Reading I
1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20
During the time young Samuel was minister to the LORD under Eli,
a revelation of the LORD was uncommon and vision infrequent.
One day Eli was asleep in his usual place.
His eyes had lately grown so weak that he could not see.
The lamp of God was not yet extinguished,
and Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the LORD
where the ark of God was.
The LORD called to Samuel, who answered, “Here I am.”
Samuel ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.”
“I did not call you,” Eli said. “Go back to sleep.”
So he went back to sleep.
Again the LORD called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli.
“Here I am,” he said. “You called me.”
But Eli answered, “I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep.”
At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD,
because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet.
The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time.
Getting up and going to Eli, he said, “Here I am.
You called me.”
Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth.
So Eli said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply,
‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’”
When Samuel went to sleep in his place,
the LORD came and revealed his presence,
calling out as before, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him,
not permitting any word of his to be without effect.
Thus all Israel from Dan to Beersheba
came to know that Samuel was an accredited prophet of the LORD.
Gospel
Mk 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn,
he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons
throughout the whole of Galilee.
Meditation: 1 Samuel 3:1-10,19-20
As this passage begins, the boy Samuel is living at the Israelite sanctuary at Shiloh and helping Eli, the priest, minister to the Lord.
Samuel’s mother, Hannah, has made good on her vow to God that if she bore a son she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service. Now, we read how God called Samuel into an even deeper service than he or his mother had imagined. Counseled by Eli—a man filled with the wisdom of his years—Samuel responded simply, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9).
Eli’s words to Samuel are wisdom for us as well. When we first experience the presence of the Lord in our lives, we can be in awe over the fact that we can speak to the Lord and know that he hears and answers our prayers. It’s a blessing to rush to him and tell him of our needs, fears, and problems, as well as our gratitude and joy. When we first discover this, we tend to do a lot of talking and asking. In effect, we say, “Listen, Lord, your servant is speaking.”
However, as we grow in our prayer life, we gradually come to a point where we spend less time speaking and more time listening. We let God set the agenda. We trust that he knows our needs, so we don’t keep telling him about them. Instead, we find joy simply from being in his presence; we feel awe and begin to worship him for who he is. We savor his words and ponder them in the depths of our hearts. We let him change us rather than try to get him to change our circumstances.
Try it. Experiment with listening to Jesus as you pray, read Scripture, or listen to a homily. See if you feel his peace, his joy, and his love flowing in you. For your prayer and Scripture reading, choose a quiet place where you can calm your mind and spirit. Afterwards, record in a journal what you have heard. Decide how to act on the words God gives you. God longs to speak to us. He is only waiting for us to quiet down enough to listen.
“Lord, I will be still before you and wait patiently to hear your call. Speak your words of truth to me, so that I may know you, serve you, and bear fruit for the kingdom of God.”
12 January 2010
12 Jan 2010, Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Reading I
1 Sm 1:9-20
Hannah rose after a meal at Shiloh,
and presented herself before the LORD;
at the time, Eli the priest was sitting on a chair
near the doorpost of the LORD’s temple.
In her bitterness she prayed to the LORD, weeping copiously,
and she made a vow, promising: “O LORD of hosts,
if you look with pity on the misery of your handmaid,
if you remember me and do not forget me,
if you give your handmaid a male child,
I will give him to the LORD for as long as he lives;
neither wine nor liquor shall he drink,
and no razor shall ever touch his head.”
As she remained long at prayer before the LORD,
Eli watched her mouth, for Hannah was praying silently;
though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard.
Eli, thinking her drunk, said to her,
“How long will you make a drunken show of yourself?
Sober up from your wine!”
“It isn’t that, my lord,” Hannah answered.
“I am an unhappy woman.
I have had neither wine nor liquor;
I was only pouring out my troubles to the LORD.
Do not think your handmaid a ne’er-do-well;
my prayer has been prompted by my deep sorrow and misery.”
Eli said, “Go in peace,
and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”
She replied, “Think kindly of your maidservant,” and left.
She went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband,
and no longer appeared downcast.
Early the next morning they worshiped before the LORD,
and then returned to their home in Ramah.
When Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah,
the LORD remembered her.
She conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son
whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the LORD for him.
Gospel
Mk 1:21-28
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers,
and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.
The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”
Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!”
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.
All were amazed and asked one another,
“What is this?
A new teaching with authority.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Meditation: 1 Samuel 1:9-20
I was only pouring out my troubles to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:15)
Year after year, Hannah went on a pilgrimage to Shiloh, the sanctuary of the Lord. And year after year, Peninnah, her husband’s other wife, mocked her because she had no children. This year was no different. But unlike other years, this time Hannah turned to the Lord and poured out her heart to him.
