3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Reading I: Isaiah 8:23-9:3 II: 1Cor 1:10-13,17

Gospel
Matthew 4:12-23

¹² Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee;
¹³ and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Caper'na-um by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,
¹⁴ that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
¹⁵ "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--
¹⁶ the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned."
¹⁷ From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
¹⁸ As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
¹⁹ And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
²⁰ Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
²¹ And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
²² Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
²³ And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

Interesting Details

"Kingdom of heaven" is identical to "Kingdom of God." At that time and even now, the Jews avoid the word "God" out of respect. Other words or circumlocations were used to convey the same meaning.
It is through the Church that Christ, and thus God, is present among all people. Through the Church, Christ calls everyone to eternal salvation. Kingdom of God is therefore the Church between the first and second coming of Christ.
Jesus was a good strategist. He had a keen sense for geography, timing and people:
* Galilee was at the crossroads of the area. Major highways from Egypt to Syria ran through this area. Galilee was a small area but very fertile, and it had a large population. The smallest village had more than 15,000 people. Capernaum, considered to be the base of Jesus' ministry, was a Galilean medium-size town of different nationalities on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
* Jesus called the fishermen during the off-season, when men commonly leave their fishing to others for awhile to follow some group interest.
* According to John 4:35-42, Simon, Andrew, James and John had met Jesus before this episode.
Because of Jerusalem, the Judeans looked down on the Galileans as "country bumkins." Since Nazareth was in Galilee, Jesus was considered a Galilean.
Fishery at the time of Jesus' public ministry was a major industry at the Sea of Galilee. Simon, Andrew, James and John probably were not poor folks but successful business men with a secure and stable lifestyle. Nets, boats, and family ties were signs of success among peer groups.
Traditionally, disciples sought out a Rabbi to learn about the Law in order to become Rabbis themselves. In contrast, Jesus, a Rabbi, seeks disciples. Other Rabbis teach the Law. Jesus preaches the new Kingdom of God and seeks personal loyalty to His way.

Synagogue was like a town center where the Jews gathered for community activities and religious ceremonies, e.g., teaching, administering of the Law, punishment. These religious ceremonies are not sacrificial in nature; sacrifices could be performed only in the temple.

One Main Point

BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD TOGETHER WITH CHRIST

Jesus announced the beginning of the new Kingdom of God, which is on this earth. Penance and repentance are the prerequisites to enter this kingdom. This Kingdom of LOVE and HOLINESS is for all regardless of race or nationality. By this announcement, our Lord implies that God has intervened in a special way to save mankind. He also implies that we must be open to God's grace and reform our ways; we must take side, either with Him or against Him. Signified by the calling of Simon, Andrew, James and John into the Kingdom of God, Jesus invites us to join Him as His companions to participate in building the Kingdom of God. It is a mission.

Reflections

Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James and John when He PASSED by as they were carrying on their daily tasks. Can I recognize God's call in my daily life to be His companion? Has God ever called on me?
Contemplate the attitude of Simon, Andrew, James and John when Jesus invited them to follow Him when He PASSED by. What would be my attitude in responding to God's calling?
The Church is the Kingdom of God now. How do I feel about the Church? In the concept of ministry and mission, what have I contributed in building the Church?

Sunday, January 23, 2011
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading:
Psalm:
Second Reading:
Gospel:

Isaiah 8:23 -- 9:3
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17

Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.

-- St. Rose of Lima

The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

"Aren't you glad your mother didn't have an abortion?"

It's kind of sad that what jumped out at me was this from the Epistle:

I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.

Yeah, that hasn't worked out so well over the centuries.

I thought of FR too when I heard it last night.

Office of Readings and Invitatory Psalm

Office of Readings

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.

Introduction

O God, come to my aid.

O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen. Alleluia.

Hymn

Hail, day! whereon the One in Three

First formed the earth by sure decree,

The day its Maker rose again,

And vanquished death, and burst our chain.

Away with sleep and slothful ease!

We raise our hearts and bend our knees,

And early seek the Lord of all,

Obedient to the Prophet’s call:

That he may hearken to our prayer,

Stretch forth his strong right arm to spare,

And, every past offense forgiven,

Restore us to our home in heaven.

Assembled here this holy day,

This holiest hour we raise the lay;

And, O, that he to whom we sing,

May now reward our offering!

Most Holy Father, hear our cry,

Through Jesus Christ our Lord most High

Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee

Doth live and reign eternally.

Psalm 144 (145) The greatness and goodness of God

I will bless you day after day, O Lord. Alleluia.

I will praise you to the heights, O God, my king –

I will bless your name for ever and for all time.

I will bless you, O God, day after day –

I will praise your name for ever and all time.

The Lord is great, to him all praise is due –

he is great beyond measuring.

Generation will pass to generation the praise of your deeds,

and tell the wonders you have done.

They will tell of your overwhelming power,

and pass on the tale of your greatness.

They will cry out the story of your great kindness,

they will celebrate your judgements.

The Lord takes pity, his heart is merciful,

he is patient and endlessly kind.

The Lord is gentle to all –

he shows his kindness to all his creation.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

I will bless you day after day, O Lord. Alleluia.

