5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

  5th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Father, you heal us and gather us to yourself. You do not

leave us abandoned. Your desire is for us to be in

communion with you. Heal us and restore us to that most

perfect life with You and with your Son and Holy Spirit,

One God forever and ever. Amen.

1st Reading: Job 7:1-4, 6-7

In Shakespeare’s King Lear, the king responds

to his daughter’s desire to get rid of his knights

since he no longer needs them. He says, “Man’s

life’s as cheap as beast’s.”

Indeed! For humanity, life is cheap. Or, it certainly

has become cheap. How often do we read and hear of

victims of mass shootings, gang violence, war, and even poverty

as if it were a part of some daily TV series? It’s all too

much. So we tune it out.

Life is cheap! What do we have as human beings to remind us

otherwise?

As people of faith, we believe our answer lies in God who is

love. We trust that someone believes in us, even when we do

not believe in Him or in ourselves. But what if we don’t believe

God loves us?

The story of Job is such an important one for us because even

he believed that his life was worthless. “My life is like the

wind,” he said. Job’s faith in a God who loved him was put to

the test. Of course, the story does not leave us in despair. In

the end, God does believe in us. For God, our life is not cheap.

It is precious. And he does everything to heal and restore it.

Question

Do you believe that you are precious to God?

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23

There is a freedom in knowing that God loves in us and

believes in us. We believe that we are God’s special

possession.

We have no further place to go than to the cross itself to find

how much our God loves us.

For this reason, St. Paul proclaimed the

Gospel with everything he had. He said,

“Woe to me if I do not preach it!”

St. Paul knew that the Lord had healed and

restored him from his past ways and

brought him into communion with those he

had previously persecuted. He was fully

alive! Living in Christ, Paul knew that his life was not

cheap.

However, as free as he was to life a life in Christ, he

willingly placed himself under the mantle of obedience. He

said, “I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as

many as possible.” Following Christ, Paul was willing to

make his life cheap (in the worldly sense) in order to

proclaim the Good News that we are highly valued by God.

Question

Would you call yourself a slave or servant to the Gospel?

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

Our world has suffered greatly since the beginning of time.

Both human and natural disasters cause us to want to either

give up on life or fix it ourselves.

It is good that most of us want to make

life a better place. Indeed! We should

all desire to leave this world in a

better condition than when we had

first encountered it when we were

born.

However, as we try to heal and restore

this world, we know that it is going to

eventually fade away. Both faith

leaders and scientists can agree on

this. So why are we even trying?

The answer is simple. Nobody wants

to give up on our world quite yet. In

fact, many are looking to preserve our

lives, restore our planet, and rescue us

from the brink of destruction.

People are always looking for

something or someone to heal and restore the world that

we know. This was true even for Simon and the disciples

who found Jesus praying by himself. Knowing that Jesus

just healed Simon’s mother-in-law and expelled a few

demons, Simon said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

But Jesus had other plans. He came to proclaim His world

that was life giving. His kingdom would bring our broken

world to wholeness and to Himself. He said, “For this

purpose have I come.” For Christ, even in our brokenness,

our life is not cheap. He restores us to Himself.

Question

Who in your life needs healing?

This Week's Task

In just a few weeks, we will begin the Season of Lent.

Make it your aim to find a friend or neighbor and share

Christ in Our Neighborhood with them. Invite them into

your existing group or start a new group just for the six

weeks of Lent. Visit the website for information on how to

host a group.

Pray the following from Bishop Fulbert of Chartres (970 AD):

How trivial are our concerns compared with the

complexity of your universe. How stupid we are

compared with the genius of your

universe. Yet, during every minute and

every second of our lives you are present,

within and around us. You give your

whole and undivided attention to each

and every one of us. Our concerns are

your concerns. And you are infinitely

patient with our stupidity. I thank you

with all my heart, knowing that my

thanks are worthless compared with your

greatness.

The prayer continues with Psalm 147

Response: Praise the Lord, who heals

the brokenhearted.

Praise the LORD, for he is good;

sing praise to our God, for he is gracious;

it is fitting to praise him.

