Reading 1
Heb 8:6-13
Brothers and sisters:
Now our high priest has obtained so much more excellent a ministry
as he is mediator of a better covenant,
enacted on better promises.
For if that first covenant had been faultless,
no place would have been sought for a second one.
But he finds fault with them and says:
Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will conclude a new covenant with the house of
Israel and the house of Judah.
It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers
the day I took them by the hand to lead
them forth from the land of Egypt;
for they did not stand by my covenant
and I ignored them, says the Lord.
But this is the covenant I will establish with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their minds
and I will write them upon their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
And they shall not teach, each one his fellow citizen and kin, saying,
“Know the Lord,”
for all shall know me, from least to greatest.
For I will forgive their evildoing
and remember their sins no more.
When he speaks of a “new” covenant,
he declares the first one obsolete.
And what has become obsolete
and has grown old is close to disappearing.
Ps 85:8 and 10, 11-12, 13-14
Responsorial PsalmR. (11a)
Kindness and truth shall meet.
Show us, O LORD, your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. Kindness and truth shall meet.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. Kindness and truth shall meet.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.
R. Kindness and truth shall meet.
Gospel
Mk 3:13-19
Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted
and they came to him.
He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,
that they might be with him
and he might send them forth to preach
and to have authority to drive out demons:
He appointed the Twelve:
Simon, whom he named Peter;
James, son of Zebedee,
and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges,
that is, sons of thunder;
Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew,
Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus;
Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean,
and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
Meditation: Mark 3:13-19
“He … summoned those whom he wanted.” (Mark 3:13)
There is an important distinction in today’s Gospel, but we often overlook it. Mark tells us that Jesus “summoned those whom he wanted” and that from those whom he summoned, “he appointed twelve” (Mark 3:13,14). Jesus didn’t call only the twelve. Here, at the outset of his ministry, he gathered many followers. And he continued to call people: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5), Lazarus (John 11:38-43), even Paul (Acts 9:1-16). And everyone he called to be with him, he also called to go out and share his good news. It wasn’t just the apostles who preached and witnessed. All the first believers proclaimed Jesus and the transforming power of his love.
Jesus calls you, too—right where you are. Just because you are not one of “the twelve” doesn’t mean you aren’t special. You are. You are called to be a witness of his power and presence among us: to your children in your home, to your co-workers at the office, to the slow checker at the grocery store (and to the person with seven bags of groceries ahead of you), to your opponents on the ball field, to the speed demons and their slow counterparts on the highway.
Few of us will ever have a formal pulpit to preach from, but we can all declare the love of God in how we speak to, and about, others. Few of us will have an official healing ministry, but we can all minister healing love to others—through hugs, gentle pats, the attention we give to things they have to say, even the way we look at them.
The smiles, nods, and waves you offer—even to strangers—can change the atmosphere in a room or someone’s heart instantly. Silent prayers can bring peace to a tense situation within seconds. Your determined refusal to take offense, even when it’s liberally offered, may not exactly drive a demon out, but it won’t give him any quarter to engage. Every day, you face countless opportunities to preach and exercise authority in the name of Jesus. So seize those opportunities. Remember: You are called. By Jesus!
“Here I am, Lord! Thank you for calling me. Help me to tell the world of your love and presence, to minister your peace, and to exercise your authority.”
12 January 2011
12 Jan 2011, Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Heb 2:14-18
Since the children share in blood and Flesh,
Jesus likewise shared in them,
that through death he might destroy the one
who has the power of death, that is, the Devil,
and free those who through fear of death
had been subject to slavery all their life.
Surely he did not help angels
but rather the descendants of Abraham;
therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.
Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
Responsorial PsalmR. (8a)
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He remembers forever his covenant
which he made binding for a thousand generationsB
Which he entered into with Abraham
and by his oath to Isaac.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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: Mark 1:29-39
“Everyone is looking for you.” (Mark 1:37)
Have you ever noticed how each gospel writer tells the story of Jesus in a somewhat different way? The basic story line remains the same, but each author emphasizes different details, in keeping with the overall goal of the gospel he is writing. Take Mark’s version of the way Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. Mark highlights Jesus taking her by the hand and helping her to her feet as he heals her. Such a scene of intimacy and compassion fits with Mark’s overall goal of showing how Jesus is close to us, how approachable he is, and how deeply he is concerned for our well-being. In a similar passage, after taking a little girl by the hand and raising her from her deathbed, Jesus immediately asks her family to get her something to eat (Mark 5:43).
