4 January The Epiphany of the Lord
“They were overjoyed at seeing the
star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated
themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him
gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Mt 2:10-11).
Communion Connection –
Like the magi, we go seeking. We
journey through life searching for fulfillment because we’re made to long for
more – we’re made to long for God. And like the magi, we can find God revealed
in the world around us – born unto us in unexpected places. He is in the poor
man trying to feed his family, in the sick and dying child, in the woman crying
for mercy. He is in the love extended to us by others who reach out to touch
us. Let’s respond as these magi did – let’s lay down our lives for Him, and
give ourselves away to Him.
Additional Catholic Resources:
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Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/herod-and-the-magi/950/
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USCCB Daily Reflections Video http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid506929354001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAdgye3dk~,p0Zv3iru3vLtuHJC18uO4sBMTKhhmskf&bclid=0&bctid=3863272336001
11 January The Baptism of the Lord
Communion Connection –
Jesus is the object of the Father’s love and He comes up out of the
waters of baptism filled with His Holy Spirit. In return, the love for his
Father, Abba, so fills the heart of Jesus that He surrenders to His Father’s
will throughout his life on earth and through eternity. This is the same Holy
Spirit, the same holy love, that is poured on us at our Baptism. Through the
Spirit, we too are beloved children of God, joined with Jesus Christ on a
mission of love to the world.
Additional Catholic Resources:
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Audio Homily by
Fr. Robert Barron http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/vitae-spiritualis-ianua/987/
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USCCB Daily
Reflections Video http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid506929354001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAdgye3dk~,p0Zv3iru3vLtuHJC18uO4sBMTKhhmskf&bclid=0&bctid=3922119192001
18
January Second
Sunday of Ordinary Time
Communion Connection –
Heard – followed – told – brought.
Andrew shows us what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus. He hears
of the presence of Jesus in his midst. Caught by awe, he follows Jesus, eager
to know Him. Then, filled with excitement at his new found revelation of
Christ, Andrew cannot contain his experience; he has to share it. Andrew does
what any one of us would do – should do. He reaches out to one he loves,
wanting his brother to experience the same amazing Goodness and Truth. (ADD ONE LOGO HERE)
Additional Catholic Resources:
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Audio Homily by
Fr. Robert Barron http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/staying-with-the-lord/951/
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Order of
Carmelites Lectio http://ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/lectio-divina-2nd-sunday-ordinary-time-b
25
January Third Sunday in
Ordinary Time
Communion Connection –
The words of Jesus show us the way to enter the kingdom of God – to
repent and believe in the Gospel. This means changing one’s life radically and
accepting the Word that God, in and through Jesus, speaks to humanity of all
times. How often this Word of Life can give light to us each day! Every time we
come up against our own weakness or that of others, every time following Jesus
seems to be impossible or absurd, every time problems threaten to overwhelm us,
this Word can give us wings, be like a breath of fresh air, an encouragement to
start again. And then if it is possible for us to share this experience with friends
who have also taken the Gospel as their code of life, then we will see the
Christian community bud or blossom again around us.
Additional Catholic Resources:
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Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-time-of-fulfillment/826/