The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem;

the dispersed of Israel he gathers.

R. Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.

He heals the brokenhearted

and binds up their wounds.

He tells the number of the stars;

he calls each by name.

R. Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.

Great is our Lord and mighty in power;

to his wisdom there is no limit.

The LORD sustains the lowly;

the wicked he casts to the ground.

R. Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.

Conclude with an Our Father

4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Father in Heaven, as your Spirit of Truth, Love, and Mercy

sent your Son on Mission, we are called and sent by the

same Spirit to carry on the mission of Jesus Christ. Help us

not to fear our calling but celebrate our share in the

proclamation of the Good News. Amen.

Commentary

1st Reading: DT 18:15-20

Over the last two weeks, we have focused on

our common call to embrace the Mission of

Christ who is Prophet, Priest, and King. This

week, we will answer the question: Of “WHAT”

is Jesus a Prophet, Priest, and King?

As we have been praying (see above), the Spirit of God had

sent Jesus on Mission. The Spirit of Truth, Love, and Mercy

sends Jesus to be the Prophet of Truth, the Priest of Love, and

the King of Mercy.

Unlike any other prophet, Jesus is Prophet par excellence! For,

if God is the ultimate Truth and Jesus is God, then Jesus is

both Prophet of Truth and Truth Himself.

Thus, as we read in Deuteronomy, Moses speaks of a prophet

like himself who will be raised from among his kin and we are

to “listen to him.”

We will read later in the Gospel of Mark (9:7) about Jesus

standing between Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration.

There we will hear God say about Jesus, “This is my beloved

Son. Listen to him!” Jesus, who is God and Truth, stands

above all prophets.

Question

Is Jesus a way to the Truth for you? Or is He Truth for you?

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 7:32-35

Taking up where we had been last week, St. Paul continues

to call his readers to a spirit of abandonment.

We reflected on Jesus as the Priest of Love who abandoned

His own life for us out of love so that we might live with

Him in love forever.

Our Second Reading today speaks of a

love that is found within marriage. The

love of man and wife is a profound love;

complete with anxieties and sacrifices.

In a spirit of abandonment, St. Paul invites

his readers to consider placing the truest

Love of our life - God - above all other

loves; even above the love that is found in such a worthy

institution as marriage.

This is not to say that celibacy (priesthood or religious life)

is the answer. Rather, St. Paul is challenging us to “think

outside of the box,” and consider truly living a sacrificial

love - in the manner of Jesus the Priest and Victim - who

gave everything to God and to us without holding back.

Question

How is Jesus, the Priest of Love, calling you to a sacrificial

life of love?

Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

A great deal of this Year’s Gospel Readings will come from

the Mark. Back in Advent, we were already introduced to

Mark’s Gospel as we reflected on John the Baptist. John

the Baptist, as you recall spoke of one

who was to come (Mk 1:1-8). After

John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan (Mk

1:9-13), Jesus does not speak of one

who is to come. Rather, he speaks of a

“Kingdom that is at hand.”

As the Gospel of Mark unfolds, we

will see how the “Kingdom of God is

at hand.” More importantly, we will

see that Jesus is the Messiah (the

King) and that His Kingdom is already

in the midst of his people (Mk 12:34).

Indeed! Jesus is the fulfillment of the

Kingdom of God. Unlike John the

Baptist, he does not speak of one who

is to come. He does not point to

another future leader. He is the King

- the long awaited Messiah.

Reflecting on our call to be prophetic, and priestly people

in the manner of Christ, we are also called to share in His

Kingly mission. As the Gospel of Mark unfolds this year,

see how Jesus’ Kingship is made manifest through his

miracles, forgiveness, and charity.

As Christians, sharing in his Kingly Mission, we are called

to dispense the graces of his Kingdom through acts of

forgiveness and charity as well.

Question

How do you dispense and administer mercy and forgiveness

as a member of the royal household of God?

The group prays the following:

Spirit of Truth,

speak to me.

Spirit of Love,

abide in me.

Spirit of Mercy,

heal me.

Jesus,

Let me be your Voice of Truth.

