- Admin
- Jan 15, 2024
- 3 min read
Sunday January 21, 2024
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near
See
The journey of life inevitably brings up the question what should I be, who should I become? Is life a maze or a labyrinth? Is it just round and round or is there a way out? How will I be as a spouse, a parent, a partner, a church member? Within the Christian project, do I feel myself called to “activate” my baptism is some particular ministry or contribution? Such discernment will take in the grateful acknowledgement of my gifts as well as an examination of my inner generosity of spirit. In reality, we are all called by the Lord to build up the body of Christ. It is not a question of if but rather of how.
Listen
Psalm 24, Lord, This Is the People That Longs to See Your Face
Reflect
(Mark 1:14-20)
-“The time is fulfilled” – this is a decisive moment in the life of Jesus. His public ministry is about to begin. Recall turning points in your own life when something new happened and with hindsight you can say the time was ripe for it to happen, “the time was fulfilled.”
-“Repent and believe the good news”. Jesus called for a change of heart, as a response to the good news of the gospel message. A new level of faith in yourself leads to a new way of seeing yourself. A new way of understanding God leads to a conversion in how we relate to God, a change of heart. A growth in awareness of who we are can lead us to a new level of self-confidence, another change of heart. Can you recall times when “good news” led you to a change of heart?
-The Spirit of God, who was at work in Jesus calling the disciples, continues to work in our day and in our lives. That is why the gospel message is one of good news. In the everyday events of our own lives we can see the grace of God at work. When have you had what you would consider a “call experience” that led you to a different style of life? Who was the “Jesus person” through whom the call came to you? To whom have you been a “Jesus person” in this way?
Pray
Your sovereign rule, O God, draws near to us in the person of Jesus your Son. Your word summons us to faith; your power transforms our lives. Free us to follow in Christ’s footsteps so that neither human loyalty nor earthly attachment may hold us back from answering your call. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
Act
-Daily Discernment Practice: Set aside time each day for self-reflection on your Christian calling. Acknowledge your gifts, assess your inner generosity, and consider how to actively contribute to building the body of Christ.
-Integrate Christian Values: Infuse Christian values into daily roles as a spouse, parent, partner, or church member. Set intentions for each role, aligning actions with love, compassion, and support. Regularly assess your conduct to ensure alignment with Christian beliefs.
-Purposeful Life Journey: Embrace life as a meaningful journey with a clear purpose. Establish a routine of prayer or meditation, seek guidance from mentors, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. By approaching life with a sense of direction, find fulfillment in daily experiences.
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024j, January 21). Third Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012124.cfm
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/