Because Luke often emphasizes the value of community and fellowship, he tells how the disciples interceded with Jesus on behalf of Peter’s mother-in-law (Luke 4:38). Elsewhere, Luke goes into detail regarding a group of women—a mini-community—who followed Jesus and supported him financially (8:1-3).
Then there’s Matthew, who highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of the Hebrew prophesies about the coming Messiah. At the end of his version of this story, Matthew tells us that Jesus performed these healings to fulfill what was written in the Book of Isaiah: “He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases” (Matthew 8:17). So here we have three versions of one story, each one showing us something new and different about Jesus and his love for us. And because God designed the gospels this way, we can all come to a richer and fuller understanding of Jesus.
The next time you read a gospel story, make it a point to find that same story in another gospel and read it closely. Look for any additional details or insights that this story gives you. Remember: God gave us the Bible so that we could grow closer to Jesus and love him more. What better way than to see him through the eyes of four inspired writers instead of just one?
“Jesus, reveal yourself to me through your gospels. Help me to see you more clearly and love you more deeply as I ponder you in the Scriptures.”
Heb 2:14-18
Since the children share in blood and Flesh,
Jesus likewise shared in them,
that through death he might destroy the one
who has the power of death, that is, the Devil,
and free those who through fear of death
had been subject to slavery all their life.
Surely he did not help angels
but rather the descendants of Abraham;
therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.
Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
Responsorial PsalmR. (8a)
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He remembers forever his covenant
which he made binding for a thousand generationsB
Which he entered into with Abraham
and by his oath to Isaac.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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: Mark 1:29-39
“Everyone is looking for you.” (Mark 1:37)
Have you ever noticed how each gospel writer tells the story of Jesus in a somewhat different way? The basic story line remains the same, but each author emphasizes different details, in keeping with the overall goal of the gospel he is writing. Take Mark’s version of the way Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. Mark highlights Jesus taking her by the hand and helping her to her feet as he heals her. Such a scene of intimacy and compassion fits with Mark’s overall goal of showing how Jesus is close to us, how approachable he is, and how deeply he is concerned for our well-being. In a similar passage, after taking a little girl by the hand and raising her from her deathbed, Jesus immediately asks her family to get her something to eat (Mark 5:43).
Because Luke often emphasizes the value of community and fellowship, he tells how the disciples interceded with Jesus on behalf of Peter’s mother-in-law (Luke 4:38). Elsewhere, Luke goes into detail regarding a group of women—a mini-community—who followed Jesus and supported him financially (8:1-3).
Then there’s Matthew, who highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of the Hebrew prophesies about the coming Messiah. At the end of his version of this story, Matthew tells us that Jesus performed these healings to fulfill what was written in the Book of Isaiah: “He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases” (Matthew 8:17). So here we have three versions of one story, each one showing us something new and different about Jesus and his love for us. And because God designed the gospels this way, we can all come to a richer and fuller understanding of Jesus.
The next time you read a gospel story, make it a point to find that same story in another gospel and read it closely. Look for any additional details or insights that this story gives you. Remember: God gave us the Bible so that we could grow closer to Jesus and love him more. What better way than to see him through the eyes of four inspired writers instead of just one?
“Jesus, reveal yourself to me through your gospels. Help me to see you more clearly and love you more deeply as I ponder you in the Scriptures.”
11 January 2011
11 Jan 2011, Tuesday of the First Week In Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Heb 2:5-12
It was not to angels that God subjected the world to come,
of which we are speaking.
Instead, someone has testified somewhere:
What is man that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man that you care for him?
You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
you crowned him with glory and honor,
subjecting all things under his feet.
In “subjecting” all things to him,
he left nothing not “subject to him.”
Yet at present we do not see “all things subject to him,”
but we do see Jesus “crowned with glory and honor”
because he suffered death,
he who “for a little while” was made “lower than the angels,”
that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
For it was fitting that he,
for whom and through whom all things exist,
in bringing many children to glory,
should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering.
He who consecrates
and those who are being consecrated all have one origin.
Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers” saying:
I will proclaim your name to my brethren,
in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.
Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 7)
You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
O LORD, our Lord,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
All sheep and oxen,
yes, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
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: Hebrews 2:5-12
“I will proclaim your name to my brothers.” (Hebrews 2:12)
The Letter to the Hebrews is a bit of a mystery. We don’t know who wrote it—or exactly when it was written! Paul probably didn’t write it because its style and vocabulary are so different from his writings. We are also not completely sure about its audience, but Hebrews appears to be directed toward a group of Jewish Christians who lived during a period of great upheaval, some time around a.d. 70, the year when the Temple was destroyed by the Romans. But despite all these unanswered questions, one thing is certain: Hebrews is a “message of encouragement” asking us to stay focused on Jesus (Hebrews 13:22).
The author of Hebrews was concerned that his audience had become discouraged in their faith, whether because of the everyday challenges of following Jesus or the unique challenges of living in a tumultuous time. Wanting to reenergize them, the author composed a letter to lift their gaze to heaven and deepen their grasp of the new covenant that was theirs in Christ. For him, it was all about Jesus.
Throughout his letter, as he urges his readers and us to persevere, the author keeps shining a light on Jesus. He tells us that Jesus is crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9). He calls him our High Priest who ushers us into the presence of God (4:14). He tells us that Jesus’ blood can cleanse our consciences from crippling guilt (10:22). He shows how Jesus became like us, and calls us his brothers and sisters (2:11-12). He points to Christ as the eternal, uncreated Son of God, through whom all things were made (1:2). In verse after verse, he shows us that if we follow this Jesus, we will find all the grace we need to run the race to its glorious finish line!
So as we pray today, and as we begin to read through Hebrews, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to us. Let’s ask the Spirit to show us how Jesus has atoned for our sins and how he is Lord of all creation—and of our lives! When we gaze upon Jesus, our hearts can become captivated by love. Desire for him will eclipse our problems, and trust in his mercy will overcome our guilt. We can run the race!
“Holy Spirit, help me to remain focused on Jesus all day today.”
Heb 2:5-12
It was not to angels that God subjected the world to come,
of which we are speaking.
Instead, someone has testified somewhere:
What is man that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man that you care for him?
You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
you crowned him with glory and honor,
subjecting all things under his feet.
In “subjecting” all things to him,
he left nothing not “subject to him.”
Yet at present we do not see “all things subject to him,”
but we do see Jesus “crowned with glory and honor”
because he suffered death,
he who “for a little while” was made “lower than the angels,”
that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
For it was fitting that he,
for whom and through whom all things exist,
in bringing many children to glory,
should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering.
He who consecrates
and those who are being consecrated all have one origin.
Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers” saying:
I will proclaim your name to my brethren,
in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.
Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 7)
You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
O LORD, our Lord,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
All sheep and oxen,
yes, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
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: Hebrews 2:5-12
“I will proclaim your name to my brothers.” (Hebrews 2:12)
The Letter to the Hebrews is a bit of a mystery. We don’t know who wrote it—or exactly when it was written! Paul probably didn’t write it because its style and vocabulary are so different from his writings. We are also not completely sure about its audience, but Hebrews appears to be directed toward a group of Jewish Christians who lived during a period of great upheaval, some time around a.d. 70, the year when the Temple was destroyed by the Romans. But despite all these unanswered questions, one thing is certain: Hebrews is a “message of encouragement” asking us to stay focused on Jesus (Hebrews 13:22).
The author of Hebrews was concerned that his audience had become discouraged in their faith, whether because of the everyday challenges of following Jesus or the unique challenges of living in a tumultuous time. Wanting to reenergize them, the author composed a letter to lift their gaze to heaven and deepen their grasp of the new covenant that was theirs in Christ. For him, it was all about Jesus.
Throughout his letter, as he urges his readers and us to persevere, the author keeps shining a light on Jesus. He tells us that Jesus is crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9). He calls him our High Priest who ushers us into the presence of God (4:14). He tells us that Jesus’ blood can cleanse our consciences from crippling guilt (10:22). He shows how Jesus became like us, and calls us his brothers and sisters (2:11-12). He points to Christ as the eternal, uncreated Son of God, through whom all things were made (1:2). In verse after verse, he shows us that if we follow this Jesus, we will find all the grace we need to run the race to its glorious finish line!
