Pope Francis has proclaimed today “The Sunday of the Holy Word of God”. This is a good time to start or continue to read the Bible. As we get into the Liturgical Year, we will be reading from Matthew’s Gospel. So, it might be good to start there. Read a little, pray a little and let it all sink in.
It goes without saying that there are many connections in the Bible. Most of our first reading from the Prophet Isaiah is quoted in today’s Gospel as Jesus begins his public ministry, after his baptism in the Jordan. Isaiah preaches hope to his people. Jesus is the fulfillment of that hope. He preaches the Word of God. Then he calls his first disciples and he has been calling disciples ever since.
In our second reading, St. Paul admonishes the Church at Corinth because they have started to divide themselves into competing groups according to who baptized whom. Paul reminds them and us that Jesus is the one who really counts. The Lord is my light and my salvation!
Since this is the last Sunday in January, I’ll ask the dreaded question again: How are your New Year’s Resolutions going? Praying more?
Plan ahead! I have reserved the Berta Shelter at St. Patrick’s Park for August 30 for our Annual Picnic. It is the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Augustine. I promise it will not snow that day!
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.