Psalm 144 (145)

Your kingdom, Lord, is an everlasting kingdom, alleluia.

Let all your creatures proclaim you, O Lord,

let your chosen ones bless you.

Let them tell of the glory of your reign,

let them speak of your power –

so that the children of men may know what you can do,

see the glory of your kingdom and its greatness.

Your kingdom stands firm for all ages,

your rule lasts for ever and ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

Your kingdom, Lord, is an everlasting kingdom, alleluia.

Psalm 144 (145)

The Lord is faithful in all his words and loving in all his deeds. Alleluia.

The Lord is faithful in all his words,

the Lord is holy in all his deeds.

The Lord supports all who are falling,

the Lord lifts up all who are oppressed.

All look to you for help,

and you give them their food in due season.

In your goodness you open your hand,

and give every creature its fill.

The Lord is just in all his ways,

the Lord is kind in all that he does.

The Lord is near to those who call on him,

to all those who call on him in truth.

For those that honour him,

he does what they ask,

he hears all their prayers,

and he keeps them safe.

The Lord keeps safe all who love him,

but he dooms all the wicked to destruction.

My mouth shall tell the praises of the Lord.

Let all flesh bless his holy name,

for ever and ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

The Lord is faithful in all his words and loving in all his deeds. Alleluia.

My son, listen to my words.

– Turn your ear to what I am saying.

Reading	Deuteronomy 18:1-22 ©

True and false prophets

The levitical priests, that is to say the whole of the tribe of Levi, shall have no share or inheritance with Israel; they shall live on the foods offered to the Lord and on his dues. This tribe is to have no inheritance among their brothers; the Lord will be their inheritance as he promised them.

These are the priests’ dues from the people, from those who offer an ox or a sheep in sacrifice: the priest is to be given the shoulder, the cheeks and the stomach. You must give him the first-fruits of your corn, your wine, your oil, as well as the first of your sheep’s shearing. For the Lord your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand before the Lord your God, to do the duties of the sacred ministry, and to bless in the Lord’s name, him and his sons for all time.

If the Levite living in one of your towns anywhere in Israel decides to come to the place the Lord chooses, he shall minister there in the name of the Lord his God like all his fellow Levites who stand ministering there in the presence of the Lord, and shall eat equal shares with them, no count being taken of the claims he has on the levitical families for the goods he has sold.

When you come into the land the Lord your God gives you, you must not fall into the habit of imitating the detestable practices of the natives. There must never be anyone among you who makes his son or daughter pass through fire, who practises divination, who is soothsayer, augur or sorcerer, who uses charms, consults ghosts or spirits, or calls up the dead. For the man who does these things is detestable to the Lord your God; it is because of these detestable practices that the Lord your God is driving these nations before you.

You must be entirely faithful to the Lord your God. For these nations whom you are dispossessing may listen to soothsayers and diviners, but this is not the gift that the Lord your God gives to you: the Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like myself, from among yourselves, from your own brothers; to him you must listen. This is what you yourselves asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the Assembly. “Do not let me hear again” you said “the voice of the Lord my God, nor look any longer on this great fire, or I shall die”; and the Lord said to me, “All they have spoken is well said. I will raise up a prophet like yourself for them from their own brothers; I will put my words into his mouth and he shall tell them all I command him. The man who does not listen to my words that he speaks in my name, shall be held answerable to me for it. But the prophet who presumes to say in my name a thing I have not commanded him to say, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.”

You may say in your heart, “How are we to know what word was not spoken by the Lord?” When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord and the thing does not happen and the word is not fulfilled, then it has not been spoken by the Lord. The prophet has spoken with presumption. You have nothing to fear from him.

Responsory

I will raise up a prophet for my people, and I will put my words into his mouth: he shall tell them all I command him.

I will send them my own dear Son. He is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world. He shall tell them all I command him.

Reading	From the constitution on the sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council

Christ is present to his Church

Christ is always present to his Church, especially in the actions of the liturgy. He is present in the sacrifice of the Mass, in the person of the minister (it is the same Christ who formerly offered himself on the cross that now offers by the ministry of priests) and most of all under the eucharistic species. He is present in the sacraments by his power, in such a way that when someone baptises, Christ himself baptises. He is present in his word, for it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church. Finally, he is present when the Church prays and sings, for he himself promised: Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst.

Indeed, in this great work which gives perfect glory to God and brings holiness to men, Christ is always joining in partnership with himself his beloved Bride, the Church, which calls upon its Lord and through him gives worship to the eternal Father.

It is therefore right to see the liturgy as an exercise of the priestly office of Jesus Christ, in which through signs addressed to the senses man’s sanctification is signified and, in a way proper to each of these signs, made effective, and in which public worship is celebrated in its fullness by the mystical body of Jesus Christ, that is, by the head and by his members.

Accordingly, every liturgical celebration, as an activity of Christ the priest and of his body, which is the Church, is a sacred action of a pre-eminent kind. No other action of the Church equals its title to power or its degree of effectiveness.

In the liturgy on earth we are given a foretaste and share in the liturgy of heaven, celebrated in the holy city of Jerusalem, the goal of our pilgrimage, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, as minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle. With the whole company of heaven we sing a hymn of praise to the Lord; as we reverence the memory of the saints, we hope to have some part with them, and to share in their fellowship; we wait for the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ, until he, who is our life, appears, and we appear with him in glory.

