Reflecting - Emmaus Journey



Reflecting on Sunday’s ReadingsJanuary 2021The following series is free, downloadable small-group materials based on each week’s Mass readings and taking into account the seasons of the liturgical year. Each study provides an introductory reflection on some aspect of the readings or on personal spirituality. Each of the readings is provided along with a few questions designed to engage the heart and stimulate the group’s discussion. These small-group materials will be provided on a continuing basis in monthly segmentsWe would suggest the following 60-to-90-minute format for the small group:Open with a moment of quiet reflection and prayer.Discuss the introductory reflection with a question or comment like, “What do you feel is important for us to grasp in this introduction?” or “What stood out to you from these opening paragraphs?” As the facilitator of the discussion be ready to share one or two things which were important to you from the introduction.Have someone read the First Reading and ask several people to share their answers to the reflection questions. Effective group-dynamic techniques should be used to further stimulate the discussion and affirm the participation.The Responsorial Psalm provides a reflective transition from the First Reading to the Gospel Reading, so have the Psalm read aloud. You may do this without additional comment, or you may want to draw their attention to something you feel is pertinent.You can either read this week’s Second Reading next and ask several people to share their answers to the reflection questions or cover the Second Reading after you cover the Gospel Reading. The Second Reading does not always have a clear connection to the other Sunday Mass readings, so do not feel like you need to force a connection. However, you can provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to draw a connection by asking, “How do you see this passage tying into the theme of the readings?” Move on to the Gospel Reading, repeating the process by asking several people to share their answers to the reflection questions.Approximately equal time for discussion should be given to each of the sections: Introduction, First Reading, Gospel Reading, and the Second Reading. Obviously, if one section is especially stimulating, you should give some additional time to discussing it.Close the discussion with group prayer, using various prayer formats.We trust that God will use these materials to make His Word more meaningful to you, both within the small group environment and during Mass as you hear the Scripture read and taught. We would appreciate knowing if you are using the Reflecting on Sunday’s Readings, and would welcome your feedback, either through the Emmaus Journey web page form, or by direct e-mail.Sincerely in Christ,Richard A. Cleveland Info@Reflecting on Sunday’s ReadingsTHE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD SUNDAY—January 3, 2021Introduction: During the past, several weeks of Advent we have been conscious of Christ’s light penetrating our darkened world. We have celebrated God’s grace manifested through his Son, Jesus, and gloried in this heavenly visitation. In the book On Being Human, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen explains, “But Christmas is not a man making himself a god, but God becoming a man, without ever ceasing to be God. In the first instance, there is exaltation or self-inflation by which man makes himself what he is not. In the second instance, there is humiliation, for God takes on the form and habit of man.” What a glorious truth!During Epiphany we celebrate the manifestation of Jesus the Christ to the Magi, which in turn represents the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. About these Gentiles Paul later says, “you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” No wonder the Magi fell down in praise and worship. Paul later explains, “Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ.” No wonder they experienced such joy.For many of us who have not experienced ostracism because of our race or social standing it is difficult to fathom the importance of this early and inclusive manifestation. Perhaps only a country like India where the caste system is so pronounced between the “untouchables” and the elite can we find a modern day parallel. Throughout the Old Testament Scriptures, though God chose and blessed the nation Israel, he always maintained the witness that the salvation of ALL MANKIND was at the heart of his concern and plan. Consequently, right from the beginning of Jesus’ earthly existence God chose to manifest the Savior to both Jew and Gentile. He was to be, and is, the Light of the World for all people for all time.In the midst of our rejoicing at the significance of this wonderful truth we must recognize that it also calls forth a gift response from us as it did the Magi. Not merely a gift of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but one of cooperation and participation in God’s concern and plan that all mankind might be united in Christ. “This is a task I wish to invite all local churches to undertake,” writes Pope John Paul II in At the Beginning of the New Millennium. “In each of them, gathered around their Bishop, as they listen to the word and ‘break bread’ in brotherhood, the ‘one holy catholic and apostolic Church of Christ is truly present and operative.’ It is above all in the actual situation of each local church that the mystery of the one People of God takes the particular form that fits it to each individual context and culture.“In the final analysis, this rooting of the Church in time and space mirrors the movement of the Incarnation itself. Now is the time for each local Church [and each individual] to assess its fervor and find fresh enthusiasm for its spiritual and pastoral responsibilities, by reflecting on what the Spirit has been saying to the People of God …”The Epiphany of the Lord, falling as it does at the beginning of a new year, provides an ideal reminder and opportunity to reassess our commitment to our Lord’s concerns and plans, and to align our lives and gifts with his. Begin this process by making a gift to Christ of a block of your time, where you can sit and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you through this realignment process. Every child adopted into a family receives not only the privileges and joys of belonging, but also the responsibilities. As Gentiles we should rejoice that we have been adopted into God’s family, and we also should rejoice that we can affirm our significance by sharing in its responsibilities and purposes. First Reading — Isaiah 60:1-61 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 Lift up your eyes round about, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be carried in the arms. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant, your heart shall thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LordIn what ways has Christ’s light been manifested to you?Responsorial Reading — Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-131 Give the king thy justice, O God, and thy righteousness to the royal son! 2 May he judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with justice! …7 In his days may righteousness flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more! 8 May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! …10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! 11 May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! 12 For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. 13 He has pity on the weak and the needy and saves the lives of the needy. Second Reading — Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-62 Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. … 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 that is, how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.What different aspects of our salvation are emphasized by the following terms; “fellow heirs,” “members” of Christ’s body, and “partakers of the promise”?Gospel Reading — Matthew 2:1-12 1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; 8 and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; 11 and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Where do you feel you are in your journey to make Jesus your Ruler and King?What do the titles “Ruler” and “King” imply to you about Jesus and our responsibilities as members of his kingdom?What precious gifts can you bring to Jesus as tokens of your love and worship?Scripture text is from the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, (New York: The National Council of Churches) 1997, c1994. Reflecting on Sunday’s Readings, Copyright 2002-2021, Richard A. Cleveland.Reflecting on Sunday’s ReadingsBAPTISM OF THE LORD SUNDAY—January 10, 2021Introduction: The Baptism of our Lord was made newly visible to me through an icon at a retreat in Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon. The icon showed a loincloth clad Jesus being helped by an angel into a flowing stream, surrounded by the faces of humanity. With one foot on the bank and the other submerged well into the stream the icon depicted Jesus’ willingness to enter into our humanity and identify with us in our need. Imagine, he who knew no sin allowed himself to be numbered among sinners, among those who responded to John’s call for confession of, and repentance from their sins.During this act of humiliation and solidarity with humanity the Father testifies about his Son and anoints him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Catechism explains, “The messianic consecration reveals his divine mission, for the name ‘Christ’ implies ‘he who anointed,’ and ‘the very anointing with which he was anointed.’ The one who anointed is the Father, the one who was anointed is the Son, and he was anointed with the Spirit who is the anointing.” Thus, in this baptismal event his earthly ministry as the Messiah was inaugurated. His baptism was a twofold witness, first the witness of Jesus testifying of those he came to save, and secondly by the Father testifying that Jesus was in fact the Savior. The Lord’s baptism, like his incarnation and crucifixion definitively answers for all time the question of the Father’s love for us. For in each of these salvation events, the incarnation, baptism, and crucifixion, Jesus identifies with us in our stained humanity. In each instance as Jesus identifies with us the Father reaffirms that he is “well pleased” with Jesus, for he knows that Jesus is making possible that which has been impossible. “So, it happened not only that the Lord was being baptized—he also was making new the old creation. He was bringing the alienated under the scepter of adoption. For straightway ‘the heavens were opened to him.’ A reconciliation took place between the visible and the invisible. The celestial orders were filled with joy, the diseases of the earth healed, secret things made known, those at enmity restored to amity. … So, when the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove and the Father’s voice spread everywhere, it was fitting that ‘the gates of heaven should be lifted up.’” (Hippolytus in “The Discourse on the Holy Theophany,” from Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, Vol. II.)As we worship and reflect together on the Baptism of the Lord, we should take hope and receive challenge. Our hope rests in the witness of the Father, and of the Scriptures that Jesus has fully entered into our humanity and into our spiritual dilemma. The book of Hebrews says that he was “tempted as we are, yet without sin.” As we slog our way through the muck and mire of life it is easy to get discouraged not only with our own sinfulness and disobedience but also with that of the world around us. How easy it would be to choose to give up, or to wallow in guilt and discouragement at our spiritual and practical shortcomings. But the baptism of our Lord should give us hope that by entering into our humanity he also understands our battles. The author of Hebrews encourages us that Jesus is “a high priest, who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses,” and encourages us to “then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Where does his humility and obedience in baptism leave us? How are we to identify with him? In what ways does his mission now rest on us who are his body? Jesus later refers to his death on the cross as a baptism with which he is to be baptized. Does not our gratitude for his identification with us both in the baptism of water and the baptism of the cross demand our identification with him in life and mission? We should be challenged by the grace which Jesus’ humility bestows on us to also identify with others willingly in their humanity by bestowing his grace on them.First Reading — Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-71 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him, he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not fail or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. … 6 “I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.How would you describe in your own words the Lord’s mission as explained in this passage?Why do you think that justice is such an important issue with God?Responsorial Reading — Psalm 29:1-4, 9-101 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy array.3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, upon many waters. 