Let me be your Heart of Love.

Let me be your Hands of Mercy.

The prayer continues with Psalm 95

Response: If today you hear his voice,

harden not your hearts.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;

let us acclaim the rock of our salvation.

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us bow down in worship;

let us kneel before the LORD who made us.

For he is our God,

and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:

“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,

as in the day of Massah in the desert,

Where your fathers tempted me;

they tested me though they had seen my works.”

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Conclude with an Our Father

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Father in Heaven, as your Spirit of Truth, Love, and Mercy

sent your Son on Mission, we are called and sent by the

same Spirit to carry on the mission of Jesus Christ. Help us

not to fear our calling but celebrate our share in the

proclamation of the Good News. Amen.

Commentary

1st Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Last week, we reclaimed our mission to be Prophetic,

Priestly, and Kingly people in the manner

of Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we are all called to be prophetic

people. But, how are we to carry out this portion

of our three-fold mission?

Our First Reading gives us an example of what it means to be

prophetic. God directed the Prophet Jonah to proclaim to the

Ninevites that the Lord was displeased with their town and,

should they amend their lives, they would be spared. Because

of his prophetic message, the people of Nineveh repented and

God rewarded them.

It should be noted that Jonah was a reluctant prophet. He did

not care for the Ninevites and would have preferred to have

God’s wrath come down upon them. He even ran away from

God in order to avoid his prophetic calling.

Many Christians would prefer not to be prophetic. For some,

they would prefer to have God’s wrath remove sinners from

the earth. For others, they would prefer having others (priests,

deacons, catechists) proclaim the Gospel. We can all be reluctant

prophets! But, to be Christian means to be prophetic. We

are called by name and we are sent on mission.

Question

What keeps me from wanting to proclaim Christ to others?

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 7:29-31

St. Paul provides in these few short lines a message of

spiritual abandonment. Recognizing that this world is

“passing away,” he calls us to let go of what normally

occupies us in this life and then submit to God.

St. Francis of Assisi gives similar words of

abandonment:

“Make me a channel of your peace

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned

In giving to all men that we receive

And in dying that we’re born to eternal

life.”

We would not even consider abandoning

ourselves unless Jesus himself abandoned his life first. As

the High Priest, he laid down his life as a sacrifice upon the

cross for our sake. Abandoning His life, we are granted life.

We are not only called to have a share in the Prophetic

mission of Christ. We are also called to participate in His

Priestly Mission. Following the Lord who laid down His

life for us, we are called to abandon ourselves to this world

as we embrace an everlasting world with God.

Question

How are you abandoning things of this world?

Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

A great deal of this Year’s Gospel Readings will come from

the Mark. Back in Advent, we were already introduced to

Mark’s Gospel as we reflected on John the Baptist. John

the Baptist, as you recall spoke of one

who was to come (Mk 1:1-8). After

John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan (Mk

1:9-13), Jesus does not speak of one

who is to come. Rather, he speaks of a

“Kingdom that is at hand.”

As the Gospel of Mark unfolds, we

will see how the “Kingdom of God is

at hand.” More importantly, we will

see that Jesus is the Messiah (the

King) and that His Kingdom is already

in the midst of his people (Mk 12:34).

Indeed! Jesus is the fulfillment of the

Kingdom of God. Unlike John the

Baptist, he does not speak of one who

is to come. He does not point to

another future leader. He is the King

- the long awaited Messiah.

Reflecting on our call to be prophetic, and priestly people

in the manner of Christ, we are also called to share in His

Kingly mission. As the Gospel of Mark unfolds this year,

see how Jesus’ Kingship is made manifest through his

miracles, forgiveness, and charity.

As Christians, sharing in his Kingly Mission, we are called

to dispense the graces of his Kingdom through acts of

forgiveness and charity as well.

How do you dispense and administer mercy and forgiveness

as a member of the royal household of God?

This Week's Task

January 22, is the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of

the Unborn. As a prophet, speak out for those who are

voiceless. As a priest, offer a prayer for the unborn. As a

royal member of God’s Kingdom, bless those who do not

understand the value and sanctity of life.