By an apostolic tradition taking its origin from the very day of Christ’s resurrection, the Church celebrates the paschal mystery every eighth day, the day that is rightly called the Lord’s day. On Sunday the Christian faithful ought to gather together, so that by listening to the word of God and sharing in the Eucharist they may recall the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God who has given them a new birth with a lively hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Lord’s day is therefore the first and greatest festival, one to be set before the loving devotion of the faithful and impressed upon it, so that it may be also a day of joy and of freedom from work. Other celebrations must not take precedence over it, unless they are truly of the greatest importance, since it is the foundation and the kernel of the whole liturgical year.

Responsory

As our priest, Christ prays for us; as our head, he prays in us; as our God, we pray to him, but let us recognise our voices in him and his voice in us.

When we pray to God, let us not separate ourselves from the Son, but let us recognise our voices in him and his voice in us.

Hymn	Te Deum

God, we praise you; Lord, we proclaim you!

You, the Father, the eternal –

all the earth venerates you.

All the angels, all the heavens, every power –

The cherubim, the seraphim –

unceasingly, they cry:

“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts:

heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory!”

The glorious choir of Apostles –

The noble ranks of prophets –

The shining army of martyrs –

all praise you.

Throughout the world your holy Church proclaims you.

– Father of immeasurable majesty,

– True Son, only-begotten, worthy of worship,

– Holy Spirit, our Advocate.

You, Christ:

– You are the king of glory.

– You are the Father’s eternal Son.

– You, to free mankind, did not disdain a Virgin’s womb.

– You defeated the sharp spear of Death, and opened the kingdom of heaven to those who believe in you.

– You sit at God’s right hand, in the glory of the Father.

– You will come, so we believe, as our Judge.

And so we ask of you: give help to your servants, whom you set free at the price of your precious blood.

Number them among your chosen ones in eternal glory.

The final part of the hymn may be omitted:

Bring your people to safety, Lord, and bless those who are your inheritance.

Rule them and lift them high for ever.

Day by day we bless you, Lord: we praise you for ever and for ever.

Of your goodness, Lord, keep us without sin for today.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us.

Let your pity, Lord, be upon us, as much as we trust in you.

In you, Lord, I trust: let me never be put to shame.

Let us pray.

All-powerful, ever-living God,

direct our steps in the way of your love,

so that our whole life may be fragrant

with all we do in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

Amen.

Catholic

Almanac:

Sunday, January 23
Liturgical Color: Green
Today the Church commemorates the Espousal of the Virgin Mary to St. Joseph. This feast was first celebrated in the early 1500's. Parents can look to Our Lady and St. Joseph as role models in raising their own children.

Spiritual Bouquet
A different meditation each time you click.

Meditations by Padre Pio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You are trying to find the highest good: but, in all truth, it is within you and holds you stretched out on the naked cross, instilling strength to sustain the insupportable martyrdom, and also to love bitterly. Say to Our Sweetest Lord, and say it always: "I want to live by dying, because from death comes life which does not dies and assists life to raise the dead".

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: January 23, 2011
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: All-powerful and ever-living God, direct your love that is, within us, that our efforts in the name of your Son may bring mankind to unity and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

RECIPES

Fall or Winter Sunday Dinner Menu

ACTIVITIES

Teaching About the Mass

PRAYERS

23rd

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Old Calendar: Third Sunday after Epiphany

As He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zeb'edee and John his brother, in the boat with Zeb'edee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah 9:1-4. This reading is another prophecy, concerning the messianic days, given by Isaiah in the eighth century B.C. It describes the new era of liberty and joy, which the future Messiah will usher in.

The second reading is from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 1:10-13, 17. St. Paul corrects the Corinthians for the pride that was causing them to form factions and divisions.

The Gospel is from St. Matthew 4:12-23. The prophet Isaiah announced a future of liberation and great joy for all of Galilee, through the image of light that dispels the darkness in which the people walk. The Gospel, quoting verbatim the same passage of the prophet Isaiah, presents Jesus as the Light thus fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. He is the light that was promised to dispel the darkness of sin and to free man from the obscurity in which he is enclosed.

The light becomes an efficacious means to express God’s involvement in human history. God manifests Himself as ‘The Light’ that disperses the darkness. The light illuminates, encircles, defines things, emphasises the colours and gives depth to space. The light heartens and comforts: to be in an enlightened place helps us to accept reality for what it is and makes one feel happier, more certain and protected.

God’s initiative with regard to men permits them to have a renewed relationship with reality. In God’s light everything assumes a new significance, its authentic and definitive meaning. A light which illuminates gives strength and permits the disclosure of the universe and man. This is why, after saying, ‘on those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone’ (Is 9:1), the text adds, ‘you have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing’ (Is 9:2).

A joy and happiness that became real in Jesus’ presence. He is the promised light that has come into our midst, His physical presence that expresses the definitive arrival of the Light. The light that shines brightly marks God’s initiative performing His first merciful and free step towards a wounded humanity.

