#Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 1

[grandsouldream]

Readings for 2 JANUARY

2/1/2023

#First Letter of John 2 #First Letter of John #Psalms 98(97) #Psalms #Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 1 #Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John #Pope Francis #God #Lord #Jesus #Holy Spirit #love #hope #heaven #life #peace

[walkswithmyfather]

Ephesians 1:15-23 (AMP). “For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers; [I always pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may grant you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation [that gives you a deep and personal and intimate insight] into the true knowledge of Him [for we know the Father through the Son]. And [I pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will know and cherish the hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints (God’s people), and [so that you will begin to know] what the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His [active, spiritual] power is in us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength which He produced in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion [whether angelic or human], and [far above] every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and world but also in the one to come. And He put all things [in every realm] in subjection under Christ’s feet, and appointed Him as [supreme and authoritative] head over all things in the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills and completes all things in all [believers].”

“To Truly Know Him” By In Touch Ministries:

“Let’s begin the new year praying God’s best for those around us.”

“A new year stretching out before us promises endless opportunities to improve, to be better people. Many of our New Year’s resolutions—to read more, stick to a budget, or be more physically active, for example—express an inward focus. But what if we resolved to begin the year by turning our attention outward?

In today’s passage, the apostle Paul prays that the Ephesians would know God. That seems strange since they were already following Christ, but Paul knew the importance of truly, intimately knowing the Lord. It is, as Jesus told His disciples, the substance of eternal life (John 17:3). So Paul prayed their hearts would be enlightened as they gained spiritual wisdom and insight about the “mystery” of the gospel (Ephesians 1:9).

Paul understood that “His body” (v. 23) meant Jews and Gentiles alike, and he wanted to make sure the Ephesians—who were Gentiles—understood that, too. So he prayed for them to see and understand God’s work in their lives and community—both in “this age” and “the one to come” (v. 21).

This year, let’s allow Paul’s words to guide us as we pray for our own communities—that a spirit of wisdom and revelation would deepen their knowledge of God and their experience of eternal life in Christ.”

[Photo by Priscilla Du Preez at Unsplash]

#ephesians 1:18-23 #knowing god #christian prayer #praying for others #evangelism #god loves you #bible verses #bible truths #bible scriptures #bible quotes #bible study #studying the bible #the word of god #christian devotionals #daily devotions #bible #christian blog #god #belief in god #faith in god #jesus #belief in jesus #faith in jesus #christian life #christian living #christian faith #christian inspiration #christian encouragement #christian motivation #christianity

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints &Reading; Wednesday, August 9, 2023

august 9_july 27

COMMEMORATION OF THE CANONIZATION OF VENERABLE HERMAN of ALASKA (1970)

Highlights from a homily delivered by His Eminence, Metropolitan Philaret of Eastern America and New York, during the Glorification of St. Herman of Alaska by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia on August 9, 1970, at the Holy Virgin Cathedral of the Joy of All Who Sorrow in San Francisco, CA.

We are present at a spiritual triumph, when yet another name is being added to the great ranks of God-pleasers, to our intercessors and protectors: our Venerable and God-bearing Father Herman the Wonderworker of Alaska, the ascetic struggler from the far north of Alaska. Our Church is celebrating his glorification.

We need to bear in mind that the Church, by this glorification, is not making this God-pleaser into a saint. He is glorified by God, he is a saint of God, and he has been attested to by God as a man of righteousness for his holy and pious life; he has been attested to by the gifts of God’s grace; and he has been attested to by his righteousness and holiness.

The Church does not make him into a saint by its glorification, but only humbly and joyfully shows him to its spiritual children as a new intercessor to whom they can turn, asking his prayers for protection and help whenever this is necessary.

Rejoice, enslaved Russia, suffering Russia! You now have a new intercessor and protector. And pray to God that, through his holy prayers, He might grant you liberation from the oppression of godlessness under which you are suffocating!

You likewise be glad and rejoice, Russia Abroad, scattered abroad over the entire earthly sphere! You also now have an intercessor and protector. His prayers are still here, where he lived and worked miracles. All the more so now, as he stands before the dread throne of the Lord of Glory, does our Venerable Father Herman mightily supplicate God’s goodness for all the needs of both our temporal and eternal existence. May only our prayer not falter! May we only never doubt that this prayerful protection and intercession is truly a gift of God’s mercy to us!

Let us be triumphant, let us rejoice in the goodness of the Lord, Who is wondrous in His saints. Through His grace and power, our ancient God-pleasers and saints were glorified and, later, both Batiushka John of Kronstadt and Father Herman of Alaska: they were all glorified by the grace of God.

They so loved God that for them living meant serving God; they were wholly in God.

Did the Venerable Herman not leave his native country out of love of God? Out of obedience, as a true ascetic monk, he travelled far without forgetting about his Motherland and his native saints, there giving himself over entirely to the service of God and neighbor. The Lord glorified His faithful servant and laborer by grace and wonderworking.

“Glory be to God for all things!” St. John Chrysostom once said in antiquity. Now we too, having received these gifts of God’s grace, should say from our whole soul: “Glory be to God for all things!” Amen.

2 TIMOTHY 2:1-10

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory

JOHN 15:17-16:2

17 These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.' 26 But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

1 These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.

#orthodoxy #orthodoxchristianity #easternorthodoxchurch #spirituality #holyscriptures #gospel #bible #wisdom #saints

[pamphletstoinspire]

Commentary on the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St. Mark – Chapter 16

St. Mark, the disciple and interpreter of St. Peter (as noted by St. Jerome.) according to what he heard from St. Peter himself, wrote at Rome a brief Gospel at the request of the Brethren (fellow Christians), about ten years after our Lord's Ascension; which when St. Peter had heard, he approved of it, and with his authority he published it to the Church to be read. Baronius and others maintain, that the original was written in Latin: but the more general opinion is that the Evangelist wrote it in Greek.

Christ appears, first, to Mary Magdalen and the other holy women. Second (v. 12), to two disciples going to Emmaus. Third (v. 14), to the eleven Apostles, whom He sends to evangelize the whole world, adding that signs and miracles will be granted to those who believe. Finally (v. 19), ascending into heaven, He sits at the right hand of God.

And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought sweet spices, that coming, they might anoint Jesus. 2 And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they come to the sepulcher, the sun being now risen. 3 And they said one to another: Who shall roll us back the stone from the door of the sepulcher? 4 And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great. 5 And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed with a white robe: and they were astonished. 6 Who saith to them: Be not affrighted; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified: he is risen, he is not here, behold the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee; there you shall see him, as he told you. 8 But they going out, fled from the sepulcher. For a trembling and fear had seized them: and they said nothing to any man; for they were afraid. 9 But he rising early the first day of the week, appeared first to Mary Magdalen, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10 She went and told them that had been with him, who were mourning and weeping. 11 And they hearing that he was alive, and had been seen by her, did not believe. 12 And after that he appeared in another shape to two of them walking, as they were going into the country. 13 And they going told it to the rest: neither did they believe them. 14 At length he appeared to the eleven as they were at table: and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him after he was risen again. 15 And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues. 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover. 19 And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God. 20 But they going forth preached everywhere: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed.

Commentary: Saint Mark - Chapter 16

Verse 1. And when the Sabbath was past. That is to say, at the beginning of the night before the Lord’s day. “After a sad week comes the radiance of a happy day,” says the Scholiast in S. Jerome.

Mary of Jacob (Vulgate), i.e., Mary, the mother of James the Less and Jude, as the Arabic version gives it, and the wife of Cleophas.

And Salome, the wife of Zebedee, and mother of the Apostles James the Great and John.

That coming, they might anoint Jesus. According to the custom of the Jews, says Theophylact; that the body might remain sweet-smelling and be preserved. Spices are of a drying nature. They did not realize the dignity of Christ’s divinity, nor of His resurrection. But they loved Jesus very tenderly, as a man and a prophet, although now dead.

Tropologically, they anoint Jesus, who for love of Him perform acts of piety, humility, obedience, patience and especially works of mercy and charity toward their neighbors, who are mystical members of Jesus. That is why they deserve to be the first to see Jesus risen, so that by recognizing Him and by His grace, merits, and glory they might be strengthened, as though by a new, reviving fervor, and thus become proficient and be perfected. Thus S. Gregory and others. (See commentary on Matthew 26:7.)

Verse 2. The first day of the week [Vulg., una sabbatorum]. That is, Sunday, as verse 9 explains. (See commentary on Matthew 28:1.)

Verse 6. Who was crucified: he is risen: he is not here. “The angel is not ashamed of the cross,” says Theophylact, “for in it is the salvation of men.” The Interlinear adds, “The cross’ bitter root is gone; the flower of life with its fruits, which lay in death, has arisen in glory.”

Verse 7. Go, tell his disciples. “The women are bid,” says the Interlinear, “to announce it to the Apostles, because as by a woman (Eve) death was announced, by a woman it might be told that life had risen again.” And Peter. “That him whom a woman had made deny, a woman might make confess,” says Druthmar. The Scholiast in S. Jerome adds that Peter was named especially because “he counted himself unworthy of being a disciple, because he had thrice denied his Master. But past sins are not harmful when they are no longer approved.” And S. Gregory (hom. 21 in Evang.) says, “If the angel had not named Peter, he would not have dared to come among the disciples. He is called, therefore, by name, that he might not despair on account of his denial.” I have explained other details at Matthew 28:1 ff.

Verse 8. For a trembling (of body) and fear (of mind) had seized them. In Greek, ἔκστασις, i.e., “astonishment,” says Theophylact, “at the sight of the angel and from dread of the resurrection.” But this astonishment was mingled with intense joy. For they were astounded and were glad at the wonderful and joyful things which they heard, even that Jesus their beloved was risen from the dead. This is evident from Matthew 28:8.

For they were afraid. Not only because of the vision of angels, but also “on account of the Jews,” says Euthymius, “lest they themselves should appear to have stolen away Jesus; lest they should kill them when they heard that they had proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus.” Shortly afterwards the Jews placed Mary Magdalen, Martha, and Lazarus in a ship without oars or sail, and sent them to what would have been certain destruction had not God brought them in safety to Marseilles.

Verse 9. The first day of the week. That is, the first day after the Sabbath, or Sunday. Mary Magdalen, out of whom he had cast seven devils. Compare Luke 8:2. Mark adds this to show the power of repentance and love. With these was Magdalen the sinner so inflamed, that she deserved first to see Christ risen again, so that from her, sinners might learn not to despair, but vehemently to love; for so they shall surpass the innocent saints in grace and glory. Thus Bede. Because where sin abounded, grace did more abound (Romans 5:20). Bede adds, “A woman (Eve) was the beginner of transgression. A woman firsttasted death, but (in Magdalen) woman first saw the resurrection, that woman might not bear the perpetual guilt of transgression among men.” Moreover seven devils are the seven capital sins contrary to the seven principal virtues, sins over which devils preside. Thus S. Gregory, Theophylact, and others. This apparition of Christ to Mary Magdalen is narrated at length in John 20:11 ff. (See commentary on Luke 8:2.)