4 The voice of the Lord is powerful, the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. …9 The voice of the Lord makes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forests bare; and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king for everSecond Reading — Acts 10:34-3834 And Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the word which he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 the word which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with himWhat are some of the ways in which we can demonstrate that God shows no partiality?Gospel Reading — Mark 1:7-117And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; 11 and a voice came from heaven, "Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased."How do you view both Jesus’ willingness and his decision to be baptized?How does this incident in Jesus’ life testify to his authenticity as God’s Son?What does this passage regarding Jesus’ baptism reveal about the Trinity?Scripture text is from the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, (New York: The National Council of Churches) 1997, c1994. Reflecting on Sunday’s Readings, Copyright 2002-2021, Richard A. ClevelandReflecting on Sunday’s ReadingsSECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—JANUARY 17, 2021Introduction: “How can I know the will of God?” is one of the questions most frequently asked Christian leaders. This question comes from a natural longing for certainty, and a natural aversion to having to live by faith with only partial light. With some it is asked in an atmosphere of fear, believing that they might somehow miss solving life’s puzzle and suffer for it. Often the question is asked in genuine sincerity, however, at other times it is only used as a smoke screen to enable a person to practice continued disobedience. The implication of the question is, “If I know what God wants me to do, I’ll do it.” This week’s readings help to shed some light on knowing God’s will.A godly older friend of mine always precedes any discussion about knowing God’s will, by stating, “Ninety percent of knowing God’s will is using the wisdom God has already given us.” He is referring to the fact that God’s Word, Christ’s character, and Church teachings provide abundant principles and values for knowing how to live. If we just use our mind to learn and grasp these truths, ninety percent or more of daily decisions will be clear to us. In addition, the assumption is that God isn’t endeavoring to hide his will from us, rather, because we are his instruments, his earthly body through which he often works his will, he delights to reveal his will to us.Samuel discovered God’s will regarding a specific, unusual situation by doing two simple things; he listened, and he responded to God’s call. For many of us the biggest handicap to overcome in discovering God’s will is the handicap of being spiritually deaf, deaf because we choose not to listen. Because of the dissonance or static which our lifestyles create we often cannot hear God speaking unless he is hollering at us—which is not his normal mode of communication. I do not know many Christians who are in open rebellion against God, however, it is not uncommon to find Christians floundering without purpose or direction in a passive state of non-commitment. In some cases, Christians are clearly living contrary to God’s revealed will, that will which we can easily discover by using the wisdom God has given us. We need to learn a lesson from Samuel and schedule moments of solitude in our lives, where we can stop, and do nothing but listen, listen, listen for the still, quiet voice of God. When Samuel heard God speaking, prompted by Eli, he was ready to do God’s will; he responded, “Speak Lord, for thy servant hears.” When the disciples began to discover Jesus and inquire after him, Jesus simply said, “Come and see.” Both Samuel and the disciples responded in obedience. In fact, the root meaning of the word obedience is to listen attentively or “attentive hearkening.” In each case God began to unfold his will to these individuals. They did not see ahead, months and years down the road, but they saw far enough to respond in obedience to what God had revealed. God’s will for you also will become apparent if this coming year finds you listening attentively.“Praying is first and foremost listening to Jesus, who dwells in the very depths of your heart. He does not shout. He does not thrust himself upon you. His voice is an unassuming voice, very nearly a whisper, the voice of a gentle love. Whatever you do with your life, go on listening to the voice of Jesus in your heart. This listening must be an active and very attentive listening, for in our restless noisy world God’s loving voice is so easily drowned out. You need to set aside some time each day for this active listening to God if only for ten minutes. Ten minutes each day for Jesus alone can bring about a radical change in your life.” ** Show Me The Way, by Henri J.M. Nouwen in, (page 28).First Reading — 1 Samuel 3:3-10, 193 the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down within the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 And the Lord came and stood forth, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for thy servant hears.” …19 And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the groundWhen have you had an experience of God getting your attention?Responsorial Reading — Psalms 40: 1, 3, 6-9 (2, 4, 7-10 NAB)1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. … 3 He put a new song in my mouth,a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. …6 Sacrifice and offering thou dost not desire; but thou hast given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering thou hast not required.7 Then I said, “Lo, I come; in the roll of the book it is written of me; 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God; thy law is within my heart.” 