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Our Sunday Reflection - January 14, 2024
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"Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will."
Psalm 40
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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
Last Sunday, on the feast of the Epiphany, we heard the familiar story of the magi, who, directed by the star to Bethlehem, find the baby Jesus. Today we hear of the first disciples, who, directed by John the Baptist, encounter the adult Jesus. That initial encounter changes the entire course of their lives, for, as Andrew insists to his brother Simon, “We have found the Messiah.” May our encounter with the Lord, here and elsewhere, influence the way we live our lives as well.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
God calls to us in unexpected ways. For young Samuel, it was his whispered name he heard in the night. Jesus called Saul when he was on his way to persecute Christians in Damascus. Today we hear him, as Paul, speak of our bodies as being temples of the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel, we hear Jesus call two disciples after they had been standing around talking with John the Baptist. As we hear God’s word proclaimed, let us listen for what God is saying to us today.Reflections
- Sometimes God’s voice comes out of the clouds loud and clear, as when Jesus is baptized. But when God calls one of us, it is often soft and unclear, as it is in today’s first reading. Only after twice mistaking God’s voice for his guardian Eli’s does Samuel respond to the LORD, and only then because Eli realized what must be happening. Much later, Elijah has a similar experience when he hears God’s voice in a tiny whispering sound. There was no fanfare when Jesus called for Andrew and his friend to come and follow. We should not wait till we are thrown to the ground like Paul or hear a thunderous voice from the clouds like Moses. God often calls in faint and subtle ways.
- Andrew clearly was enthralled with the Lord, for he stayed all day with him and recognized him as the Messiah. He could have stayed the night and chosen not to share Jesus’ attention with anyone else. But he didn’t. Late that afternoon he sought out his brother, told him that they had found the Messiah and brought him to Jesus. The invitation we receive is meant to be shared.
- Disagreements happen: differences of opinion or seemingly irreconcilable conflicts, and two people or two groups stop speaking to each other. Years go by and they end up forgetting how it came to this. Centuries go by and we wonder how we ever became separated. When Jesus called out, “Come, and you will see” (John 1:39), he did not lead his disciples to different places following different pathways. During this upcoming week of prayer for Christian unity, we would be wise to keep in mind that Jesus calls each of us to follow him and work to find a unified response to that call.
Question of the Week
What will I do during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to be one with other Christians?
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readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, January 14, 2024
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, January 14, 2024
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Offerings
The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS -
Reflections on the readings
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