Verse 12. And after that he appeared in another shape (Arabic, “garment,” i.e., of a traveler) to two of them (the disciples) walking, as they were going into the country. Arabic, “to the village”; Greek, “into the field,” i.e., to a country house at Emmaus. For, as S. Augustine says (de Consensu Evangel.), “by the name of "country" were called not only villages, but towns and boroughs outside the capital, which was the mother city of all.” These disciples, therefore, were going from the city of Jerusalem into the country, that is, into the neighboring small town of Emmaus. This place later was made a famous city by the Romans, and called Nicopolis, as a monument to their victory in the capture of Jerusalem. Thus Adrichomius and others. This appearance of Christ is the same as that related in Luke 24:13, as is plain from the circumstances, which are the same in both cases. So commentators generally. Euthymius is almost alone in thinking that this was different from the one in Luke, because Mark adds that the Apostles did not believe them when they told them that Christ was risen, while Luke intimates the contrary, that they did believe. But the answer is easy, that some believed, but others did not believe; or, as Theophylact says, the Apostles believed, but the other disciples did not.

Verse 13. Neither did they believe them. This happened by the permission and providence of God. For this incredulity of theirs “was not so much their weakness as it was to become our strength,” says Gregory (hom. 29 in Evang.). “For the resurrection itself was made manifest to them by many proofs, when they doubted of it. And when we read and acknowledge these things, what else is it but to be confirmed by their doubting?”

Verse 14. At length he appeared to the eleven as they were at table. The Vulgate has novissime, “last of all”; Greek, ὕστερον, i.e., afterward, then, subsequently. This was the last appearance of Christ on Easter, or the day of the resurrection, when He appeared in the evening to the eleven Apostles; for S. Mark relates only those appearances which took place on that day, omitting those which occurred later. You may say, “But if so, He did not appear to the eleven, but to ten Apostles only, for Thomas was absent.” Hence Maldonatus thinks that this appearance was that which took place on the eighth day afterward, when Thomas was present. But I say that they are here called the eleven, even in the absence of Thomas, who was the eleventh, because the college of the Apostles had been reduced to eleven after the treachery and hanging of Judas. That is why they are here called the eleven, although one of them, Thomas was not present. Thus the Decemvirs were called by that name when gathered together, even though one or another might be absent. There is a similar reference in Luke 24:33. Thus Bede and S. Augustine (lib. 3 de Consensu Evang. cap. 25).

At table (Vulg., recumbentibus, reclining). Observing this, S. Bernard infers (serm. de Ascensione Domini), “It is worthy of belief that He gladly heeds the prayers of those who apply themselves [incumbentibus], when He does not disdain to attend to those who are reclining.”

They did not believe. S. Jerome (lib. 2 contra Pelag.) writes that, in some Greek codices, after these words the following is added: “And they were content, saying, ‘Substance is that world of iniquity which by the agency of evil spirits suffers not the true power of God to be apprehended: therefore, now reveal Thy righteousness.’”

But the Church has expunged all this, for it savors of the Manichaean or Montanist heresy.

He upbraided their incredulity. Syriac, “little faith”; Arabic, “He upbraided them on account of the paucity of their faith.”

Verse 15. And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world and preach the gospel to every creature. He said this, not on Easter day, when He appeared to the eleven as they sat at table, but afterwards, when He showed Himself to them and others on a mountain of Galilee, as related in Matthew 28:16 ff. Or it may be that He charged the Apostles with this chief and peculiar duty of preaching the gospel more than once, so that He introduced it to them on Easter day, as Luke 24:47 implies, and then repeated it on the mountain in Galilee, and finally confirmed it on the day when He ascended into heaven.

Into the whole world. That is to say, not into Judea only, as ye have done hitherto and as I commanded you (Matth. 10:5), but you shall proclaim the gospel far and wide throughout the world. For it does not seem probable that a few Apostles should have traversed and converted the whole world, especially because in America, lately discovered, no traces of the Christian Faith have been found.

To every creature. That is, to all nations, as Matthew 28:19 says. This is a synecdoche, for the genus is applied to the most noble species thereof, namely “creature” for “man.” Man indeed is the most noble creature, created in the image of God, the Creator Himself.

Verse 16. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemmed. This saying of Christ is misused to support their heresies: First, by the Lutherans, to prove that faith alone suffices for salvation, and that good works are not required. But I reply that the meaning of Christ, as Euthymius, Theophylact, and others have correctly noted, is: he that shall have believed, etc., as if to say, “he that, believing in Christ and receiving His baptism, has been washed from his sins, imbued with the grace of God, and sanctified, he shall be saved,” understand, “if he die a holy death in that state of grace, retaining the grace of God even unto death and not losing it through any sin.” But it is impossible for a baptized person to continue in this state of grace if he does not perform those good works which the law of Christ commands. Also, within the name of “belief,” or “faith and baptism,” as the prime requisites, and which at the beginning of the Church were chiefly to be inculcated upon the gentiles, all other things that follow must be understood, contained in them as in their root, such as hope, charity, good works, etc., as I have shown at length in the introduction to S. Paul’s epistles. See S. Augustine’s book, On Faith and Works.

Second, the Anabaptists infer from this saying of Christ that little children must not be baptized, because they cannot believe. But I answer, Christ is here speaking of adults. For only adults are able to believe, and all the preceding words apply to adults only. That little children ought to be baptized is plain from the perpetual tradition and practice of the Church, and from the words in John 3:5, Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

S. Augustine adds, and reiterates in various passages, that these words of Christ do refer to infants also in a way, for as they sinned by the will of Adam, not their own, and contracted Original Sin, so likewise they believe by the faith of the Church, of their parents, or of those who present them for baptism, not by their own.

Third, the Calvinists gather from these words of Christ that baptism is not necessary for salvation, but that faith only is sufficient, because of it alone, they say, Christ subjoins, But he that believeth not shall be condemned. I reply that under the word believe, i.e., under “faith,” baptism must be understood, which is the sacrament of faith, as well as all the other things which spring from and follow faith, as I have just said. For Mark, for brevity’s sake, left it to the reader to gather from what he had said immediately before, that these must be understood to mean: “or shall not be baptized.” For otherwise the antithesis would be maimed and imperfect. For it to be complete, we must read as follows: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not, or is not baptized, shall be condemned.” For that baptism is necessary for salvation is plain from the words of Christ in John 3:5, already cited.

Verse 18. They shall take up serpents (Vulg., tollent, which can also mean “take away”) from the places which they infested, and as Euthymius says, “They shall destroy them, kill them, or even take them up in their hands without harm,” as Paul did the viper (Acts 28:3 ff.). Hence the Arabic translates, “They shall take up serpents in their hands.”

And if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall drink poison unharmed, as the Apostles and many saints have done.

They shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover. Note that these signs were necessary in the early Church for proving and strengthening faith in Christ. Hence at that time almost all Christians wrought miracles, at least of certain kinds; as, for example, the expulsion of devils from energumens. This is plain from Justin's Dialogue against Trypho, Tertullian (Apolog.), Lactantius, and others. Many also at that time received at baptism the gift of tongues. See Acts 10:46 and 19:6.

Mystically, S. Bernard (serm. 1 de Ascens.) says, “The first work of faith which worketh by love is compunction of heart, by which, without doubt, devils are cast out when sins are rooted out of the heart. After that they who believe in Christ speak with new tongues when old things depart out of their mouth, and for the time to come they speak not with the old tongue of our first parents, who declined unto words of wickedness in making excuses for their sins. But when by compunction of the heart, and confession of the mouth, the former sins have been blotted out (in order that men may not backslide, and their latter end be worse than the beginning), it is needful that they take away serpents, that is, extinguish poisonous suggestions, etc. If they shall drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them. This means, when they feel the stings of concupiscence, they shall not consent. They shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover. This means, they shall cover their evil affections by good works, and by this medicine they shall be healed.”

S. Gregory (homil. 29 in Evang.) gives a somewhat different reading. “The faithful who have left earthly words, and whose tongues sound forth the holy mysteries, speak a new language; they who by their good warnings take away evil from the hearts of others, take up serpents; and when they are hearing words of pestilent persuasion, without being at all drawn aside to evil doing, they drink a deadly thing, but it will never hurt them; whenever they see their neighbors growing weak in good works, and by their good example strengthen their life, they lay their hands on the sick, that they may recover. And all these miracles are that much greater, in that they are spiritual, and by them souls and not bodies are raised.”

Verse 19. The Lord Jesus. . . was taken up into heaven. By His divinity, by means of the quality of agility communicated from it to His body, on the fortieth day from His resurrection, that is, on the feast of the Ascension. I have dealt at length with Christ’s ascension at Act 1:9.

And sitteth on the right hand of God. In what manner He sitteth I have explained with many arguments at Colossians 3:1.

O kingdom of eternal blessedness, where youth never ages, where beauty never pales, where love never cools, where health never languishes, where joy never decreases, where life knows no end!” (S. Augustine, in Soliloq. c. 35).

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[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

24th April >> Mass Readings (USA)

Wednesday, Fourth Week of Eastertide 

or

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest, Martyr.

Wednesday, Fourth Week of Eastertide 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 12:24-13:5a Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul.

The word of God continued to spread and grow. After Barnabas and Saul completed their relief mission, they returned to Jerusalem, taking with them John, who is called Mark. Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.

So they, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8

R/ O God, let all the nations praise you! or R/ Alleluia.

May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation.

R/ O God, let all the nations praise you! or R/ Alleluia.

May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide.

R/ O God, let all the nations praise you! or R/ Alleluia.

May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him!

R/ O God, let all the nations praise you! or R/ Alleluia.

Gospel Acclamation John 8:12

Alleluia, alleluia. I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 12:44-50 I came into the world as light.

Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

--------------------------

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest, Martyr 

(Liturgical Colour: Red. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Wednesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Colossians 1:24-29 I am a minister of the Church in accordance with God’s stewardship.

Brothers and sisters: I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is him whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R/ The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear and be glad.

R/ The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

R/ The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him.

R/ The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

R/ The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

Gospel Acclamation John 13:34

Alleluia, alleluia. I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 17:20-26 I wish that where I am they also may be with me.

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: “Holy Father, I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[childofchrist1983]

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. - Ephesians 3:17-19 KJV

It is vital that we remain rooted in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit and that we live and walk as a beacon of His light and love and share and spread the Gospel Truth daily, so that the lost souls in this world can come to know Him and be saved.

