Weekly Bulletin - January 2008
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- 06 - Epiphany of the Lord
- 13 - Baptism of the Lord
- 20 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
- 27 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
The unfolding of the story of the Incarnation continues today as the Church celebrates the Epiphany. The tale of the magi from the East is one of the most fascinating in all of scripture. It has much to teach us about what we can come to expect, even in circumstances and places that may seem insignificant or small. Bethlehem was a tiny town, what we might refer to today as a town without even one stop light. Yet it is over this seemingly insignificant place that the guiding star stops in its own search for the place where the Savior would be born. Too often we fail to recognize the fact that the star of Bethlehem comes to rest in our everyday lives, where we can experience God’s presence, manifested in ever new ways. Epiphany calls us to shake off our stupor and recognize the One who comes to save us. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
Only one week has passed since we celebrated the feast of the Epiphany. No longer are we focused on the images of the child Jesus surrounded by his parents and the magi at the manger in Bethlehem. Today, it’s as if the Church has pushed the “fast forward” button in the life of Jesus. Today we celebrate his baptism in the Jordan. When the Lord Jesus rises from the waters of baptism, the heavens open and a voice announces, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This event sets the stage for the unfolding of Jesus Christ’s life and work, which will become our focus for the rest of the year as we tune our ears to Saint Matthew’s Gospel. As we prepare ourselves for this work, let us be reminded that we, too, were counted among God’s beloved at the moment of our own baptism. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
Today we begin with one of the “servant songs” from the book of Isaiah, a song prophetic of Jesus’ ministry of service. Isaiah’s mission is not only to bring back the children of Jacob to gather in Israel; it is also to be “a light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). Jesus Christ, as servant, will be the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy and the basis of the new. This Sunday we begin a series of readings from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Here Paul is identified by his mission: he is an apostle of Jesus Christ. The church at Corinth to whom he addresses this letter is also identified: it is part of the universal church of God. The Corinthians are called to holiness, as are all Christians. Though the feast of the Baptism of the Lord was celebrated last Sunday, today’s Gospel also alludes to the importance of that event. The reading emphasizes that Jesus “outranks” John: his baptism in the Spirit will eradicate sin. Jesus accepts John’s baptism, even though it is he himself who is the Lamb of God. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co
While you may have to reach for an atlas to determine that Isaiah is speaking about Galilee, today’s first reading (part of which was read at Christmas) is prophetic of Jesus’ future ministry in that province. The light that brings salvation and rejoicing is, ultimately, Christ. Liberation is the theme: liberation from both ignorance (“darkness”) and sin (the “yoke”). As Isaiah identifies a place, so Paul describes an attitude: the attitude that develops, even among good people, of equating their own will with the common good. This always brings dissension, and so it has done in Corinth. Paul will not allow this; we are all members of “Christ’s party.” The gospel is not to divide us. Matthew quotes from Isaiah in today’s Gospel, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies. The theme is “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). To spread this message, Jesus begins to select disciples, four of whom we meet today: Peter, Andrew, James, and John.© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
