Category: Lesson
Defending the Faith – Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs – Br. Michael Marshall, Novice
First Reading – Genesis 1:1-19
In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth,
the earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss,
while a mighty wind swept over the waters.
Then God said,
“Let there be light,” and there was light.
God saw how good the light was.
God then separated the light from the darkness.
God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.”
Thus evening came, and morning followed–the first day.
Then God said,
“Let there be a dome in the middle of the waters,
to separate one body of water from the other.”
And so it happened:
God made the dome,
and it separated the water above the dome from the water below it.
God called the dome “the sky.”
Evening came, and morning followed–the second day.
Then God said,
“Let the water under the sky be gathered into a single basin,
so that the dry land may appear.”
And so it happened:
the water under the sky was gathered into its basin,
and the dry land appeared.
God called the dry land “the earth,”
and the basin of the water he called “the sea.”
God saw how good it was.
Then God said,
“Let the earth bring forth vegetation:
every kind of plant that bears seed
and every kind of fruit tree on earth
that bears fruit with its seed in it.”
And so it happened:
the earth brought forth every kind of plant that bears seed
and every kind of fruit tree on earth that
bears fruit with its seed in it.
God saw how good it was.
Evening came, and morning followed–the third day.
Then God said:
“Let there be lights in the dome of the sky,
to separate day from night.
Let them mark the fixed times, the days and the years,
and serve as luminaries in the dome of the sky,
to shed light upon the earth.”
And so it happened:
God made the two great lights,
the greater one to govern the day,
and the lesser one to govern the night;
and he made the stars.
God set them in the dome of the sky,
to shed light upon the earth,
to govern the day and the night,
and to separate the light from the darkness.
God saw how good it was.
Evening came, and morning followed–the fourth day.
Gospel – Mark 6:53-56
After making the crossing to the other side of the sea,
Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret
and tied up there.
As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him.
They scurried about the surrounding country
and began to bring in the sick on mats
to wherever they heard he was.
Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered,
they laid the sick in the marketplaces
and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak;
and as many as touched it were healed.
Not until I was in seminary in Chicago, did I learn about a little bit of the history of Christianity in Japan; as I became a little familiar because of a course on world mission. Yet I had not encountered someone from Japan who is a Christian until seminary. In fact, prior to seminary, when I thought of religion in Japan, the beautiful pagodas and temples with ornate flower gardens stuck out in my mind. These structures are traditionally places of worship for the Shinto and Buddhist religions, so the idea of Christianity in Japan never crossed my mind. Nor did I ever think I would meet a Japanese Christian, but I met Toshio who was a fellow seminarian and a member of a different religious order than the one to which I belonged; and I truly wish I could have talked with him more about Christianity in Japan because there is more history than I ever learned in that world mission course, but never got the chance to learn more from him.
When doing some research about Saint Paul Miki and the other Martyrs, I learned that Christianity in Japan dates back to the mid-16th century with Saint Xavier bringing Catholicism to Japan. Initially, Christianity was rather well received in Japan because the government felt it would assist in the trade with Spain and Portugal, as well as limit the power that the Buddhist monks had within society. Unfortunately, this support did not last long because the government saw how the Spanish gained control of the Philippines through colonialization, and the local government had no real power. Practicing Christianity in Japan was banned in the 17th century and if anyone refused to give up their faith would be executed. In turn, Christianity became an underground religion until the return of missionaries in the 19th century. During the time of the persecution over 200 people were killed in a forty year span, and they came from various walks of life; some laity including children, while others were diocesan priests or belonged to the Jesuit, Franciscan, and Dominican religious orders.
Even though there were a large number of Japanese Christian martyrs who were beatified in 1867 and 1981, Saint Paul Miki and his companions belong to a group of 26 martyrs who were canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862. What makes Paul Miki special is that he was the first Japanese Christian to belong to any religious order – the Jesuits. Along with the other 25, he was crucified one month prior to his ordination.
As we see in the reading from Genesis, God has started to create things of this Earth and each has its specific purpose. We do not get to see the part of the Creation story where God creates humans, but we are part of that story. EVERYTHING, including humans, has a purpose intended of us by God. We are to be stewards of Creation, and be evangelists of the Gospel. These are part of our mission, regardless if others reject and persecute us for our faith; just as the Japanese government persecuted Christians and those defending their faith were executed for not abandoning the faith.
