SOCL, Christmas2

Sunday January 05, 2025

We saw his glory, as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

See

We are at the start of the new civil year and beginning again is an invitation to look in two directions. What happened for me in the last year, both in my ordinary life and in my life as a believer, a person of faith? For what do I ask forgiveness? For what do I give thanks? We also look forward and the new beginning gives us a chance to start again on the Way of discipleship. Both thanksgiving and renewal are to be found in today’s readings. The Gospel is in invitation to wake up, to keep watch, to live fully the present moment under God, in whom we live and move and have our being.

Listen

Sirach 24:1-2, 8-12; Psalm 147; Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18; John 1:1-18

Reflect

(John 1: 1-18)

-John opens his Gospel with a profound reection on the meaning of creation, of life and of Jesus. Remember when you had a special awareness of the gift of life that lled you with gratitude to God for creation and the beauty and wonder of the world: ‘All things came into being through him and without him not one thing came into being.’

-We hear the gospel message frequently. Sometimes it goes in one ear and out the other. Then there are occasions when it made us feel more alive, times when it helped us see the way ahead, like a light that shines in the darkness. Recall when the gospel gave you hope in the midst of anxiety or sadness and helped you to see what action would be most life giving for you and for others.

-Bring to mind people who have had a prophetic voice in the world - speaking the truth for the world to hear, like as a witness to testify to the light. Some of these may have been public gures. Others were ordinary people who have helped you see the 'light' by the witness of their own lives and words.

-“No one has ever seen God. It is the only Son of God, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.” Jesus came to us to teach us about God and put a human face on God for us. For the people of his day, and for us, that was a mission of getting us to think again about how we see God and to believe in a God who is a God of love. Recall how the life and ministry of Jesus have changed your picture of God.

Pray

God most high, your only Son embraced the weakness of our esh to give us the power to become your children; your eternal Word chose to dwell among us, that we might live in your presence. Grant us a spirit of wisdom to know how rich is the glory you have made our own, and how great the hope to which we are called in Jesus Christ, the Word made esh who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit in the splendour of eternal light God for ever and ever.

References

Praise the Lord, Who Heals the Brokenhearted

SOCL, Name of Jesus

Cycle A,B,C

My mouth will speak Your praises, Lord; all flesh will bless Your holy name forever.

See

The name "Jesus" encompasses both promise and purpose. In Joseph's story, we see how God works through human acceptance to fulfill divine promises - a dream becomes reality, fear transforms into faith, and a name becomes the vessel of salvation. This name, which means "God saves," carries not just identity but destiny. When Joseph names the child, he does more than fulfill a legal requirement; he participates in God's plan of redemption. Today, this name continues to hold power - "at the name of Jesus every knee shall bend" - reminding us that in naming Jesus, we name our own salvation.

listen

Exodus 3:13-15; Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 1:18-25

Reflect

-Joseph moves from human calculation to divine trust, from quiet divorce to courageous acceptance. Consider your own journey of faith: When have you had to set aside logical plans to embrace God's seemingly impossible way? What fears needed transforming?

-The name Jesus means "God saves," while Immanuel translates as "God with us." Reflect on these twin promises in your life: How have you experienced both God's saving action and comforting presence? Which do you need most today?

-Through a dream, Joseph learns to see beyond appearances to divine reality. Think about the ways God communicates with you. When have unexpected messages or messengers helped you understand God's will more clearly?

-Like Joseph, we're called to participate in God's plan by our "yes." Consider the ways you're being invited to cooperate with divine purpose. What name is God asking you to honor through your actions?

Pray

Lord Jesus, whose name commands heaven's praise and earth's reverence, help us to honor your name not just with our lips but with our lives, that every moment might become a testament to your saving presence and every action might reveal your glory.

SOCL, Circumcision

Cycle A,B,C

For we are the circumcision, we who worship through the Spirit of God, who boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put our confidence in flesh.

See

In Jesus' circumcision, we witness a moment where ancient tradition meets divine innovation. This seemingly simple ritual carries profound meaning: it speaks of covenant, commitment, and the reconciliation between human custom and divine purpose. On the eighth day, Jesus not only receives his name but embraces the full weight of human religious experience. His circumcision marks the beginning of a journey that will transform external observance into internal grace, ritual purification into spiritual renewal. As we contemplate this moment, we're invited to consider our own journey from outer compliance to inner transformation.

listen

Genesis 17: 9-14; Psalm 19:8-9, 10, 11; Galatians 5: 3-6; Luke 2:21

Reflect

-The ritual marks Jesus' formal entrance into the covenant community. Consider the moments that have marked your own spiritual journey - baptism, confirmation, conversion. How have these external ceremonies reflected or sparked internal transformation in your life?

-Names in scripture carry deep meaning - Jesus' name, given by the angel, means "God saves." Reflect on times when God's saving presence has been revealed in your life. How does your identity as a Christian shape your daily choices?

-Mary and Joseph's faithfulness to tradition demonstrates how human customs can become vessels of divine grace. Think about the religious practices in your life. How do they move beyond routine to become encounters with the living God?

-This first shedding of blood points toward Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Consider the small daily sacrifices you're called to make. How do they connect you to the larger story of God's love and redemption?

Pray

Gracious God, as we contemplate Jesus' circumcision, help us move beyond external observances to that true transformation of heart where your law becomes love, your covenant becomes communion, and our traditions become encounters with your living presence.