Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": January 6

January 6, 2014: Monday after Epiphany

Readings

1 Jn 3:22-4:6 Believe in the name of Jesus Christ and love one another. Test spirits to see whether they belong to God; only spirits that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh do. You belong to God; the one in you is greater than the one in the world.

Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a "I will give you all the nations for an inheritance." Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 Jesus began to preach: “Repent; the Kingdom of heaven is at hand,” going around Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel, and curing diseases. His fame spread; great crowds followed him.

Pope Francis

World Day of Peace message (continued):

Fraternity extinguishes war: Many endure the destruction of war, a deep wound to fraternity. The Church brings Christ’s love to victims through prayer for peace and service to the wounded, starving, refugees, displaced, and fearful. We speak out to make leaders hear the cry of the suffering, end hostility, and restore human rights. See your enemy as your brother or sister, and hold back! Give up arms and meet in dialogue and reconciliation, to rebuild justice, trust, and hope! Armed conflicts create divisions and wounds taking years to heal. War is a refusal to pursue our great goals. As long as so many arms are in circulation, people find pretexts to fight, so I appeal for non-proliferation of arms and for disarmament.

Agreements and laws aren't enough to protect us from war. A conversion of hearts is needed to permit everyone to see each other as brothers and sisters to care for and work with. I hope the daily commitment of all will bear fruit and peace will be recognized as a fundamental human right prerequisite for every other.

Reflections

Creighton: St. Ignatius talks about discerning/testing spirits in his autobiography and Spiritual Exercises. A spirit moving you may be good or evil. The good spirit may be recognized by feelings of strength and peace and the evil spirit may be recognized with feelings of anxiety, sadness, and frustration. Discernment helps us understand and live in harmony with God.

RC.net: The gospel can't be silenced. Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, delivering good news of peace, hope, truth, and salvation, demanding repentance. How do I need to change?