Greetings on this the Monday after Epiphany
Readings: 1 John 3:22–4:6; Psalm 2:7bc-8, 10-12a; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
Summary
Re-reading this reflection years later, I am struck by how little the call has changed—and how much the world around us has. The invitation to “go another way” remains perennial, because it is not first a change of direction, but of desire.
Yesterday in the gospel portion the Magi having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Another way. A different way. A changed way. These days between the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord, we too having encountered Jesus, are challenged to go a new way. The gospel portions this week speak to this new way. Ways we can imitate Christ in accordance with our time, talent and resource.
- Monday (today) – The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry. [Jesus] 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.
- Tuesday – The Feeding of the Five Thousand. He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.”
- Wednesday – The Walking on the Water. “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down.
- Thursday – The Rejection at Nazareth (begins with his mission statement). The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
- Friday – The Cleansing of a Leper. “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.”
- Saturday – Final Witness of the Baptist. [John speaks in regards to Jesus] So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.
Reflection
The mini summary of the gospel portions this week (from Epiphany to Baptism) can be thought of as a road map. A new way.
How can we imitate Jesus this week?
- Monday – Proclaim the gospel by our actions. Aiding the sick in some fashion.
- Tuesday – Feed the hungry.
- Wednesday – Have courage. encourage others to face life with hope.
- Thursday – In our own way declare the Spirit is upon us and we are anointed to likewise.
- Friday – Make the outcast clean. The ostracized welcomed.
- Saturday – Realize (in the end) it is Jesus who empowers and provides. Our egos cloak the Lord from being seen by others.
Personal Reflection
This very week is our journey home again. A renewal because of a renewed encounter. And wonderfully on Sunday next, a heartfelt renewal of the Baptismal promise. For those in Christian formation, the promise ahead made present!
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010625.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry