In this third part of the reflection on love from the First Letter of John, we see how our love for others reflects the love that flows from the heart of God. When we love one another we are acting on the Lord’s commandment and showing the world the face of Christ.
Mass Readings – Thursday after Epiphany (Christmas Weekday)
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The First Letter of John offers a rich insight regarding how God’s love gives us the courage to face our fears.
Mass Readings – Wednesday after Epiphany
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Love finds its origin and power in God, for God is love. May we draw close to the Lord so that His love will overflow our hearts.
Mass Readings – Christmas Weekday (St. John Neumann)
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From the very start of his earthly ministry, Jesus preached for repentance – the ongoing call to conversion of heart – as we turn from our sins and embrace our lives for the Lord.
Mass Readings – Monday after Epiphany
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Study: Find out about your baptism. When was it? Who performed it? Who are your Godparents? Who else was present?
Pray: Thank the Lord for the gift of faith to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ.
Serve: How can you live your baptismal call today? How can your faith inspire or assist another?
Mass Readings – The Baptism of the Lord
A few years ago I was having lunch when I ran into Fr. Bob Koszarek, a retired priest from our diocese. When I asked him what brought him out for lunch he said, “I am celebrating the anniversary of my baptism.” The comment struck me, especially when he followed it up with, “Do you know the day of your baptism?”
The answer is no. Yet as I prepare for Mass this week I have made a commitment to find out. We claim (rightly so) that baptism is a crucial sacrament in the Church – the gateway to all other sacraments whereby we are configured to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most people know if they have been baptized; my sense is that very few know the actual date.
Our faith is a precious gift – worth fighting for, worth dying for. Perhaps today we pause to recall just how precious it truly is…Jesus Christ poured out his blood on the Cross for us that we might have eternal life. His baptism was the revelation of the Trinity, where we hear the Father’s voice from heaven as the Spirit descends upon the Son in the form of a dove. Our baptism allows us to participate fully in God’s presence for the grace and guidance we need.
I invite us today to claim our baptism. Some simple steps:
Our baptism is not a one time event. Rather, it is an ongoing expression of Christ working through us. May the Baptism of the Lord inspire us to live our faith with joy as we engage our lives with his power.
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Note: This post was first published on January 4, 2016.
The Magi followed the light of the star to encounter the Light of the World as they responded with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. As we are drawn to the Light of Christ and encounter His grace, may we shine with His light for all to see!
Mass Readings – Epiphany of the Lord
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The proclamation of praise from the psalm today reminds us to look to nature when we require a reminder of the awesome power of the Almighty.
Mass Readings – Memorial of Saints Basil & Gregory
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“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Mary inspires us to follow her example as we reflect on all that has happened in the last year and study these insights in the light of our faith in Christ as we embark on the New Year. Holy Mary, Mother of God…pray for us!
Mass Readings – Mary, Mother of God
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The Prologue of the Gospel of John speaks of Christ as God’s Word and Light. May we dwell upon the Word of God in the coming year as we are guided by the Lord’s Light. Happy New Year!
Mass Readings – The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
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The Gospel reveals that growth and knowledge often take time to develop. This process of maturity reminds us that our own spiritual life requires a steady discipline of commitment over the entire course of our lives.
Mass Readings – The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
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