Never forget that this is what being a Christian and the Christian life is based on in the first place. There is no life without God and His light and love. We should ensure that our hope and faith is always in Jesus Christ, so that He may continue to dwell with and strengthen us. The more we focus on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, growing spiritually by building our relationship with Him, leaning on Him and His Holy Word and Spirit, the better off we will be. We are continually blown away by how far, how wide, how deep and how great God's love is for us. We will always be in awe and filled with joy when we think of how great God is and how great His mercy, love and grace is for us. Thanks to this and our faith in Him, we know that everything will be alright. And we will forever be grateful to Him. As true and born-again Christians, we believe in Him and His Holy Word and we strive daily to walk in His Holy Spirit. We know though our mortal bodies should die, He will raise us up and into new and glorious bodies (The Rapture). We who are truly His and alive at His second coming will never die, and our bodies will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and so shall we ever be with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven forevermore (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is one of many promises given to us by God Himself. Thank God for His strength and guidance when we are faced with sin and temptation. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Through Bible study and prayer, God reveals His wisdom and guides us to see opportunities to grow closer to Him and grow spiritually. He gives us direction to live our lives according to His Holy Word and will.

Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven (John 3:5, 14:6), the ONLY way to salvation (Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9) and He is resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26). Jesus Christ the LORD of lords, KING of kings, the GOD of gods (Deuteronomy 10:17, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16) - He is the Living, Almighty and Everlasting God (Isaiah 9:6, Revelation 1:8, John 3:16, John 3:36, Jeremiah 10:10). There is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5). We MUST humble ourselves before Him, turning our backs on false teachers, false gods and idols and our sinful ways. We MUST repent and turn back to God and recognize who He is and love Him in return for His great love for us. We MUST make God top priority everyday! May we be motivated to spread God's Holy Word and Gospel Truth to all the Earth, knowing that it is the only hope of all those lost in their sins. Let us not hold out a false hope for men to be saved without the Gospel, but instead, strive to do our part to get the Gospel out to a lost and dying world.

Leaning on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit strengthens us and our knowledge and wisdom about God and His Gospel Truth, exposing these imposters. May God help us to seek and lean on Him daily to gain the strength, wisdom and spiritual discernment needed to expose Satan and his imposters who seek to destroy us and God's ultimate Truth. Everyday, we must remember to share Jesus Christ's Gospel Truth with the world and to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and from the eternal damnation of Hell. In all we say and do, may all praise, honor and glory always be given to Him and His Kingdom of Heaven.

With renewed minds, hearts and wills, let us serve Him humbly and faithfully out of pure love and grateful rejoicing. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us. Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful LORD, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[troybeecham]

Today, the Church remembers St. Bartholomew, Apostle.

Ora pro nobis.

Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus from ancient Judea. He has often been identified with Nathanael or Nathaniel, who appears in the Gospel of John as being introduced to Jesus by Philip (who would also become an apostle), Jesus saying, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit” [Jn 1:43-51]. Bartholomew is listed among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus in the three synoptic gospels: Matthew,[10:1–4] Mark,[3:13–19] and Luke,[6:12–16] and also appears as one of the witnesses of the Ascension of Jesus [Acts 1:4,12,13]; on each occasion, he is named in the company of Philip.

Eusebius of Caesarea's Ecclesiastical History (5:10) states that after the Ascension, Bartholomew went on a missionary tour to India, where he left behind a copy of the Gospel of Matthew. Other traditions record him as serving as a missionary in Ethiopia, Mesopotamia, Parthia, and Lycaonia. Popular traditions and legends say that Bartholomew preached the Gospel in India, then went to Greater Armenia

Two ancient testimonies exist about the mission of Saint Bartholomew in India. These are of Eusebius of Caesarea (early 4th century AD) and of Saint Jerome (late 4th century AD). Both of these refer to this tradition while speaking of the reported visit of Pantaenus to India in the 2nd century AD. The studies of Fr A.C. Perumalil SJ and Moraes hold that the Bombay region on the Konkan coast, a region which may have been known as the ancient city Kalyan, was the field of Saint Bartholomew's missionary activities. Another unofficial book entitled 'Martyrdom of Bartholomew' says that he was martyred in India. In these texts, two kings named Polyamus and Astriyagis has been described. Circa AD 55 the king named Pulaimi ruled near Kalyan, who in Latin language is called as Polyamus and King Aristakarman, who succeeded Pulaimi, might have a Latin name of Astriyais. According to the texts, on king's command, Bartholomew was killed by beheading. It is also argued that the saint was flayed alive and hanged upside down. He is believed to have been killed there on August 24. He was only 50 years old.

Along with his fellow apostle Jude "Thaddeus", Bartholomew is reputed to have brought Christianity to Armenia in the 1st century AD. Thus, both saints are considered the patron saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

According to this tradition, the Apostle Bartholomew was executed in Albanopolis in Armenia. According to a popular hagiography, the apostle was flayed alive and beheaded. According to other accounts he was crucified upside down (head downward) like St. Peter. He is said to have been martyred for having converted Polymius, the king of Armenia, to Christianity. Enraged by the monarch’s conversion, and fearing a Roman backlash, king Polymius’s brother, prince Astyages, ordered Bartholomew’s torture and execution, which Bartholomew courageously endured.

However, there are no records of any Armenian King of the Arsacid dynasty of Armenia with the name Polymius. Current scholarship agrees that while he may have been an early part of the mission to Armenia, Bartholomew died in Kalyan in India, where there was an official named Polymius.

Almighty and everlasting God, who gave to your Apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your Word: Grant that your Church may love what he believed and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

#father troy beecham #christianity #jesus #saints #god #salvation #peace #martyrs #faith #early church #New Testament #second temple Judaism #apostle

[frmartinshomiliesandreflections]

8th January >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflections / Homilies on:

Matthew 3:13-17 for The Baptism of the Lord

    Or

Matthew 2:1-12 for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The Baptism of the Lord

Gospel (Except USA)

Matthew 3:13-17

'This is my Son, the Beloved'.

Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him. ‘It is I who need baptism from you’ he said ‘and yet you come to me!’ But Jesus replied, ‘Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands.’ At this, John gave in to him.

   As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.’

Reflections (6)

(i) Feast of The Baptism of the Lord

Like a lot of people of my age from Dublin, I was baptized in Saint Andrew’s Church, Westland Row. If you were born in Holles Street hospital, as I was, you were most likely brought to Saint Andrew’s church to be baptized. That church is beside the Dart Station, and, sometimes, when I go to catch the Dart there I pop into the church to say a prayer. Because it is the place where I was baptized, it is significant for me. In a sense, it is where I began my life as a Christian. Today’s feast of the Baptism of Jesus is a good moment to reflect upon our own baptism.

In today’s gospel reading John the Baptist was very reluctant to baptize Jesus, saying to him, ‘It is I who need baptism from you, and yet you come to me!’ John was calling on people to turn away from sin and turn towards God, and to submit to his baptism as a sign of their willingness to make this turn. However, John was aware that Jesus was already fully turned towards God; there was no sin in his life. Yet, Jesus insisted that John baptize him, and John gave in to Jesus’ demand. Jesus wanted to show that he was in solidarity with all those who were coming to John for baptism. He wasn’t above them in any way; he was with them. Jesus came to enter fully into our human condition, in all its weakness and frailty. He would be baptized with sinners, even though he was without sin, just as later in his ministry he would share table with those considered sinners, earning him the accusation, ‘a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners’. Jesus was not a glutton nor a drunkard, but he was a friend of sinners. He came to reveal God’s enduring love for all, including those who were looked down upon by people who thought of themselves as religious.

There is a prayer in the Mass which the priest prays quietly. It speaks of Jesus who humbled himself to share in our humanity, so that we might come to share in his divinity. Jesus entered into communion with us, so that, through our relationship with him, we might enter into communion with God. Jesus’ insistence that John baptize him was a sign of his deep desire to enter into communion with us. Jesus, now risen Lord, continues to be in communion with us. He journeys with us, wherever our journey takes us. Even if our journey takes us into dark places, he is there at the heart of the darkness. The final words of the risen Lord to his disciples at the end of Matthew’s gospel are, ‘I am with you always until the end of the age’. The risen Lord enters into communion with us in a very powerful way at the moment of our baptism. This has been the belief of the church since its earliest days. In his letter to the Galatians, Saint Paul says, ‘As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ’. It is a very striking image. Paul is saying that at our baptism, Christ has wrapped himself around us, and, having do so, he won’t let us go lightly. Paul then goes on to say in that letter, ‘God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Just as, according to the gospel reading, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, came down upon Jesus at his baptism, so the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God and of God’s Son, came down upon us at our baptism. From the day of our baptism, we became what Paul calls in another letter ‘temples of the Holy Spirit’. How often do we think of ourselves as ‘temples of the Holy Spirit’? That Holy Spirit inspires us to address God in the same intimate way that Jesus did, as ‘Abba, Father’. Through our baptism the risen Lord takes us up into his own intimate relationship with God. The Lord draws us into communion with himself to such an extent that we share in his relationship with God as Father. We become sons and daughters of God, and, following on from that, we become brothers and sisters in Christ.

The risen Lord has blessed us in the most wonderful way at our baptism and that blessing remains with us throughout our lives. We never cease to be baptized, regardless of what we have done or failed to do, or how far we may have drifted from the Lord. God continues to say of us, what he said of Jesus at his baptism, ‘This is my son, my daughter, the beloved’. We may change, but God’s way of seeing us and relating to us doesn’t change. Our faith may sometimes seem like the ‘wavering flame’ mentioned in the first reading, but the risen Lord is always at work in our lives to fan the sometimes feeble spark of our faith into a living flame. He keeps calling us back to the person we became at baptism and keeps helping us to become that person. We spend our lives growing ever more fully into our wonderful baptismal identity, with the help of the Lord’s Spirit.

And/Or

(ii) Feast The Baptism of the Lord

 It is impossible for us not to have favourites. We invariably favour some people over others. It is normal and natural for us to do so. It is because we favour some and not others that we include some people among our friends and not others. Even among our friends we favour some over others; we have some friends who are especially close to us. Marriage between two people occurs because one man favours one woman out of other women and that woman favours that man out of other men. There are contexts in which showing favour to one over others is not appropriate. Politicians have got themselves into trouble because they used their influence inappropriately to favour someone. The human tendency to show favour sometimes needs to be kept in check.