Prayer

The group prays or sings the following from the late composer,

Lucien Deiss :

Priestly people,

Kingly people,

holy people.

God’s chosen people,

sing praise to the Lord.

We sing to you, the Shepherd,

Who leads to the kingdom;

We give you praise,

Who gather all your sheep

In the one true fold.

Priestly people,

Kingly people,

holy people.

God’s chosen people,

sing praise to the Lord.

The prayer continues with Psalm 25

Response: Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;

teach me your paths,

Guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my savior.

R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Remember that your compassion, O LORD,

and your love are from of old.

In your kindness remember me,

because of your goodness, O LORD.

R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Good and upright is the LORD;

thus he shows sinners the way.

He guides the humble to justice

and teaches the humble his way.

R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Conclude with an Our Father

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Opening prayer

Father in Heaven, as your Spirit of Truth, Love, and Mercy

sent your Son on Mission, we are called and sent by the

same Spirit to carry on the mission of Jesus Christ. Help us

not to fear our calling but celebrate our share in the

proclamation of the Good News. Amen.

Commentary

1st Reading: 2 SM 3:3-10, 19

In the Hebrew tradition, names were very important.

Each name revealed an identity. It

would often express a certain purpose for the

individual.

The name Samuel, as in our reading today,

means, “Name of God.” It can also mean, “God has heard.”

It is interesting to note that Samuel was called by God even

though he was young and not “even familiar with the Lord.”

There is something very new and beautiful about the introduction

of this young prophet. Sharing the “Name of God,” he

shares the identity of the Lord himself who begins something

new. Recall, that it is Samuel who anoints the first two kings

of Israel: Saul and David. In essence, it is as if God himself is

taking charge by picking this person out of obscurity to begin

something incredibly new.

In times past, Catholic families were expected to choose a

Christian name for their children at Baptism. While this practice

is still encouraged, we recognize that each person baptized

is called by the most important name of all: Christian.

May we bear the name of Christ always as we are called and

sent on His mission!

Question

What does your name mean?

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 6:13-15, 17-20

As our Christian name gives us our identity, our faith and

baptism in the Lord gives us our essence.

We are not merely Christian in name. Through the grace of

Baptism, we are Christian in fact. Now, we have a share in

the divinity of Christ who humbled himself

to share in our humanity.

This is why St. Paul reminds us that our

“bodies are members of Christ.”

We should remember that when we were

Baptized, our whole human nature was

“born again.” Not just our soul, but our

body as well.

Many Christians have the idea that when we die, we will no

longer have need of our body. But, this is bad Christian

theology. In fact, we were designed to be human (Body and

Soul), and we are to be redeemed as fully human as we

share in the divine nature of Christ. When the Lord comes

again in glory, he will raise us up - body and soul - in a

glorified way.

Question

Do you see your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?

Gospel: John 1:35-42

John the Baptist calls Jesus, the “Lamb of God.” The

disciples call the Lord, “Rabbi (teacher).” Andrew calls

Jesus the “Messiah.” Jesus calls Simon, “Peter” (meaning,

rock).

Our Church has always celebrated the

three-fold mission of Jesus Christ as

Priest, Prophet, and King. 1) As Priest,

Jesus lays down his life freely as the

sacrificial “Lamb of God.” 2) As

Prophet, Jesus is the greatest “Rabbi

-Teacher” of Truth, for he is Truth

Himself. 3) As King, Jesus is the long

awaited “Messiah” who comes to set

us free.

This three-fold mission of Christ is

the mission of the Church. For this

reason, we see how the name of Peter

is closely associated with the names

given to Jesus in these few versus at

the beginning of John’s Gospel.

As Church, we accompany Jesus on

mission, for he is our head and (as St. Paul reminds us in

the Second Reading), we are members of His Body. Sent

by the Holy Spirit, the whole Christ, head and members,

are on the same mission.

As Church, we all participate in the Priestly, Prophetic, and

Kingly (or Royal) mission of Jesus the Christ.

Question

How do you fit within the mission of Christ and His

Church?

