit' chain:  Your body is a temple of the Spirit (2nd reading)
  • 'Lamb' tie bar:  John:  "Behold the Lamb of God" (gospel)
  • 'Eyeball' tie pin:  "Come and see" (gospel)
  • 'Rock' tie pin:  “Simon, you'll be called Cephas” (Peter, rock) (gospel)
Listen

Suggestions from Ed Bolduc's blog
Pope Francis
Santo Niño homily:  The Santo Niño reminds us of the link between God’s Kingdom and spiritual childhood.  “Whoever doesn't accept the Kingdom like a child won't enter it.”  The Santo Niño proclaims that God's light and grace has shone upon a world dwelling in darkness, bringing news of freedom and guiding us to peace, right and justice.  The Santo Niño also reminds us we're called to spread the reign of Christ.  The Santo Niño reminds us of our identity as God’s children.  We're God’s adopted children, chosen and blessed by God to be holy and blameless witnesses of his truth and justice.  He asked us to care for the world, but we've disfigured its natural beauty and the human family's unity and beauty, perpetuating poverty, ignorance, and corruption.  When we look around, we're tempted to give up; it seems the Gospel promises are unreal.  The devil, master liar, can hide behind sophistication or the lure of being modern like others.  We can squander our God-given gifts by tinkering with gadgets, gambling, drinking, and self-absorption, instead of focusing on what really matters:  remaining God's children.  Sin is forgetting we're God's children.

The Santo Niño reminds us this identity must be protected.  When Jesus came into the world, a corrupt king threatened his life, and St. Joseph protected him.  He reminds us of the importance of protecting our families, the Church (God’s family), and the world (our human family).  Sad to say, the family itself is being attacked today.  As Jesus welcomed, embraced, and blessed children, we need to protect, guide, and encourage our youth, helping them to build a society worthy of their heritage.  We need to see each child as a gift to be cherished and protected. We need to care for our youth, not allowing them to be robbed of hope.  A frail child in need of protection brought God’s goodness, mercy, and justice into the world, resisting the dishonesty and corruption of sin, and triumphing by the power of his cross.  May Jesus enable us to work together, protect one another, build a world of justice and peace, and be witnesses of Gospel joy.
Also in the Philippines:  Our Lord loves the poor so much!  Do more for them:  treat them fairly, respect their dignity, make just and inclusive political and economic policies, develop opportunities for employment and education, and remove obstacles to delivering social services.  We'll be judged on how we treat them.  Renew your commitment to justice and betterment of the poor.  Give yourselves in self-sacrifice, mercy, and compassion, to renew of society, to building up God’s kingdom of holiness, justice, and peace. 
Read
  • 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19  Lord called sleeping Samuel, who answered, “Here I am” and ran to Eli, who said, "I didn't call you."....  4th answer:  “Speak; your servant is listening.”  Samuel grew up, and the Lord was with him.
    Wordle: Readings 1-18-15
  • Ps 40:2, 4, 7-10  "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will."  I've waited for the Lord, and he heard my cry.  You gave me ears open to obedience.  You didn't want holocausts; I said, "I come." and announced your justice.
  • 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20  The body is for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.  Your bodies are members of Christ; you're one with him.  Avoid immorality.  Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you; you're not your own.  Glorify God in your body.
  • Jn 1:35-42  John with two disciples:  “Behold, the Lamb of God.”   They heard and followed Jesus.  Jesus/disciples:  “What are you looking for?” / “Where are you staying?” / “Come and you'll see.”  They went, saw, and stayed with him.  Andrew to Simon:  “We've found the Messiah” and brought him to Jesus who said, “You're Simon; you'll be called Cephas” (Peter).
Reflect
    • Creighton:  What am I looking for?”  Come and see” = “Follow me and you'll see (understand/believe) in a new way.”  Let's.
    • One Bread One Body:  God calls us as he did Samuel, Andrew, and Simon Peter.  Join him in Christian community and renewing the Church and world.
    • Passionist:  We desire a home, a place of safety where we can be ourselves.  ‘Home' also represents where I can experience love and live as I am.  The gospel conversation is about finding a ‘home' in Jesus.  "Where do you live" indicates a desire to be with Jesus both in person and relationally.  Finding our ‘home' in Jesus is finding ourselves in relationship to him and so finding our identity.  St. Augustine:  "You made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless till we rest in you."  May we "Come and see."
    • DailyScripture.net:  Is Jesus the Lamb of God/redeemer for you?  St. Augustine:  "The One who called you when you were opposed to Him made it possible for you to turn back"  Without God's mercy and help we couldn't find him.  It's natural to want to share good news.  Andrew went to his brother and brought him to Jesus.  Christ builds his church with living stones.  Faith in Christ makes us into spiritual rocks.

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