 In today’s second reading, Peter, addressing Cornelius and his household, says: ‘The truth I have come to realize is that God does not have favourites’. It sounds as if Peter has only recently hit upon this truth. As a Jew, he would have understood that God did have favourites. The Jewish people were God’s favourites; they were the chosen people who had been blessed and graced by God in a unique way. However, since his meeting with Jesus, and his becoming a disciple of the risen Lord, Peter had come to realize that God does not have favourites. If God had chosen the people of Israel in the past, it was for the sake of all the other nations. God chose Israel not because God loved Israel more than all the other nations, but because God wanted Israel to be the messenger of God’s love to all the nations. According to today’s first reading, God chose Israel to be the light of the nations.

 Jesus reveals a God who favours all equally. He came as the servant of all people, to give his life as a ransom for all. At the very end of his gospel, Matthew portrays the risen Jesus telling his disciples to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All nations are to be favoured with the gospel. That is why we find Peter in today’s second reading preaching to the pagan centurion, Cornelius, and his household, and then going on to baptize them all. Our own baptism is the direct result of that command of the risen Jesus to baptize all nations. Baptism is God’s gift to us; it is a sign of God’s favour. On the day of our baptism God said to us what was said to Jesus on the day of his baptism: ‘My favour rests on you’. God not only spoke a word of favour to Jesus on the day of his baptism; God actively showed his favour by sending the Holy Spirit upon him. At our baptism God acted to show his favour to us by pouring the Holy Spirit into our hearts. Parents instinctively understand baptism as a sign of God’s favour. That is why they bring their children to be baptized. Today on the feast of Jesus’ baptism, we give thanks for our own baptism, for this very special sign of God’s favour.

 The baptism of Jesus was not only the day when he had a special experience of God’s favour; it was also the day when he publicly took on the role of God’s servant to all nations. Jesus’ baptism was both a grace and a commission. As Peter announced to Cornelius in today’s second reading, after his baptism Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil. Today’s first reading, although written long before Jesus was born, describes this mission of Jesus very well. He brings true justice to the nations. By his words and deeds, Jesus makes known God’s justice, the just or right way that God wants us all to take and that Jesus took to the full. In making known God’s just ways, that first reading also declares that Jesus ‘does not break the crushed reed, or quench the wavering flame’. Jesus’ mission was characterized by a heightened awareness of the weak and the vulnerable.

 Our own baptism, like that of Jesus, was both a gift and a commission. In bestowing favour upon us, God at the same time calls us to become his servants. On the day of our baptism, we are commissioned as servants of God, after the example of Jesus. As God endowed Jesus with the Spirit so that he could bring true justice to the nations, at our baptism we were endowed with the same Spirit for the same purpose. In the power of the Spirit we are called to live in that same just way that Jesus lived. In the words of the first reading, baptism calls us to ‘serve the cause of right’. That will involve for us, as it did for Jesus, taking care ‘not to break the crushed reed, or quench the smouldering flame’. Those who are crushed for whatever reason, whose flame is barely flickering, are deserving of our greatest care and attention. We show that we really appreciate the gift of our baptism when we support the vulnerable and strengthen the weak, in our families, our communities, in our society and our world.

And/Or

(iii) Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

 I came across my baptismal certificate a little while ago. Like many a Dublin baby I was baptized in the St. Andrew’s, Westland Row, just around the corner from Holles Street hospital where I was born. I noticed that I was baptized five days after I was born, which was the norm in those days. I had never really paid any attention to the date of my baptism before but I made a mental note of my baptism date when I looked at the baptismal certificate. Hopefully our birth day is a day that gets remembered every year by someone. There is a value in each of us remembering our own baptism day when it comes around each year.

 It seems that the day of Jesus’ baptism was of greater significance for the very early Christians than even the day of his birth. They recognized that the day of Jesus’ baptism was a kind of a watershed for him. It was the moment when he began his public ministry. This was the day when Jesus began to make an impact. Such was the impact he made that it reverberated down the centuries and has resulted in our presence here this morning in this church. If the first Christians remembered the day of Jesus’ baptism, they were very aware of the day of their own baptism. They looked back on that day as a watershed in their own lives. They thought of their lives in terms of before and after baptism, the person they used to be and the person they had become through baptism. It is difficult for us to have that same sense of a time before and a time after baptism, because we were all baptized as babies. Yet, the significance of our baptism is no less than the significance of the baptism of the early Christians.

 Indeed, it would be said that the day of our baptism was as important a day for us as the day of Jesus’ baptism was for him. Our baptism day was the day when God said to us what was said to Jesus on his baptism day, ‘You are my son/my daughter, the beloved, my favour rests on you’. The special place that Jesus holds in God’s heart was extended to each of us on the day of our baptism. The Holy Spirit who came down on Jesus on the day of his baptism came down on us. The second reading today speaks of the kindness and love of God who has so generously poured the Holy Spirit over us through Jesus Christ our saviour. If the baptism of Jesus was a more public event than his birth, likewise our baptism was a more public happening than our birth. A baptism is not simply a private family event. It is very much a public church event. A child is born into a family, but is baptized into a church, a community of believers. When parents bring along a child for baptism, they are making a public statement, one which is of significance for the whole church, and, in particular, for the local church. It is a source of encouragement to all of us in the family of believers to know that our family is growing, that we are receiving into our community, a new member whose future living of the faith has the potential to benefit us all.

 Reflecting on the day of the Lord’s baptism can bring home to us the significance of the day of our own baptism. The baptism of Jesus set him on a journey that had consequences which no one at the time could have imagined. In a similar way, the day of our baptism launched us on a shared journey in the footsteps of Jesus, a journey towards the Father in the power of the Spirit. Because of our baptism we are the church, the body of Christ in the world. Our baptism calls us to represent Jesus for the rest of our lives, to be his presence to others, to serve others in the way he did. That call of our baptism never leaves us, even when we neglect to pay attention to it. It is there every day of our lives. That calling represents the deepest truth of our lives because it flows from our baptismal identity which endures into eternity. Baptism is intended to shape us for life. The other sacraments are given to us as moments when we can renew our baptism and respond more fully to our baptismal calling. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation we acknowledge the ways that we have failed to live our baptism and open ourselves afresh to the Lord’s gift of his Spirit. In the Eucharist we gather together to publicly proclaim our baptismal identity and be nourished and sustained on our baptismal journey by the word of the Lord and the Lord’s body and blood. Today is a good day to celebrate our baptism and also to give thanks for our parents, whose faith carried us to the baptismal font.

And/Or

(iv) Feast of The Baptism of our Lord

 In the church’s liturgical year, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord concludes the Christmas season. We move quite quickly from the birth of Jesus to the baptism of Jesus, from the child Jesus to the adult Jesus. It may strike us as strange that Jesus went to John the Baptist to be baptized by him. Wasn’t John’s baptism a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins and, surely, Jesus was not a sinner? The hesitation of John the Baptist to baptize Jesus in this morning’s gospel reading is understandable, ‘It is I who need baptism from you and yet you come to me’. Yet, in entering the waters of the Jordan, Jesus was identifying with his fellow Jews in their longing to draw closer to God. He not only went into the Jordan waters with sinners; he would later share table and eat with them. Jesus identifies with all of us in our struggles to grow in our relationship with God and to become more fully all that God wants us to be. If he is our Lord and leader, he does not lead us from a distance, without ever getting involved in the heat of battle. He leads us as one who journeys with us. The baptism of Jesus speaks of his solidarity with us, including his solidarity with us when we fail. He is present to us at such moments, helping us to make a new beginning.

 Even though Jesus entered the waters of the Jordan alongside sinners, he was also very aware that he stood apart from all those who came to John for baptism. At that moment the Holy Spirit came down upon him and God affirmed him as his own beloved Son, on whom God’s favour rested. No one else who came to John for baptism had such an experience. Yet, even though this special relationship with God set Jesus apart, he came to draw others into the same relationship with God that he had, so that the Holy Spirit would rest on them as he had on him, and they too would experience themselves as God’s beloved sons or daughters on whom God’s favour rests. That is why Matthew’s gospel ends with Jesus sending out his disciples on mission and saying to them, ‘Go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’. Jesus wanted people of all nations to experience the baptism he had experienced at the beginning of his ministry. That command of the risen Lord has led directly to the baptism of each one of us.

 The baptism of Jesus in the Jordan is the pattern for all our baptisms. The Holy Spirit who came down on Jesus at his baptism came upon all of us at the moment of our baptism. The words that were addressed to Jesus at his baptism were addressed to all of us, ‘This is my son, daughter, the beloved; my favour rests on him, her’. Jesus has drawn us all into his own relationship with God. As Paul says in his letter to the Galatians, ‘God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts crying, “Abba! Father!”’. We can now address God in the same intimate way that Jesus did. His God has become our God; his Father has become our Father. As sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of Christ, we are destined to inherit that fullness of life that the risen Jesus now enjoys. All of this springs from our baptism, which is why it is such an important moment in our lives. Today is a good day to remember our baptism and to give thanks for it and for all that has flowed from it. It is a day to remember our parents who brought us for baptism and to give thanks to God for them.

 In today’s second reading, Peter, addressing Cornelius and his household, states that after Jesus had been anointed with the Holy Spirit at his baptism, he ‘went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil’. The baptism of Jesus was the beginning of his life-giving mission. In the words of today’s first reading, it was the day when he took on the role of God’s servant, bringing ‘true justice to the nations’, ‘serving the cause of right’, opening ‘the eyes of the blind’ and freeing ‘captives from prison’. His baptism was the day when he began to do God’s work in earnest. The day of our own baptism had a similar significance for all of us. Our baptism is not only a moment when we are greatly graced; it is also a moment when we are called to share in God’s work. Having been anointed with the Spirit as Jesus was, we are sent out as he was, to bring true justice, God’s justice, to others. This will involve caring for and empowering the most vulnerable among us - in the words of today’s first reading, making sure not to ‘break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame’. We were given this calling at an age when we were too young to take it seriously; we spend our lives trying to understand its implications. On this the feast of the Lord’s baptism, we commit ourselves anew to living to the full our own baptismal calling.

And/Or

(v) Feast of The Baptism of the Lord

 The people of the parish have a great fondness for our parish church. Visitors who come to the church are equally impressed by it. When you come into the church you get a sense that people have been praying here for a great many years. Indeed, people have been praying here and Mass has been celebrated here since 1836 when the building first opened for worship. At that time the church was a simple rectangle. The sanctuary was added about sixty years later in the 1890’s. You can see the difference in the stained glass between the main body of the church and the sanctuary; the simple style of the glass in main body gives way to the more ornate style of the sanctuary. The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist which we celebrate today is depicted in a number of places in the church. We find it depicted here in the sanctuary and also in the much more recent mosaic in the reconciliation chapel. When we think of John the Baptist we instinctively think of John baptizing Jesus, so it is fitting that this particular gospel scene should be depicted in our church that is dedicated to John the Baptist.

