Archive for January 23, 2021

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted: January 23, 2021 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
Tags: ,
0

Following Him: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Calling of Sts. Peter and Andrew

Readings:
Jonah 3:1–5,10
Psalm 25:4–9
1 Corinthians 7:29–31
Mark 1:14–20

The calling of the brothers in today’s Gospel evokes Elisha’s commissioning by the prophet Elijah (see 1 Kings 19:19–21).

As Elijah comes upon Elisha working on his family’s farm, so Jesus sees the brothers working by the seaside. And as Elisha left his mother and father to follow Elijah, so the brothers leave their father to come after Jesus.
Jesus’ promise—to make them “fishers of men”—evokes Israel’s deepest hopes. The prophet Jeremiah announced a new exodus in which God would send “many fishermen” to restore the Israelites from exile, as once He brought them out of slavery in Egypt (see Jeremiah 16:14–16).

By Jesus’ Cross and Resurrection, this new exodus has begun (see Luke 9:31). And the apostles are the first of a new people of God, the Church—a new family, based not on blood ties, but on belief in Jesus and a desire to do the Father’s will (see John 1:12–13; Matthew 12:46–50).

From now on, even our most important worldly concerns—family relations, occupations, and possessions—must be judged in light of the Gospel, Paul says in today’s Epistle.

The first word of Jesus’ Gospel—repent—means we must totally change our way of thinking and living, turning from evil, doing all for the love of God.

And we should be consoled by Nineveh’s repentance in today’s First Reading. Even the wicked Nineveh could repent at Jonah’s preaching. And in Jesus we have “something greater than Jonah” (Matthew 12:41). We have God come as our savior, to show sinners the way, as we sing in today’s Psalm. This should give us hope—that loved ones who remain far from God will find compassion if they turn to Him.

But we, too, must continue along the path of repentance—striving daily to pattern our lives after His.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: January 23, 2021 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
Tags:
0

Nothing we offer up, do on our own can cover our sins or take away the guilt and shame that we rightfully should have for what we have done and failed to do that separated us from God our Heavenly Father.  How grateful and thankful are we that in His great love and mercy God our Heavenly Father sent His Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to cleanse us in His precious Blood, to purify, sanctify and set us free from all guilt and shame so that we can live fully in His peace, love and joy? Do we take the Sacrament of love and reconciliation with Him for granted? Or do we marvel at our awesome God who unveiled for love of us so that we can gaze upon His face and walk hand in hand with Him and live in His presence.

Having ourselves been cleansed of our sins do we go on walking steadfast in His light and in Holiness sharing His love with all with courage and conviction so that they too might enter into the wonderful relationship we share?

I remember distinctly my own transformative encounter with my Lord such that my own wife became quite exasperated and perhaps thought I had gone cuckoo! At one point she cried out,” You know we use to talk about music, movies, vacation spots, family and a whole lot more. Now it’s Jesus this and Jesus that, enough already!” She was simply acting out because she had not yet had the same encounter with the Lord as I had. I knew I had to just continue to be patient, loving and charitable towards her but it was not easy and I failed on occasion. I had to face criticism as well as sarcasm not just from her but from a lot of others both, family, friends and colleagues. “It’s just a matter of time before you revert to your old self” “Don’t think you’re all holy moly now!” Praise the Lord! That if we remain steadfast and perservere, He will make a way! Today my wife is serving as a Lector! Hallelujah!

Jesus thank You for loving me, my spouse, my children, my parents, siblings and my community. Lead us to walk always in Your presence. Amen

Hear The Reflection Read Out (Computer audio)

First reading

Hebrews 9:2-3,11-14

He has entered the sanctuary once and for all through his own blood

There was a tent which comprised two compartments: the first, in which the lamp stand, the table and the presentation loaves were kept, was called the Holy Place; then beyond the second veil, an innermost part which was called the Holy of Holies.

    But now Christ has come, as the high priest of all the blessings which were to come. He has passed through the greater, the more perfect tent, which is better than the one made by men’s hands because it is not of this created order; and he has entered the sanctuary once and for all, taking with him not the blood of goats and bull calves, but his own blood, having won an eternal redemption for us. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer are sprinkled on those who have incurred defilement and they restore the holiness of their outward lives; how much more effectively the blood of Christ, who offered himself as the perfect sacrifice to God through the eternal Spirit, can purify our inner self from dead actions so that we do our service to the living God.

Gospel

Mark 3:20-21

Jesus’ relatives were convinced he was out of his mind

Jesus went home, and once more such a crowd collected that they could not even have a meal. When his relatives heard of this, they set out to take charge of him, convinced he was out of his mind.