So as we pray today, and as we begin to read through Hebrews, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to us. Let’s ask the Spirit to show us how Jesus has atoned for our sins and how he is Lord of all creation—and of our lives! When we gaze upon Jesus, our hearts can become captivated by love. Desire for him will eclipse our problems, and trust in his mercy will overcome our guilt. We can run the race!
“Holy Spirit, help me to remain focused on Jesus all day today.”
10 January 2011
10 Jan 2011, Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Heb 1:1-6
Brothers and sisters:
In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways
to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he spoke to us through the Son,
whom he made heir of all things
and through whom he created the universe,
who is the refulgence of his glory,
the very imprint of his being,
and who sustains all things by his mighty word.
When he had accomplished purification from sins,
he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
as far superior to the angels
as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say:
You are my Son; this day I have begotten you?
Or again:
I will be a father to him, and he shall be a Son to me?
And again, when he leads the first born into the world, he says:
Let all the angels of God worship him.
Ps 97:1 and 2b, 6 and 7c, 9
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 7c)
Let all his angels worship him.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
Justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
R. Let all his angels worship him.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
Let all his angels worship him.
R. Let all his angels worship him.
Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods.
R. Let all his angels worship him.
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: Hebrews 1:1-6
“Let all the angels of God worship him.” (Hebrews 1:6)
O Lord, you are great and worthy of all praise! For you, Jesus, are the Word of God, his final word to his people, and the greatest revelation of his love, his majesty, and his mercy. From generation to generation, your Father spoke to his people through prophets and kings, through mighty warriors and humble laborers. But now in you he has given us “the very imprint of his being” (Hebrews 1:3)!
Jesus, we join with the angels in worshipping you today, for you have “accomplished purification from sins” for all of us (Hebrews 1:3). No one is outside of your power to redeem. No sin is too awful for you to forgive. And not only do you pardon our transgressions, you purify us! You wash us so clean that all of our guilt melts away, and we can begin again, freed from anxiety, worry, or frustration over our past. By your cross, you have done what thousands upon thousands of Jewish sacrifices could not do. You have opened the door to heaven and invited all of us to “confidently approach the throne of grace” (4:16). What an awesome gift!
All praise and glory belongs to you, Jesus, because you are now seated “at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). Every power, every force in heaven and on earth, is subject to you. You are exalted as Lord of heaven and earth, and you have inherited a kingdom that will never end. Though nation rise against nation, though people of different tribes and races wage war against each other, you have promised to bring peace and reconciliation according to your wisdom and your Father’s timing. Likewise, though our own sins rise up within us, though we too falter at times and give in to the devil’s temptations, you have promised that one day we will be set free completely. All we have to do is keep our eyes fixed on you, and you will deliver us!
Jesus, you are the “heir of all things,” and all things belong to you (Hebrews 1:2). We belong to you, Lord! So take our lives today and rule them. Fashion us, Jesus, into the people you have called us to be. Lord, we want to live in worship of you!
“Jesus, we are in awe of you, and we give you our hearts!”
Heb 1:1-6
Brothers and sisters:
In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways
to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he spoke to us through the Son,
whom he made heir of all things
and through whom he created the universe,
who is the refulgence of his glory,
the very imprint of his being,
and who sustains all things by his mighty word.
When he had accomplished purification from sins,
he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
as far superior to the angels
as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say:
You are my Son; this day I have begotten you?
Or again:
I will be a father to him, and he shall be a Son to me?
And again, when he leads the first born into the world, he says:
Let all the angels of God worship him.
Ps 97:1 and 2b, 6 and 7c, 9
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 7c)
Let all his angels worship him.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
Justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
R. Let all his angels worship him.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
Let all his angels worship him.
R. Let all his angels worship him.
Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods.
R. Let all his angels worship him.
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: Hebrews 1:1-6
“Let all the angels of God worship him.” (Hebrews 1:6)
O Lord, you are great and worthy of all praise! For you, Jesus, are the Word of God, his final word to his people, and the greatest revelation of his love, his majesty, and his mercy. From generation to generation, your Father spoke to his people through prophets and kings, through mighty warriors and humble laborers. But now in you he has given us “the very imprint of his being” (Hebrews 1:3)!