Saint Paul Miki and his companions mirrored the Gospel reading. As missionaries, they ministered to the people of Japan, doing whatever had been called of them by God. We see in the Gospel that people from all over sought care and healing from Jesus. We know how the story ends, yet Jesus had His purpose; he was on Earth to preach the Good News of God, even until death on the cross.
We as Christians today, do not face a banning of our faith by our governments, yet there are times in which we need to stand up for our faith because of persecution of non-believers. We may even be attacked by other Christians because of certain beliefs about social issues. It may seem so easy to just give in and “follow the masses” to avoid the persecution, but we need to defend the faith and hold to our principles when they teach the Gospel. The life and mission Saint Paul Miki and all of the Christian martyrs is the example we should look to in our everyday Christian life.
Father, provide us with the strength and courage to defend the faith every day of our lives, especially when it seems so easy to just give in to avoid persecution. This we ask through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Salt, Light, and Us ~ The Rev. Dcn. Scott Brown, OPI
Gospel
MT 5:13-16 Jesus said to his disciples:”You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Ready? OK – here goes!
In Jesus’ first parable he compares us to salt. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?” This means that although salt has many uses, its primary use is as a seasoning to enhance the flavor of other foods. Jesus is telling us here that we are the seasoning that enhances the rest of the world. People put salt on watermelon and tomatoes, however they very seldom ever say “That watermelon makes that salt taste great.” The job of salt is to make you realize how great the salt is, but how great the salted food is.
Some other uses of salt:
1: Antiseptic to cleanse wounds. We can be the antiseptic for the world and cleanse the wounds of those who are hurting, broken or damaged. The only problem with using salt as an antiseptic is that it can be painful. Hence the phrase “pouring salt in an open wound”. Salt has a bite to it, but sometimes that is what we need to help us heal from the infection of sin.
2: Preservative to keep foods fresh. As Christians, we can be the preservative of our faith. By preserving our faith, we keep it attractive so that others are not put off by it and are drawn to it.
3: Fertilizer to condition soil and help crops grow healthy and strong. Jesus would want us to cultivate or faith as if it were a crop that farmers grow for sustaining life. One of the myths that surround fertilizers is that the salts they contain are “harsh” on the biology of the soil. The reality is that salt is essential to all of life. Either too much or too little can harm.
4: Catalyst: cat·a·lyst (Websters definition)
noun
a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.
- a person or thing that precipitates an event.
We should be the catalysts that Jesus wanted us to be. We should precipitate events that direct souls to our Lord.
Can you live without salt? This is the answer from the Johns Hopkins website:
No, life cannot exist without salt. It’s the sodium in salt that causes most of the problems. The human body can’t live without some sodium. It’s needed to transmit nerve impulses, contract and relax muscle fibers (including those in the heart and blood vessels), and maintain a proper fluid balance.
In verse 14-16 Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket.” This one is very simple – we are to spread the light of His love to the rest of the world. Sin is dark and keeps the world smothered in darkness. Jesus commands us to cover up that dark sin with the light of his love and forgiveness. The world is lost and without direction without the light of Jesus’s love. Imagine this – you are blindfolded and taken to a place you have never been before. When the blindfold is removed, you find yourself in a totally dark room, but you don’t know what else is in the room. There could be furniture, but you don’t know for sure. There could be stairs, but you don’t know for sure. There could be windows, but you don’t know for sure because you can’t see anything. You are going to have a hard time moving around safely and confidently because you can’t see where you are headed, or what is in front of you. You are given instructions to find your way out of the dark room. This would be a daunting task since you have no idea where the door is, where anything is. Imagine the chaos as you bump into furniture and chairs, as you trip over small objects. As you are feeling your way around the dark room, you find what feels like a flashlight and switch it on. The dark room is the world full of sin, and the we as Christians are the flashlight. Once the flashlight is switched on we have a path to follow and we know where all the obstacles are.
“A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” In Jesus’ day there was no air conditioning. The only air conditioning they had was the breeze. Anybody who has ever lived in West Virginia knows that when you live in a valley there is no breeze, but when you put your single wide on the top of the hill you always have a nice breeze blowing. They built their cities on top of the hills for this reason, and because cities are on hills are easier to defend than ones built in valleys. Jesus’ point, however, is not a city’s defense, but its visibility because of its elevated position. Most cities in Jesus’ day were constructed largely of white limestone and placed on a hilltop to reflect the bright sun rays, allowing visibility from miles away. At night, the white marble mirrored both the moonlight and burning lamps, acting as a beacon for directing travelers toward the city. Similarly, as disciples our light ought to make it easier for people to find their way to God. We are a city set on a hill that should be elevated and easily visible so that all the world can see the Jesus in us.
“Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” This needs little explanation but I will try to elaborate as much as I can here. You wouldn’t turn on a lamp in a dark room and then cover it with a basket and block out the light. That would be a waste of time, energy, and electricity. In Jesus’ day lamp oil was very expensive and was not to be wasted, much like electricity today. So, what Jesus meant was that we should be beacons of His love in all that we do. Don’t hide the fact that we are Christians, proclaim it in everything we do and everywhere we go. In our daily lives at work, in school, and in our social situations we should be showing our God off to everyone we meet.
Lord: in your mercy please show us how to be better Christians, brighter lights of your love, and cities with open and welcoming gates. Show us how to remove the basket from our lights so that our beams may shine farther and brighter. In Jesus name, Amen.
The Presentation of the Lord ~ Br. Chip Noon, Novice
©Photo. R.M.N. / R.-G. Ojéda
Lord, now let your servant depart in peace…
In today’s feast, we have a recently born baby being recognized as the Light of the World by a man who will soon depart this life. And we have the first real acknowledgment of the end of the old order and the beginning of the new.
How is this?
Jesus was presented in the temple on this day, 40 days after his birth, in fulfillment of the Mosaic law as we read in Exodus 13:13–16: “Every firstborn of man among your sons, you shall redeem.” This act was supposed to occur on the 31st day after the birth, but for various reasons the Church Fathers attributed it to the 40th day. The first born was to be “redeemed.” That is, through the payment of 5 shekels, the firstborn male child was to be freed from his obligation to serve the Lord as a priest, according to ancient Hebrew practice.
You’ll have to read about the Golden Calf and the refusal of the Tribe of Levi to participate in this abomination to get the full meaning of this idea.
But here, we have Mary and Joseph obliged by the Law of Moses coming to Jerusalem to present their son in the temple. Which is contrary to what the author of Hebrews tells us in today’s second reading:
…therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters
in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
So even though Jesus had been redeemed from priestly functions shortly after his birth, we now know him as a priest, one who redeemed us from our sin by becoming a sacrifice himself. Why did he become a high priest? Wasn’t he redeemed from this obligation by the ceremony celebrated today?
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord acts as a crossroads for us and for the world. It is foretold in today’s second reading from Malachi: “But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears….Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord.” It is where Simeon realizes that God’s promise to him that he would not come to the end of his days before seeing the Messiah, who is a newborn baby just starting his life, has been fulfilled. And Anna, also in the temple that day, prophesies the redemption of Jerusalem. And the law is upended since the redeemed firstborn of Mary and Joseph is actually a high priest in the line of Melchizedek. And the world is made new now and forever, as we read in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
And by this, I think St. Paul means that with each person coming to Jesus, there is a new creation and a further erosion of the old order.
So although all this is not realized until the establishment of the Eucharist and the Resurrection, it is here, on this feast day, The Presentation of the Lord in the temple that the funnel of the old world closes down to its narrowest point and the trumpet of the new creation sounds out the clarion call for us all: “Repent! The Kingdom of God is at hand.”
Let me go back to Simeon’s idea that Jesus was to be a sign that will be contradicted. Listen to Psalm 24 from today:
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.
On the one hand, we have Jesus, gentle and mild. On the other, Jesus the lord of armies. If this isn’t a contradiction, what is?
My brothers and sisters, this will also have to wait for another sermon. Along with references to Candlemas and Groundhog Day which are also celebrated today.
But finally, we know that Jesus was taken back to Nazareth by his mother and father and there he grew in wisdom and strength. In one month we will enter the Lenten season. Then we shall know the real meaning of the end of today’s second reading:
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.
Lord, help us to recognize our salvation which you have prepared in our sight. Help us to revel in his glory and bring that light to the rest of our world.
Amen.
Blessed Are the Peacemakers! ~ Dcn. Dollie Wilkinson, OPI
Last week was marked by a momentous occasion. A new, and very controversial president was sworn in. I cannot remember any past President being the target of so much hate. His family (including his children) has also been the targets of rumors, innuendos, and blasting from the media. While I do not agree with his policies, his plans for our country, or his stance on many key issues, I cannot reconcile the behavior and hateful words that have been shared on social media. Even a few of my fellow clergy have gone so far as to spread messages of hate. But this is not the message we get from the teachings of Jesus Christ. In His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12), He offers to reassure His disciples that though they face hardships and trials, theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
5:1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.
5:2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
5:11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
5:12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
As we read through these teachings of Jesus to His disciples, we learn much about what is not only awaiting us in the future, but also what we can expect now. For those who have lost hope, like so many did after the recent election, we are reassured that the kingdom of heaven (God’s love and comfort), is with us right now (“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”). Jesus then goes on to describe the blessings for those who are sad, who are humble in spirit, who may be down on their luck, who always tries to do whats right, and who always strives to treat others fairly. While not promising riches or fame, Jesus is offering something more precious.
In this time of turmoil in our country, Jesus teaches us to be peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:9-10). We are also cautioned to hold our tongue ( “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account). Though we may disagree with the policies and practices of the new President, we should not use this time as an opportunity to spread poison, whether in our speech or through our actions.
Instead of spreading hate, we should be spreading hope. Instead of pushing people away (because we may disagree with their ideals), we should be pulling people in to our faith, teaching them about the love of Christ. Instead of teaching our children its ok to hate someone because of the color of their skin, their sex, their choice of partner, or their religion, we should be setting an example of love for all human kind. Peace begins with us, the children of God.
A Prayer for Our Country:
Almighty God,
bless our nation
and make it true
to the ideas of freedom and justice
and brotherhood for all who make it great.
Guard us from war,
from fire and wind,
from compromise, fear, confusion.
Be close to our president and our statesmen;
give them vision and courage,
as they ponder decisions affecting peace
and the future of the world.
Make me more deeply aware of my heritage;
realizing not only my rights
but also my duties
and responsibilities as a citizen.
Make this great land
and all its people
know clearly Your will,
that they may fulfill
the destiny ordained for us
in the salvation of the nations,
and the restoring of all things in Christ.
Amen
Moments With Mother ~ The Very Rev. Lady Sherwood, OPI
Click the link above to be taken to today’s installment of Moments With Mother!
Christ, Our Identity; Who Are You? ~ Br. Mark Dickson-Patrick, Novice
Reading 1 – Isaiah 8:23—9:3
First the Lord degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the end he has glorified the seaward road, the land west of the Jordan, the District of the Gentiles. Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where but now there was distress. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
(1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD and contemplate his temple.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Reading 2 – 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
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. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you. I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.
Gospel – Matthew 4:12-23
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death a light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
Have you ever had an identity crisis? Like a full-on, genuine, “Who am I?” and “What is it about me that makes me, me?” I believe that many of us have had this at least once in our lives when we genuinely question who it is that we are and who it is that God has created us to be and what it is that makes us truly unique.
In our second reading today from the first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul is dealing with this very issue with the Church at Corinth. Paul had heard reports from others that the Church at Corinth had been divided, claiming that “I belong to Paul” or “I belong to Cephas” or “I belong to Apollos” according to who came and brought the message of the Gospel to them. This so divided the Church at Corinth that they had an identity crisis, forgetting who it is that we worship and who we celebrate and who we follow in being Christians. They were creating division among themselves based upon trivial differences which made no difference at all to the status of their salvation. They touted the source of their learning of the Gospel, and not the Word Himself, in whom there is all unity and truth.
But it’s a good thing that this doesn’t happen to us in the modern Church, right? WRONG! How often do we hear quarrels and squabbles amongst the Christian people saying “I belong to Pope Francis,” “I belong to Franklin Graham,” or “I belong to (Archbishop of Canterbury) Justin Welby.” We focus on the silly and paltry divisions and do not look at what it is that makes us all one: we are brothers and sisters in Christ, just as Paul tells the Church at Corinth. We are all Christians, in whom we find our identity. For we do not find our identity as Christians in Francis, Franklin, Justin, or even Michael. We find our identity as Christians in Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world and to bring us to the Father.
If you notice, in the Gospel passage, Jesus says to Simon and Andrew, “Come after ME, and I will make you fishers of men.” He does not say “Follow after Pope Francis, and he will make you fishers of men.” He does not say “Follow after Franklin Graham, and he will make you fishers of men.” He does not say “Follow after Justin Welby, and he will make you fishers of men.” NO! He says, simply and clearly, “Come after ME, and I will make you fishers of men.”
In our world, I would recommend that we all take a look at our own identity crisis, for it is in Christ that we find our identity. In our world that turns more uncertain and precarious by the day, let us look to Christ as our identity, as the one who claims us as His own, in whom we live, move, and have our being. It is only then that we will be sure of who we are, and it is only then that we will be able to work together as the Body of Christ to make effective work for the Kingdom of God.
A Servant of Many ~ Br. Michael Marshall, Novice
First Reading – Isaiah 49:3, 5-6
The LORD said to me: You are my servant, Israel, through whom I show my glory. Now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, the LORD says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
(R.) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry. And he put a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God.
(R.) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or offering you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not; then said I, “Behold I come.”
(R.) Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, to do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!”
(R.) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
(R.) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy,
with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel – John 1:29-34
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,”Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
The term servant often has a negative “definition”, especially here in the United States because of our unfortunate history. People often think of a servant being a slave to a master. But that is not the only “definition” for a servant. In fact, a servant does not have to be subject to a master, but a servant can be of assistance with positive results. We find this theme being a servant in the Readings for today.
Despite all of the unfortunate circumstances that the Israelites faced, especially their exile and slavery, Isaiah comes to the people as a servant of the Lord to explain that God does have favor with the people even though they faced so much adversity. In the response for the Psalm, we read, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” David recognizes his purpose. In the First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul is addressing the people of Corinth, setting up the message which he has to share; as he states his mission is to spread the message of Jesus, called upon by Jesus to do so. In the Gospel, John the Baptist had been going around speaking of the “coming of the Lord” in his ministry. And so, along comes Jesus who John the Baptist acknowledges as the one who takes away the sins of the world. John’s purpose was to prepare the way of the Lord.
This is where things get interesting though; because God takes on human flesh as Jesus, only to end up being crucified. How does the death of Jesus present positive results, as I mentioned being a servant can be of assistance with positive results? The answer is this. Jesus knew his mission was to serve the Father, to spread God’s message; through parables and other methods of teaching. The night before his death on the cross, he sat in the garden knowing that in order to be a “servant to save humanity from sin” he had to do God’s will. So ultimately, John the Baptist was sharing with the people present at the baptism of Jesus who this servant was.
How do we apply all of this to our lives? Each of us has been called by God to do something. We are a servant with a mission and purpose. It may take longer for some of us to know what that mission and purpose is than it takes others, but we have to accept the call once we understand what we have been called to do. W all have various gifts and talents given to us, BUT we have to use them! If we do not accept the call, then we are not going to reach those who need to hear the message of the Gospel. We are servants of the Lord!
Father, may we come to recognize our gifts and talents in order to fulfill our mission and purpose you have asked of us, just as people before us have fulfilled their mission. This we ask through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
The Baptism of Our Lord By Fr. Matt Pepple
On this day, the church commemorates the Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord, Jesus. This concludes the Christmas season. This was the day in which Jesus descended into the River Jordan and was baptized with water by John.
Water was extremely important to the Hebrews. There are places all throughout Jerusalem, some still being excavated to this day that are the Hebrew ritual baths, called Mikvahs. It was believed these were in use by John the Baptizer’s followers. By the use of water, John was paving the way for what was yet to come. Jesus. Just imagine the glory and power of that day Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan. And what followed after with the appearance of the Trinity. This was the only occurrence in the New Testament that all three persons of the Trinity were thus manifested: The voice of God the Father, the Holy Spirit as a Dove, and Jesus the Son. For anyone who might have been blessed to experience this, probably left everyone in awe of what was transpiring. It also served as a commencement of Jesus’ earthly ministry, which was taking shape.
It is interesting to note here, that this is the first instance of Jesus’ relationship with water. Water was, indeed, a pivotal element of Jesus ministry. St. John 4:13-14 he writes, “Jesus answered and said unto her, whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” It was also said that blood and water came out of Jesus’ side when he was pierced while hanging from the cross.
During the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we encounter the truth of Jesus’ incarnation and His manifestation as the anointed One, Christ. There is much strength and power expressed when St. John proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who takes away the sin of the world.”
In our scripture readings today, in Genesis 1: 1-5, we are reading the Creation story, the story of the very beginning. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, and the earth was without form, a void which darkness covered the face of the deep, while the wind (breath of God) swept over the face of the waters. God, in his magnificence proclaimed, “Let there be light;” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called the Night, and thus was evening and then morning, the very first day.”
Then follows Psalm 29, “Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy splendor. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!” The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever. May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!” There is so very much that the Lord can do, power and majesty are his forevermore.
In Acts 19: 1-7, we learn that Apollos was in the Corinth; and that St. Paul had passed through the inner areas to Ephesus, where he located some disciples. Paul asks the disciples, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Paul asks, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul says, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” After hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit came upon them after Paul had laid his hands on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied, altogether there were about twelve of them.”
And in Mark 1: 4-11 John the baptizer was in the wilderness, announcing a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Citizens from the whole Judean countryside and the residents of Jerusalem went out to him and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, and confessing their sins. John wore camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and honey. He declared, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he perceived the heavens were torn apart and the Spirit descending as a dove on him. And then a great voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
The water is purity at its core meaning. And thus, when we are baptized; we are purifying ourselves to belong to God. We are, in a symbolic sense, becoming more Christ-like. What happened at our baptism is figurative of what happened at Jesus’ baptism. When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit came down upon him; and at our baptism the Trinity took up residence in our soul. At Jesus’ baptism, the Father spoke, and proclaimed, “This is my son, of who I am well pleased,” and at our baptism we become the adopted sons and daughters of God. The heavens were opened at Jesus’ baptism, at ours, Heaven became available to us.
What do you think of when you think of baptism? Perhaps some of you may even remember your baptism. Some of us were sprinkled as babies, or if we came to the Lord later in life, were baptized as adults. There are several methods of baptism, some people are baptized by a vessel that pours out water over their heads in a baptismal font, and others may be immersed or “dunked” bodily. It’s more than just a sprinkling of water. Regardless of the method, something very profound happens. Heaven becomes available to you. If you were baptized as an infant, you may go through confirmation at a later time to help the cement the foundation that was laid for you, if you were baptized later in life, perhaps your life has found a new meaning, as you declare Jesus as your Lord and you His follower.
Perhaps some of you reading this have never been baptized. Or maybe you are considering baptizing your children. Please take into thoughtful meditation the significance of the Lord’s baptism during your own or your children’s. As much as it involves getting wet, the inner self must be prepared for the transformation as well. May the peace of our Lord and Savior be with you all of your days. Amen.
Risky Business and Magicians: Epiphany ~ The Rt. Rev. Michael R. Beckett, OPI
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'”
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)
Today we mark the end of the Christmas season – the Day of Epiphany. We celebrate this day to reflect on the visit of the Magi – the wise men – to Jesus and the giving of their gifts. We reflect on the meaning of this visit of those wise ones to see Jesus.
Epiphany is about Jesus and his message being available and relevant to people of every age and race. Jesus isn’t just a Jewish prophet with an exciting message, but God made present amongst us and available to all of us to worship and follow. God’s love reaches beyond the everyday barriers of race and class; something the Magi didn’t quite get at first.
So Who Were the Magi?
We don’t know much about the Magi from Scripture. All Saint Matthew tells us is that they were “Magi from the East”. Some translations have “Wise men from the East”. The word in Greek refers to priests of the Zoroastrian religion. They came from Persia, the countries now known as Iran and Iraq, and they saw meaning in the movement of the stars. Their visit fits an Eastern pattern of great births being accompanied by momentous events in the sky. Certainly we know of a comet in 11BCE in Gemini with its head towards Leo, seen by many as a symbol of Judah. We also know of planetary conjunctions in both 7 BCE and 6 BCE which would have added to a sense that momentous happenings were on the way. The Magi would have noticed these things and taken them seriously. But who were they?
