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.”
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."
 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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FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, JOHN 1:29-34
Christmas Weekday
(1 John 2:29—3:6; Psalm 98)
Christmas Weekday
(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: The day after Jesus came for baptism, John the Baptist identified the Savior by the significant title, the "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, shed his blood for the sins of the world. Jesus was God's suffering servant who was led "like a lamb to slaughter" (Is.53:7‑10). In the book of Revelation, Jesus was portrayed as the victorious lamb who conquered evil (Rv.5:6‑14). John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the anointed one (Messiah) when he saw God's spirit come down to rest upon him "like a dove" (v.32).John declared that Jesus was God's Son who would baptize with the purifying grace of the Holy Spirit.
REFLECTING: Do I point out Jesus to 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,” the Holy Name as it was written in the Gospels. However, in Hebrew, the name “Jesus” is transliterated as “Yeshua.” 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.
All
the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God
‘Look
- there is the Lamb of God.’
Today’s
gospel reveals the humility of John the Baptist in acknowledging Jesus. John
had a great following and a successful ministry; despite this he was still able
to acknowledge that Jesus was greater than he, that his mission was simply to
prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus. Keeping Christ as the central focus
of our lives is an ongoing struggle, our ego tempts us toward self-centredness.
In John we find an example of how to look beyond ourselves and recognise the
One who gives meaning to our lives.
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).
LECTIO DIVINA:
JOHN 1,29-34
Lectio:
Friday, January 3, 2014
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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).
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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