This dynamic is expressed through Jesus call of the first Apostles. He chooses them with an unequivocal call, ‘Follow Me’. Faced with God’s sudden interruption in their lives He invited them to abandon the nets and trust themselves totally to the Lord for a new ‘catch’, a new definitive horizon. At the Last Supper, the end of His earthly life, Jesus reminds His disciples ‘you did not choose me, no, I chose you’ (Jn 15:16).

This Sunday’s Gospel invites us to remember that our personal vocation is founded on God’s original and absolutely free choice. His invitation towards us, therefore, is an invitation to make a final decision to let Him conquer or re-conquer us to mark a turning point in our lives.

Let us ask the Lord, for us and the whole Church, for the gift of a true conversion of our hearts enabling us to receive Christ as the only Light to follow. Christ is the only one that really dispels the darkness within and around us.

From the Congregation for the Clergy

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Today's Biblical Reflection is Empowered to Action in Prayer.

Following devotion to the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship and the breaking of the bread, the fourth mark of the earliest Church of Jerusalem is the life of prayer. It is experienced today as the necessary source of the power and strength needed by Christians in Jerusalem - as everywhere. The witness of Christians in Jerusalem today calls us to a deeper recognition of the ways we face situations of injustice and inequality in our own contexts. In all this, it is prayer that empowers Christians for mission together.

Prayer

Lord God our Father, we rejoice that in all times, places and cultures, there are people who reach out to you in prayer. Above all we thank you for the example and teaching of your Son, Jesus Christ, who has taught us to long in prayer for the coming of your Kingdom. Teach us to pray better as Christians together, so that we may always be aware of your guidance and encouragement through all our joys and distress, through the power your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Vatican Resources

Lauds -- Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer (Lauds)

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.

Introduction

O God, come to my aid.

O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen. Alleluia.

Hymn

Father, we praise thee, now the night is over,

Active and watchful, stand we all before thee;

Singing we offer prayer and meditation:

Thus we adore thee.

Monarch of all things, fit us for thy mansions;

Banish our weakness, health and wholeness sending;

Bring us to heaven, where thy saints united

Joy without ending.

All-holy Father, Son and Equal Spirit,

Trinity blessed, send us thy salvation;

Thine is the glory, gleaming and resounding

Through all creation.

Psalm 92 (93) The magnificence of the Creator

The Lord is wonderful on high. Alleluia.

The Lord reigns! He is robed in splendour,

clothed in glory and wrapped round in might.

He set the earth on its foundations:

it will not be shaken.

Your throne is secure from the beginning;

from the beginning of time, Lord, you are.

The rivers have raised, O Lord,

the rivers have raised their voices.

The rivers have raised their clamour.

Over the voices of many waters,

over the powerful swell of the sea,

you are the Lord, powerful on high.

All your promises are to be trusted:

and holy is your habitation,

O Lord, to the end of time.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

The Lord is wonderful on high. Alleluia.

Canticle	Daniel 3

All creatures, bless the Lord

May you be praised, Lord, and extolled for ever. Alleluia.

Bless the Lord, all his works,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, you heavens;

all his angels, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, you waters above the heavens;

all his powers, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, sun and moon;

all stars of the sky, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, rain and dew;

all you winds, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, fire and heat;

cold and warmth, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, dew and frost;

ice and cold, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, ice and snow;

day and night, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, light and darkness;

lightning and storm-clouds, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, all the earth,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, mountains and hills;

all growing things, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, seas and rivers;

springs and fountains, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, whales and fish;

birds of the air, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, wild beasts and tame;

sons of men, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, O Israel,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, his priests;

all his servants, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, spirits and souls of the just;

all who are holy and humble, bless the Lord.

Ananias, Azarias, Mishael, bless the Lord,

praise and exalt him for ever.

Let us bless Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

praise and exalt them for ever.

Bless the Lord in the firmament of heaven,

praise and glorify him for ever.

May you be praised, Lord, and extolled for ever. Alleluia.

Psalm 148 An anthem to the Lord, the Creator

Praise the Lord from the heavens. Alleluia.

Praise the Lord from the heavens,

praise him in the highest heavens.

Praise him, all his angels;

praise him, all his powers.

Praise him, sun and moon,

praise him, all stars that shine.

Praise him, waters of the heavens,

and all the waters above the heavens.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

for he commanded and they were made.

He set them firm for all ages,

he made a decree that will last for ever.

Praise the Lord from the earth,

sea-serpents and depths of the sea,

fire, hail, snow and fog,

storms and gales that obey his word,

mountains and hills,

fruit-trees and cedars,

wild beasts and tame,

serpents and birds.

Kings of the earth, all peoples,

all leaders and judges of the earth,

young men and women,

old people with the young –

praise the name of the Lord,

for his name alone is exalted.

His splendour is above heaven and earth,

he has raised up the strength of his people.

This song is for all his chosen ones,

the children of Israel, the people close to him.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

Praise the Lord from the heavens. Alleluia.

Short reading	Ezekiel 37:12-14 ©

The Lord says this: I am now going to open your graves; I mean to raise you from your graves, my people, and lead you back to the soil of Israel. And you will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and raise you from your graves, my people. And I shall put my spirit in you, and you will live, and I shall resettle you on your own soil; and you will know that I, the Lord, have said and done this – it is the Lord who speaks.