 In this morning’s gospel reading we have Matthew’s account of the baptism of Jesus by John. More than the other three evangelists, Matthew draws attention to the reluctance of John to baptize Jesus. After all the baptism of John was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John was well aware that Jesus did not need this baptism because he had no need of repentance; he had no sins in need of forgiveness. Before Jesus came to John for baptism, John had referred to Jesus as the more powerful one, whose sandals he did not consider himself worthy to untie. Of course, John was right. Jesus had no need of John’s baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Yet, Jesus insisted that John baptize him. In the words of the gospel reading, he said to John, ‘Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands’. ‘Righteousness’ or ‘the doing of God’s will’ required that Jesus submit to John’s baptism. In submitting to John’s baptism Jesus was showing that he stood in solidarity with all those who were coming to John for baptism. He wanted to identify himself completely with sinful human beings who, nonetheless, experienced within themselves a desire to move towards God. Jesus wanted to show that he was with people who in their brokenness were searching for God. Matthew had earlier given Jesus the name Emmanuel, God-with-us. In having himself baptized by John Jesus was showing people that God was with them as they struggled to turn more completely towards God. Jesus entered the river Jordan with sinful humanity, just as he would later share table with tax collectors and sinners and just as he would be crucified between two sinners, two criminals. Jesus began his public ministry as he would continue it and as he would end it.

 The Lord who entered the Jordan with those who responded to John’s baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins enters the river of all our lives. The Lord is with us in our own struggle to move towards God, to do God’s will or, in the words of this morning’s second reading, to do what is right. We are all sinners; we all fail in our response to God’s call. Yet, what matters is that we do not give up on the struggle to keep turning towards God and towards what God wants for us and is asking of us. One of the best known passages in Matthew’s gospel is the beatitudes. In the fourth beatitude Jesus says ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness’, ‘who hunger and thirst to do what God wants’. Jesus did not say ‘Blessed are those who are righteous’, ‘who do what God wants’. It is those who hunger and thirst to do what God wants that Jesus declares blessed. The hungering and the thirsting is all; the desire is everything. In entering the Jordan with all those people who were coming to John for baptism, Jesus was identifying with their desire; here were people who hungered and thirsted for what was right. In heading for the Jordan they were heading in the right direction and Jesus walked in solidarity with them. He walks in solidarity with all of us as we strive to keep heading in the right direction. We will inevitably go off course from time to time; sometimes we will stay off course for long periods of time, but what matters is that we keep turning around and keep pressing onwards in response to the Lord’s call. The first reading speaks of the servant of God who does not break the crushed reed nor quench the wavering flame. Jesus is that servant. There will be times in our lives when we might feel like a crushed reed, when the flame of faith that was lit within our hearts at baptism is wavering and even on the brink of going out. It is above all then that the Lord stands in solidarity with us as Emmanuel, God-with-us. It is especially then that, in the words of Paul, the Lord’s power can be made perfect in our weakness.

And/Or

(vi) Feast of The Baptism of the Lord

The feast of the Baptism of the Lord concludes the church’s Christmas Season. Only last Monday we celebrated the journey of the wise men from the East to the new born son of Mary and Joseph. However, with this morning’s feast, the focus is very much on the adult Jesus. After spending what was probably about thirty years in the village of Nazareth, Jesus now journeys south to the wilderness of Judea to be baptized by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Just a little over two weeks ago, on Christmas day, we celebrated the birth of Jesus, the beginning of his earthly life. Today we celebrate a beginning in Jesus’ adult life, the beginning of his public ministry. The words of Peter to the pagan household of the Roman centurion Cornelius express this aspect of Jesus’ baptism. Peter says that after God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power at his baptism, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.

 Just as the birth of Jesus was hugely significant for us, because this child was born for us and was given to us, so the baptism of Jesus is very significant for us because this was the moment when Jesus began his ministry that would eventually result in the formation of the community of his followers, the church, and in our own baptism into that community. Indeed, the final words of the risen Jesus in Matthew’s gospel, addressed to his disciples, are, ‘Go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’. All of us who are gathered in this church this morning have been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ own baptism set in motion a great movement which resulted in our own baptism. Today’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord is an opportunity for us to reflect on our own baptism. Most of us will have received gifts over the Christmas period. Yet, the most precious gift we have received is our baptism. When our parents brought us to the church for baptism, they were putting us in the way of this great gift.

 Our baptism is as important a moment in our own lives as the baptism of Jesus was in his life. There are many similarities between Jesus’ baptism and our own baptism. At his baptism, the Spirit of God came down upon Jesus. At our own baptism, the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit came down upon us. In the words of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, ‘God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts crying “Abba! Father!”’. Because of our baptism we became and continue to be ‘temples of the Spirit’. At Jesus’ baptism, God said of him, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him’. God spoke the same words to each one of us at the moment of our baptism. At our baptism, God favoured us; God looked upon each of us as favoured sons and daughters. God looks upon us as he looks upon his own Son; we are caught up into a share in Jesus’ own relationship with God. In becoming the beloved sons and daughters of God, at the same time we become the beloved brothers and sisters of Jesus, and the brothers and sisters of all those who have been baptized. Unlike Jesus who was baptized as an adult, we received this precious gift of baptism at an age when we could not appreciate this gift. It takes a lifetime for us to really appreciate how greatly we have been graced through baptism.

 It also takes a lifetime to appreciate the call that is contained within that grace. Jesus experienced a powerful grace from God on the day of his baptism. However, he also understood that his baptism was a call from God to begin the work that God had sent him to do. What was that work? It is very well described in this morning’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah. Jesus’ work was to live as the servant of God by bringing true justice, God’s justice, to the nations. His mission was to bring about that just relationship, that right relationship, between all men and women that God desired for humanity. He would show by his own way of relating to people how God wanted all of us to relate to one another. Jesus’ way of relating to people was characterized above all by great attentiveness and sensitivity to the weak and the vulnerable. This way of Jesus is beautifully expressed in our first reading which speaks of the servant of God as someone who does not break the crushed reed nor quench the wavering flame. There may have been times in our own lives when we felt like a crushed reed that could easily break or a wavering flame that could easily go out. The mission that Jesus began at his baptism he continues as risen Lord today, and it is above all in those vulnerable moments of our lives that we can be assured of his healing and sustaining presence.

 Our own baptismal calling is a reflection of Jesus’ baptismal calling. In the power of the same Spirit that he received, we too are called to bring God’s justice to others, to relate to others as God would relate to them, as Jesus would relate to them. For us too this will mean taking care not to break the crushed reed or quench the wavering flame.  

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Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Gospel (Except USA)

Matthew 2:1-12

The visit of the Magi.

After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this he was perturbed, and so was the whole of Jerusalem. He called together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, and enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ‘At Bethlehem in Judaea,’ they told him ‘for this is what the prophet wrote:

And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are by no means least among the leaders of Judah, for out of you will come a leader who will shepherd my people Israel.’

Then Herod summoned the wise men to see him privately. He asked them the exact date on which the star had appeared, and sent them on to Bethlehem. ‘Go and find out all about the child,’ he said ‘and when you have found him, let me know, so that I too may go and do him homage.’ Having listened to what the king had to say, they set out. And there in front of them was the star they had seen rising; it went forward, and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way.

Gospel (USA)

Matthew 2:1–12

We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet:

And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler,    who is to shepherd my people Israel. ”

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Reflections (6)

(i) Feast of the Epiphany

Today, the feast of the Epiphany, the three kings arrive in the crib. The gospel reading doesn’t refer to kings at all; it doesn’t even say there were three of them. It refers to ‘some wise men… from the east’. The fact that they brought three gifts, and the precious nature of these gifts, may have led people to understand that there were three of them and that they were kings. In the context in which this story was first spoken and written, wise men from the east or magi would have suggested astrologers or astronomers from Persia, modern day Iran, what we would call today, men of science. They were trying to understand the meaning of the sky and of the world. It was believed that if you understood the movement of the stars it would throw light on what was happening on earth. The emergence of a new star was often associated with the coming of a new ruler on earth. When the wise men saw a new star rising, they concluded that an infant king had been born among the Jews. They set out on a long journey to Jerusalem, the capital city of the Jews, to pay homage to their infant king and to offer him gifts.

These wise men were seekers. There was a longing in them that caused them to leave what they familiar with and to set out for a land that was unknown to them. They didn’t travel in total darkness. They were guided on their journey by a small source of light, a star. They speak to the seeker, the searcher, in each one of us. By nature, we tend to be restless. We are always searching for meaning, for answers to questions. We are always looking for a greater light, for truth, for love. At the root of this restlessness, this searching, is a longing that only God can satisfy. Saint Augustine once wrote that our hearts are restless until they rest in God. As we try to be faithful to this deep longing within us, God sends us a light to guide us. He doesn’t simply send us the light of a small star, which was the light that guided the wise men. God has sent us a greater light, the light of his Son, Jesus, who once said of himself, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness’. The wise men were led by the light of a star towards this light of the world, the infant king not just of the Jews but of all humanity. We are fortunate to be able to journey towards God in this light. The light of Jesus, now risen Lord, shines upon us. Each day we can open ourselves up to this light.

The light of the star led the wise men eventually to Bethlehem. In Hebrew the name Bethlehem literally means ‘House of Bread’. The light of the risen Lord leads us to the heavenly Bethlehem, the heavenly house of bread. In the gospels, Jesus spoke of heaven as his Father’s house, and he also spoke of heaven as a great banquet at which people from north, south, east and west would gather. We travel this journey, this pilgrimage, together. The wise men travelled from the east as a little community of faith and hope. That is how we travel towards our eternal destiny, as a community of faith and hope, and as a community of love. We look out for one another on this journey; we allow the light of the Lord’s love to shine not only upon us but through us so that the journey of others becomes easier because of our presence. As the Lord guides us towards the heavenly Bethlehem where all our deepest hungers and thirsts will be satisfied, he also feeds us on our journey with his presence. He feeds us with the bread of his word and with the bread of the Eucharist. He feeds our spirits, our hearts and our minds. In doing so, he empowers us to feed the more urgent hungers of many in our world for the basic food needed for healthy living.

As the wise men travelled towards Bethlehem, guided by the light of a star, they met with a real force of darkness in the person of King Herod and his advisors. In spite of his words to the wise men, Herod did not want to pay homage to the new born king of the Jews. He wanted to kill him; he wanted to extinguish the light. Jesus would meet the same hostility at the end of his earthly life. Yet, God protected the child and his parents, and the wise men, from the murderous intentions of Herod. On our own journey of faith, we too will sometimes encounter forces of darkness that want to extinguish the light of our faith. Our faith will be put to the test. That is why Jesus taught us to pray, ‘Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil’. Yet, we always journey in the conviction that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness will not ultimately overcome it. If we keep turning towards the light of the Lord’s presence, he will keep us faithful to the end.

