SOCL, 2B24

Sunday January 14, 2024

Look, here is the Lamb of God!

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See

It is beneficial to take breaks every now and then and reflect on the question, what is it that I am searching for? This inquiry can be addressed from two perspectives: the idealistic viewpoint of "what do I believe I should be seeking?" or the realistic standpoint of "what do I genuinely desire based on my choices and actions?" In order to transition from one perspective to the other, we require the valuable attribute of dissatisfaction. As Augustine eloquently stated in his sermon, "You must possess a sense of discontentment with your current state if you ever aspire to reach a state that you have not yet achieved." This sentiment emphasizes the significance of acknowledging our dissatisfaction as a driving force for personal growth and transformation. Furthermore, it reminds us that the path to self-improvement begins with introspection and a willingness to challenge our current circumstances. Consequently, embracing our dissatisfaction becomes a catalyst for embarking on a journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment.

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Listen

1 Samuel 3:3-10,19; Psalm 40 (39); 1 Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20; John 1:35-42

Psalm 40, Here Am I, Lord; I Come To Do Your Will

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Reflect

(John 1:35-42)

-John pointed the disciples towards Jesus as the one they should follow. Remember the people in your life who have pointed you in a new and life-giving direction? Perhaps in some cases this may have involved directing you away from your association with them—e.g., leaving home, changing jobs, etc.

-Accepting an invitation to “Come and see” may be part of exploring a new path in life. When has this been so for you? Who issued you the invitation? What benefits came to you from accepting the invitation?

-Andrew did not keep the good news to himself but also invited his brother to join him in following Jesus. What is your experience of receiving, or giving, an invitation to join in some worthwhile venture?

-Jesus looked at Peter and could see what he would become. Who have been the people who have been able to name for you your potential? For whom have you been able to do this?

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Pray

From our earliest days, O God, you call us by name. Make our ears attentive to your voice, our spirits eager to respond that, having heard you in Jesus your anointed one, we may draw others to be his disciples. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

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Act

-Daily Reflection on Goals: Take time each day to reflect on your aspirations and actions, asking both the ideal and real questions. This helps align daily choices with long-term goals.

-Embrace Discontent for Growth: View dissatisfaction as a catalyst for personal development. Regularly assess areas of discontent, using it as motivation for positive change and improvement.

-Periodic Self-Progress Checkpoints: Set regular checkpoints to assess your satisfaction with life. Reflect on progress towards goals, ensuring proactive adjustments to stay on track with your ideals.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024h, January 14). Second Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011424.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/

SOCL, BaptismB

Sunday January 07, 2024

The Baptism of the Lord

Reflection

In all our lives, there are “before and after” moments, whatever they might be (parenthood, marriage, career, etc.). In my life as a disciple, can I name any particular “before and after” moments? This probably won’t include baptism, because mostly we were just babies. But later, what happened to bring faith alive and to help me grow up as a believer? Such reflection may help us grasp the significance of John’s baptism for Jesus himself. For him, it was a true “before and after” event, sustained by the ringing affirmation, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Gospel, Mark 1:7-11

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me.I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Pointers for prayer

-John gives an example of humility as a person confident in his own role but not seeking to claim to be more than he is. He is able to acknowledge that Jesus is greater. There is freedom in being able to acknowledge the gifts of others without losing a sense of one’s own giftedness. Recall times when you were able to do this.

-The baptism of Jesus was an extraordinary religious experience for him. Something happened that was a major step forward for Jesus in coming to know that he was the beloved Son of God. We all have events in our lives that are milestones along the road to discovering who we are. What have been these milestones for you?

-“You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Bring to mind memories of experiences in which you knew you were the beloved (of God or of another person) and that the one who loved you was well pleased. Bring these experiences to mind with gratitude, knowing that the only proper response to love received is thankfulness. Perhaps you have also given that experience to another.

Action

God of salvation, in the river Jordan, you bathed your Son Jesus in glory and revealed him as your obedient servant. In spirit and in power, rend the heavens and come down to us. Strengthen us to acknowledge your Christ so that we, who are reborn in his likeness, may walk with him in the newness of life. Grant this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

The Word today, The Baptism of the LordB24

January 08 - January 13, 2024

Monday 08 January

1 Samuel 1:1-8 Today we start, at a distance, the important story of King David, a story to be followed for the next couple of weeks. The Samuel of the title was a religious leader who found and anointed the first kings of Israel. Today’s opening verses present us with the challenge of childlessness. The husband’s understanding and affection are very touching.

Mark 1:14-20 We start today a fresh reading of the Gospel of Mark: may God gives us a listening heart to hear it afresh today!

Tuesday 09 January

1 Samuel 1:9-20 In the Bible, there are “story patterns” that recur. One of these story types regularly tells of a woman who has no children of her own. This is a cause of suffering and supplication. Eventually, by God’s intervention, the woman becomes pregnant. Christians are familiar with this kind of story from the Luke’s accounts of the birth of John the Baptist and the birth of Jesus. Our passage today includes a critique of the priesthood, because Eli the priest does not discern what is happening.

Mark 1:21-28 Jesus speaks (and acts) always from within, from the inside, so to speak, of his own authority

Wednesday 10 January

1 Samuel 3:1-10,19-20 This is one of the great stories of call and vocation in the Bible. Once more, the priest Eli is slow to understand. Eventually, however, it dawns on him that God is calling the boy, Samuel. The turning point is in the words “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening,” picked up perfectly by the Psalm.

Mark 1:29-39 Our Gospel reminds us of the sources of Jesus authority and spirituality: his prayer.

Thursday 11 January

1 Samuel 4:1-11 Today the reading introduces a second important element in the story of 1 and 2 Samuel: the ark of the covenant. The ark of the covenant was a piece of furniture, a kind of chest or box, used to symbolise God’s presence among the people. The presence of the ark gave power to its owners and the loss of it meant a corresponding loss of power. In our story, the loss of the ark and the killing of the sons of Eli are read as a punishment.

Mark 1:40-45 The compassion of Jesus is both immense and immediate. The leper inspires us to recognise our need of God.

Friday 12 January

1 Samuel 8:4-7,10-22 This brilliant passage conveys the unease in the Bible with monarchy as such. This may come as a surprise, but listen carefully to all the reasons why a monarch would be a bad idea. But the real objection is the rejection of God as the only true king over Israel. The desire “to be like any other nation” will, in the very long term, lead to disaster and exile.

Mark 2:1-12 This Gospel passage is really about us: we too are carried by others; we too have our sins forgiven; we too learn to walk again in the light of Gospel.

Saturday 13 January

St Hilary of Poitiers, bishop

1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1 Restoring the missing verses would make the reading clearer and more entertaining.

Finally, we are told of the anointing of the first king over Israel, Saul. The somewhat enigmatic story of the finding of Saul is meant to be a sign that he was God’s choice.

Mark 2:13-17 Our story is meant to be provocative on several levels: Jesus goes to the “wrong” people and, even worse, insists he was not sent to the conventionally holy who may not really know their need of God.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024d, January 8). The Baptism of the Lord. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010824.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/