Devotion January 9, 2024

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Sunday Reflection (January 7, 2024)

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Why have we in Christ’s Church been chosen? Is it for arrogance? Eternal Fire Insurance? Or does it have nothing to do with arrogance or figuring out the ultimate judgment? “We are chosen “to be holy and blameless in love (Ephesians 1:4).  Christian holiness and blamelessness are bound up with love and not self-righteousness and arrogance. Christians should be different in the way they treat others: We have been caught up in God’s plan for the ages and our part is “to be holy and blameless in love” (1:9-10).

Prayer for the Week (January 7, 2023-January 13, 2024)

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Let us pray being grateful for the glory revealed in Jesus Christ: Father of light, you reveal to the faithful the resplendent beauty of the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ. Your light is strong, your love is near; draw us beyond the limits which the world imposes to the life where your Spirit makes all life complete. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who eternally dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more.  Amen.

                                                                                          (Sunday Missal, alt.)                    

               

                                   

                         

Sunday Sermon January 7, 2024

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Sunday Sermon December 31, 2023

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Sunday Reflection (December 31, 2023)

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In the fullness of time, we Gentiles have been adopted as God’s own in Christ’s Church, yet our adoption as God’s own does not mean we are better or more special than Jews (Galatians 4:4-7). Rather, we have been adopted as God’s children so that, alongside Israel, we display God’s love and kindness to the world.  How have we Christians done?
 
The history of Christianity demonstrates that on social and personal levels we have rejected the light of God’s love. We Christians have done things that Jesus Christ would never have endorsed because the “fullness of time” revealed by Jesus Christ is not about hatred, prejudice, or violence. Rather, it is about love, kindness, mercy, peace, and justice. When we enflesh love, kindness, mercy, peace, and justice the world will know what God is like (Isaiah 61:11).

Prayer for the Week (December 31, 2023-January 6, 2024)

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Let us pray to God that we be open to the coming of his Son among us: Glory to you, God, our Father in heaven, for showing us the depth of your love in Christ Jesus. May we be aware of the poverty of our hearts, so that he make us rich with his forgiveness and life. Lead us to a desire for goodness and justice and fill us with concern for all who suffer. We ask this in the name Christ. Amen.

                                                                                          (Claretian Publications)                    

               

                                   

                         

Sunday Reflection (December 24, 2023)

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Besides the shepherds, the Magi, and Joseph and Mary, few recognized that a special king had been born in the manger far away from the intrigue and comfort of power, wealth, and prestige. The Blessed Virgin Mary had been chosen to bear the Christ child (Luke 1:26-38). With this announcement to Mary, the line of David was no longer simply a historical accident. Rather, it is an essential factor in God’s plan of salvation for the whole world. The throne of David is conferred upon Jesus. Nathan’s prophecy of “a kingly promise” is fulfilled: Christ is the legitimate descendant of David’s throne.
 
This throne is not limited to earthly power, it is heavenly and includes the claim to universal sovereignty. This “kingly promise” went well beyond David’s imagination. We Gentiles have been incorporated into this kingdom of love, and our King is especially concerned about the poor, the oppressed, and the outcast, as this beautiful song of Mary (Magnificat) relates (Luke 1:47-55). As Christ was formed with Mary, may Christ be formed within us and among us!

Prayer for the Week (December 24-December 30, 2023)

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Let us pray to our Father that we be receptive to the coming of his Son: God, the Most High Lord of all, you have a preference for the small and humble. You chose Mary, the unassuming virgin from Nazareth to become the mother of Jesus. Through your Holy Spirit make us aware of the poverty of our hearts so that we be open to you and welcome you as Mother Mary. Amen.

                                                                                          (Claretian Publications)                    

               

                                   

                         

Sunday Sermon December 24, 2023

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