Task

1) Make a commitment to live out your priestly calling by

attending Mass every Sunday.

2) Make a commitment to live out your prophetic calling

by reflecting on the Truth as you read the Bible daily.

3) Make a commitment to live out your kingly-royal calling

by administering the mercy of Christ to others through

forgiveness and acts of charity.

Group Prayer

As participants on the Mission of Christ, the group prays the

following dismissals (heard at Mass) slowly:

• Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

• Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

• Go in peace.

The prayer continues with Psalm 40

Response: Here am I, Lord; I come to

do your will.

I have waited, waited for the LORD,

and he stooped toward me and heard my

cry.

And he put a new song into my mouth,

a hymn to our God.

R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Sacrifice or offering you wished not,

but ears open to obedience you gave me.

Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;

then said I, “Behold I come.”

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,

to do your will, O my God, is my delight,

and your law is within my heart!”

R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

I announced your justice in the vast assembly;

I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.

R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Conclude with an Our Father

Baptism of the Lord

Baptism of the Lord (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Loving Father,

as we conclude this Season of Christmas, may we celebrate

the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ who invites us to a

new birth in him through water and the Holy Spirit. We ask

this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives

and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever

and ever. Amen.\

1st Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7

The Feast of the Epiphany (celebrated

earlier) is a prayerful study of the Lord who

has been revealed to us. In many ways, the

Baptism of the Lord is a continuation of this same

revelation.

In this reading from Isaiah, there is no doubt that the one

who is to come will be a light for all people. Speaking for

God, Isaiah say, “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my

chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have

put my spirit.

The connection between this reading and the Gospel is

clear. Jesus, baptized in the Jordan, is the servant and son

in who God’s favor rests.

It is Jesus who will be the fulfillment of this promise. He

himself, and those who are baptized in His name, will be

the light for all nations (Jews and Gentiles alike).

Questions

In what way are you a light for the nations? How are you

sharing the light of Christ in your neighborhood?

2nd Reading: Acts 10:34-38

The early Church struggled with the idea that the Gospel

of Jesus Christ could be shared beyond the people of

Israel.

Certainly, Saint Paul was the primary apostle to the

gentile nation. Here, however, we see

Saint Peter sharing the same good news

that “God shows no partiality. Rather, in

every nation whoever fears him and acts

uprightly is acceptable to him.”

Most Christians are blood descendants of

gentile nations and have benefited from

the proclamation of the Gospel.

Regardless of blood, our identity as

Christian comes from our faith in Jesus and in our

baptism, where we are born again.

Question

What does it mean for you to be born again by water and

the Holy Spirit?

Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

There is only one Savior of the World. He would not be

one among the many “christs” (the word means king)

who have come and gone. He would be unique. He

would be unlike any other.

Even as great as John the Baptist

was to the people who followed him

to the Jordan, he says to Jesus, ” I

need to be baptized by you, and yet

you are coming to me?”

The true King is Jesus the Christ

who is baptized by John at the

Jordan. Revealed as God’s “beloved

Son” in whom God is “well pleased,”

the Holy Spirit rests upon Him

alone.

Mention need only be made that our

Baptism is not the same as Christ’s.

His Baptism is a theophany (a

revelation) of His true nature. He is

fully God (divine) and fully human.

Our Baptism celebrates the gift of sharing in His Divine

nature through the grace of water and the Holy Spirit.

Question

What does your Baptism mean for you?

Task for the Week

The Sacrament of Baptism is often called “The door of

the Church,” because it is the first of the seven sacraments

not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as

infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other

sacraments depends on it. It is the first of the three

Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the

Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy

Communion.

If you, or someone you know, has not been baptized,

contact your parish and speak to a deacon, priest, or lay

minister who will be happy to offer you assistance.

The group sings or says the following:

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Behold, I freely give

The living water; thirsty one,

stoop down, and drink, and live.”

I came to Jesus, and I drank

of that life giving stream;

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,

and now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“I am this dark world’s Light;

Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise,

and all thy day be bright.”

I looked to Jesus, and I found

in Him my Star, my Sun;

And in that light of life I’ll walk,

till traveling days are done.