9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; lo, I have not restrained my lips, as thou knowest, O Lord.Second Reading — 1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-2013 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! … 17 But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.What do you learn about your body from the 1 Corinthians passage?Explain how we “glorify God” in our body.Gospel Reading — John 1:35-4235 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying; and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). What does the expression “Lamb of God” tell us about Jesus? Who do you identify with in this encounter?If Jesus were to ask you, “What do you seek?” what would you answer? Scripture text is from the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, (New York: The National Council of Churches) 1997, c1994. Reflecting on Sunday’s Readings, Copyright 2002-2021. Richard A. Cleveland.Reflecting on Sunday’s ReadingsTHIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—JANUARY 24, 2021Introduction: We are now three weeks from having made our New Year’s resolutions. For some these resolutions have already been long discarded, for others the need remains to inaugurate what often are lightly made resolves. The difficulty with New Year’s resolutions is that they are seldom driven by any eternal mandates, but rather by simple, wishful thinking. Consequently, resolutions are usually begun with difficulty and abandoned with relief. Do you remember in the year 2000 when Pope John Paul II declared a year of Jubilee? In his encyclical The Coming of the Third Millennium he explained, “that the Jubilee was a time dedicated in a special way to God”1 that takes place every fifty years. Because in Bible times people’s welfare was closely tied to the agrarian culture and to the possession of land by which they could make a decent living, these years of jubilee freed people from indebtedness and returned to them their ancestral lands. So we see in Leviticus 25:10, “And you shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants; it shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his family.”2 Pope John Paul II suggested that the Jubilee year should become a “year of the Lord’s favor, a year of the remission of sins and of the punishments due to men, a year of reconciliation between disputing parties, a year of manifold conversions and of sacramental and extra-sacramental penance, … commemorate the event of the Redemption: the Cross of Christ, his death on Golgotha and the Resurrection.”3 Now that is a resolution we can get our teeth into!Imagine what would transpire in our life, in the life of the Church, and in the life of this nation if each of us experienced the full meaning of forgiveness, and each of us granted the full measure of forgiveness to others. Imagine what it would be like for reconciliation to again exist in families, and among individuals and groups of individuals who have previously been at odds with one another. What would take place if reconciliation were to become a reality within Christ’s body? Would we not experience such a massive scale of conversions that we would be overcome with joy? Would we not truly experience the joy of Jubilee?We are now in the twentieth year of this millennium, this “new springtime of evangelization” of which Pope John Paul II spoke. No lightly made resolve can turn this millennium, or even this coming year, into a Jubilee-like experience. Only a genuine time of reflection, penance, and surrender to Christ the Lord will enable us to make this both an immediate and a lifelong commitment to action. Upon recalling Jesus’ advent and mission the Holy Spirit can enable us to reproduce in our lives individually and collectively the forgiveness, reconciliation and renewed freedom Jesus brought in the past, and promises for the future. Consequently, as we release others from their guilt by granting them our forgiveness, we experience afresh, and magnify the joy of our own forgiveness as we remember how Jesus releases us from our guilt. Perhaps now, this coming week, we should set aside a time of reflection to nail down a real Jubilee-like resolution, driven by eternal values which will be life changing not only for us but also for others. “Until we forgive, we cannot be free. Until we forgive, we are enslaved, in chains to the past, in bondage to hurtful memories. We can only be healed through forgiveness, and we can only gain freedom through forgiveness.”41-3 On the Coming of the Third Millennium, an Apostolic Letter by Pope John Paul II (12).4 Living with Contradictions by David Steindl-Rast (page 64).First Reading — Jonah 3:1-5, 101 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth. 4 Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s journey. And he cried, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” 5 And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. …10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God repented of the evil which he had said he would do to them; and he did not do it.1.What message do you think God wants proclaimed to cities today?2.What lesson(s) does Jonah’s expectations and the Ninevites’ response teach about conversion?Responsorial Reading — Psalms 25:4-94 Make me to know thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation; for thee I wait all the day long.6 Be mindful of thy mercy, O Lord, and of thy steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth, or my transgressions; according to thy steadfast love remember me, for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord!8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.Second Reading — 1 Corinthians 7:29-3129 I mean, brethren, the appointed time has grown very short; from now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, 31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the form of this world is passing away.3.How do you feel about the time that has been allotted to you?4.To what extent do you think God has appointed you the time that he has, for a particular purpose?Gospel Reading — Mark 1:14-2014 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” 16 And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him. 5.What if any is the correlation between “repent and believe” and “follow me?”6.What would compel a person to “follow Jesus” as definitively as did