"In him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.... The light was coming into the world” (Jn 1:4-5, 9). People speak about light but often prefer the deceptive tranquility of the dark; they speak about peace but often resort to war or don't concretely build peace. "People preferred darkness to light” (Jn 3:19-20); evildoers hate light and peace. Exploitation of people is a plague that kills relationships and impedes respect, justice, and charity; I hope it's overcome. Each of us hungers for peace; we must build it! Peace, more than absence of war, is harmony with oneself, nature, and others. Extinguishing war is an essential condition. There's bloodshed all over, war within families, communities, and parishes, and cultural, ethnic, and religious conflicts, but concord is always possible. There's no future without peace!
God through Isaiah promised, “One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again” (Is 2:4). Peace is proclaimed when Jesus was born: “Peace to those on whom his favor rests.” We must pray for peace incessantly and welcome it with commitment in every situation. Rekindle hope that leads to concrete works of peace. Make peace at home, in your community, and at work! Make gestures of fraternity in dealing with your neighbor, especially those tried by tensions or disagreements; they can be seeds of hope and open paths of peace. Mary, Queen of Peace, knew difficulties but never lost peace of heart, the fruit of abandonment to God's mercy; ask her, our tender Mother, to show us all the path of love and peace.
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 acknowledge 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; 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 the sick brought to him. His fame spread; great crowds followed him.
One Bread One Body: "Open all your presents": people in darkness see light, light arises on those in death-overshadowed land, and Jesus cures the sick and possessed. We can't outgive God.
Passionist: After yesterday's Epiphany celebration of Jesus' manifestation to the world, today's gospel begins to show Jesus' whole life as a manifestation of God's power and love. He preaches, teaches, calls for repentance, and heals, and crowds follow him. We've received the same manifestation in our day. How will we respond?!
DailyScripture.net: The good news of God's kingdom can't be silenced. Jesus brings the light and truth of salvation to the world. The good news, God's power and wisdom, brings peace, hope, truth, promise, immortality, salvation, and transformation; it demands a response of faith and obedience. Renew in me the gift of faith, the love of wisdom, and the heart of a disciple.
God through Isaiah promised, “One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again” (Is 2:4). Peace is proclaimed when Jesus was born: “Peace to those on whom his favor rests.” We must pray for peace incessantly and welcome it with commitment in every situation. Rekindle hope that leads to concrete works of peace. Make peace at home, in your community, and at work! Make gestures of fraternity in dealing with your neighbor, especially those tried by tensions or disagreements; they can be seeds of hope and open paths of peace. Mary, Queen of Peace, knew difficulties but never lost peace of heart, the fruit of abandonment to God's mercy; ask her, our tender Mother, to show us all the path of love and peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment