Catholic Caucus:Daily Mass Readings, 01-02-17, M,Sts. Basil/Great, Gregory Nazianzen,Doctors/Church

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 01-02-17 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

January 2, 2017

Why do we believe in the Holy Trinity? Because to know the Son is also to know the Father and this inner knowledge comes from the Holy Spirit. Anyone begotten by God is a child of God. His knowledge of God comes from above. With the seal of the Holy Spirit in him, it is almost impossible for him to deny God. Once we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, we always want to please God. We do not want him to ever leave our side. We enjoy his presence in us so much that we pray a lot, we try to love like Jesus and try to be as generous as possible. To be a son / daughter of God is an honor and a joy.

In the Gospel reading, John the Baptist understood his mission well. He was to lead others to the Messiah, to prepare their hearts for the coming of Jesus. In our lives we are often so busy preparing to get rich, successful or powerful. We prepare our children to do the same. Yet Christ wants is to prepare for the coming of his kingdom.

Christ wants us to work for peace, justice, righteousness and selflessness, values which our world sorely lacks.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 33, Issue 1

<< Monday, January 2, 2017 >>

Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen

1 John 2:22-28
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Psalm 98:1-4

John 1:19-28
Similar Reflections

BODY PARTS

"Who are you?" �John 1:19

Throughout this year, we will be continually challenged with the question: "Who are you?" The correct answer is: "I am a part of the body of Christ" (see Rm 12:5; 1 Cor 12:13). Our true identity is based on our relationship with Christ (see Col 2:17).

An even better answer is to state the specific part of the body of Christ which you are. For example, John the Baptizer said he was a voice in Christ's body (Jn 1:23). You may be Christ's feet, hands, ears, or mind. It's ideal to know not only which part of Christ's body you are but also how the Lord primarily works through you. A voice can do several things � teach, sell, threaten, encourage, warn, etc. John knew that the main thing the Lord did through his voice was to cry out: "Make straight the way of the Lord!" (Jn 1:23)

Who are you? Who are you not? Which part of Christ's body are you? What is the primary way the Lord works through you? If, by the Spirit, you can answer these questions, you will know yourself as John the Baptizer knew himself. This will put you in the position to be used mightily by the Lord as John was. If you know who you are in Christ, this can be the greatest year of your life. Commit your life to Jesus and let the Spirit teach you (Jn 14:26).

Prayer: Father, may I know myself in Jesus and love myself in the Spirit.

Promise: "He Himself made us a promise and the promise is no less than this: eternal life." �1 Jn 2:25

Praise: At age 40, St. Basil was called from his hermitage to be a bishop and share his gifts.

[Salvation]