One commentator, Brian Stoffregen puts it like this;
“Originally in Persia, Magi were dream- interpreters. By Jesus’ time, the term referred to astronomers, fortune-tellers, or star-gazers. They were horoscope fanatics – a practice condemned by Jewish standards. We might compare them to people in fortune – telling booths, or people on the “psychic hotline” or other “occupations” that foretell the future by stars, tea leaves, Tarot cards etc. They were magicians, astronomers, star-gazers, pseudo-scientists, fortune tellers…”
Another writer, Nathan Nettleton, puts it like this;
“They were the speakers of the sacred words at the pagan sacrifices. At worst, the term referred to a magician or sorcerer, or even a deceiver. Magi were people whose activities were repeatedly condemned and prohibited throughout the scriptures and were completely anathema to the people of Israel.”
Whilst in English we get the words “magic” and “magician” from Magi, the Zoroastrian religion forbade sorcery. They clearly were looking for a new king and had found meaning in the movement of the planets and stars which led them to come to Israel to greet the new-born king. They journeyed from their homes in Persia to Bethlehem in search of this baby. Instead of angels and visions, we have the image of the Magi following a sign in the skies – in nature – and for a long period of time. The magi see the intentions of God in the skies. This is not new: Psalm 19 tells us that the heavens themselves declare who God is, and that his handiwork is seen in created nature. “We observed his star at its rising”. The magi know that there is something significant happening.
When did they come?
The Gospel of Saint Luke doesn’t mention the Magi and holds that the Holy Family returned to Nazareth after the presentation of Jesus at the Temple where he was circumcised. It’s probable that Saint Luke didn’t know of this episode in Jesus’ early life. Saint Matthew seems to place the visit of the Magi some time after Jesus’ birth. The Holy Family are in a “house” not in the stable of the inn. Herod kills all the newborn boys under the age of two years. So it’s likely that the Holy Family had stayed for some time in Bethlehem and the Magi came some time after Jesus’ birth, perhaps as long as two years after.
WHY did they come?
Clearly, the Magi were searching. The Magi recognized much of the truth of Jesus, who he was and what he would become. The Magi had a general idea of this God and this King of the Jews, but they didn’t really know who or what they were looking for. Bono and U2 were criticized some years ago by some supposedly orthodox Christians when they produced a song entitled, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” which is about searching for fulfillment. You see, the example of the Magi was that they were searchers, not really knowing what or who they were looking for. They didn’t claim to have it all but they saw their lives as a journey of discovery. And they were willing to take risks. They were willing to leave all that they had, all that they new, and risk it all for the sake of seeking out this child, this new king. And in that they are an example to us. We don’t know it all. But if we, like them, are prepared to be diligent seekers, then, like them, we may be graced by God’s light, by our own Epiphany. If we are willing to take the risk, the risk maybe of being shunned at work, the risk of condemnation by our friends and family, the risk of paying the price for following Christ….well…..When the wise men finally found Jesus, we are told that their first response was joy – “they were overwhelmed with joy”. That is what happens when we find Jesus. This is what awaits us at the end of the journey if we take that risk. Next, they paid him homage – they worshiped him and acknowledged Him as King. After the joy comes the worship. That means acknowledging Jesus as King. Jesus as the center. Jesus as Lord. And then, after joy and after worship, comes offering of their gifts. In response to who Jesus is and the joy He gives, we offer ourselves and our gifts to Him.
So my message for today is to dare, like them, to take the risk of seeking, and God may well bless us with our own Epiphanies which transform us, as doubtless the Magi were transformed by what must have been a surprising experience for them as they knelt before the infant Jesus.
So how do you find Jesus? Maybe you can start out like the Magi – with a general idea of God, and a general idea that He is guiding you. Like the Magi, we need to turn to the scriptures. If you don’t read them, you will never really get the specific directions that God is trying to give you. Approach them with the right spirit, the right purpose. Ask for help along the way – the church, we, God’s people, are meant to help you along that way. The wise men knew when they needed to ask someone else for help. And pray. Ask God. When you find Jesus, rejoice. After all, He is God. Put Him in the center of your life. Ask yourself whether what you are doing honors him a King. Offer to him what you have, who you are.