To the priest Eli, Hannah looked drunk as she stood there, tears streaming down her face as her lips made silent prayers to the Lord. He couldn’t tell that she was telling God all about her sorrow and misery, and begging him for the child she so deeply desired. Eli upbraided her, only to learn Hannah’s true state. His heart softened, and probably somewhat embarrassed, Eli reassured Hannah that God would help her. And sure enough, Hannah became pregnant not long after this and bore a son, Samuel.
When was the last time you poured out your heart to the Lord in such a dramatic fashion? Or are you reluctant to tell him all your woes in such detail? Perhaps you feel that you’re supposed to be strong and accept everything with a stiff upper lip or that it’s presumptuous to ask God to grant your petitions.
Don’t let these objections stop you! Take Hannah as your model. Go ahead and tell the Lord what’s on your mind—even if you are upset with him about your situation. You won’t offend him, and you won’t get him angry enough to turn away from you. He already knows what’s in your heart—better than you do! It’s good to get these things out in the open. That’s the only way you can begin to experience God’s healing touch.
Are you carrying a burden that you’d like to talk over with the Lord? Then do it! Carve out some extra time when you can lay everything before him. Tell him exactly how you feel. And be sure to listen carefully to what God says to you. We can’t predict how he will answer you. But we are certain that you will come out of this prayer time with more hope and greater confidence in God.
“Lord, you know all my deepest desires and fears. I turn to you today, trusting that you will hear my prayer and answer me.”
1 Sm 1:9-20
Hannah rose after a meal at Shiloh,
and presented herself before the LORD;
at the time, Eli the priest was sitting on a chair
near the doorpost of the LORD’s temple.
In her bitterness she prayed to the LORD, weeping copiously,
and she made a vow, promising: “O LORD of hosts,
if you look with pity on the misery of your handmaid,
if you remember me and do not forget me,
if you give your handmaid a male child,
I will give him to the LORD for as long as he lives;
neither wine nor liquor shall he drink,
and no razor shall ever touch his head.”
As she remained long at prayer before the LORD,
Eli watched her mouth, for Hannah was praying silently;
though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard.
Eli, thinking her drunk, said to her,
“How long will you make a drunken show of yourself?
Sober up from your wine!”
“It isn’t that, my lord,” Hannah answered.
“I am an unhappy woman.
I have had neither wine nor liquor;
I was only pouring out my troubles to the LORD.
Do not think your handmaid a ne’er-do-well;
my prayer has been prompted by my deep sorrow and misery.”
Eli said, “Go in peace,
and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”
She replied, “Think kindly of your maidservant,” and left.
She went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband,
and no longer appeared downcast.
Early the next morning they worshiped before the LORD,
and then returned to their home in Ramah.
When Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah,
the LORD remembered her.
She conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son
whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the LORD for him.
Gospel
Mk 1:21-28
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers,
and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.
The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”
Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!”
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.
All were amazed and asked one another,
“What is this?
A new teaching with authority.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Meditation: 1 Samuel 1:9-20
I was only pouring out my troubles to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:15)
Year after year, Hannah went on a pilgrimage to Shiloh, the sanctuary of the Lord. And year after year, Peninnah, her husband’s other wife, mocked her because she had no children. This year was no different. But unlike other years, this time Hannah turned to the Lord and poured out her heart to him.
To the priest Eli, Hannah looked drunk as she stood there, tears streaming down her face as her lips made silent prayers to the Lord. He couldn’t tell that she was telling God all about her sorrow and misery, and begging him for the child she so deeply desired. Eli upbraided her, only to learn Hannah’s true state. His heart softened, and probably somewhat embarrassed, Eli reassured Hannah that God would help her. And sure enough, Hannah became pregnant not long after this and bore a son, Samuel.
When was the last time you poured out your heart to the Lord in such a dramatic fashion? Or are you reluctant to tell him all your woes in such detail? Perhaps you feel that you’re supposed to be strong and accept everything with a stiff upper lip or that it’s presumptuous to ask God to grant your petitions.
Don’t let these objections stop you! Take Hannah as your model. Go ahead and tell the Lord what’s on your mind—even if you are upset with him about your situation. You won’t offend him, and you won’t get him angry enough to turn away from you. He already knows what’s in your heart—better than you do! It’s good to get these things out in the open. That’s the only way you can begin to experience God’s healing touch.
