Sunday Reflection (January 22, 2023)

Despite the difficulties of this phrase, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall” I suggest that the Church locally and the Church universally should foster it, but not in the sense of standing united to fight people or other religions or nations; rather, in the sense that we are united to do good in the name of Jesus Christ and to the glory of God. If we are divided our doing of good is lessened and weakened.
 
In 1 Corinthians (1:10-18), Paul attempts to persuade the Corinthian Christians to unite despite their differences. There was much good that they could accomplish together, but their divisions hindered that.  The same goes for us, the Church local and the Church universal: “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” If the proclamation of Christ crucified, we will have disagreements but may we in all things act charitably. We all follow a crucified Messiah who shows us a different way to live, and may we always be united in the extension of forgiveness in the hopes of reconciliation, kindness, compassion, and grace. 

Prayer for the Week (January 22, 2023-January 28, 2023)

Let us pray for Christ’s light to shine upon us: God, our heavenly Father, we thank you for sending Jesus as the light for the world. Shine into our darkness, so that we see God’s love, and follow in the way you show us. Amen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NZPB

                         

Devotion January 11, 2023

Devotion January 10, 2023

Prayer for the Week (January 8, 2023-January 14, 2023)

Let us pray that we love God in all things and above all things: Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you good things that surpass our understanding. Pour into our hearts such love towards you that loving you above all else, we obtain your promises which exceed all that we can desire, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NZPB

                         

Devotion January 4, 2023

Devotion January 3, 2023

Sunday Reflection (January 1, 2023)

God’s grace revealed in Jesus Christ is not only to be received but also a grace to be shared with others and that can indeed be mysterious on personal and social levels (Ephesians 3:1-12). For example, who would have thought 50 years ago that the US and a Vietnam controlled by the North would be on somewhat decent terms with the US? Also, think of the people with whom you have been reconciled in the passing of time.

Having been reconciled to our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit we share God’s grace as we seek to be reconciled with others. In the unfolding of this mystery, we pray for those who have yet to understand the mystery and majesty of God’s grace. May even our enemies see the light of God’s love through us because we have been enlightened and transformed by the light of God’s love. May God’s love shine forth through us in Christ’s Church and in our individual lives.

Prayer for the Week (January1, 2023-January 7, 2023)

Let us pray to God our Father that Christ be the light of all: God of all nations, peoples and cultures, on the day of the Epiphany you made bright your light and your love destined for all. Guide us on the ways of your Son. May your kindly light shine everywhere, so that all peoples praise you in their own language and enrich your Church with their own gifts. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Claretian Publications alt.