Jesus, we join with the angels in worshipping you today, for you have “accomplished purification from sins” for all of us (Hebrews 1:3). No one is outside of your power to redeem. No sin is too awful for you to forgive. And not only do you pardon our transgressions, you purify us! You wash us so clean that all of our guilt melts away, and we can begin again, freed from anxiety, worry, or frustration over our past. By your cross, you have done what thousands upon thousands of Jewish sacrifices could not do. You have opened the door to heaven and invited all of us to “confidently approach the throne of grace” (4:16). What an awesome gift!
All praise and glory belongs to you, Jesus, because you are now seated “at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). Every power, every force in heaven and on earth, is subject to you. You are exalted as Lord of heaven and earth, and you have inherited a kingdom that will never end. Though nation rise against nation, though people of different tribes and races wage war against each other, you have promised to bring peace and reconciliation according to your wisdom and your Father’s timing. Likewise, though our own sins rise up within us, though we too falter at times and give in to the devil’s temptations, you have promised that one day we will be set free completely. All we have to do is keep our eyes fixed on you, and you will deliver us!
Jesus, you are the “heir of all things,” and all things belong to you (Hebrews 1:2). We belong to you, Lord! So take our lives today and rule them. Fashion us, Jesus, into the people you have called us to be. Lord, we want to live in worship of you!
“Jesus, we are in awe of you, and we give you our hearts!”
09 Jan 2011, The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Reading 1
Is 42:1-4, 6-7
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.
Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10Responsorial PsalmR. (11b) The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Give to the LORD, you sons of God,
give to the LORD glory and praise,
Give to the LORD the glory due his name;
adore the LORD in holy attire.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
the LORD, over vast waters.
The voice of the LORD is mighty;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The God of glory thunders,
and in his temple all say, “Glory!”
The LORD is enthroned above the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as king forever.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Reading 2
Acts 10:34-38
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.”
Gospel
Mt 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan
to be baptized by him.
John tried to prevent him, saying,
“I need to be baptized by you,
and yet you are coming to me?”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us
to fulfill all righteousness.”
Then he allowed him.
After Jesus was baptized,
he came up from the water and behold,
the heavens were opened for him,
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and coming upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens, saying,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Meditation: Matthew 3:13-17
The Baptism of the Lord
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17)
What a scene this must have been! Opened heavens, a booming voice, and a dove descending upon Jesus. Clearly, God considered Jesus’ baptism to be a very important event, since he pulled out all the stops to celebrate it.
But more than just a celebration, Jesus’ baptism was a moment of revelation. On the banks of the Jordan River, the entire Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit—revealed itself. Here, at the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry, God made himself known in a new and powerful way. By revealing himself as Trinity—something that not even faithful Jews had conceived as possible—God made it clear that something new was about to happen. The kingdom that Jesus was sent to inaugurate was not just a continuation of what had come before. God was up to something dramatic, and he wanted everyone to pay attention.
In this scene, we see each Person of the Trinity in action. Eager to “fulfill all righteousness,” Jesus willingly submits to baptism by John (Matthew 3:15). Speaking from heaven, the Father announces that he is “well pleased” with his Son (3:17). And the Holy Spirit rests on Jesus, setting him apart for his mission (3:16). All three Persons are united in love and they are united in their desire to bring about our salvation.
As united as the Persons of the Trinity are, God wants us to know that it is not an exclusive community. Every day, God invites us to enter into his life and join in his mission. And for that, we too need the anointing of the Holy Spirit—just as Jesus received. And we also need to know how much our Father loves us and is pleased with us—just as he told Jesus. And that makes sense, doesn’t it? After all, God’s deepest desire is that we all become like Jesus and keep building his kingdom!
“Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I accept your invitation! I want to be part of your communion of love.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7; Psalm 29:1-4,9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17)
1. In the first reading, Isaiah prophetically speaks of the coming of Christ, the chosen servant who is pleasing to God. It also speaks of his ministry “To open the eyes of the blind, bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.” How do these works of Jesus apply to your life?
2. In the Responsorial Psalm, we are invited to give to the Lord “glory and praise” (Psalm 29:1). What are some reasons from your own life that lead you to give the Lord glory and praise?
