How are the New Year’s Resolutions going? I hope the one to pray a little more is one of the ones you are keeping. We really need to ask the Prince of Peace for peace in our time.
Martin Luther King Day is celebrated on Monday, January 20 this year. Celebrate this great man by doing something nice in his honor. This can help bring about the promised land he saw from the mountain top the night before he died!
As we begin Ordinary Time in our Liturgical Year, we have three readings that tell us of our callings. In our first reading, Isaiah is called to be a light to the nations.
In our second reading Paul is called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.
In our Gospel, we have John the Baptist fulfilling his call by pointing out Jesus, who is about to begin his public ministry.
Through Baptism, we are all called to show Jesus to all around us. Let your light shine!
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Venerable Father Tolton Prayer: Father in Heaven, the Venerable Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.