Where can this Jesus be found? He is with you now. Won’t you seek Him? Won’t you recognize Him? Won’t you let Him fill YOUR life with joy? Amen.
Elizabeth Ann Seton ~ The Rev. Lady Sherwood, OPI
Today’s Readings:
Reading 1:1 JN 3 :7-10
Psalm: PS 98:1,7=8,9
Gospel: JN 1:35=42
Today we commemorate the Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Throughout Biblical history and even today, we sometimes come across people who have endured much within their lives and who, regardless of this, remain strong and devout within their faith. Today we remember St Elizabeth, whom is one such person from whose life, heart and devotion, we can take inspiration within our own spiritual life.
Elizabeth was the first native-born citizen of the United States to be Canonized to sainthood.
Elizabeth was born as Elizabeth Ann Bayley in New York city on the 28th August in the year 1774, and she was a child of the Revolutionary war. She was raised Episcopalian which was the faith of her parents.
Elizabeth married at the young age of only nineteen, to William Magee Seton, who was a young but wealthy merchant and together they parented five children.
Elizabeth had a very deep faith and concern for the poor even as a young woman and she shared this devotion with her sister-in-law, Rebecca Seton, with whom she became very close friends. Together, Elizabeth and Rebecca would undertake various missions for the poor and needy of their region and they adopted the name of the ‘Protestant Sisters of Charity` for their mission works.
Elizabeth’s life changed after only four years of marriage and became rather burdensome in nature. Elizabeth and her husband were left with the responsibility for seven half-brothers and sisters of William’s father when he died in the year 1798.
Elizabeth suffered further in the year 1801, when her own father with whom she had a close relationship, especially since the loss of her mother at aged only three, himself passed onto the care of the Lord.
Then yet again she suffered after only a further two years, when both her husband’s business and health failed. Filing for bankruptcy, Elizabeth and her husband sailed to Italy to help his health and to try to revive his business.
Whilst in Italy, Elizabeth suffered even further, as William’s condition worsened. He was quarantined and subsequently died of Tuberculosis in December of 1803. Elizabeth remained in Italy for several months after his death and during this time, was more fully exposed to the Catholic faith.
Elizabeth returned to New York city in June of 1804, only to suffer yet again with the loss of her dear friend and sister-in=-aw, Rebecca Seton, the very next month.
At only thirty years of age, Elizabeth had endured the loss of so many who were close to her and she seemed to have the weight of the world upon her shoulders. Even throughout all this, Elizabeth still remained fervent in faith.
The months ahead were life-changing for Elizabeth and she seemed ever more drawn to the Catholic faith and to Mother Church, much to the horror of her friends and remaining family who were firmly Protestant.
Elizabeth Ann Seton was received into the Catholic Church on the 4th March 1805. Her conversion cost her dearly in the areas of friendship and in support from her remaining family.
Elizabeth relocated to the Baltimore area and there she established a school for girls. She also founded a religious community along with two other young women and she took vows before the Archbishop Carroll as a member of the Sisters of Charity of St Joseph. From this time forward, Elizabeth was known as Mother Seton and she left a legacy of care and education for the poor. She even established the first free Catholic school of the nation.
In so many ways, the journey into the Catholic faith, helped Elizabeth to much more appreciate and to embrace her faith even more profoundly. Elizabeth was willing to endure all things to follow Christ. In her journal, she even wrote, ‘If I am right Thy grace impart still in the right to stay. If I am wrong Oh, teach my heart to find the better way’.
Many of us who have chosen the Catholic faith have experienced some setbacks and have had to endure issues with relationships, but for this brave and devout woman of faith, the cost was even greater.
Elizabeth died aged 46 on January 4th 1821 from Tuberculosis and she was Canonized on September 14th 1975.
On this your special day, St Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pray for all of us who follow your pathway of faith. Pray that we likewise to yourself will say yes and will accept all that will come to us in the years ahead, and to allow our earthly endurance to further our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
The Order of Preachers, Independent 
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