Short Responsory

Christ, Son of the living God, take pity on us.

– Christ, Son of the living God, take pity on us.

You are seated at the right hand of the Father.

– Christ, Son of the living God, take pity on us.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

– Christ, Son of the living God, take pity on us.

Canticle	Benedictus

The Messiah and his forerunner

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers making a cast in the lake with their net. He called them, and they left their nets at once and followed him.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption.

He has raised up the sign of salvation

in the house of his servant David,

as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones,

his prophets through the ages:

to rescue us from our enemies

and all who hate us,

to take pity on our fathers,

to remember his holy covenant

and the oath he swore to Abraham our father,

that he would give himself to us,

that we could serve him without fear

– freed from the hands of our enemies –

in uprightness and holiness before him,

for all of our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High:

for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path,

to let his people know their salvation,

so that their sins may be forgiven.

Through the bottomless mercy of our God,

one born on high will visit us

to give light to those who walk in darkness,

who live in the shadow of death;

to lead our feet in the path of peace.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers making a cast in the lake with their net. He called them, and they left their nets at once and followed him.

Prayers and Intercessions

Let us pray to God, who sent the Holy Spirit to be a light shining in every heart:

– Lord, be our light.

Blessed are you, God our light:

for the sake of your glory you have brought us to this new day.

– Lord, be our light.

By the incarnation of your Son you sent light into this world:

through your Church, spread that light to all mankind.

– Lord, be our light.

You enlightened your Son’s disciples by your Spirit:

send your Spirit into the Church and keep her faithful to you.

– Lord, be our light.

Light of the nations, remember those who dawdle in the shadows:

open their eyes and their hearts, so that they see you are the one true God.

– Lord, be our light.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

All-powerful, ever-living God,

direct our steps in the way of your love,

so that our whole life may be fragrant

with all we do in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

Amen.

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

AMEN

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Matthew 4:12-23

“Come after me.” (Matthew 4:19)

Passion, inspiration, conviction, love—which of Jesus’ virtues made these first disciples so eager to leave their nets, their families, and their homes, to follow him? Whatever it was, it obviously had a dramatic impact on these men. After all, they stayed with him for three years, traveling the length and breadth of the Holy Land until he was crucified in Jerusalem.

We may wonder if this radical decision to follow Jesus really did take place in one moment. Did Jesus simply walk up to them and say: “Follow me”? Or were these words the culmination of a number of encounters and invitations?

We may never be able to answer these questions fully. But we can be sure about Matthew’s main point in this passage. He wants us to know that these four men—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—did decide to put away their fishing nets, leave their families, and become Jesus’ disciples. Furthermore, three of the four—Peter, James, and John—became Jesus’ closest disciples. They had the privilege of witnessing things that the other disciples did not—the Transfiguration, Jesus’ agony in the garden, and the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead. We can assume that Jesus invited these three to witness more because of the depth of their commitment to him and because of his desire that they become leaders among their brothers.

Jesus’ call, “Come after me,” is meant for all of us. We are all called to become his disciples. And if we are humble and obedient in response, we will be rewarded with deeper insights into Jesus’ mind and deeper experiences of his heart.

Pope Benedict XVI once said: “Only when a person is struck and opened up by Christ can true community grow.” Let’s ask Jesus to show us whatever he showed these men so that we might choose to live for him and build up his church in our world.

“Lord, thank you for calling me. I choose to follow you!”

Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

(Isaiah 8:23–9:3; Psalm 27:1,4,13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17; Matthew 4:12-23)

1. In the first reading, Isaiah speaks of the great promise we have been given of “abundant joy” and “great rejoicing”. This is a promise for each one of us, for the “yoke” that has “burdened” us has been “smashed.” Does your Catholic witness reflect this great joy that you have received? How can you make your life a greater reflection of it?

2. In the Responsorial, Psalm 27 reflects these promises as well by telling us that we shall “see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living,” not just when we get to heaven. And we can do this when we “gaze on the Lord and contemplate his temple.” What does this mean to you? What role does prayer and Scripture play in this?

3. In the second reading, St. Paul urged that Christians be united and have no divisions. How can you build greater unity in your family and parish?

4. In the Gospel, Jesus begins his preaching with the word “repent”. Did you spend any time during the previous week reflecting on what you have done or omitted doing? How important is it for you to have a regularly scheduled examination of conscience, for example as part of your daily prayer life?

5. In the Gospel, we are also told that when called by the Lord the disciples responded “immediately.” What are some of the obstacles that can keep you from responding immediately when the Lord reveals his will to you?

6. In the meditation, we hear these words: “Let’s ask Jesus to show us whatever he showed these men so that we might choose to live for him and build up his church in our world.” What new steps can you take in 2011 to “live for him and build up his church in our world.”

7. During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, what steps can you take individually, and with others, to promote and pray for greater Christian unity with Christians from other denominations?

These readings were especially meaningful to me today, Salvation. I am facing the serious decline of my father’s health.