Are you carrying a burden that you’d like to talk over with the Lord? Then do it! Carve out some extra time when you can lay everything before him. Tell him exactly how you feel. And be sure to listen carefully to what God says to you. We can’t predict how he will answer you. But we are certain that you will come out of this prayer time with more hope and greater confidence in God.
“Lord, you know all my deepest desires and fears. I turn to you today, trusting that you will hear my prayer and answer me.”
11 January 2010
11 Jan 2010, Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Reading I
1 Sm 1:1-8
There was a certain man from Ramathaim, Elkanah by name,
a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim.
He was the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu,
son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
He had two wives, one named Hannah, the other Peninnah;
Peninnah had children, but Hannah was childless.
This man regularly went on pilgrimage from his city
to worship the LORD of hosts and to sacrifice to him at Shiloh,
where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas,
were ministering as priests of the LORD.
When the day came for Elkanah to offer sacrifice,
he used to give a portion each to his wife Peninnah
and to all her sons and daughters,
but a double portion to Hannah because he loved her,
though the LORD had made her barren.
Her rival, to upset her, turned it into a constant reproach to her
that the LORD had left her barren.
This went on year after year;
each time they made their pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the LORD,
Peninnah would approach her,
and Hannah would weep and refuse to eat.
Her husband Elkanah used to ask her:
“Hannah, why do you weep, and why do you refuse to eat?
Why do you grieve?
Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
Gospel
Mk 1:14-20
After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The Kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”
As he passed by the Sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;
they were fishermen.
Jesus said to them,
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Then they left their nets and followed him.
He walked along a little farther
and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
They too were in a boat mending their nets.
Then he called them.
So they left their father Zebedee in the boat
along with the hired men and followed him.
Meditation: Mark 1:14-20
“Hang in there!” “Don’t give up the ship!” “It’s always darkest before the dawn.”
What words of encouragement do you use when there seems to be no explanation for the sufferings visited upon a friend or loved one? Perhaps you have a favorite psalm that provides that extra bit of optimism that someone needs. Perhaps it’s a story from your own life. Or maybe just a reassuring pat on the back.
What would you say to John the Baptist as he was held prisoner before his execution? How would you have helped him in his hour of need when even Jesus, his own cousin, didn’t come to his rescue?
It’s interesting that John was arrested around the same time that Jesus began his preaching. John must have pondered this mysterious connection as he sat in his prison cell. Clearly, it was time for him to “decrease” while Jesus “increased” (John 3:30). But it seems that John struggled with this turn of events. He even sent some of his disciples to Jesus to ask: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3 ). If Jesus really was the Messiah, where was the longed-for kingdom of God? And why was John still in prison?
Trying to unravel God’s plan doesn’t mean there’s a problem with his plan. Even if we cannot predict how God’s design will unfold, we can still believe in him and try our best to trust in his wisdom. Remember, he is God, and we are only human.
If you are going through a difficult time right now, take heart. And remember: God is not behind it. It is not in his nature to cause sickness or evil. These things are present in our lives because we live in a world that is not fully conformed to Christ. Sickness, death, malice—these are all signs of the disorder brought about by sin—not by your heavenly Father.
Know, too, that anyone who bears with difficulty or suffering in a godly way is doing something honorable. It is never easy to carry our cross, but none of us has to carry it alone. Jesus is with us. He has already walked that path. He has already triumphed. Now he is here to show us the way.
“O Lord, how can I ever begin to know your ways? I surrender myself to you. I trust in your unfailing love!”
1 Sm 1:1-8
There was a certain man from Ramathaim, Elkanah by name,
a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim.
He was the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu,
son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
He had two wives, one named Hannah, the other Peninnah;
Peninnah had children, but Hannah was childless.
This man regularly went on pilgrimage from his city
to worship the LORD of hosts and to sacrifice to him at Shiloh,
where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas,
were ministering as priests of the LORD.
When the day came for Elkanah to offer sacrifice,
he used to give a portion each to his wife Peninnah
and to all her sons and daughters,
but a double portion to Hannah because he loved her,
though the LORD had made her barren.
Her rival, to upset her, turned it into a constant reproach to her
that the LORD had left her barren.
This went on year after year;
each time they made their pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the LORD,
Peninnah would approach her,
and Hannah would weep and refuse to eat.
Her husband Elkanah used to ask her:
“Hannah, why do you weep, and why do you refuse to eat?
Why do you grieve?
Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
Gospel
Mk 1:14-20
After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The Kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”
As he passed by the Sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;
they were fishermen.
Jesus said to them,
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Then they left their nets and followed him.
He walked along a little farther
and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
They too were in a boat mending their nets.
Then he called them.
So they left their father Zebedee in the boat
along with the hired men and followed him.
