Sunday Reflection (January 1, 2023)

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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)

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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.
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Prayer for the Week (December 18, 2022-December 24, 2022)

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Let us pray that we welcome Christ: God, we eagerly await the coming of your Son among us. Prepare us to receive him when he comes by recalling that he came to us in poverty and humility. May the Holy Spirit lead us to discover Christ in the simplicity of everyday life and everyday people. Accustom us to your Son and his ways, for he is our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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Devotion December 14, 2022

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Devotion December 13, 2022

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Sunday Reflection (December 11, 2022)

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The book of James notes (5:7-11) if things do not happen as fast as we like or the way we want it, we are apt to grumble and complain against one another. Impatience makes it easy to criticize and complain rather than work out solutions. Nevertheless, do not be discouraged: While waiting for the Lord’s return, plant seeds of hope in obedience to God and his revelation in Jesus Christ. In due time the harvest will come, so do not lose heart and do not give up! Keep helping one another, defending the defenseless, embracing the poor, loving our enemies, and yes, forgive in the hopes of being reconciled as God has reconciled us to God and one another through Jesus Christ. We await with anticipation the full flowering of God’s kingdom. As we anticipate a new and better world, it is our Christian obligation and responsibility to foster a society that is concerned about the least of these and the most vulnerable (Matthew 11:2-6).

Prayer for the Week (December 11, 2022-December 17, 2022)

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Let us pray that people recognize Christ within us and among us: Lord of hope and joy, through the Holy Spirit you are near to us: May it become visible that Christ lives within us and among us when we are near to one another and bring hope and justice to the world, especially to the poor and to those who suffer. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Sunday Reflection (December 4, 2022)

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Reflecting upon verses from Deuteronomy, a Psalm, and the prophet Isaiah, the Apostle Paul points out that God’s special blessing for the world came through one particular Jew, Jesus of Nazareth. (Romans 15:8-13). Through God’s mercy, the Gentiles (non-Jews) have been brought into fellowship with the God of Israel. God’s grace is poured out upon all.
God’s grace ultimately triumphs over violence and hatred. Because of God’s grace towards us, may we not resort to violence and hatred. Rather, may we receive others as friends when the opportunity presents itself. Paul challenges us to receive and welcome one another (Romans 15:7) “unto the glory of God!”

Prayer for the Week (December 4, 2022-December 10, 2022)

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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

                         

Devotion November 30, 2022

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