I don’t know how to do it, but could you please post a prayer request for me? My father’s name is Dominic and he’s battling lung cancer, among several other serious conditions. He was a wonderful father to me as a child and took very good care of me when I had cancer. He fought in some of the worst battles of WWII and was a POW. I’d like to ask the prayer warriors to pray that he feels God’s love in the weeks ahead. Thank you.

You have FReepmail.

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Daily Marriage Tip for January 23, 2011:

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.” (Winnie the Pooh) Sometimes childish things carry wisdom. If you have a child what has she or he taught you about life and love?

Sunday Scripture Study

*Thir**d Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A*

January 23, 2011

Click here for USCCB readings

Opening Prayer

First Reading: Isaiah 8:23-9:3

Psalm: 27:1,4,13-14

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17

Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12-23

This Sunday’s Gospel reading takes place after Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and after John the Baptist had been arrested by King Herod (Matthew 14:1-12).

Jesus travels from the Jordan where John had been baptizing (Matthew 3:13), stops by his hometown of Nazareth, and goes to live in the fishing village of Capernaum, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee (verse 13). It is from here that his ministry will be based.

This area was called “Galilee of the Gentiles” (verse 15) because of its mixed Jewish/pagan population. When ancient Israel was overrun by the Assyrians around 733 B.C., the lands of Zebulun and Napthali were the first to be devastated, its occupants deported. The prophet Isaiah foretold they would be the first to be restored when Israel’s glory returned.

Jesus comes preaching a gospel of repentance, using the same words as John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2). The word “repent” (Greek: metanoia) literally means to “change (your mind)”

QUESTIONS:

In the 1^st reading, Isaiah prophesies a time when those who historically bore the brunt of enemy oppression, will be the first to see “a great light” of deliverance. How might this translate to spiritual terms? Who is in the best position to recognize that they need a Savior?

In the 2^nd Reading, how do rivalries among believers impede the spread of the Kingdom of God? According to Saint Paul, what core message of the Gospel should we be focusing on?

In today’s Gospel, how does Jesus react to John’s imprisonment?

How had the land been “sitting in darkness” (verse 16, Isaiah 8:22—9:1)? What was Jesus’ message? What is the relation between repentance, the kingdom of heaven, and the light?

What invitations does Jesus give to the fishermen? What seems unusual about their response? What prior knowledge of Jesus do you think they had (verses 13, 17; John 1:35-42)? How might Zebedee (verse 21, 22) have felt?

From how far away are the crowds coming (verses 23-25; refer to a Bible map)? What needs do they have? What are they learning about God’s kingdom?

How has coming to know Jesus been like moving from darkness to light for you? In what ways does God’s kingdom seem present for you? In what ways does it seem “not yet”?

Spiritually, are you still preparing the nets? Leaving the boat? Following hard after Jesus? Feeling left behind? What exactly does it mean to you to “repent”?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 1720, 1989, 878

Just as at sea those who are carried away from the direction of the harbor bring themselves back on course by a clear sign, on seeing a tall beacon light or some mountain peak coming into view, so Scripture may guide those adrift on the sea of life back into the harbor of the divine will.

-St. Gregory of Nyssa

Some Opportunities Never Come Again

Pastor’s Column

3^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 23, 2011

We are haunted by these first gospels of the new liturgical year. Jesus has emerged from the obscurity of his home in Nazareth to proclaim Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand! (Matthew 4:12-23). How in the world could Jesus state that the Kingdom was immanent –at hand -- when in fact we have been waiting now for 2000 years!?

The people who lived at the time of Christ were receiving an opportunity that no human being before or since has ever quite experienced …. God Almighty in the person of Jesus Christ literally walked among them. He was only to live three more years, so if Jesus called, they had better not miss their chance! Each day of our lives contains hidden opportunities to grow in character and faith. Peter, James, John and Andrew had to say yes when Jesus passed by. They recognized in that critical moment an opportunity that would never come again.

The Kingdom of God is at hand for us as well. The Kingdom of God, at present, is within us but none of us knows how long we have to prepare! When we die we are immediately confronted with the absolute truth about ourselves and God’s constant love for us. Now is the time to prepare to enter the Kingdom, to be ready! Each day is a dress rehearsal for eternity and God makes use of every event, whether pleasant, unpleasant or even tragic, to prepare us.

The Lord serves up a daily banquet to us, a table literally filled with all kinds of rich foods, a feast which is called the Will of God. At times we are required to suffer intensely. Other moments are filled with great joy; still others, opportunities to serve. We are challenged to step out in faith. We are caught in traffic and must practice patience. We have relatives, co-workers, classmates or friends that bug us. These are all precious opportunities to allow the Holy Spirit to prepare us for eternity.

Can you imagine Simon and Andrew not listening to the call of Jesus as he passed by? There they were, fishing, and Jesus spoke a word that changed their life—Come, follow me. So we too must be ready to hear the Lord when he calls. This is why we pray every day, attend Mass on Sunday, and pay attention to how we treat the people around us, because God is likely to call at a time we are not expecting, and we must be ready, or we will miss the opportunity that God has given us. Such a prospect is haunting indeed.

Father Gary

3rd Sunday -- Ministry as Messy or United?