3. In the second reading, through his visit to Cornelius’ home, God broke through Peter’s misconceptions and prejudices towards non-Jews to reveal to him that the gift of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior was not for the Jewish people alone (as he had previously believed), but also for Gentiles as well. In the Church we see some of this in reverse now, that is, there are misconceptions and prejudices towards Jewish people. What are some of these prejudices? What steps you can take as Christians to help eradicate these prejudices and promote mutual understanding between Christians and Jews?
4. In the Gospel, God the Father speaks these words to Jesus: “This is my beloved son; with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Do you believe that in spite of your own sins and weaknesses that you too are a beloved son/daughter of your heavenly father? Why or why not?
5. Spend a few minutes in prayer and reflection and allow God the Father to speak these words to you: “You are my beloved son, you are my beloved daughter; with you I am well pleased.” What impact did this quiet time of reflection have on you?
6. The meditation ends with these words: “As united as the Persons of the Trinity are, God wants us to know that it is not an exclusive community. Every day, God invites us to enter into his life and join in his mission. And for that, we too need the anointing of the Holy Spirit&mdashjust as Jesus received. And we also need to know how much our Father loves us and is pleased with us&mdashjust as he told Jesus. And that makes sense, doesn’t it? After all, God’s deepest desire is that we all become like Jesus and keep building his kingdom!” Take some time now to pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit and that you would have a deeper experience of the Father’s great love for you. Also pray that you would be transformed more and more into the image and likeness of Jesus and be used in building his kingdom.
Is 42:1-4, 6-7
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.
Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10Responsorial PsalmR. (11b) The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Give to the LORD, you sons of God,
give to the LORD glory and praise,
Give to the LORD the glory due his name;
adore the LORD in holy attire.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
the LORD, over vast waters.
The voice of the LORD is mighty;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The God of glory thunders,
and in his temple all say, “Glory!”
The LORD is enthroned above the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as king forever.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Reading 2
Acts 10:34-38
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.”
Gospel
Mt 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan
to be baptized by him.
John tried to prevent him, saying,
“I need to be baptized by you,
and yet you are coming to me?”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us
to fulfill all righteousness.”
Then he allowed him.
After Jesus was baptized,
he came up from the water and behold,
the heavens were opened for him,
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and coming upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens, saying,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Meditation: Matthew 3:13-17
The Baptism of the Lord
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17)
What a scene this must have been! Opened heavens, a booming voice, and a dove descending upon Jesus. Clearly, God considered Jesus’ baptism to be a very important event, since he pulled out all the stops to celebrate it.
But more than just a celebration, Jesus’ baptism was a moment of revelation. On the banks of the Jordan River, the entire Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit—revealed itself. Here, at the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry, God made himself known in a new and powerful way. By revealing himself as Trinity—something that not even faithful Jews had conceived as possible—God made it clear that something new was about to happen. The kingdom that Jesus was sent to inaugurate was not just a continuation of what had come before. God was up to something dramatic, and he wanted everyone to pay attention.
In this scene, we see each Person of the Trinity in action. Eager to “fulfill all righteousness,” Jesus willingly submits to baptism by John (Matthew 3:15). Speaking from heaven, the Father announces that he is “well pleased” with his Son (3:17). And the Holy Spirit rests on Jesus, setting him apart for his mission (3:16). All three Persons are united in love and they are united in their desire to bring about our salvation.
As united as the Persons of the Trinity are, God wants us to know that it is not an exclusive community. Every day, God invites us to enter into his life and join in his mission. And for that, we too need the anointing of the Holy Spirit—just as Jesus received. And we also need to know how much our Father loves us and is pleased with us—just as he told Jesus. And that makes sense, doesn’t it? After all, God’s deepest desire is that we all become like Jesus and keep building his kingdom!
“Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I accept your invitation! I want to be part of your communion of love.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7; Psalm 29:1-4,9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17)
1. In the first reading, Isaiah prophetically speaks of the coming of Christ, the chosen servant who is pleasing to God. It also speaks of his ministry “To open the eyes of the blind, bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.” How do these works of Jesus apply to your life?
2. In the Responsorial Psalm, we are invited to give to the Lord “glory and praise” (Psalm 29:1). What are some reasons from your own life that lead you to give the Lord glory and praise?
