King

Greetings on this the Monday after Epiphany
Readings: 1 Jn 3:22–4:6; PS 2:7bc-8, 10-12a; Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
Notes: The week between the celebration of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord.

1. Here we note the King has come.
2. The King is also anointed Messiah.
3. The King did not seek royal treatment but instead:

The Week Between:

• Monday – heal and cure us of our ills.
• Tuesday – feed us with super abundant bread (foreshadow of the Eucharist).
• Wednesday – walking on the water (command over the elements).
• Thursday – reading of the Prophet Isaiah and the fulfillment of the prophecy.
• Friday – curing a man full of leprosy and sending him to the priests.
• Saturday – John the Baptist yields to Jesus: He must increase; I must decrease.

First reading
Beloved:
We receive from him whatever we ask,
because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
And his commandment is this:
we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ,
and love one another just as he commanded us.

Responsorial Psalm
I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
this day I have begotten you.
Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession.”

Alleluia Verse
Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom
and cured every disease among the people.

Gospel Portion
From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,
“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

He went around all of Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,
and curing every disease and illness among the people.

This King did not get trapped in ceremony and pomp.

This is the Servant King who redeems and restores.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Addendum for Monday after the to the Baptism of the Lord (LOTH)

From Isaiah 9:5-6
A child is born, a son given to us:

• Wonder-Counselor
• God-Hero
• Father-Forever
• Prince of Peace

A Davidic King
by judgement and justice!

Intercessions

All the ends of the Earth have seen Jesus Christ, the saving power of God. Let us praise him and cry out in joy: Glory be to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Redeemer of all, you came to tear down the walls separating Jew from Gentile,
root out the prejudices which erode the depths of our humanity.

Through your incarnation and your birth you established your presence among us,
teach us to recognize the many forms of your presence in the Church and in one another.

You are the fullest revelation of God to men and women,
show us how we can assent to your word with integrity of faith and action.

You are God-with-us, wondrously transforming all creation,
let every heart, every voice, every deed throughout the universe now be transformed.

AMEN!!