January 8, 2020

Jan. 8

January 8, 2020:  Wednesday after Epiphany

See 14 connections with today?
Legend below
Listen

"Epiphany carols":
    • Oremus Hymnal:  Epiphany:  80 hymns on the related themes of Epiphany, Jesus' Baptism, Missions, and the Transfiguration
Paul while a prisoner was taken to Rome, fulfilling Christ's word, "You will be witnesses to me ... to the ends of the earth."  The journey from Crete became dangerous and they were shipwrecked; but he encouraged all on board not to be afraid.  When they landed on Malta, the travelers experienced a warm welcome but their time was not without hazards. A viper bit Paul but didn't harm him, and Paul went on to heal many on the island.  His voyage is a symbol of God’s care for us through our passage from death to life in baptism.   A "tried" Christian can become closer to those who suffer, open and sensitive to solidarity with others.

 Paul teaches us to cling to Christ when tried and mature in the conviction that God can act in any circumstance, even in the midst of apparent failure and that those who give themselves to God out of love will be fruitful.  May the Lord sustain us in our trials and open us to those who experience shipwrecks and arrive on our shores.

 Read
    Jesus walking on the sea/ Lautermilch
  • 1 Jn 4:11-18  God loved us; love one another.  If we love, God remains in us, and his love is perfected 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 them.  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, but their hearts were hardened.
Reflect
  • Creighton:  All with faith in the Father and Jesus should take comfort in "Fear not," which occurs at least 147 times in Scripture. Today's readings state that if we have faith, we have nothing to fear.  I know God can do anything and has my best interest at heart, but my idea of what's best often conflicts with God’s.  Lord, give me the courage to fully put myself in your hands.
  • One Bread, One Body:  Are you rowing against the wind?  You need Jesus to pass by.  When he does, the wind dies down.  The best Christmas present is Jesus' presence, in the Eucharist, his Word, and "where two or three are gathered" in his name.  When we gather in Christian community, we're living as the Body of Christ and experience his presence.  Jesus is passing by, again giving us his presence this Christmas.  Open yourself to him....
  • Passionist:  "Fear not; take courage":  The secret of spiritual life is trying in faith and sincerity to unite ourselves to God in the midst of life's vicissitudes, withdrawing our interior life from where the world's changes and fluctuations disturb it and placing it in the region of stability and peace.  One of the Church's petitions is that amid this world's changing things our hearts may be set where joy is found.  Biblical tradition, echoed in the 1st reading, says no one can look upon God's face and live, but in the human face of Jesus we see the face of God’s love.  Jesus couldn't speak when he was born, but once he could, nothing kept him from coming to us.  Even when storms toss us, he reassures us:  “Courage, it is I, fear not!”  As we acknowledge Jesus as Son of God, the love that sends him over the water to us comes to perfection in us.  May we guard our treasure whether the tempest is unleashed or the sun shines brilliantly (Servant of God Luis Maria Martinez).  Let us come before our refuge and strength with songs of praise.
  • DailyScripture.net:  The Lake of Galilee was known for its sudden storms, and though Jesus' disciples were experienced fishermen, this one scared them.  They were further scared when they thought they saw a ghost (Jesus' coming to them walking on the sea).  Jesus calmed both their fears and the storm.  The Lord keeps watch over us always and will see us through any trial....
  • Universalis:  St. Nathalan (Nachlan, Nauchlan), bishop, distributed his harvest to the poor.
Dress legend
  • 'Dove' tie pin:  We know he and we remain in each other by the Spirit he's given (1st reading)
  • 'Car' pin:  Perfect love 'drives' out fear (1st reading)
  • 'Crown' tie bar:  Endow the king (psalm)
  • 'Scales' brooch:  He shall govern with justice (psalm)
  • 'LOVE' suspenders sticker, 'heart' tie bar:  God loved us; we must love each other (1st reading); their hearts were hardened (gospel)
  • 'Olympics' tie pin (in for repair):  "Every nation will adore you" (psalm)
  • Gold-colored accessories:  The kings shall offer gifts (psalm)
  • 'Alps' pin:  Jesus went off to the mountain to pray (gospel)
  • 'Boat' tie bar:  Disciples in boat; Jesus walked towards them (gospel)
  • 'Sea World' pin (oops:  where is it?):  Jesus calmed the sea and got in with them (gospel)
  • 'Wheat' pin:  They hadn't understood the incident of the loaves (gospel)
  • 'Christmas lights' tie, 'star' tie pin, and white shirt, socks, and cuff links:  Epiphanytide
  • "No-L" button:   It's Christmas through Sunday
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