Archive for month: December, 2024
Sunday Reflection upon John 1:1-18
What if God were one of us? God was in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament ambivalence about a God of violence has come to a definitive end with God’s revelation in Jesus Christ. We can no longer project our violent nature upon God. God has shown us differently in Jesus Christ when God became human. God is a God of love. The Holy Spirit, our constant companion, leads us in the way of Christ, reassuring us and supporting us as we enflesh a life of love and compassion.
Let us pray that the Lord Jesus grow within us and among us: God our Father, we give you all thanks and praise that you chose for your Son a human family. Through the example of Mary and Joseph, may we learn to make room for Jesus in our life, so that he grow within us and among us and make us more like him. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.
(Claretian Publications)
Sunday Reflection upon Philippians 1:1-11
John the Baptist’s preaching of repentance is a beacon of hope. It is a promise that God can transform our lives and the world through repentance, challenging our self-centered ways. Repentance is an assurance that we can change and make a difference in our lives and the lives of others, fostering a hope that extends beyond ourselves and our kin to our community and the world. When the opportunity presents itself, practice repentance and do good, knowing that the simple act of kindness and grace can bring about a better world.
Let us pray for the courage to do well what we must do in life: Our faithful God, give us the courage to welcome your Son by sharing what we have, doing what is right and just, and spreading peace. May your Son Jesus baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire so that he renews us by his love and our hearts overflow with joy because Jesus is alive among us. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord, Amen.
(Claretian Publications)
Let us pray that we anticipate the coming of Jesus our Savior: God our Father, you sent your Messiah into our world with the power of love and compassion. May all your people accept him in faith so that Christ be birthed and grow within us and among us. May your Church be faithful to the Gospel of justice and peace. Amen.
(Claretian Publications)
Sunday Reflection upon Philippians 1:1-11
Christian love is not blind love, but love informed by knowledge and insight, empowering us to determine the course of action to bring love to completion. How do we decide how to be more effective in living out the love of Christ in our location, culture, and world? The easy thing to do is to take no course of action and claim ignorance when working out love and concern for others. The difficult yet engaging task is to reason within ourselves and each other to determine the best course of action in working out love and concern for others. Yet, in so doing, God brings to completion his work within and among us. How can we be more effective in living out the love and compassion of God wherever we find ourselves so that this promise comes to completion: “Filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God” (Philippians 1:11 New Living Translation).
