Christmas Weekday
Lectionary: 206
Lectionary: 206
If you consider that God is righteous,
you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness
is begotten by him.
See what love the Father has bestowed on us
that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are.
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God’s children now;
what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure,
as he is pure.
Everyone who commits sin commits lawlessness,
for sin is lawlessness.
You know that he was revealed to take away sins,
and in him there is no sin.
No one who remains in him sins;
no one who sins has seen him or known him.
you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness
is begotten by him.
See what love the Father has bestowed on us
that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are.
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God’s children now;
what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure,
as he is pure.
Everyone who commits sin commits lawlessness,
for sin is lawlessness.
You know that he was revealed to take away sins,
and in him there is no sin.
No one who remains in him sins;
no one who sins has seen him or known him.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have
seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Gospel Jn 1:29-34
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”
John testified further, saying,
“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”
John testified further, saying,
“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
www.usccb.org
Meditation:"Behold
the Lamb of God!"
John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus' mission as
the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb(Exodus 12)
delivered the Israelites in Egypt from slavery and death. The Lord Jesus freely
offered up his life for us on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins
(1 Corinthians 5:7). The blood which he poured out for us on the cross
cleanses, heals, and frees us from our slavery to sin, and from the "wages
of sin which is death" (Romans 6:23) and the "destruction of both
body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28). It is significant that John was
the son of Zachariah, a priest of Israel who participated in the daily
sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29). John
recognized that Jesus was the perfect unblemished lamb offered by the Father in
heaven as the one and only sacrifice that could cancel the debt of sin, and
free us from death and the destruction of body and soul in hell.When John says he did not know Jesus (John 1:31,33) he was referring to the hidden reality of Jesus' divinity. But the Holy Spirit in that hour revealed to John Jesus' true nature, such that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God? The Holy Spirit makes the Lord Jesus Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us his Spirit as our helper and guide who opens our hearts and minds to receive and comprehend the great mystery and plan of God - to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Do you want to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ? Ask the Lord to pour his Holy Spirit upon you to deepen your faith, hope, and love for God and for the plan he has for your life.
"Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit and let me grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Let your Spirit be aflame in my heart that I may know and love you more fervently and strive to do your will in all things."
www.dailyscripture.net
 Be Inspired! |
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Christmas Weekday
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John
1:29-34
John the Baptist saw
Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away
the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ´A man is coming after me
who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.´ I did not know him, but
the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to
Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a
dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who
sent me to baptize with water told me, ´On whomever you see the Spirit come
down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.´ Now I
have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that all Christians
are called to proclaim you with their lives and to follow the path you have
taught. I want to grow closer to you and to be more the person you want me to
be. I love you and long to be transformed by your grace!
Petition: Holy Spirit, help me to be attentive
and docile to your inspirations.
1. Trust in the Lord and Let Him Lead You: Although John the
Baptist knew that he was sent as the Precursor of the Messiah, he did not
initially know who the Messiah would be. But he did not let uncertainty about
the details stop him. He knew that God had a plan and that he was called to
play a part in it; as soon as he knew what direction to go, he went,
regardless of not knowing his exact destination. Sometimes we can want to
have total knowledge of God’s plan, and we hesitate to go forward until we’re
sure we know exactly what to do. However, God rarely gives us a full view of
his plan before we start out. He wants us to trust in him, to act on what we
do know, and to be confident that God will bring his plan to a good end. Not
that we shouldn’t have all the foresight we can, but we can’t expect God to
let us in on his “master plan.” When God calls us, our response
should be to follow without questioning God’s ways.
2. The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide: The fact that we have to trust in God and allow him to reveal
his plan as we go along means that we have to be very attentive to his work
in our life. John the Baptist recognized Jesus because he was paying total
attention to the signs God was giving him: The Holy Spirit revealed to him that
Jesus was the Messiah. God will usually not speak to us through visions and
special signs; however, if we have St. John the Baptist’s attitude of
openness to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, seeing God’s will in the
events around us, we will be able to discern his plan for our life and
fulfill it. The most important time to listen to God is in prayer, so setting
aside time to be with God has to be part of our daily routine.
3. Dealing with the Unexpected: When St. John the Baptist realized that Jesus was the Messiah,
it might have been a surprise. They were related through their mothers’
families, and they may have known each other in youth before John went out
into the desert. However, John clearly states that he did not know who the
Messiah was until the moment the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus’ true identity.
