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
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