Meditation: Mark 1:14-20
“Hang in there!” “Don’t give up the ship!” “It’s always darkest before the dawn.”
What words of encouragement do you use when there seems to be no explanation for the sufferings visited upon a friend or loved one? Perhaps you have a favorite psalm that provides that extra bit of optimism that someone needs. Perhaps it’s a story from your own life. Or maybe just a reassuring pat on the back.
What would you say to John the Baptist as he was held prisoner before his execution? How would you have helped him in his hour of need when even Jesus, his own cousin, didn’t come to his rescue?
It’s interesting that John was arrested around the same time that Jesus began his preaching. John must have pondered this mysterious connection as he sat in his prison cell. Clearly, it was time for him to “decrease” while Jesus “increased” (John 3:30). But it seems that John struggled with this turn of events. He even sent some of his disciples to Jesus to ask: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3 ). If Jesus really was the Messiah, where was the longed-for kingdom of God? And why was John still in prison?
Trying to unravel God’s plan doesn’t mean there’s a problem with his plan. Even if we cannot predict how God’s design will unfold, we can still believe in him and try our best to trust in his wisdom. Remember, he is God, and we are only human.
If you are going through a difficult time right now, take heart. And remember: God is not behind it. It is not in his nature to cause sickness or evil. These things are present in our lives because we live in a world that is not fully conformed to Christ. Sickness, death, malice—these are all signs of the disorder brought about by sin—not by your heavenly Father.
Know, too, that anyone who bears with difficulty or suffering in a godly way is doing something honorable. It is never easy to carry our cross, but none of us has to carry it alone. Jesus is with us. He has already walked that path. He has already triumphed. Now he is here to show us the way.
“O Lord, how can I ever begin to know your ways? I surrender myself to you. I trust in your unfailing love!”
10 January 2010
10 Jan 2010 Sunday, The Baptism of the Lord
Reading I
Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11
Thus says the LORD:
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
a bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.
I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.
or
Comfort, give comfort to my people,
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her service is at an end,
her guilt is expiated;
indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD
double for all her sins.
A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!
Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill shall be made low;
the rugged land shall be made a plain,
the rough country, a broad valley.Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Go up on to a high mountain,
Zion, herald of glad tidings;
cry out at the top of your voice,
Jerusalem, herald of good news!
Fear not to cry out
and say to the cities of Judah:
Here is your God!
Here comes with power
the Lord GOD,
who rules by a strong arm;
here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;
in his arms he gathers the lambs,
carrying them in his bosom,
and leading the ewes with care.
Reading II
Acts 10:34-38 or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7
Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered
in the house of Cornelius, saying:
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
You know the word that he sent to the Israelites
as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,
what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.”
or
Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.
When the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,
He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace
and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
Gospel
Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
The people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
After all the people had been baptized
and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.”
Meditation: Luke 3:15-16,21-22
The Baptism of the Lord
When we think about the baptism of Jesus, three different baptisms come to mind: his baptism in the Jordan River, his “baptism” on the cross, and his desire to baptize each of us in his Holy Spirit.
When he was baptized by John in the Jordan, Jesus showed how deeply he wanted to be joined with all of us, sinners though we are. As St. Paul explained, Jesus became sin for us so that in him we might become “the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Being baptized in water, he took on our sin and carried it with him until the day of his death on the cross.
Jesus’ cross is the culmination of his baptism in the Jordan. He himself once said: “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” (Luke 12:50). When James and John wanted Jesus to guarantee them a special place in heaven, he replied: “Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” (Mark 10:38). Finally, on the cross, all the sin that Jesus accepted was put to death, and we were redeemed!
But it doesn’t end at the cross. Scripture tells us that Jesus wants to baptize all of us “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). He wants to share the fruit of his baptism with us by immersing us in his Holy Spirit—just as he baptized the first apostles on Pentecost.
Today’s feast is an invitation for us to ask: Do I know the freedom from sin that Jesus’ baptism won for me? It’s also an invitation to ask: How well do I know the Holy Spirit? After all, Jesus died for us so that we could receive his Spirit and be filled with his life and love. Just as the Spirit came upon him when he was baptized, this same Spirit wants to come upon us and empower us to live a godly life.
“Thank you, Jesus, for being baptized for me. Now come, Lord, and fill me with your Spirit!”
Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11
Thus says the LORD:
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
a bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.
I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.
or
Comfort, give comfort to my people,
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her service is at an end,
her guilt is expiated;
indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD
double for all her sins.
A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!
Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill shall be made low;
the rugged land shall be made a plain,
the rough country, a broad valley.Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Go up on to a high mountain,
Zion, herald of glad tidings;
cry out at the top of your voice,
Jerusalem, herald of good news!