Fishers of Men - Domenico Ghirladalo 1481

Is 8: 23-9:3-1

1 Cor 1: 10-13,17
Mt 4: 12-23

Fishing is either a hobby for some who spend quiet days on lakes and rivers or a lifestyle for others. Those who risk treacherous seas off the coast of Alaska to find the tastiest halibut or something more exotic like swordfish (a delicious favorite of mine) found off more temperate or tropical waters or some other species of fish, the work is hard and messy.

The call of the first Apostles Simon, Andrew, James and John may have seemed at first blush a bit inopportune. The day was likely hot and dry, the sun was shining. These four men, pairs of brothers, are hard at work doing what they know best – fishing. And, as is not unusual, they caught little to nothing. They were likely tired and sweaty. They had about them an unpleasant body odor of the sea.

Yet, maybe it was divine inspiration that touched their hearts when Jesus called from the shore: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” An unusual turn of phrase but something about it sounded attractive. In fact, these brothers may have thought, “Enough with these fish. Someone else can take of that for now. Let’s find out what he’s talking about – fishers of men?” While we’ll never know what was in the mind of these future disciples, it is clear they did not hesitate.

Saint Matthew uses the words: “at once” and “immediately they left.” One set of brothers was in the midst of “casting a net into the sea” and the other set were “mending their nets.”

God’s call does not always come at the most convenient or opportune moment. Couldn’t Jesus had waited just a few minutes more to call them? Why now and not later? The mission of Christ was something that needed immediate attention. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Jesus cries out. The preaching of Jesus and the necessity to round up a band of brothers, those called to share in the intimate and singular ministry of the God-man among us, could not wait for second thoughts.

Jesus calling of disciples was not an unusual occurrence. Those who had some sort of grievance or issue about which they cared deeply would often invite others into their world to help them organize and press the issue. Likely, these four fishermen sensed that Jesus was one who had some cause and needed to organize a band of followers.

So, they followed him to hear what he had to say. Little did they know what they were getting in to in those first days. One thing that was obvious, though, was that this loosely organized group of disciples would take some time to gel and come to a common understanding of who Jesus was and what his mission would accomplish. One thing was certain, nothing would happen without their assistance – they needed to be united.

Today’s second reading from the letter to the Corinthians shows us the problem that St. Paul needed to address among the early Christians. The Gospel message, begun through the preaching, miracles, the death and resurrection of Christ had found in the lives of the early Corinthian Church anything but a united reception. The danger of factions rose among them and St. Paul pounced on it forcefully.

Rather than loyalty to Christ and the Gospel Paul brought to them, they’ve broken into cliques with allegience to Paul, Apollos, Peter, and Christ. When Jesus called the Apostles, he hoped they would remain single focused – on Jesus and his message. Paul knew the Spirit intended the same for the early Church. And, the same Spirit wishes nothing less from us.

In light of the Corinthian experience and as those who have been called by Christ in our Baptism, we have a responsibility to work towards unity. Like the early Christians, many issues in the Church today have the potential to divide us into various loyalties: the pro-life causes, conservative and liberal, the place of the Pope and the Bishops, the role of women in the Church, views of what the Church should look like and who should lead, whether to celebrate Mass in English only or to add Latin, the place of our Spanish speaking brothers and sisters in an Anglo community, who’s in and who is out, and that’s just the short list!

But, Jesus has called us to follow him. There’s a saying that goes, “Ministry is messy.” Life can often be messy but we have the confidence of faith to know that God is with us in the mess.

Our celebration of the Eucharist and the truth of the Word of God assure us that God abides with us. The Eucharist is Christ truly in our midst calling us to follow his lead and how we come to know that will through the faith community of the Church.

How willing am I to drop what I’m doing and respond or do I insist that I must first hold on to my own agenda, finish mending my nets, get my “stuff” in proper order, say good bye, lock the doors, feed the dog, and double check everything as I keep the Lord waiting?

Fr. Tim

Insight Scoop

"The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light..."

A Scriptural Reflection on the Readings for Sunday, January 23, 2011 | Carl E. Olson

Readings:
• Isa. 8:23-9:3
• Psa. 27:1, 4, 13-14
• 1 Cor. 1:10-13, 17
• Mt. 4:12-23, or Mt 4:12-17

In the opening paragraphs of Spe Salvi, his encyclical on hope, Pope Benedict XVI observes that the Christian message of the Gospel is not just “informative”—that is, filled with good content—just also “performative.” This means that “the Gospel is not merely a communication of things that can be known—it is one that makes things happen and is life-changing. The dark door of time, of the future, has been thrown open” (Spe Salvi, par 2).

Sacred Scripture can be read in different ways. One way of reading it is to sift through its contents in order to gain information about, say, moral teachings, cultural artifacts, and historical facts. We can—and should—read the Gospels in order to learn about Jesus Christ. But many people read about Jesus and never believe He is the Son of God who came to save the world. On the contrary, many people who know the Bible quite well do not believe the information contained within it is true or even helpful. As Pope Benedict XVI wryly noted in his book, Jesus of Nazareth, there are some biblical scholars who spend much time and effort undermining and even attacking the content of Scripture.