these disciples?7.Explain what it means to “follow” Jesus. Should following Jesus be equally as demanding today as it was in the New Testament?8.What are the “nets” in your life which God is calling you to abandon to follow him?Scripture text is from the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, (New York: The National Council of Churches) 1997, c1994.Reflecting on Sunday’s Readings, Copyright 2002-2021, Richard A. Cleveland.Reflecting on Sunday’s ReadingsTHE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—January 31, 2021Introduction: In one of Aesop’s fables an old Mother Crab says to her son, “Why do you walk sidewise like that my son? You ought to walk straight.” The little crab responds by asking, “Show me how, dear Mother, and I’ll follow your example.” Though the Mother Crab tried in vain to walk straight she could only move sideways. She quickly saw how unreasonable her advice to her son was. The moral of the fable is obvious, it is easier to tell than to do, and an example is more authoritative than is a lesson.Jesus came teaching with authority as we learn in this week’s Gospel Reading. He advanced his ministry by being the Master Teacher. Jesus communicated truth in simple but powerful word pictures, parables, and then reinforced his teachings by using his miraculous power to heal and do good. Intertwined throughout, he lived an exemplary life responding to lepers, tax collectors, prostitutes, and his dearest friends with the same consistent love and righteousness. Jesus’ teaching authority did not come from utilizing the latest teaching techniques, or by practicing recommended communication skills. His authority came from within, from who he was, Emmanuel, God with us, and from the truth he taught—the very Truth of God. He lived and shared truth that transcended mere human wisdom, no matter how insightful our earthly wisdom may be. In a similar way, those who followed were able to share in this authority when they allowed God’s truth to flow through them unpolluted by human understanding.Not many of us are called to publicly teach, speaking for God and on his behalf. Perhaps that is fortunate. But like the old Mother Crab mentioned by Aesop in his fable, we spend a lifetime teaching character and values of one kind or another. We do this not primarily by what we say, but most certainly by how we live. Usually our example speaks so loudly, that others cannot hear what we are saying. What an awesome responsibility is then laid at our feet; to communicate Truth by our lives. Jesus is attempting to authoritatively communicate to those around you the truth and love of God, and he has chosen you to be his simple but powerful word picture. You have been chosen to be his living parable and invited to be a living icon of Jesus Christ. The purpose of an icon, as C. S. Lewis explains, “is not to fix attention upon itself, but to stimulate and liberate certain activities … in the worshipper.” This is the role of an example; to authoritatively focus people’s attention on the Lord of our life, so that they in turn can be freed to worship him. What an awesome invitation is given us to illustrate his message of grace and love.Pope Paul VI explains it this way; “… for the Church, the first means of evangelization is the witness of an authentically Christian life, given over to God in a communion that nothing should destroy and at the same time given to one’s neighbor with limitless zeal. As we said recently to a group of lay people, ‘Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.’ St. Peter expressed this well when he held up the example of a reverent and chaste life that wins over even without a word those who refuse to obey the word. It is therefore primarily by her conduct and by her life that the Church will evangelize the world, in other words, by her living witness to fidelity to the Lord Jesus—the witness of poverty and detachment, of freedom in the face of the powers of this world, in short, the witness of sanctity.”* Our lives of chastity, reverence, sanctity and obedience to Jesus empowers and brings authority to the Church’s message of Jesus and his Kingdom, and our effectiveness as his living witness.* From Evangelization in the Modern World by Pope Paul VI, 94).First Reading — Deuteronomy 18:15-2015 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren—him you shall heed— 16 just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17 And the Lord said to me, ‘They have rightly said all that they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not give heed to my words which he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. 20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.”1.What is the prophet’s primary concern?2.Why do you think people do not heed the messages from God?Responsorial Reading — Psalms 95:1-2, 6-91 O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! …6 O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would hearken to his voice! 8 Harden not your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 when your fathers tested me, and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.Second Reading — 1 Corinthians 7:32-3532 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; 33 but the married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried woman or girl is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit; but the married woman is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please her husband. 35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.On a scale of 1–10, with 1 being purely your desires, and 10 being totally God’s will, how would you evaluate your driving force for making life’s decisions?What are three characteristics of undivided devotion?Gospel Reading — Mark 1:21-2821 And they went into Capernaum; and immediately on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; 24 and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.Who is the most effective teacher you have known? What made this person effective?Describe the difference between teaching with authority and teaching without authority.How can we allow Jesus’ teachings to be more authoritative in our lives?Scripture text is from the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, (New York: The National Council of Churches) 1997, c1994. Reflecting on Sunday’s Readings, Copyright 2002-2021, Richard A. Cleveland. ................
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