Fear not to cry out
and say to the cities of Judah:
Here is your God!
Here comes with power
the Lord GOD,
who rules by a strong arm;
here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;
in his arms he gathers the lambs,
carrying them in his bosom,
and leading the ewes with care.
Reading II
Acts 10:34-38 or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7
Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered
in the house of Cornelius, saying:
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
You know the word that he sent to the Israelites
as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,
what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.”
or
Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.
When the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,
He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace
and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
Gospel
Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
The people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
After all the people had been baptized
and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.”
Meditation: Luke 3:15-16,21-22
The Baptism of the Lord
When we think about the baptism of Jesus, three different baptisms come to mind: his baptism in the Jordan River, his “baptism” on the cross, and his desire to baptize each of us in his Holy Spirit.
When he was baptized by John in the Jordan, Jesus showed how deeply he wanted to be joined with all of us, sinners though we are. As St. Paul explained, Jesus became sin for us so that in him we might become “the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Being baptized in water, he took on our sin and carried it with him until the day of his death on the cross.
Jesus’ cross is the culmination of his baptism in the Jordan. He himself once said: “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” (Luke 12:50). When James and John wanted Jesus to guarantee them a special place in heaven, he replied: “Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” (Mark 10:38). Finally, on the cross, all the sin that Jesus accepted was put to death, and we were redeemed!
But it doesn’t end at the cross. Scripture tells us that Jesus wants to baptize all of us “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). He wants to share the fruit of his baptism with us by immersing us in his Holy Spirit—just as he baptized the first apostles on Pentecost.
Today’s feast is an invitation for us to ask: Do I know the freedom from sin that Jesus’ baptism won for me? It’s also an invitation to ask: How well do I know the Holy Spirit? After all, Jesus died for us so that we could receive his Spirit and be filled with his life and love. Just as the Spirit came upon him when he was baptized, this same Spirit wants to come upon us and empower us to live a godly life.
“Thank you, Jesus, for being baptized for me. Now come, Lord, and fill me with your Spirit!”
09 January 2010
09 Jan 2010 Saturday, Christmas Weekday
Reading I
1 Jn 5:14-21
Beloved:
We have this confidence in him
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask,
we know that what we have asked him for is ours.
If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly,
he should pray to God and he will give him life.
This is only for those whose sin is not deadly.
There is such a thing as deadly sin,
about which I do not say that you should pray.
All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly.
We know that anyone begotten by God does not sin;
but the one begotten by God he protects,
and the Evil One cannot touch him.
We know that we belong to God,
and the whole world is under the power of the Evil One.
We also know that the Son of God has come
and has given us discernment to know the one who is true.
And we are in the one who is true,
in his Son Jesus Christ.
He is the true God and eternal life.
Children, be on your guard against idols.
Gospel
Jn 3:22-30
Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea,
where he spent some time with them baptizing.
John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim,
because there was an abundance of water there,
and people came to be baptized,
for John had not yet been imprisoned.
Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew
about ceremonial washings.
So they came to John and said to him,
“Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan,
to whom you testified,
here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.”
John answered and said,
“No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.
You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ,
but that I was sent before him.
The one who has the bride is the bridegroom;
the best man, who stands and listens for him,
rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice.
So this joy of mine has been made complete.
He must increase; I must decrease.”
Meditation: John 3:22-30
Wedding receptions in many parts of the world require the best man to offer a toast in honor of the groom.
Though sometimes a mere formality, this short speech is often a moving witness of brotherly love, with one friend rejoicing at another friend’s happiness. You might call it a “John the Baptist moment,” for in today’s Gospel, we see John delighting in his supporting role as Jesus’ “best man.”
In first-century Palestine, though, this close friend was responsible for far more than a toast. It was his job to oversee the whole wedding and to ensure that the bride was properly escorted to the groom. John remarked that the best man “stands and listens” for the bridegroom (John 3:29). Is the best man keeping watch at the bride’s house, alert for the sound of the groom approaching in a wedding procession? Is he standing guard at the groom’s house—perhaps even outside the nuptial bedroom—after escorting the couple there?
Interpretations differ, but the point is clear enough: John is like the best friend who rejoices at having contributed to a happy union. John’s baptism has prepared a people that Jesus the Bridegroom has come to claim, and so John rejoices.
God isn’t calling most of us to go out into the wilderness like John the Baptist. But he does invite each of us to prepare the way for other people to come to Jesus. Of course, this will only happen if we are friends with Jesus and love him ourselves. Friendship with God—who could have imagined such a privilege? Yet the Father sent his Son for nothing less than this. And Jesus himself issued the invitation and showed us the way: “You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:14).