The Prayer continues with Psalm 29

Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Give to the LORD, you sons of God,

give to the LORD glory and praise,

Give to the LORD the glory due his name;

adore the LORD in holy attire.

R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters,

the LORD, over vast waters.

The voice of the LORD is mighty;

the voice of the LORD is majestic.

R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

The God of glory thunders,

and in his temple all say, “Glory!”

The LORD is enthroned above the flood;

the LORD is enthroned as king forever.

R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Conclude with an Our Father

Epiphany

Epiphany (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Loving Father,

in this Season of Christmas, may we celebrate the birth of

our Saviour, Jesus Christ. As the Magi offered gifts to the

Christ-child, may we give to you our hearts of faith, hope,

and love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your

Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

One God forever and ever. Amen.

Commentary

1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

If Christmas is the celebration of the birth of

Jesus the Christ, the Feast of the Epiphany

celebrates WHAT his birth means for us. Our

1st Reading gives us a hint at what this season means.

We read from Isaiah that God promises to shine His glory

upon Israel. Of course, this is fulfilled at Christmas with

the star over Bethlehem. More importantly, the promise of

nations walking by the light that shines forth from Israel is

fulfilled in the reading of our Gospel with the Magi from

the East who find the King of kings under the star.

In Christ, there is a New Jerusalem where all people and

nations are gathered. This will be realized in a more

profound way at our celebrations of Easter and Pentecost

where we speak of a Heavenly Jerusalem. But, for now, we

sing with Isaiah: “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your

light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.”

As Christians, we are members of the New Jerusalem, a

beacon of light and hope for those who live in darkness.

Question

As part of the Heavenly Jerusalem, do you see yourself as

light of the world for others?

2nd Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

The WHAT of Christmas celebrated in this Feast of

Epiphany is also answered in our 2nd Reading. The birth of

Christ is not only for the people of Israel. While he is born

of David’s line, he is not only the king of the Jews. He is

King of the world.

St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians spells this

point out clearly. He says, “The Gentiles

are coheirs, members of the same body,

and copartners in the promise in Christ

Jesus through the gospel.”

Jews and Gentiles, following Christ Jesus,

are coheirs in the new and Heavenly

Jerusalem. The Promise of Isaiah is for all

who follow the Prince of Peace, King of kings, and Lord of

lords.

Question

What does it mean for you to be a coheir with Christ in the

Heavenly Kingdom (the New Jerusalem)?

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-2

The Church in the West (Catholics, Protestants,

Anglicans, etc.) celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany

within the Christmas Season (on January 6 or the Sunday

following).

In the East (Orthodox Church)

Epiphany is the celebration of the

Baptism of the Lord -- also landing

on January 6.

The Catholic Church recognizes

Epiphany to mean the journey of the

Magi who followed the star to

Bethlehem. (Catholics also celebrate

the Baptism of the Lord after the

Feast of the Magi).

Epiphany means, “manifestation or

insight.” For Christians, the Feast of

Epiphany means “the manifestation

of Christ.” For the Eastern Church,

the Baptism of the Lord recognizes

the vision or revelation of God

through the parted clouds, in the

form of a dove who rests upon Christ. For the Western

Church, the manifestation of Christ is a slow journey

that takes time. This is best celebrated in the Church on

this Feast of the Three Kings whose journey leads them

to Christ.

As we read in the Gospel of Matthew, the description of

the journey and the question of discerning who the Christ

child may be is longer than the actual time the Wise Men

spend with “the child and Mary his mother.”

Question

Is your discovery of Christ a one time event or a life long

journey?

This Week's Task

What is a journey without a journal?

As you journey with Christ this year, you may want to

begin a journal. Write down a few notes about your

prayer experiences, your insights from Mass, or personal

reflections from Scripture.

The group sings or says the following:

What child is this who, laid to rest,

on Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

while shepherds watch are keeping?

Refrain:

This, this is Christ the King,

whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

haste, haste to bring him laud,

the babe, the son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,

come, peasant, king, to own him;

the King of kings salvation brings,

let loving hearts enthrone him.