John may well have shared the common opinion that Jesus was a man like any
other, albeit outstanding in justice and piety. The important thing is that
he doesn’t doubt the divine inspiration. Rather, he immediately acts on it,
proclaiming Jesus to his followers. In our own lives, God may well ask us to
do the unexpected, or we may see his will in places we least expect it. We
need to have St. John the Baptist’s readiness to see God’s hand and act on
it, even if it goes contrary to our expectations.
Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, knowing
your will in my life can be hard at times. Even when I think I do know what
you want from me, it can be difficult to follow through — especially when it
is something that I did not expect or that requires that I go beyond my
“comfort zone.” But, Lord, I do want to do your will. Grant me the same
spirit of docility and dedication as St. John the Baptist!
Resolution: Today I will renew in prayer my
personal commitment to always seek to know and follow God’s will in my life.
I will try to heed the inspirations that the Holy Spirit gives to guide me on
the right path.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3
JOHN 1:29-34
(1 John 2:29―3:6; Psalm 98)
KEY VERSE: "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (v 29).
READING: When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming to him for baptism, he called him by the significant title: "Lamb of God" (v 29). Just as the blood of the Passover lamb saved the Israelites from death (Ex 12), Jesus, the new Paschal lamb, would shed his blood for the sins of the world. Jesus was God's suffering servant who would be led "like a lamb to slaughter" (Is 53:7-10). In the book of Revelation, Jesus is portrayed as the victorious lamb who conquered evil through his death and resurrection (Rv 5:6-14). John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the anointed one (the Messiah) when he saw God's Spirit come to rest upon him "like a dove" (Jn 2:32). Jesus, God's Son, baptized not with water but with the purifying grace of the Holy Spirit.
REFLECTING: How can I point the way to Jesus for others?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, thank you for giving me life by dying for my sins.
Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus has been celebrated in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints at local levels since the end of the fifteenth century. The veneration of the Holy Name was extended to the entire Roman Catholic Church in 1721 during the pontificate of Pope Innocent XI. From apostolic times, the Church has professed that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:10-11). Through the efforts of St. Bernardine of Siena and his follower John Capistrano, devotion to the Holy Name was promoted through the inscription of the monogram of the Holy Name (IHS), the first three letters of the name �Jesus� in Greek, transliterated as �Ihsous,� pronounced Iēsous. This is the Holy Name as it was written in the Gospels. However, in Hebrew, the name �Jesus� is transliterated as �Yeshua,� pronounced Yeshūa. Finally, in Latin, the Holy Name is written Iesus which gives us the English �Jesus,� since the �j� often replaces the �i� at the beginning of a word.
www.daily-word-of-life.com
All the
ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God
‘I have
seen and I am the witness that he is the Chosen One of God.’Lord, John is so very open to the truth - of who he is in the Father’s plan, and who you are, the Chosen One of God. We know him as a man of self-discipline and prayer, single-minded, a man of passion, and in touch with your Spirit of truth. His work as the Baptiser was finished. It was time for him to reveal you to others, and to move on.
Lord, how hard it can be for us to let go.
We believe in and can commit ourselves to your work. Sometimes, though, we reach the point when it is time to let it go. Help us to discern your truth within, and to respond generously.
www.churchresources.info
January 3
Most Holy Name of Jesus
Most Holy Name of Jesus
In a world of fiercely guarded
corporate names and logos, it should be easy to understand this feast. The
letters IHS are an abbreviation of Jesous, the Greek name for
Jesus.
Although St.
Paul might claim credit for promoting devotion to the Holy Name because Paul
wrote in Philippians that God the Father gave Christ Jesus “that name that is
above every name” (see 2:9), this devotion became popular because of
12th-century Cistercian monks and nuns but especially through the preaching of
St. Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan (May 20).
Bernardine used
devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus as a way of overcoming bitter and often bloody
class struggles and family rivalries or vendettas in Italian city-states. The
devotion grew, partly because of Franciscan and Dominican preachers. It spread
even more widely after the Jesuits began promoting it in the 16th century.
In 1530, Pope
Clement V approved an Office of the Holy Name for the Franciscans. In 1721,
Pope Innocent XIII extended this feast to the entire Church.
Comment:
Jesus died and rose for the sake of all people. No one can trademark or copyright Jesus' name. Jesus is the Son of God and son of Mary. Everything that exists was created in and through the Son of God (see Colossians 1:15-20). The name of Jesus is debased if any Christian uses it as justification for berating non-Christians. Jesus reminds us that because we are all related to him we are, therefore, all related to one another.