Today, then, let’s deepen our friendship with Jesus by opening ourselves more fully to the Holy Spirit. Let’s seek to widen his circle of friends by imitating John and witnessing to the people around us. What joy will be ours—and theirs—both in this life and at the great wedding feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7)!
“Holy Spirit, you filled John the Baptist with your love and empowered him to prepare the way of the Lord. Help me to follow his example of joyful, faithful service. Draw me closer to Jesus so that I can draw others to him too.”
1 Jn 5:14-21
Beloved:
We have this confidence in him
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask,
we know that what we have asked him for is ours.
If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly,
he should pray to God and he will give him life.
This is only for those whose sin is not deadly.
There is such a thing as deadly sin,
about which I do not say that you should pray.
All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly.
We know that anyone begotten by God does not sin;
but the one begotten by God he protects,
and the Evil One cannot touch him.
We know that we belong to God,
and the whole world is under the power of the Evil One.
We also know that the Son of God has come
and has given us discernment to know the one who is true.
And we are in the one who is true,
in his Son Jesus Christ.
He is the true God and eternal life.
Children, be on your guard against idols.
Gospel
Jn 3:22-30
Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea,
where he spent some time with them baptizing.
John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim,
because there was an abundance of water there,
and people came to be baptized,
for John had not yet been imprisoned.
Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew
about ceremonial washings.
So they came to John and said to him,
“Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan,
to whom you testified,
here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.”
John answered and said,
“No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.
You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ,
but that I was sent before him.
The one who has the bride is the bridegroom;
the best man, who stands and listens for him,
rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice.
So this joy of mine has been made complete.
He must increase; I must decrease.”
Meditation: John 3:22-30
Wedding receptions in many parts of the world require the best man to offer a toast in honor of the groom.
Though sometimes a mere formality, this short speech is often a moving witness of brotherly love, with one friend rejoicing at another friend’s happiness. You might call it a “John the Baptist moment,” for in today’s Gospel, we see John delighting in his supporting role as Jesus’ “best man.”
In first-century Palestine, though, this close friend was responsible for far more than a toast. It was his job to oversee the whole wedding and to ensure that the bride was properly escorted to the groom. John remarked that the best man “stands and listens” for the bridegroom (John 3:29). Is the best man keeping watch at the bride’s house, alert for the sound of the groom approaching in a wedding procession? Is he standing guard at the groom’s house—perhaps even outside the nuptial bedroom—after escorting the couple there?
Interpretations differ, but the point is clear enough: John is like the best friend who rejoices at having contributed to a happy union. John’s baptism has prepared a people that Jesus the Bridegroom has come to claim, and so John rejoices.
God isn’t calling most of us to go out into the wilderness like John the Baptist. But he does invite each of us to prepare the way for other people to come to Jesus. Of course, this will only happen if we are friends with Jesus and love him ourselves. Friendship with God—who could have imagined such a privilege? Yet the Father sent his Son for nothing less than this. And Jesus himself issued the invitation and showed us the way: “You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:14).
Today, then, let’s deepen our friendship with Jesus by opening ourselves more fully to the Holy Spirit. Let’s seek to widen his circle of friends by imitating John and witnessing to the people around us. What joy will be ours—and theirs—both in this life and at the great wedding feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7)!
“Holy Spirit, you filled John the Baptist with your love and empowered him to prepare the way of the Lord. Help me to follow his example of joyful, faithful service. Draw me closer to Jesus so that I can draw others to him too.”
08 January 2010
08 Jan 2010 Friday, Christmas Weekday
Reading I
1 Jn 5:5-13
Beloved:
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came through water and Blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and Blood.
The Spirit is the one who testifies,
and the Spirit is truth.
So there are three who testify,
the Spirit, the water, and the Blood,
and the three are of one accord.
If we accept human testimony,
the testimony of God is surely greater.
Now the testimony of God is this,
that he has testified on behalf of his Son.
Whoever believes in the Son of God
has this testimony within himself.
Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar
by not believing the testimony God has given about his Son.
And this is the testimony:
God gave us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son.
Whoever possesses the Son has life;
whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life.
I write these things to you so that you may know
that you have eternal life,
you who believe in the name of the Son of God.
Gospel
Lk 5:12-16
It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was;
and when he saw Jesus,
he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said,
“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,
“I do will it. Be made clean.”
And the leprosy left him immediately.
Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but
“Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing
what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”
The report about him spread all the more,
and great crowds assembled to listen to him
and to be cured of their ailments,
but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.
