January 8

January 8, 2014:  Wednesday after Epiphany

Readings

• 1 Jn 4:11-18  If we love, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.  When we acknowledge Jesus as God's Son, God remains in us and we in God.  God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.   Perfect love drives out fear.

• Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13  "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."  The king shall have pity for the lowly and the poor.

• Mk 6:45-52  The disciples proceeded by boat toward Bethsaida.  Jesus went off to pray, walked on the sea toward them, calmed their fear, and got in with them.

Pope Francis

• Audience (starting Sacraments series):  The Church is a Sacrament, a grace-filled sign making Christ’s work present.  Baptism gives us new birth in Christ, makes us sharers in his death and resurrection, forgives sin, and brings freedom.  Don't forget the gift:  baptism changed us, gave us hope, empowered us to bring God’s love to all, particularly the poor, and gave us a share in the Church’s mission of evangelization.  We've become new in Christ, temples of the Spirit, adoptive children of the Father, members of the Church, brothers in faith, and announcers of the Gospel, capable of forgiving and loving all, even our enemies.  Lord, renew in us the grace of our Baptism and make us your true children and living members of your body.

• World Day of Peace message (continued):  

Fraternity helps preserve and cultivate nature:  The human family has received nature from the Creator.  We're called to be responsible stewards of nature, to respect it and set it at the service of our brothers and sisters, including future generations.

The agricultural sector is called to cultivate and protect natural resources.  The millions suffering and dying from hunger move me to ask how we're using our resources.  We must use them so all may be free from hunger, finding ways for all to benefit from the earth's fruits, not just to narrow the gap between haves and have-nots; it's a question of justice.  Church social teaching is that goods are for the benefit of all.  If we respect this principle, we can facilitate fair access to essential and primary goods everyone has a right to. 

Reflections

• Creighton:  The king from the psalm is reminiscent of Temporal King (from St. Ignatius's Spiritual Exercises) calling one to a noble cause and to Pope Francis summoning us to love and service.  May we respond to the King’s call with Christian love and renewed faith.

• RC.net:   Jesus helped the disciples in their need and fear.  God never leaves us.  Do I hope in God's care when overwhelmed?

• Sacred Space

Music

Here are links to many "Epiphany carols":

• Five Epiphany Hymns, from Daily Bible Study Tips
• Five Carols to Commemorate the Adoration of the Magi at Epiphany/ McCabe
• Epiphany Service of Lessons and Carols/ Presbyterian Church (order of worship includes eight related hymns)
• Oremus Hymnal:  Epiphany:  eighty hymns on the related themes of Epiphany, Jesus' Baptism, Missions, and the Transfiguration

Here's one:  As with gladness men of old/ Dix (lyrics and sheet music)
(For the psalm, see yesterday and Monday.)

Apparel

• "Hearts" suspenders:  God's love for us, ours for one another... (1st reading)

• Blue shirt:  the sea (gospel)

• "Star" tie pin:  star guiding the magi (Epiphany subseason)

• "Peace sign" tie bar:  peace shall flourish (psalm); Pope's peace message

• Christmas pin and tie:  It's Christmas till Jan. 12!

Dress your life!

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