(Refrain)

The Prayer continues with Psalm 72

Response: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

O God, with your judgment endow the king,

and with your justice, the king’s son;

He shall govern your people with justice

and your afflicted ones with judgment.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Justice shall flower in his days,

and profound peace, till the moon be no more.

May he rule from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;

the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.

All kings shall pay him homage,

all nations shall serve him.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Conclude with an Our Father

Holy Family

Holy Family (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Loving Father,in this Season of Christmas, may we celebrate the birth ofour Saviour, Jesus Christ. Through the prayers of Mary andJoseph, may we grow closer to your Son who lives andreigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever andever. Amen.

Commentary
1st Reading: 3:2-6, 12-14

There are alternate First Readings for this Feast of the Holy Family. For the sake of retaining a common thread through the Second Reading and Gospel, we will concentrate on the Reading from Sirach. The Book of Sirach has a series of guidelines to help the children of God remain faithful to their covenant with God. This “rule of life” acknowledged a privilege that the Jews had with God. However, with that privilege came a great responsibility. In essence, people of God were expected to be stewards of the earth and of each other. It is from this perspective that we find Sirach promoting the responsibilities of family members as stewards of the family. He writes, “God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.” He adds, “My son, take care of your father when he is old.” There is a responsibility - a call to stewardship - laid upon the shoulders of all faithful people. On this Feast of the Holy Family, we see that stewardship begins at home.

Questions

How are you a steward of your home?

What responsibilities do you have toward your parents, children, and siblings?

2nd Reading: Colossians 3:12-31

Our Second Reading from Colossians offers us some practical tips on how to be stewards within our families. We are to put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, forgiveness and - above all - love. Marriage can be difficult. Children can be difficult. Siblings can be difficult. Parents and in-laws can be difficult. St. Paul realized these difficulties. However, as stewards of God’s creation and of each other, we are expected to tend to the Garden of Souls with the various gifts of virtues that God has placed in our storehouse. We don’t ask God for the ability to be more compassionate. We have compassion and we simply need to use it. We don’t ask for more patience. We reach into our toolbox and use the virtue of patience God has given us. We don’t ask for more love. We find the love that has been planted in our hearts and put it to work. 

Question

What virtues do you need to employ right now?

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Parents are the primary stewards of their children. They

are the primary role models, caregivers, and teachers of

faith.

However, parents can be molded,

receive care, and expand their own

horizons of faith through their

children.

How often are parents in awe when

their child says something profound?

How often are parents comforted by

the unsolicited kindnesses of their

little ones? How often are parents

amazed by the simple pieties of

their sons and daughters?

We can get a sense from today’s

Gospel that Mary and Joseph were

in awe as they presented their Son to

Simeon. St. Luke says, “The child’s

father and mother were amazed at

what was said about him.” They

also listened to Anna who so

lovingly spoke about their child.

Questions
As parents are models for children, children can mold

their parents. All family members can inspire the whole

family to be holy.

Who in your family has inspired you lately?

Task for the Week

In our Church, parents are encouraged to have their

children baptized before the age of reason (age 7). If you

or someone you know have children who have not been

baptized in the Church, consider contacting your local

parish to set up an appointment for baptism.

If a child is over the age of reason, they are to participate

in what is called The Rite of Christian Initiation. In this

case, the child would celebrate the three Sacraments of

Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist together. Ask

your parish priest or deacon for more information about

the Sacraments for your children.

PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY

Pope Francis

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

in you we contemplate true love,

to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our

families too may be places of communion,

authentic schools of the Gospel

and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

may families never again experience violence, rejection and division:

may all who have been hurt or scandalized

find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

make us once more mindful of the sacredness

and inviolability of the family,

and its beauty in God’s plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

graciously hear our prayer.

The Prayer continues with Psalm 128

Response: Blessed are those who fear the Lord and

walk in his ways.

Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,

who walks in his ways!

For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;

blessed shall you be, and favored.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his

ways.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine

in the recesses of your home;

your children like olive plants

around your table.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his

ways.

Conclude with an Our Father