Meditation: Luke 5:12-16
Have you ever wondered why Jesus commanded people not to tell others about their healing?
Wouldn’t he want to be renowned as a wonder-worker? Wouldn’t that make it all the easier for people to accept him as the Messiah? But it seemed like that was the last thing Jesus wanted!
Scripture scholars call it the “Messianic secret”—Jesus refused the spotlight because he didn’t want people to get the wrong idea about his ministry. The Jews had been hoping for a powerful earthly king, but that wasn’t the kind of Messiah Jesus came to be. Yes, he healed the sick. He also raised the dead and fed people miraculously. But that wasn’t the whole picture! Jesus came to bring the fullness of life, and of course healing was part of that. But so too was forgiveness of sin, victory over death, and a whole new way of thinking and acting in this world. Jesus wanted people to see the big picture, not just one part, however spectacular that part was!
Jesus wants us to see the big picture today as well. He doesn’t want us to come to him only when we are feeling down or in need. Why not? Because he doesn’t just want to fix our problems! After all, the Christian life is not only about pardon from sin. It’s about a mighty God who created the entire universe. It’s about Jesus’ promise to come again and establish an eternal kingdom. It’s about his people living heavenly lives on earth—lives dedicated to him and to shaping the world according to his call to justice, peace, and mercy.
So aim for the big picture. Jesus has ushered in a whole new way of life for us. The very way we think, the decisions we make, the way we express our love—all these and more can now be reshaped by divine logic. We can actually take on the mind of Christ! And when you look at it this way, you stretch your vision. Not only do you end up looking at the individual details of life. You begin to see the hand of God in every situation, and that fills you with joy and wonder.
How big is your vision?
“Lord Jesus, thank you for the life you have given to me. Help me to see how wide and high and deep this life really is!”
1 Jn 5:5-13
Beloved:
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came through water and Blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and Blood.
The Spirit is the one who testifies,
and the Spirit is truth.
So there are three who testify,
the Spirit, the water, and the Blood,
and the three are of one accord.
If we accept human testimony,
the testimony of God is surely greater.
Now the testimony of God is this,
that he has testified on behalf of his Son.
Whoever believes in the Son of God
has this testimony within himself.
Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar
by not believing the testimony God has given about his Son.
And this is the testimony:
God gave us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son.
Whoever possesses the Son has life;
whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life.
I write these things to you so that you may know
that you have eternal life,
you who believe in the name of the Son of God.
Gospel
Lk 5:12-16
It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was;
and when he saw Jesus,
he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said,
“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,
“I do will it. Be made clean.”
And the leprosy left him immediately.
Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but
“Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing
what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”
The report about him spread all the more,
and great crowds assembled to listen to him
and to be cured of their ailments,
but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.
Meditation: Luke 5:12-16
Have you ever wondered why Jesus commanded people not to tell others about their healing?
Wouldn’t he want to be renowned as a wonder-worker? Wouldn’t that make it all the easier for people to accept him as the Messiah? But it seemed like that was the last thing Jesus wanted!
Scripture scholars call it the “Messianic secret”—Jesus refused the spotlight because he didn’t want people to get the wrong idea about his ministry. The Jews had been hoping for a powerful earthly king, but that wasn’t the kind of Messiah Jesus came to be. Yes, he healed the sick. He also raised the dead and fed people miraculously. But that wasn’t the whole picture! Jesus came to bring the fullness of life, and of course healing was part of that. But so too was forgiveness of sin, victory over death, and a whole new way of thinking and acting in this world. Jesus wanted people to see the big picture, not just one part, however spectacular that part was!
Jesus wants us to see the big picture today as well. He doesn’t want us to come to him only when we are feeling down or in need. Why not? Because he doesn’t just want to fix our problems! After all, the Christian life is not only about pardon from sin. It’s about a mighty God who created the entire universe. It’s about Jesus’ promise to come again and establish an eternal kingdom. It’s about his people living heavenly lives on earth—lives dedicated to him and to shaping the world according to his call to justice, peace, and mercy.
So aim for the big picture. Jesus has ushered in a whole new way of life for us. The very way we think, the decisions we make, the way we express our love—all these and more can now be reshaped by divine logic. We can actually take on the mind of Christ! And when you look at it this way, you stretch your vision. Not only do you end up looking at the individual details of life. You begin to see the hand of God in every situation, and that fills you with joy and wonder.
How big is your vision?
“Lord Jesus, thank you for the life you have given to me. Help me to see how wide and high and deep this life really is!”