3. In the second reading, through his visit to Cornelius’ home, God broke through Peter’s misconceptions and prejudices towards non-Jews to reveal to him that the gift of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior was not for the Jewish people alone (as he had previously believed), but also for Gentiles as well. In the Church we see some of this in reverse now, that is, there are misconceptions and prejudices towards Jewish people. What are some of these prejudices? What steps you can take as Christians to help eradicate these prejudices and promote mutual understanding between Christians and Jews?
4. In the Gospel, God the Father speaks these words to Jesus: “This is my beloved son; with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Do you believe that in spite of your own sins and weaknesses that you too are a beloved son/daughter of your heavenly father? Why or why not?
5. Spend a few minutes in prayer and reflection and allow God the Father to speak these words to you: “You are my beloved son, you are my beloved daughter; with you I am well pleased.” What impact did this quiet time of reflection have on you?
6. The meditation ends with these words: “As united as the Persons of the Trinity are, God wants us to know that it is not an exclusive community. Every day, God invites us to enter into his life and join in his mission. And for that, we too need the anointing of the Holy Spirit&mdashjust as Jesus received. And we also need to know how much our Father loves us and is pleased with us&mdashjust as he told Jesus. And that makes sense, doesn’t it? After all, God’s deepest desire is that we all become like Jesus and keep building his kingdom!” Take some time now to pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit and that you would have a deeper experience of the Father’s great love for you. Also pray that you would be transformed more and more into the image and likeness of Jesus and be used in building his kingdom.
08 Jan 2011, Saturday after Epiphany
Reading 1
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.
Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 4a)
The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gosepl
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: 1 John 5:14-21
“If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
Anything? Yes, anything at all—and especially his mercy.
Imagine that you are lost in the woods. As the day wears on, you grow hungry, thirsty, and weary. Near sunset, you come upon a small cottage, and the owner welcomes you in. He lets you use his shower. He even makes you a big meal and prepares a bed for you for the night. When you wake up, you feel energized and restored.
Jesus is like the owner of that cottage. He is always ready to welcome you in and see to your every need when you are lost, hungry, or restless. What’s more, he’s not just waiting for you to show up at his door. He is out looking for you, inviting you to his house today for some tender love and care. Will you come in?
In today’s first reading, John points out that there are both minor and major sins that hinder our relationship with the Lord. The minor sins can be dealt with on a daily basis through humble repentance. And the major sins need the cleansing and healing power of sacramental confession. But whether our sins are major or minor, whether they are mortal or venial, Jesus welcomes us just the same. He offers all of us—saint and sinner alike—the same hospitality and the same hope of restoration.
Isn’t this marvelous? No matter who we are or what we have done, we can “approach the throne of grace to receive mercy” and to find all the grace that we need (Hebrews 4:16). And we can do this at any time. Most of the time, we don’t have to wait for our next confession to know God’s forgiveness. We can come to him every day—many times during the day, in fact—in the privacy of our own hearts to repent of our failings. And then, when we do go to confession, our experience will be that much deeper, because our daily repentance has drawn us so much closer to the Lord.
So come to God openly and honestly today to receive his mercy. He is looking for you, eager to welcome you to his home. Let him find you!
“Thank you, Jesus, for your heart of mercy!”
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.
Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 4a)
The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gosepl
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: 1 John 5:14-21
“If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
Anything? Yes, anything at all—and especially his mercy.
Imagine that you are lost in the woods. As the day wears on, you grow hungry, thirsty, and weary. Near sunset, you come upon a small cottage, and the owner welcomes you in. He lets you use his shower. He even makes you a big meal and prepares a bed for you for the night. When you wake up, you feel energized and restored.
Jesus is like the owner of that cottage. He is always ready to welcome you in and see to your every need when you are lost, hungry, or restless. What’s more, he’s not just waiting for you to show up at his door. He is out looking for you, inviting you to his house today for some tender love and care. Will you come in?
In today’s first reading, John points out that there are both minor and major sins that hinder our relationship with the Lord. The minor sins can be dealt with on a daily basis through humble repentance. And the major sins need the cleansing and healing power of sacramental confession. But whether our sins are major or minor, whether they are mortal or venial, Jesus welcomes us just the same. He offers all of us—saint and sinner alike—the same hospitality and the same hope of restoration.