The opening verses of Matthew 4, which come immediately prior to today’s Gospel reading, describe Jesus being tempted by Satan in the desert. The evil one demonstrates how adept he is at quoting Scripture in an attempt to destroy Jesus. “The devil,” quips the Holy Father, “proves to be a Bible expert who can quote the Psalm exactly” (Jesus of Nazareth, 35). Likewise, Jesus was often persecuted most intently by scribes whose lives were devoted to reading and interpreting the Law of Moses.

Today’s Gospel recounts that Jesus, following the temptation in the desert, withdrew to region of Galilee. He likely did this, on one hand, out of practical necessity, avoiding the possibility of being arrested and killed as John the Baptist had been. But Matthew explains that Jesus, in spending time in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, also brought light—that is, the good news about the Kingdom of heaven—to an area described in terms of “darkness” and “death.” Many centuries prior, around 900 B.C., these two regions, which were to the west and north of the Sea of Galilee, had been conquered by Syria. Nearly two hundred years later they were invaded and annexed by the Assyrians, and most the Jews residing there were taken into exile and replaced with pagan settlers.

It is estimated that in the time of Jesus about half of the population in Galilee was Gentile, hence the name “District of the Gentiles” used by Isaiah in today’s Old Testament reading. Into this land of darkness and death—most likely a reference to the pagan beliefs and practices common to those regions—came the light of Christ. The public ministry of Jesus began with the proclamation, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” It is the same message John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea (Matt 3:1); the essential difference is the messenger. Whereas John proclaimed the Kingdom and the way of salvation, Jesus is the King and the way of salvation. John’s preaching was informative, but it could not ultimately perform what it pointed toward: the forgiveness of sins and the salvation of souls.

John’s Gospel indicates many of Jesus’ disciples had first been followers of John the Baptist (Jn 1:35-37). These men were probably somewhat familiar with Jesus prior to being called to be “fishers of men.” When the proper time came and they were called away from their boats and livelihood, they immediately followed. The message of Jesus was not, for them, merely information, but a way of living and being.

The person of Jesus was not a mere fact, but a living invitation to come into saving communion with the King and His kingdom. Today, the Lord calls us as well—from darkness to light, from death to life, from being fishermen to becoming fishers of men.

(This "Opening the Word" column originally appeared in the January 27, 2008, edition of Our Sunday Visitor newspaper.)

Faith and Family Live!

Proclamation of the Kingdom

by Tom and April Hoopes in Faith on Friday, January 21, 2011 6:00 AM

Sunday, Jan. 23, is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Liturgical Year A, Cycle I).

Readings for Mass

Isaiah 8:23-9:3; Psalms 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17

Our Take

Today’s Gospel is the Third Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom. In it, Christ quotes today’s first reading: “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light.”

He refers the prophecy to himself, but then indicates what this “great light” will look like. It isn’t necessarily what you would expect. First, he says, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Second, he starts establishing the Church by choosing apostles.

That’s a little surprising. “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” sounds a little to our ears like “Be sad, for the party is about to begin.” And the first action associated with this great light amounts to the establishment of the hierarchy.

But remember, as one children’s catechetical book repeats over and over, “The Kingdom is the Church.” The Church is filled with frail humanity, with all of its weakness, mistakes and corruption. But it also unfailingly delivers exactly what we need: It incorporates us into God’s family with baptism, forgives our sins in confession, unites us with Christ in Communion, and so on, through the rest of the sacraments.

What else is the Kingdom of heaven besides being in the family and company of Christ? So, what is the Kingdom? The Church.

As the Catechism points out, “Christ the Lord already reigns through the Church, but all the things of this world are not yet subjected to him. The triumph of Christ’s Kingdom will not come about without one last assault by the powers of evil” (680). That evil, it says, will not spare the Church itself and will take the form of a “religious deception.”

This means it makes sense that Christ would say “repent” in the same breath as he proclaims the Kingdom.

But it is also helpful to look at the family as an analogy when thinking about the Church. While we can heap praise on the family as an institution, it is harder sometimes to heap such great praise on any particular family.

That families have shortcomings shouldn’t diminish our love for “the family” or for our family, for that matter. To keep a balanced view, it’s helpful in our families to notice and celebrate the things that are strong. Perhaps that’s why our culture does that automatically: We celebrate weddings (where a family member enters a covenant on earth) and funerals (where a family member enters a community in heaven); we celebrate graduations, anniversaries of birth and other milestones.

In the Church, we do the same thing: notice and celebrate the things that are strong — the saints, the sacraments and, above all, Our Lord who is the Church’s head.

The fact is: Just as family love doesn’t work without the institution of marriage, love of Christ doesn’t ultimately work without the institution of the Church. The Kingdom really is the Church.

—Tom and April Hoopes write from Atchison, Kansas, where Tom is writer in residence at Benedictine College. This article originally appeared in the National Catholic Register.

Office of Readings

Daily Readings for: January 23, 2011(Readings on USCCB website)

RECIPES

ACTIVITIES

PRAYERS

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Old Calendar: Third Sunday after Epiphany

Morning Prayer (Lauds)

AMEN

Meditation: Matthew 4:12-23

Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A

Closing Prayer

"The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light..."

Proclamation of the Kingdom

Daily Readings for: January 23, 2011
(Readings on USCCB website)

*Thir**d Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A*