07 January 2010
07 Jan 2010 Thursday, Christmas Weekday
Reading I
1 Jn 4:19–5:4
Beloved, we love God because
he first loved us.
If anyone says, “I love God,”
but hates his brother, he is a liar;
for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen
cannot love God whom he has not seen.
This is the commandment we have from him:
Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God,
and everyone who loves the Father
loves also the one begotten by him.
In this way we know that we love the children of God
when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this,
that we keep his commandments.
And his commandments are not burdensome,
for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.
And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
Gospel
Lk 4:14-22
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,
and news of him spread throughout the whole region.
He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.
He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,
and went according to his custom
into the synagogue on the sabbath day.
He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
And all spoke highly of him
and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.
Meditation: 1 John 4:19–5:4
We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
Wait! Before you read another word, take some time to ponder this absolute, foundational truth. Because God first loved us, he created us. Because he first loved us, he has never turned his back on us. Because he first loved us, he brought us back to himself through the obedient sacrifice of his Son. The very core of our relationship with God must begin with this unshakable truth: God loves us.
The Scriptures are filled with testimonies of God’s faithfulness, his persevering love, and his acts of mercy and grace toward his people. From the beginning, when our first parents turned away in self-centeredness, God did not abandon them. From that moment on, he has been pursuing us, drawing us back to himself. He freed the Israelites from slavery and brought them into the Promised Land.
No matter what crisis Israel faced in their new home, God was always there to show them the way out. He guided them through judges and kings, reached out to them through prophets, and ministered to them through priests. He was always ready to forgive them when they called out to him and to teach them when they sought his word.
Just as God embraced the Israelites, so he reaches out to all of us in Christ. He is our eternal priest, prophet, and king. He is the One who frees us from sin so that we can enter into the promised land of heaven.
Do you believe that God loves you with his whole heart? Can you see how, on every path you have followed, he has been there? Even the dangerous, sin-filled paths? When you were lost and confused, he was speaking to your heart and leading you. When you were mourning and grieving, he put his arm around your shoulder and held you close. He is always speaking to you in the Scriptures and feeding you in the Eucharist. In the voice of a friend, the touch of a loved one, even the warmth of the sun, he is with you, drawing you to his side. He simply cannot contain his love for you!
“Lord God, I love you because you have first loved me! I am forever grateful you called me your own and never let me go. Help me to build my life on the foundation of your unfailing love.”
1 Jn 4:19–5:4
Beloved, we love God because
he first loved us.
If anyone says, “I love God,”
but hates his brother, he is a liar;
for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen
cannot love God whom he has not seen.
This is the commandment we have from him:
Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God,
and everyone who loves the Father
loves also the one begotten by him.
In this way we know that we love the children of God
when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this,
that we keep his commandments.
And his commandments are not burdensome,
for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.
And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
Gospel
Lk 4:14-22
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,
and news of him spread throughout the whole region.
He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.
He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,
and went according to his custom
into the synagogue on the sabbath day.
He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
And all spoke highly of him
and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.
Meditation: 1 John 4:19–5:4
We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
Wait! Before you read another word, take some time to ponder this absolute, foundational truth. Because God first loved us, he created us. Because he first loved us, he has never turned his back on us. Because he first loved us, he brought us back to himself through the obedient sacrifice of his Son. The very core of our relationship with God must begin with this unshakable truth: God loves us.
The Scriptures are filled with testimonies of God’s faithfulness, his persevering love, and his acts of mercy and grace toward his people. From the beginning, when our first parents turned away in self-centeredness, God did not abandon them. From that moment on, he has been pursuing us, drawing us back to himself. He freed the Israelites from slavery and brought them into the Promised Land.
No matter what crisis Israel faced in their new home, God was always there to show them the way out. He guided them through judges and kings, reached out to them through prophets, and ministered to them through priests. He was always ready to forgive them when they called out to him and to teach them when they sought his word.
Just as God embraced the Israelites, so he reaches out to all of us in Christ. He is our eternal priest, prophet, and king. He is the One who frees us from sin so that we can enter into the promised land of heaven.
Do you believe that God loves you with his whole heart? Can you see how, on every path you have followed, he has been there? Even the dangerous, sin-filled paths? When you were lost and confused, he was speaking to your heart and leading you. When you were mourning and grieving, he put his arm around your shoulder and held you close. He is always speaking to you in the Scriptures and feeding you in the Eucharist. In the voice of a friend, the touch of a loved one, even the warmth of the sun, he is with you, drawing you to his side. He simply cannot contain his love for you!
“Lord God, I love you because you have first loved me! I am forever grateful you called me your own and never let me go. Help me to build my life on the foundation of your unfailing love.”
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