Jesus died and rose for the sake of all people. No one can trademark or copyright Jesus' name. Jesus is the Son of God and son of Mary. Everything that exists was created in and through the Son of God (see Colossians 1:15-20). The name of Jesus is debased if any Christian uses it as justification for berating non-Christians. Jesus reminds us that because we are all related to him we are, therefore, all related to one another.
Quote:
“Glorious name, gracious name, name of love and of power! Through you sins are forgiven, through you enemies are vanquished, through you the sick are freed from their illness, through you those suffering in trials are made strong and cheerful. You bring honor to those who believe, you teach those who preach, you give strength to the toiler, you sustain the weary” (St. Bernardine of Siena).
“Glorious name, gracious name, name of love and of power! Through you sins are forgiven, through you enemies are vanquished, through you the sick are freed from their illness, through you those suffering in trials are made strong and cheerful. You bring honor to those who believe, you teach those who preach, you give strength to the toiler, you sustain the weary” (St. Bernardine of Siena).
www.americancatholic.org
St. Genevieve
Feastday: January 3
Patron of Paris
Died: 512
St. Genevieve was born about the year 422, at Nanterre near
Paris. She was seven years old when St. Germain of Auxerre came to her native
village on his way to great Britain to combat the heresy of Pelagius. The child
stood in the midst of a crowd gathered around the man of God, who singled her
out and foretold her future sanctity. At her desire the holy Bishop led her to
a church, accompanied by all the faithful, and consecrated her to God as a
virgin.
When Attila was reported to be marching on Paris, the
inhabitants of the city prepared to evacuate, but St. Genevieve persuaded them
to avert the scourge by fasting and prayer, assuring them of the protection of
Heaven. The event verified the prediction, for the barbarian suddenly changed
the course of his march.
The life of St. Genevieve was one of great austerity, constant
prayer, and works of charity. She died in the year 512. Her feast day is
January 3rd.
She dressed in a long flowing gown with a mantle covering her
shoulders, similar to the type of garments the Blessed Mother wore. One of the
symbols of this saint is a loaf of bread because she was so generous to those
in need.
www.catholic.org
BL. KURIAKOS ELIAS CHAVARA
Liturgy:
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Cyriac, co-founder and first Prior General of
the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, was born in Kerala in India, on 10th
February 1805. He entered the diocesan seminary in 1818 and was ordained priest
in 1829. He began the first house of the Congregation at Mannanam in 1831 and
made his religious vows in 1855. In 1866, he was instrumental in the foundation
of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Mother of Carmel. In 1861, he was
appointed Vicar-General for the Syro-Malabaric Church. A great defender of the
unity of the Church against the schism initiated by Rocco, he laboured, his
entire life, for the spiritual renewal of the Syro-Malabaric Church. He was
outstanding as a man of prayer, full of zeal for Our Lord as present in the
Eucharist and possessing a particular devotion to the Immaculate Virgin. He
died at Koonammavu in 1871. In 1899 his remains were transferred to Mannanam.
LECTIO: JOHN 1,29-34
Lectio:
Thursday,
January 3, 2013
Christmas Time
1) Opening prayer
Father, you make known the salvation of mankind
at the birth of your Son.
Make us strong in faith
and bring us to the glory you promise.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
at the birth of your Son.
Make us strong in faith
and bring us to the glory you promise.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading -
John 1,29-34
The next day, he saw Jesus coming towards him
and said, 'Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.
It was of him that I said, "Behind me comes one who has passed ahead of me
because he existed before me." I did not know him myself, and yet my
purpose in coming to baptise with water was so that he might be revealed to
Israel.'
And John declared, 'I saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven and rest on him. I did not know him myself, but he who sent me to baptise with water had said to me, "The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is to baptise with the Holy Spirit." I have seen and I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.'
And John declared, 'I saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven and rest on him. I did not know him myself, but he who sent me to baptise with water had said to me, "The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is to baptise with the Holy Spirit." I have seen and I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.'
3) Reflection
• In the Gospel of John, history and the
symbol join together. In today’s text, the symbolism consists above all in
recalling texts of the Old Testament which we know and which reveal something
concerning the identity of Jesus of Nazareth. In these few verses (Jn 1, 29-34)
we find the following expressions which contain a symbolical density or depth:
1) Lamb of God; 2) Who takes away the sins of the world; 3) He existed before
me; 4) The descent of the Spirit in the form of a dove; 5) Son of God.
