January 26, 2014

3rd Sunday Ordinary

January 26, 2014:  3rd Sunday, Ordinary Time

Readings
Wordle: Readings 1-26-14
  • Is 8:23-9:3 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. You smashed the yoke that burdened them and brought them joy.
  • Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 "The Lord is my light and my salvation."  Whom should I fear?  I ask to dwell in God's house forever.  Wait for the Lord. 
  • 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17 Be united in mind and purpose; no divisions!  Is Christ divided?
  • Mt 4:12-23 Jesus went to Capernaum, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy, "The people in darkness have seen a great light."  He preached:  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  He told fishermen Simon and Andrew, “Come; I'll make you fishers of men,” and they followed him.  He called James and John in a boat; they followed him.  He proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom and cured people.
Pope Francis
  • Angelus:  Galilee's diverse cultures meant encounter was needed, as now.  We can be tempted to build walls, but the Good News is for all.  As Jesus chose simple fishermen, the Lord continues to call us to work for God’s reign.  Hear him say ‘follow me’ and go; he never disappoints.
  • Vespers at end of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:  Perfect union comes from looking to Christ who wants to draw us to himself, to self-emptying.  He alone can be the principle, cause, and driving force.  Divisions wound Christ’s body, impair witness, contradict God's will, and scandalize.  Pray we put on Christ, overcome conflicts, and be united in love.  Christ cannot be divided!
How can communication serve a culture of encounter?  A scribe–a communicator–asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?”  Communication is “neighborliness”:  How can we be neighborly in use of media and in the digital environment?   The Good Samaritan parable, also about communication, gives an answer:  those who communicate become neighbors.  The Samaritan draws near to the man he finds and takes responsibility for him; it's not just about seeing, but about making myself like the other.  Communication is about realizing we're all human beings, children of God. 
Communication aimed at consumption or manipulation is violence like that suffered by the man beaten and left abandoned.  As rules of ritual purity conditioned the Levite and priest to keep him at a distance, today certain media can condition us to fail to see our real neighbor. 
    Fidelity to the Gospel:  We hearing the poor when moved by others' suffering: “Blessed are the merciful; they shall obtain mercy.”  Mercy to others will vindicate us.  “Almsgiving will purge sin.” “Almsgiving atones for sin as water extinguishes fire.”  “Love covers a multitude of sins”  “If we sin, we should rejoice at a chance to do a work of mercy.”  Don't relativize or weaken this clear message  but accept it with zeal.  The Bible exhorts us to service, justice, love, and mercy to the poor; Jesus set the example in word and deed. 
    The apostles urged Paul to remember the poor.  A new self-centered paganism is growing; never lose the option for the least, whom society discards.  If we get carried away by possibilities for consumption and distraction, it becomes harder to offer ourselves and to establish solidarity, and we become alienated. (4.II, 193-196, pp. 152-55)
    Reflections
      • Creighton:  In Jesus God brought light into a dark world.  God has made us fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light, delivering us from darkness and transferring us to his Son's kingdom.  Jesus tells his followers:  You are the light of the world.... Shine, so others may see your good deeds and glorify your Father.
      • RC.net:   Jesus calls disciples to believe in the good news:  peace with God, hope of resurrection, truth of God's word, promise, immortality, salvation, and freedom—God's power and wisdom.  Repent and believe:  change your heart, mind, and life, and accept God's word of love as true.  God chose smelly fishermen, ordinary folks like us.  Do I let God work in and through me?  Do I show Gospel joy to others?
      Music
      • The Lord is my Light, from I will bless the Lord at all times/ Haas (newer; related but different)
      Apparel

      • My "fish" tie, guest dresser's fish blouse (thanks, Mom :-):  Jesus called fishermen (gospel)
      • "Fishing pole" tie pin (also a key :-):  Pre-apostles were fishing (gospel); Christ is the 'key' to unity (week)
      • Green shirt and suspenders (not shown):  Ordinary Time (season)

       Dress your life!

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