Isn’t this marvelous? No matter who we are or what we have done, we can “approach the throne of grace to receive mercy” and to find all the grace that we need (Hebrews 4:16). And we can do this at any time. Most of the time, we don’t have to wait for our next confession to know God’s forgiveness. We can come to him every day—many times during the day, in fact—in the privacy of our own hearts to repent of our failings. And then, when we do go to confession, our experience will be that much deeper, because our daily repentance has drawn us so much closer to the Lord.
So come to God openly and honestly today to receive his mercy. He is looking for you, eager to welcome you to his home. Let him find you!
“Thank you, Jesus, for your heart of mercy!”
07 Jan 2011, Friday after Epiphany
Reading 1
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.
Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Responsorial PsalmR. (12a)
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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
“Go, show yourself to the priest.” (Luke 5:14)
Can you imagine how surprised the priest must have been to see this man standing before him, completely cured of his leprosy? Being a priest, he would have known the Jewish laws concerning skin diseases—that people suffering from them were considered ritually unclean and needed to be separated from the community. He would probably have remembered the story of Miriam, Moses’ sister, who was stricken with leprosy as a punishment for her sin (Numbers 12). If you had leprosy, the only way to rejoin your family and friends was to be declared clean again by a priest (Leviticus 14). But for that to happen, you had to be healed first—and that was unlikely!
So you can imagine the priest’s surprise. He must have been even more surprised when he learned that it was Jesus who did the healing! Clearly, Jesus was no ordinary rabbi. God was working through him in a new and powerful way, both to forgive sins and to bring back into community those who were banished because of sin or disease. Could he possibly be the Messiah?
Pointing to this passage, numerous Fathers of the Church have likened sin to a leprosy that separates us from God and from each other. And that makes sense, doesn’t it? We all know how a guilty conscience can leave us feeling isolated from family and friends. We know how sin can hurt, and even break, relationships. Isn’t it comforting to know that by his cross, Jesus has restored us, both to God and to each other? We don’t have to remain isolated.
But there’s even more good news. God doesn’t just want to free us from isolation. He wants to make us into agents of healing and unity! Simply by the witness of our lives, we can demonstrate to other people God’s ability to bring life, health, and wholeness. You may not be a fearless evangelist converting thousands. You may not be a charismatic preacher explaining Scriptures to a packed church. But a joyful spirit and a servant’s heart can be just as convincing as impassioned words. Like the healed leper in today’s Gospel, you can make a difference!
“Lord, thank you for setting me free and healing me. By your Spirit, make me a force of unity. Help me bring people together in your name.”
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.
Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Responsorial PsalmR. (12a)
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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
“Go, show yourself to the priest.” (Luke 5:14)
Can you imagine how surprised the priest must have been to see this man standing before him, completely cured of his leprosy? Being a priest, he would have known the Jewish laws concerning skin diseases—that people suffering from them were considered ritually unclean and needed to be separated from the community. He would probably have remembered the story of Miriam, Moses’ sister, who was stricken with leprosy as a punishment for her sin (Numbers 12). If you had leprosy, the only way to rejoin your family and friends was to be declared clean again by a priest (Leviticus 14). But for that to happen, you had to be healed first—and that was unlikely!
So you can imagine the priest’s surprise. He must have been even more surprised when he learned that it was Jesus who did the healing! Clearly, Jesus was no ordinary rabbi. God was working through him in a new and powerful way, both to forgive sins and to bring back into community those who were banished because of sin or disease. Could he possibly be the Messiah?
Pointing to this passage, numerous Fathers of the Church have likened sin to a leprosy that separates us from God and from each other. And that makes sense, doesn’t it? We all know how a guilty conscience can leave us feeling isolated from family and friends. We know how sin can hurt, and even break, relationships. Isn’t it comforting to know that by his cross, Jesus has restored us, both to God and to each other? We don’t have to remain isolated.
But there’s even more good news. God doesn’t just want to free us from isolation. He wants to make us into agents of healing and unity! Simply by the witness of our lives, we can demonstrate to other people God’s ability to bring life, health, and wholeness. You may not be a fearless evangelist converting thousands. You may not be a charismatic preacher explaining Scriptures to a packed church. But a joyful spirit and a servant’s heart can be just as convincing as impassioned words. Like the healed leper in today’s Gospel, you can make a difference!
“Lord, thank you for setting me free and healing me. By your Spirit, make me a force of unity. Help me bring people together in your name.”
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