January 19, 2020

2nd Sun., Ordinary Time

January 19, 2020:  Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Linked with Epiphany and the Baptism of Jesus, today’s Gospel speaks to us of the manifestation of Jesus and invites us always to be surprised by God’s love for us.  John the Baptist, after witnessing the Spirit coming down from heaven and consecrating Jesus, urgently bears witness to Christ.  He saw God's beloved Son in solidarity with sinners, and the Holy Spirit made him understand that revolution.  In many religions people offer something to God; here God offers his Son for our salvation.  John’s astonishment is expressed through his words, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”  His testimony invites us to begin anew our faith journey from Jesus Christ, the merciful Lamb Father has given for us.

Be surprised again by God's choice to be on our side, to show solidarity with us sinners, and to save the world by taking the burden on himself.  And learn from the Baptist not to assume we already know Jesus, that we know everything about him.  Pause and contemplate an icon of Christ, a "Holy Face," with eyes and the heart; let the Spirit instruct you.  The Son of God made lamb was sacrificed out of love; he alone carries, suffers, atones for my sins and the world's.   He took them away from us, so we'd be free, not slaves to evil.  Poor sinners but not slaves, God's children.

Read
    • Is 49:3, 5-6  The Lord, who formed me from the womb, said:  You are my servant, through whom I show my glory.  I will make you a light to the nations.
    Wordle: Readings 1-19-14
    • Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10  "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will."  The Lord heard my cry, gave me a new song to God and ears open to obedience.  Your law is within my heart!
    • 1 Cor 1:1-3  You have been sanctified in Christ, called to be holy.  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    • Jn 1:29-34  John the Baptist saw Jesus and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, the one who was to come after me.  I baptized so he might be made known.  I saw the Spirit come down to him from heaven.  He is the Son of God.”
    Reflect
    • Creighton:  'Baptize' (baptizein) is Greek for plunge or immerse. Through God's gift of baptism we enter the Church, are liberated from sin, and receive the Spirit. We become missionary disciples of Christ and so need to be personally involved and actively engaged in living our faith and participating in a Christian community of faith and love.  How are we using this gift?  Are we are role models for our children?  Do we worship as a family and nurture them in faith?  What about our relationships in the workplace and beyond?  Our loving and forgiving God has the power to transform us.  We can always call on the Spirit to help us to live as engaged Christians with compassion and love....
      Baptism of Christ/ Davezelenka
      (More Baptism of the Lord art)
    • One Bread, One Body:  "Life's meaning:  holiness":  We're called to be holy, to be like God "in every aspect" of our conduct:  to act, work, think, talk, love, and live like him.  Holiness is a gift from God; the Holy Spirit makes us holy if we accept the gift.  The Lord orchestrates our lives to give us a greater desire for holiness; he even allows sorrows and tragedies to help us grow, and holiness is so necessary, the Lord will purify those committed to him after they die if they're not yet "perfect in holiness."  To benefit from his orchestration and become pleasing to God, we must trust and obey him, denying ourselves....
    • Passionist:  Sometimes our expectations coincide with others'; sometimes they differ radically. Some feel they're doing what they want; others are disappointed, unhappy they'll never attain their expectations. Some overreach; others settle.  Today's readings remind us that God’s expectations are the ones that matter.  But it takes courage to say yes to God, even though God does the heavy lifting once we say yes.  Isaiah discerns he is to be God's servant; then God tells him he's called to be light to the nations.  We can underestimate what we can do for God, then find out God has more faith in us.  Paul says the Corinthians are called to holiness. Many shy away from holiness, thinking it's perfection, but holiness means loving unconditionally.  In the Gospel, John figured out Jesus is the Christ, the one to come.  Some spend our life figuring out they're not the Messiah but his disciples. Jesus is gentler, kinder, and more forgiving, loving and compassionate than we'll ever be. All we need to do is to be his faithful disciples.  "Here I am Lord; I come to do you will!"

      • DailyScripture.net:  "Behold the Lamb of God!"  The title "Lamb of God" captures Jesus' mission of redemption; he freely offered his life for us as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.   When John says he didn't know Jesus, he was referring to his hidden divinity, but the Spirit revealed his true nature to him.  The Spirit makes the Lord known to us through the gift of faith, opening us to receive the mystery of God, his plan to unite all in his Son.  Lord, pour your Spirit on us to deepen our faith, hope, and love for God and his plan for each of us.
          • Wulstan, monk made bishop, known as confessor, cared for poor and sick, demanded high standards.
        Dress legend
        • 'Eyeball' pin:  I'm made glorious in the Lord's sight (1st reading)
        • 'Car with mouth' tie pin:  The Lord put a new song into my mouth; I didn't restrain my lips (psalm)
        • 'Lamb' tie bar:  "Behold the Lamb of God" (gospel)
        • 'Dove' pin:  "I saw the Spirit coming down like a dove" (gospel)
        • 'Peace sign' tie bar:  Grace and peace from God our Father (2nd reading)
        • 'Phone' tie bar:  You're 'called' to be holy (2nd reading)
        • 'Street lamp' tie bar:  "I will make you a light to the nations,..." (1st reading)
        • 'Children around the world' tie:  "...that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth" (1st reading)
          • 'Clocks' suspenders:  I've waited, waited for the Lord (psalm)
          • 'Scroll' pin:  In the scroll it's prescribed...  (psalm)
          • 'Clef' tie pin:  The Lord put a hymn...  (psalm)
          • 'Heart' pin:  ...in my heart; Your law is within my heart (psalm)
          • Blue and green shirt:  Blue for waters of baptism (gospel), green for Ordinary Time season
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