We don’t have to look very hard in our world today to see division and dischord tearing at the fabric of our relationships. The same dynamics were happening in the letter to the Corinthians, and St. Paul gives us some practical tips for fostering the hard work of unity in the name of Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of the Year
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The call of the Twelve Apostles in the Gospel of Mark reminds us that a call by Christ is personal. The Lord knows our hearts and calls us as unique individuals to offer our lives for particular service in the world.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 2nd Week of the Year
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The Psalm Response today offers comfort and practical support as we trust in the Lord and reject the temptation to fear.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 2nd Week of the Year
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We all know the story of David and Goliath…it’s one of the first we learn as kids. Yet this classic underdog situation reminds us that with God’s help we can face whatever challenges come our way.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of the Year
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In the exchange between God and Samuel, we hear an important insight: “Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance, but God looks into the heart.” In light of this observation, may we focus on how we look on the inside!
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 2nd Week of the Year
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Study: When in your life have you experienced moments of darkness? Where did you find the light to guide your way?
Pray: Are you struggling with the darkness today? Pray that the Lord will shine radiant light into your life.
Serve: Do you know someone who seems “in the dark” right now? How can you bring the light of Christ to others?
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of the Year
The readings offer several rich themes this week:
The 1st reading from the prophet Isaiah, the Psalm, and the Gospel of Matthew all reference light and darkness. The imagery speaks to us on many levels:
And yet we know that darkness is also part of our existence. In our modern world we often do all that we can to drive the darkness away, but if you have ever been out in the country (away from all the city lights) you begin to get a sense of what most people were acquainted with through human history.
Things hide in the dark. Crime often occurs in the dark. Fear, anxiety, worry and distress often increase in the darkness. While the darkness is not bad in itself, we often associate it with many challenges and concerns that form the landscape of our our hearts.
Today we hear once again how God’s light casts out all darkness. God’s grace offers us hope, peace, and strength to face the darkness of life with conviction and trust. We know that life is not easy; we face our burdens confident that the Lord will light our way.
Where is the darkness in your life right now? Face it with the light of Jesus Christ! Let the Lord’s light shine in our hearts and lives, offering us the wisdom and direction we need to live our faith today.
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Note: This post was first published on January 16, 2017.
Isaiah, Paul and John the Baptist all offered their lives in service for the Lord. As we follow their example, may the words of the Psalmist, “Here am I Lord, I come to do your will” echo in our hearts!
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of the Year
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