• Lamb of God. This title recalls, brings to mind, the Exodus. The night of the first Passover. The blood of the Paschal Lamb, with which the doors of the houses were signed, was for the people a sign of liberation (Ex 12, 13-14). For the first Christians Jesus is the new Paschal Lamb who liberates his people (1 Co 5, 7; 1 P 1, 19; Rev 5, 6.9).
• Who takes away the sins of the World. This recalls a very beautiful phrase of the prophecy of Jeremiah: “There will be no further need for everyone to teach neighbour or brother: “You will know the Lord, they will all know me, from the least to the greatest, says the Lord; since I shall forgive their guilt and never more call their sin to mind” (Jer 31, 34).
• He existed before me. This recalls several texts of the Books of Wisdom, in which it is spoken about God’s Wisdom which existed before all the other creatures and which was with God, like a master of the works in the creation of the Universe and that, at the end, fixed her dwelling among the people of God (Pro 8, 22-31; Eccl 24, 1-11).
• The descent of the Spirit in the form of a dove. It recalls the creative action where it is said that the “Spirit of God sweeping over the waters” (Gen 1, 2). The text of Genesis suggests the image of a bird which flies over its nest. An image of the new creation in movement thanks to the action of Jesus.
• Son of God; this is the title which summarizes all the others. The best comment of this title is the explanation of Jesus himself: “The Jews answered him: ‘We are stoning you not for doing a good work, but for blasphemy: though you are only a man, you claim to be God”. Jesus answered: “Is it not written in your Law: I said: you are gods? So it uses the word ‘gods’ of those people to whom the word of God was addressed (and Scripture cannot be set aside), Yet to someone whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world you say, ‘You are blaspheming’ because I said, ‘I am Son of God’? If I am not doing my Father’s work there is no need to believe me, but if I am doing it, then even if you refuse to believe in me, at least believe in the work I do; then you will know for certain that the Father is in me and I am in the Father” (Jn 10, 33-38).
• Lamb of God. This title recalls, brings to mind, the Exodus. The night of the first Passover. The blood of the Paschal Lamb, with which the doors of the houses were signed, was for the people a sign of liberation (Ex 12, 13-14). For the first Christians Jesus is the new Paschal Lamb who liberates his people (1 Co 5, 7; 1 P 1, 19; Rev 5, 6.9).
• Who takes away the sins of the World. This recalls a very beautiful phrase of the prophecy of Jeremiah: “There will be no further need for everyone to teach neighbour or brother: “You will know the Lord, they will all know me, from the least to the greatest, says the Lord; since I shall forgive their guilt and never more call their sin to mind” (Jer 31, 34).
• He existed before me. This recalls several texts of the Books of Wisdom, in which it is spoken about God’s Wisdom which existed before all the other creatures and which was with God, like a master of the works in the creation of the Universe and that, at the end, fixed her dwelling among the people of God (Pro 8, 22-31; Eccl 24, 1-11).
• The descent of the Spirit in the form of a dove. It recalls the creative action where it is said that the “Spirit of God sweeping over the waters” (Gen 1, 2). The text of Genesis suggests the image of a bird which flies over its nest. An image of the new creation in movement thanks to the action of Jesus.
• Son of God; this is the title which summarizes all the others. The best comment of this title is the explanation of Jesus himself: “The Jews answered him: ‘We are stoning you not for doing a good work, but for blasphemy: though you are only a man, you claim to be God”. Jesus answered: “Is it not written in your Law: I said: you are gods? So it uses the word ‘gods’ of those people to whom the word of God was addressed (and Scripture cannot be set aside), Yet to someone whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world you say, ‘You are blaspheming’ because I said, ‘I am Son of God’? If I am not doing my Father’s work there is no need to believe me, but if I am doing it, then even if you refuse to believe in me, at least believe in the work I do; then you will know for certain that the Father is in me and I am in the Father” (Jn 10, 33-38).
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4) Personal
questions
• Jesus offered himself, completely, for the
whole of humanity, and I, what can I offer to help my neighbour?
• We have also received the Holy Spirit. How conscious or aware am I that I am his Temple?
• We have also received the Holy Spirit. How conscious or aware am I that I am his Temple?
5) Concluding prayer
Sing a new song to Yahweh,
for he has performed wonders,
his saving power is in his right hand
and his holy arm. (Ps 98,1)
for he has performed wonders,
his saving power is in his right hand
and his holy arm. (Ps 98,1)
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