And/Or

(ii) Feast of the Epiphany

People tend to make more journeys over the Christmas period than they usually do. We set out on journeys to meet up with family members and friends and they set out on journeys to meet up with us. There can be an element of difficulty about any journey we make. The journeys of many people were particularly difficult in the days before Christmas because of the awful wintry weather we had. Listening to people who had been stranded at airports for hours and sometimes days made you realize that the journey to which they had been so looking forward had become something of a nightmare. Most of the journeys we make are, thankfully, much less troublesome than that, but any journey, other than the routine ones we might make around where we live, can have its challenges.

At the centre of today’s feast is the story of a journey. Matthew at the beginning of his gospel tells the story of a journey made by magi or astrologers from the East towards Judea in search of the new born king of the Jews. Matthew may have imagined these travellers as coming from a long way east because magi were originally associated with Persia. In Matthew’s account these magi were guided on their very long journey by a star which was different from all the other stars in the sky. There was something about this star which called them to set out on this long journey westwards. The most dangerous moment in their long journey came just as they were within striking distance of their destination. In Jerusalem, a short distance from Bethlehem, they were summoned by King Herod the Great, a man known to us from historical sources to have been very hostile towards anyone who might be a threat to his power, even, according to Matthew, a new born child whom some were recognizing as king of the Jews, the Jewish Messiah. Yet, in spite of that dangerous moment, the magi were led by the star to their destination, Bethlehem, where they worshipped the child and gave him their gifts. On their homeward journey, they were guided again, this time by means of a dream. In their dream God directed them to go home by a different route, and not via Jerusalem where they were likely to meet up with Herod again.

In some way, the story of these exotic visitors from the East is the story of each one of us. Our lives as Christians can be understood as a journey, a sacred journey, a pilgrimage. In fact, according to the Acts of the Apostles, from very early days Christians were known as followers of the Way. We are people who are following a way, and the way we are trying to follow is the way of Jesus, the way of the one who said of himself, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life’. The magi were guided on their journey by a star which stood out from all the other stars in the sky. We too are guided on our journey by a light which stands out from all the other sources of light we come across. We are guided by the one who said of himself, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness’. On this earthly pilgrimage which we travel together, we don’t chart our own course. Rather, like the magi, we allow ourselves to be led. We submit to a light beyond us which is greater than any light within us. We look towards the one who has travelled the journey before us and who guides and leads us on our own journey. In the words of the letter to the Hebrews, using the image of the race rather than the journey, we ‘run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith’. Like the magi, we too meet with obstacles on our shared journey. Some version or other of a Herod can stand before us to deflect us from our journey. Jesus was very aware that even though he would be ever present to his followers as their light and their guide they would be tempted by evil under various guises. That is why he taught us to pray, ‘Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil’. Yet in spite of Herod, the magi reached their destination and returned home safely. On our own journey too, as Saint Paul reminds, it is always the case that ‘where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more’. At the end of their journey, the magi worshipped the child; the giving of their gifts was but an outward expression of their worship, their homage. Our own journey too will end in worship, the worship of God and of his Son in heaven forever. Every act of worship on the way, in particular our Eucharistic worship, is an anticipation of that eternal worship before the throne of God and the Lamb. Our Eucharist worship overflows into our daily lives where it takes the form of the offering of ourselves to the Lord, the giving of the gift of our mind, our heart, our soul and strength in love to the Lord. This morning we look, in gratitude, towards the magi, these outsiders from far away, because they show us the fundamental shape of our lives as Christians.

And/Or

(iii) Feast of the Epiphany

The poet T.S. Eliot wrote a poem on the journey of the Magi. The concluding lines of the poem caught my attention.

This: were we led all that way for Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly We had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death, But had thought they were different; this Birth was Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death. We returned to our places, these Kingdoms, But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation, With an alien people clutching their gods. I should be glad of another death.

Eliot imagines that the journey of the magi to witness the birth of Jesus was like a death for them. They were so touched by the mystery of this child that they experienced a need to die to what they had once valued. As Eliot says, they returned to their kingdoms but were no longer at ease there, in the old dispensation, with an alien people clutching their gods. The evangelist may be hinting at something similar when he states that after worshipping the child and giving him their gifts, the magi returned to their country by a different way. Their return journey was different to their original journey in search of the infant King of the Jews. Having encountered him, they were somehow different; they had been changed. The final line of the poem, ‘I should be glad of another death’ may be Eliot’s way of  saying that, although he has been touched by the mystery of Emmanuel, God with us in the person of Jesus, he has not yet been fully grasped by this mystery, and he still has a death to undergo.

We might be able to think of encounters we have had in the course of our lives that touched us deeply, people that we met who impacted on us in some profound way, perhaps emotionally or intellectually. The mystery of the other can affect us at a very deep level and leave us changed. If other people reveal something of God’s presence, of God’s goodness and love, then our encounter with them will change us for the better, even though that change may be painful and involve a kind of a death, a dying to what is not of God. If that is true of an encounter with another human being, how much more true must it be of an encounter with the Lord who reveals God’s presence, God’s goodness and God’s love to a unique degree? The term ‘epiphany’ means a ‘revelation’, a disclosure’, a ‘shining forth’. Today’s feast celebrates the good news that in the child of Mary and Joseph, God’s goodness and love shone forth, was revealed to all of humanity, including those who came from afar, who would have been considered outsiders and strangers.

There is a great breadth and openness about this feast. The Lord is given to all, to all who seek the truth in sincerity of heart, to all who are prepared to keep setting out on a journey of discovery because they sense that there is a death they still need to undergo to become more fully alive. The great breadth and openness of this feast is shown in the way the tradition about the magi from the east developed and was embellished. They were understood to be three, corresponding to the three gifts; they were given names; Melchior represented the black skinned people, Balthasar, the Asians, and Gasper, the Europeans. Their great diversity signified the universal outreach of God through this child whose name was Emmanuel, God with us. This child may be known as King of the Jews, but he belongs to all.

The magi from the East went on a long and difficult journey in search of this child. Having found him, they submitted to the mystery of his otherness; they worshipped him and gave him their gifts. This child is now risen Lord. Today’s feast invites all of us to submit to the Lord, to give him, not any material gifts, but the gift of our hearts, minds and wills. This will inevitably involve a death of some kind, a dying to our various false gods, but it is a death that is ultimately life-giving, because in surrendering to the Lord we will receive from his fullness, grace upon grace. An Epiphany, a revelation of God, calls for a humble response, a journeying out of ourselves towards a great light and a fuller truth.

The figure of Herod in today’s gospel reading shows us a very different kind of response to the presence of an epiphany. When a new and fuller light appeared, Herod sought to extinguish it. Rather than hear the call of Emmanuel to die to his false gods, he was determined to inflict death on this Epiphany. To some degree, we are all capable of extinguishing the light of God’s goodness, present in the lives of others. Today’s feast invites us to align ourselves with the magi in their desire to journey towards Emmauel, God with us, and in their openness to being changed by that encounter. It is in the Eucharist that we encounter Emmanuel is a special way. The Eucharist is our weekly, our daily, Epiphany. The Eucharist is the moment when we surrender to the Lord, with whatever dying that might require of us, so that we can receive from his fullness.

And/Or

(iv) Feast of the Epiphany

The poet T.S. Eliot wrote a poem on the journey of the Magi. The concluding lines of the poem are thought-provoking:

          This: were we led all that way for            Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly            We had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death,            But had thought they were different; this Birth was            Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death.            We returned to our places, these Kingdoms,            But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation,            With an alien people clutching their gods.            I should be glad of another death.

Eliot imagines that the journey of the magi to witness the birth of Jesus was like a death for them. They were so touched by the mystery of this child that they experienced a need to die to what they had once valued. As Eliot says, they returned to their kingdoms but were no longer at ease there, in the old dispensation, with an alien people clutching their gods. The evangelist may be hinting at something similar when he states that after worshipping the child and giving him their gifts, the magi returned to their country by a different way. Their return journey was different to their original journey in search of the infant King of the Jews. Having encountered him, they were somehow different; they had been changed. The final line of the poem, ‘I should be glad of another death’ may be Eliot’s way of  saying that, although he has been touched by the mystery of Emmanuel, God with us in the person of Jesus, he has not yet been fully grasped by this mystery, and he still has a death to undergo.

Today’s feast celebrates the good news that in the child of Mary and Joseph, God’s goodness and love shone forth, was revealed to all of humanity, including those who came from afar, who would have been considered outsiders and strangers. There is a great breadth and openness about this feast. The Lord is given to all, to all who seek the truth in sincerity of heart, to all who are prepared to keep setting out on a journey of discovery because they sense that there is a death they still need to undergo to become more fully alive. Today’s feast invites all of us to submit to the Lord, to give him, not any material gifts, but the gift of our hearts, minds and wills. This will inevitably involve a death of some kind, a dying to our various false gods, but it is a death that is ultimately life-giving, because in surrendering to the Lord we will receive from his fullness, grace upon grace. An Epiphany, a revelation of God, calls for a humble response, a journeying out of ourselves towards a greater light and a fuller truth.

And/Or

(v) Feast of the Epiphany

On this feast of the Epiphany our crib scene is complete, with the arrival of the three visitors from the East. Tradition has made kings of these visitors, but the gospel passage which is the basis of this tradition speaks of magi. In that culture, magi were people with a certain set of skills, people possessed of some kind of specialized knowledge. The gospel passage suggests that the specialized knowledge of these magi related to the interpretation of the stars. They were not kings themselves but served the king with their skills. The gospel passage does not say how many of them there were. The number three was simply deduced from the number of gifts that were brought. The evangelist Matthew says they came from the east, without specifying from where. Magi were often associated with Persia, in particular, which corresponds to modern day Iran. They were clearly intended by the evangelist as representatives of the non-Jewish world. Their observation of the rising of a new star led them to believe that a new king of the Jews has been born. There was a widespread belief in that world that the birth of new leaders was marked by unusual events in the heavens. The natural gifts and acquired knowledge of these magi set them on a journey towards the child of Mary and Joseph whose name was Emmanuel, God with us. Their science was not in any way in conflict with their religious search. Rather, their study of the stars was the inspiration for their long journey towards a place of worship, ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage’. Science is never in conflict with faith. Both are different and complementary paths to God. The story of the magi suggests that the study of creation, whether it is the heavenly world or some other dimension of creation, can serve the journey of faith, and help to bring us to the worship of the God who stands behind all created reality and who has become God with us in the child of Bethlehem.

In the story we have just heard, the journey of the magi from the East did not bring them to Bethlehem initially. It brought them to the principal city of Judea, Jerusalem, some miles north of Bethlehem. When they reached Jerusalem, they asked, ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ Their expertise in reading the heavens did not make them think that they knew it all. The evangelist portrays these specialists as humble people. They did not have all the answers. They remained people who questioned. They knew they needed the help of others who had a different expertise to theirown if their question ‘Where?’ was to be answered. In the gospel reading it is the chief priests and the scribes, those who had studied the Jewish Scriptures, who provided the information that allowed them to complete the last short leg of their journey. According to the prophet Micah, the shepherd king whom God will provide for his people will come from Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David. The magi’s observation and interpretation of the skies brought them a long way on their journey towards God with us. However, they needed the Jewish Scriptures to complete the journey. Creation is a revelation of God the Creator, but the Scriptures are a fuller revelation of God. These pagan specialists from the east were open to both expressions of God’s revelation. They were receptive to the various ways that God can speak to us. We can learn from them to be attentive to God’s word, whatever form that word may take. There are times in our lives when God seems to speak most powerfully to us through the wonders and beauty of creation. There are other times when we feel the need to listen attentively to the Lord’s word as it comes to us in both the Jewish and Christian Scriptures. The magi speak to the seeker within each one of us, that deep core whose longing cannot be fully satisfied by anything in this earthly life. Genuine seekers are always open to the many and varied ways that God communicates with us and seeks us out.

The long journey of the magi was finally crowned with an act of worship and an act of generosity, ‘they did him homage… they offered him gifts’. They surrendered themselves and their possessions to the Lord. We believe that our own life journey will be crowned in the same way. At the end of our lives, we surrender ourselves, all we are and have, into the hands of the living and loving Lord. Our own times of worship in the course of our life journey, our own acts of self-giving to the Lord, anticipate and prepare us for that final moment of self-surrender. One element of this inspiring story is the ominous presence of Herod. He too asked the question where the Christ was to be born. However, his motive in asking this question was very different to that of the magi. He wanted to eliminate a perceived threat to his throne. On our faith journey there will often be forces that are hostile to God’s purpose for our lives. Yet, this assures that, in the words of the fourth gospel, ‘the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it’.

And/Or

(vi) Feast of the Epiphany

Matthew’s story of the visit of the magi to the child Jesus has inspired artists, poets, musicians and story tellers down through the ages. It has also inspired children. If you go to a Christmas concert in any of our primary schools, three of the children are sure to be dressed up as the wise men and another is likely to be carrying a very big star. This story is one of those passages in the Scriptures which can speak to both children and adults. It can speak to our experience, in different ways at different times of our lives.

In the time of Jesus, magi were associated with Persia to the east of Israel. They were experts in what we would call today astrology. They searched the skies and tried to read the movement of the stars to interpret what was happening on earth. They were the ancient equivalent of men of science, using their intellect to understand the universe. It was this search for understanding, for wisdom, that set the magi on their journey westwards towards Israel. They interpreted the rising of a new star as a sign that a new king of the Jews had just been born. Their natural gifts of curiosity and reason directed them towards the birth place of this king. They remind us that reason and faith need not be in conflict. However, their natural wisdom could only bring them so far. They needed a light other than the light of their reason and the light of a new star to bring them to Bethlehem. They needed the light of the Jewish Scriptures. When they got to Jerusalem, they had to inquire, ‘Where is the infant King of the Jews?’ It was those with knowledge of the Jewish Scriptures who told them, through King Herod, that the long-awaited king of the Jews would be born in Bethlehem. They needed the light of the Scriptures to finally bring them to Emmanuel, God with us.

The Lord draws each of us to himself in similar ways. He speaks through our ordinary human experience, as we engage with the world around us, using our gifts of reason and curiosity. He speaks to us in a fuller way through his word in the Scriptures. We can receive a certain light by being true to our own natural gifts, our own human search, just as the magi were given the light of a star in response to their searching. We can then receive a fuller light when we open ourselves to the presence of the Lord in his word. The Lord is always showing us signs of his presence, both in our day to day human experience and especially in his word, the Scriptures. God gives us enough light to guide us towards Bethlehem, towards Emmanuel, God-with-us. The magi are portrayed as being very open to the light that God was giving them in their own human experiences and in the Scriptures, and, then, acting in response to that light. In that regard, they can be an inspiration to us all.

God gives all of us light, just as he gave light to the magi. The word ‘epiphany’ means ‘showing forth’, ‘manifestation’. Today’s feast announces that God is always showing himself forth to us, manifesting and revealing himself to us. God is always providing us with a star, a light, and, for us, that light is Jesus himself who said of himself, ‘I am the light of the world’. The light of Jesus, which is the light of God, shines upon us in a great variety of ways. Because all things came into being through Jesus, the Word, the whole created universe can reveal the light of his presence to us. His light shines upon us in a special way in and through the church, the church’s Scriptures the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and the community of faith. We live in a time when it can be easier to see the darkness of the night than the lights that shine in the darkness. Yet, today’s feast invites us to recognize the various ways that the light of the Lord’s presence shines upon us, and then to act in response to that light, like the magi in today’s gospel reading.  

The magi made their way to the Lord in Bethlehem, in response to the lights they were given, the light of the star and the light of God’s word. They were unlikely candidates to find the Lord because they had so far to come. They were exotic outsiders who didn’t really belong in Bethlehem. They came to the Lord by a strange route. In contrast, the chief priests and Herod, who were only down the road in Jerusalem and who also had the light of the Scriptures never came to Bethlehem. It has been said that the magi are symbols of hope for all who struggle to the Lord by strange routes. One of the characters in a novel by Evelyn Waugh addresses the magi as ‘patrons of all late comers, of all who have had a tedious journey to make to the truth’. They can continue to speak to us when we find ourselves struggling to the Lord by some strange or tedious route.

Fr. Martin Hogan.

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

The Mystery of the Gospel

1 For this cause, I Paul am the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me to youward,

3 That is, that God by revelation hath showed this mystery unto me (as I wrote above in few words,

4 Whereby when ye read, ye may know mine understanding in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not opened unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit,

6 That the Gentiles should be inheritors also, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the Gospel,

7 Whereof I am made a minister by the gift of the grace of God given unto me through the effectual working of his power.

8 Even unto me the least of all Saints is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ,

9 And to make clear unto all men what the fellowship of the mystery is, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who hath created all things by Jesus Christ,

10 To the intent, that now unto principalities and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose, which he wrought in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 By whom we have boldness and entrance with confidence, by faith in him.

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for your sakes, which is your glory.

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 (Of whom is named the whole family in heaven and in earth)

16 That he might grant you according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened by his Spirit in the inner man,

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith:

18 That ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height:

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled with all fullness of God.

20 Unto him therefore that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Be praise in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all generations forever, Amen. — Ephesians 3 | Geneva Bible (GNV) Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. Cross References: 1 Kings 3:13; Job 11:8; Isaiah 52:15; Ezekiel 47:22; John 1:16; John 14:23; Acts 9:15; Acts 22:17; Romans 3:22; Romans 8:28; Romans 11:25; Romans 11:33; Romans 16:25; 1 Corinthians 9:17; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 1:6; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 2:10

#The Mystery of the Gospel #Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians #entering God's presence through Jesus Christ #Ephesians 3 #The Epistle of Ephesians #New Testament #GNV #Geneva Bible #Tolle Lege Press

[bills-bible-basics]

TAUGHT BY REVELATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:26, KJV "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." John 16:13, KJV "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Galatians 1:11-12, KJV "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints," Ephesians 1:17-18, KJV "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power." Ephesians 3:2-7, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/taught-by-revelation-of-the-holy-spirit-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=158466&TAUGHT%20BY%20REVELATION%20OF%20THE%20HOLY%20SPIRIT%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

#All_Posts #Bible_Verse_Lists #bible #bible_study #bill_kochman #bills_bible_basics #holy_ghost #holy_spirit #king_james_version #kjv #list #revelation #scripture #scriptures #spirit #taught #teach #topical #verse #verses

[nijjhar]

1John 1-7:- VERY HEAVY CORRUPTIONS BY THE MESSIANIC JEWS. NO 1 John 1-7:- VERY HEAVY CORRUPTIONS BY THE MESSIANIC JEWS. NO WONDER MARCION REJECTED ACTS. https://youtu.be/twuoUomWEp0 the Darkness couldn’t be comprehended. Then, our Father Himself came in the name of Royal King = Sache Patshah Gobind Rai Ji with His Consort, Shakti, Holy Spirit in the name of “Maha Devan” to sort out the stubborn sons of Satan with sword power. Sons have no authority to take life but our Father and His Philanthropic Soldiers called Khalsas, the Puritans they do have. Gospel according to Saint 1 John 1 - 7. If we live in the light – just as he is in the light – then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Christ and not of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every hypocrisy and not sin. Sins are washed with water when you repent. Out of the water, you were born. The Word of Life 1 We write to you about the Word of Life, which has existed from the beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. You cannot see or touch His Word but Yahshua, the son of Yahweh. 2 When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us through the Resurrection of Lazarus to all but of Jesus, only those who believed in Him. 3What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and his Son Jesus, the anointed Christ. 4We write this so that our joy may be complete. God Is Light 5Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this: God is light, our Supernatural Father and there is no darkness as Christ Jesus confirmed this at transfiguration when he became dazzling White, at all in him.6If, then, we say that we have fellowship with him, yet at the same time live in the darkness, we are lying both in our words and in our actions. 7But if we live in the light—just as he is in the light—then we have fellowship of Royal Priests with one another, and the blood of Christ and not of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every hypocrisy in which you need the heart of little child. Sin were no more after John, the Baptist – Luke 16v16 that Law and Prophets were till John. 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us – it is a very heavy anti-christ corruption. In Jesus, we deal with blasphemy or hypocrisy and not sins at all. 9But if we confess our sins to Yahweh and not to God, What sins have to do with God, which is Spirit? Transgression against the Holy Spirit is blasphemy and not sin, which is transgression against the Law. he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins, heavy corruption of the Anti-Christ and no wonder Marcion rejected the Acts and other texts. and purify us from all our wrongdoing. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God, and his word is not in us. His Word is not you already for you are Anti-Christ that do not know Gospel Truth or the Oral Torah. Christ Our Helper 1I am writing this to you, my children, so that you will not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have someone who pleads with the Father on our behalf—Jesus Christ, the righteous one.2And Christ himself is how our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone. HEAVILY CORRUPTED BY THE ANTI-CHRIST MESSIANIC JEWS WHO BECAME POPES. 3If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know him.4If we say that we know him, but do not obey his commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us.5But if we obey his word, we are the ones whose love for God has really been made perfect. This is how we can be sure that we are in union with God we say that if we remain in union with God, we should live just as Jesus Christ did. Here is a living Marcion. Ask any questions. Watch this video to learn about the most Satanic Temple Priests, the Messianic Jews. Messianic Jews who keep all the 7 Candles at par, they are the killers who created the Pope and Priests. https://youtu.be/X2xrZnC0wU4 Significance of Menorah - Six Candles of Yahweh and works, Social, economic and political holy and evil. Middle Candle of Christ. https://youtu.be/xRfOMFhX4pM Satguru Rajinder:- Hi Brethren, Jesus delivered the last Parable of the Winepress and told us that these Husbandmen of the If you want to be on my mailing list for articles, please send me your email. My ebook has been published by Kindle. ASIN: B01AVLC9WO In Jesus, we are to be solitary Royal Priests. http://www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/antichrist.htm http://www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/fanbastards.htm Much confused Trinity is explained:- Playlist:- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0C8AFaJhsWyU_oUMJodHvSZGoNDPk5bu John's baptism:- http://www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/johnsig.docx Please print these pages to understand Baani as well:- Punjabi Book:- http://www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/pbook.htm http://www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/trinitynew.jpg WONDER MARC...

#youtube

[grandsouldream]

Readings for 31 December

31/12/2022

#First Letter of John 2 #First Letter of John #Psalms 96(95) #Psalms #Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 1 #Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John #Pope Francis #God #Lord #Jesus #Holy Spirit #love #hope #heaven #life #peace

[jeanschoonbroodt]

To the elders and leading brothers of The Brethren...

This says GOD to elders and churchleaders/leading brothers of the Brethren :

"Hear, you deny the 7-folded ministries and powers of My Holy Ghost in your midst and in other gatherings of saints in Christ in creation. Well...now experience that I rebuke you by My Holy Ghost. I AM. And I will chastise all of you while you are blaspheming My Holy Ghost and His work in other believers in Christ around your own gathering. I AM. For I have many fellowships IN Christ... not only the Brethren. Be aware of this holy fact and quit denying My Holy Ghost and His work and charisma's and holy ministries in other saints IN Christ in these last days, who are not visible attendees at your gathering or do not immediatly agree with your teachings or way of gathering. I AM. All will be led by My Holy Ghost after they were/are born again. Listen carefully to this tekst : 1 John 2 ; 27. All true saints will be led by My Ghost to get to know the true gospel... although some deny this fact. I AM. There are sometimes saints who never studied theology nor have a degree in theology, but might be... or are even... more wise and knowledgable than the intelllect ones. I AM. Reason : I decide who I call to what ministry by My Holy Ghost in and by My Holy Temple/Tabernacle/House of GOD/Church/Gathering. I AM. Never despise a weak person, for My holy powers of My holy Spirit are revealed the most in these people that are mentioned in these verses of 1 Cor. 1 ; 26-31. And be remembered the words that My Son spoke amidst His diciples after He was filled with he Holy Ghost : "Father, Lord of heaven, praised be your name that you revealed the secrets of the Kingdom of heaven to little children and to the disempowered." In these last days people think that knowledge is power, but I tell you : All power is Mine... and I give her to whoever I want. I AM. My Spirit will elevate whoever I want... and humble whoever I want. I AM. For I hate the proud ones and their haughtiness, but love the meek and the humble... and the weak... in who I will reveal Myself as I want to glorify My grace and love and truth and wisdom and power of My Holy Ghost or charisma's as I give them, according to My holy will. Read 1 Cor. 12-14. I AM always The Same... and will never change My Way of building My holy Spiritual Temple/Tabernacle/True Church/Holy Gathering. He who resists this prophecy will be humbled, for I AM the Holy One who spoke to Moses and to all holy prophets/seers/revelators and holy apostles... and to all who had/have ears to hear what My holy Ghost says. I AM." ;

Says GOD,

The Father of creation and of Jesus The Christ... the Word of GOD that became flesh and blood.

Prophecy by God's Hand...

in and through The Candle / The Voice in The Wind.

02.01.2024.

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Thursday, February 15, 2024

february 2_february 15

THE MEETING OF THE LORD

The Meeting of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is described in the third Gospel (Luke 2:22-40). Forty days after His birth the Divine Child was brought to the Temple at Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord. According to the Law of Moses (Lev. 12:2-8), a woman who gave birth to a male child was forbidden to enter the Temple for forty days. At the end of the time of her purification, the mother went to the Temple with the child, to offer a young lamb, two turtledoves, or pigeons to the Lord as a sacrifice. The Most Holy Virgin had no need of purification, since she had given birth to the Source of purity and sanctity. Out of humility, however, she fulfilled the requirements of the Law.

At this time the righteous Elder Simeon (February 3) was living in Jerusalem. It had been revealed to him that he would not die until he beheld the promised Messiah. By divine inspiration, Saint Simeon went to the Temple at the very moment when the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Joseph had brought the Child Jesus to fulfill the Law.

Saint Simeon received the divine Child in his arms,1 and giving thanks to God, he spoke the words repeated by the Church each evening at Vespers: “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32). Saint Simeon said to the Most Holy Virgin: “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35).

At the Temple was an 84-year-old widow, Saint Anna the Prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel (February 3), “who did not leave the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day." She arrived just when Saint Simeon met the Divine Child. She also gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who were looking for redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). In the icon of the Feast she holds a scroll which reads: “This Child has established Heaven and earth.”

Before Christ was born, the righteous men and women lived by faith in the promised Messiah, and awaited His coming. The Righteous Simeon and the Prophetess Anna, the last righteous persons of the Old Testament, were deemed worthy to meet Him in the Temple.

The Feast of the Meeting of the Lord is among the most ancient feasts of the Christian Church. We have sermons by the holy bishops Methodios of Patara (+ 312), Cyril of Jerusalem (+ 360), Gregory the Theologian (+ 389), Amphilokhios of Iconium (+ 394), Gregory of Nyssa (+ 400), and John Chrysostom (+ 407). Despite its early origin, this Feast was not celebrated so splendidly until the VI century.

In 528, during the reign of Justinian, an earthquake killed many people in Antioch. Other misfortunes followed this one. In 541 a terrible plague broke out in Constantinople, carrying off several thousand people each day. During this time of widespread suffering, a solemn prayer service (Litia) for deliverence from evils was celebrated on the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord, and the plague ceased. Giving thanks to God, the Church established a more solemn celebration of this Feast.

Church hymnographers have adorned this Feast with their hymns: Saint Andrew of Crete in the VII century; Saint Cosmas Bishop of Maium, Saint John of Damascus, and Saint Germanus Patriarch of Constantinople in the VIII century; and Saint Joseph, Archbishop of Thessaloniki in the IX century.

Today we also commemorate the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos known as “the Softening of Evil Hearts” or “Simeon’s Prophecy.” The Mother of God is depicted without her Child, and seven swords piercing her breast: three from the left side, three from the right, and one from below.

A similar Icon, “Of the Seven Swords” (August 13) shows three swords on the left side and four from the right. The "Softening of Evil Hearts” Is also commemorated on August 13.

The Icon “Simeon’s Prophecy” symbolizes the fulfillment of the prophecy of the righteous Elder Simeon: “a sword shall pierce through your own soul” (Luke 2:35).

In Constantinople, the Emperors would celebrate the Feast Day at the Blakhernae church during the All-Night Vigil. This custom continued until the Fall of the Byzantine Empire.

1 For this reason, he is known as the God-Receiver (Θεοδόχος).

HEBREWS 7:7-17

7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. 8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. 9 Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. 11 Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For He testifies:"You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."

LUKE 2:22-40

22 Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." 25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: 29 Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel." 33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

#orthodoxy #orthodoxchristianity #easternorthodoxchurch #originofchristianity #spirituality #holyscriptures #gospel #bible #wisdom #feast

[rainsmediaradio]

Rhapsody Of Realities 6th December 2023 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy) – Heirs of His Kingdom.

TOPIC: Heirs of His Kingdom. Today’s  Scripture: Mark 1:14-15 …Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand…

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2023.

The Lord Jesus brought and offered the Kingdom to the Jews; He preached to them saying, “The kingdom of God is at hand” (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 10:9). However, they rejected His message and turned down His offer of the Kingdom. As a result, He declared to them, “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit” (Matthew 21:43 NIV). The Kingdom was offered, and all those who accepted its message received eternal life. Christians are those who have accepted the message of the Kingdom, received eternal life into their spirits, and are now members- citizens and heirs of that Kingdom. No wonder the Bible tells us in Romans 8:16-17 (NKJV), “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Despite living in a world filled with wickedness and evil, He has granted us this extraordinary privilege to be heirs of His Kingdom. We’re not of this world. We don’t belong in Satan’s realm; we’re not under Satan’s jurisdiction or authority. The Bible says in Colossians 1:13 that God has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the Kingdom of His Love-son. Blessed be God! Also, He’s made us kings and priests in His glorious Kingdom to produce fruits of the Kingdom-fruits of righteousness and eternal life. We’re the ones Peter referred to when he said, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Hallelujah! PRAYER Dear Father, I thank you for making me an heir of your glorious Kingdom. I recognize that I have received eternal life and have become a citizen and member of this Kingdom; therefore, I’m alienated from the depravities, corruption and decadence in this present world. I’m enthroned with you, far above principalities and powers, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDY: Romans 8:16-17 AMPC; 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our own spirit, that we are children of God. 17 And if we are children, then we are heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ ; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory. Ephesians 1:18-21; 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: Colossians 1:13 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 3 John & Daniel 7-8 2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:10-18 & 2 Chronicles 13-14 Read the full article

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[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

23rd October >> Mass Readings (USA)

Monday, Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time 

or

Saint John of Capistrano, Priest.

 

Monday, Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Colour: Green: A (1))

First Reading Romans 4:20-25 It was written for us when it says that our faith in God will be counted.

Brothers and sisters: Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what God had promised he was also able to do. That is why it was credited to him as righteousness. But it was not for him alone that it was written that it was credited to him; it was also for us, to whom it will be credited, who believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over for our transgressions and was raised for our justification.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75

R/ Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

He has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David.

R/ Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.

R/ Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

R/ Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 5:3

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 12:13-21 And the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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Saint John of Capistrano, Priest 

(Liturgical Colour: White: A (1))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Monday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading 2 Corinthians 5:14-20 God has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

Brothers and sisters: The love of Christ impels us, once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; therefore, all have died. He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh; even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him so no longer. So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11

R/ You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.” O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot.

R/ You are my inheritance, O Lord.

I bless the LORD who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me. I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

R/ You are my inheritance, O Lord.

You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.

R/ You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation John 8:12

Alleluia, alleluia. I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 9:57-62 I will follow you wherever you go.

As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” He said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.