Month: January 2021

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Bringing Order to Chaos

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Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time Mass Readings <1>

First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Responsorial: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013121.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Thank you for joining me today for another edition of deacon rudy’s notes where every weekend we break open the Word. I’m so happy you’re here!

In my opinion, these are disturbing times. Everywhere we turn, it seems to me that there is disorder – even chaos. I can’t see the images of the insurrection at the US capitol as anything but chaotic. Add to this conspiracy theories and unreliable news. Frankly, it isn’t easy to know what to believe. As a husband and a parent, I worry about this world and the world my children live in. I don’t know what’s lurking around the corner! But I don’t have to worry!

My brothers and sisters, I have Good News! As we heard in today’s Gospel, Jesus Christ came to rebuke the forces of evil and chaos in the world and even in our lives!

Now the word “rebuke” is interesting. Scott Hahn tells us that we can find this same word used in other places in Scripture. He writes, “God by His Word “rebuked” the forces of chaos in creating the world (see Psalms 104:7; Job 26:10-12), and again rebuked the Red Sea so the Israelites could make their exodus (see Psalm 106:9) …” He goes on writing, “Mark uses the same word to describe Jesus rebuking the demons (see Mark 4:39; Zechariah 3:2).” <2>

My brothers and sisters, Jesus came into this world, and by the power of the Holy Spirit here with us now, God brings order to chaos. How does God do that exactly? Will God change political outcomes to our liking? No. Will God erase my debt and give me $1 million? No. Will God immediately remove my excess fat and make me look like some hot movie star? No.

Well, then, how does God bring order to my chaos? To answer that question, let’s take a look at a different situation.

Have you ever seen a kid who got really upset about something, like somebody eating their last piece of Christmas chocolate or drinking their soda? They can get upset and scream and holler and drive everyone around them nuts. Why do they lose it?

Well, I think any parent or any adult who’s ever looked after a child for any length of time will tell you, sometimes a child is missing perspective. They’re so focused on something that they are blind to the bigger picture.

Here’s another example. Have you seen the Disney and Pixar movie Soul? I don’t want to spoil it for you if you haven’t seen it yet, so I’ll stick to what you can find on the movie trailer. In the movie, a soul named Joe Gardner is talking with a baby soul called #22. Now, #22 has absolutely no desire to become human. 22 thinks she knows everything there is to know about life on earth (even though she hasn’t been born yet) and wants no part of it!

As you watch the movie, you realize that #22 is so absorbed by what she thinks she knows, she’s missing out on the joys of life. And in classic Disney and Pixar fashion, there’s a twist, then challenges get sorted out and then “The End.” “Happy ever after!” You get the gist.

I think adults can see through a tantrum, and even a movie like Soul resonates with us because, at some level, we understand – maybe even relate. We’ve been there and done that! Right? Oh, we might not like remembering that episode from our youth, but I think we all get what it means to lose perspective.

Now, I don’t want to offend you with what I’m about to say. But, then again, my mission is to comfort the disturbed and to disturb the comfortable. So, here we go! I think there are many situations in adulthood where we adults lose perspective. Here’s an example. We become easily obsessed with the real-life drama of politics or stories about conspiracy theories and fake news. Somewhere along the way, we lost perspective and began to invest ourselves in narratives that just can’t deliver. None of these events can save our souls. So, in the big scheme of things, none of these things really matter.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s very easy to get caught up in political arguments and assert that my way is right and your way is just flat out wrong! But is that really what life is all about? Is your purpose to be glued to cable news networks or social media?

Yes, of course, our faith calls us to get involved – to bring our values to the public square. And chief among them are the dignity of the human person, the common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity. <3> I’ve got a great blog post that walks through this in more detail. I’ll leave the link to All Things Catholic Episode 20. https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/atc-20-faithful-citizenship/ So, we should engage in politics, but we need to be careful not to become absorbed by politics. The bishops of the United States put it this way: “When necessary, our participation should help transform the party to which we belong; we should not let the party transform us in such a way that we neglect or deny fundamental moral truths or approve intrinsically evil acts.” <4>

What does that mean? Well, it tells me that God forbid our salvation comes from Congress! Psalm 146 tells us, “Do not trust in rulers, nor in mortals, in whom there is no salvation” (Psalm 146:3). Being a good citizen means being politically engaged, but only to a certain point.

You see, when we appoint ourselves as vigilantes; when we appoint ourselves and judge and jury; when we become totally fixated on the news, then perhaps we lost perspective. Our Gospel reminds us that Jesus came into this world to rebuke evil and chaos. So, we need to allow Jesus into our hearts and our lives so that he can rebuke those things in our lives that are out of balance – those things over which we might have lost perspective.

When we allow Jesus into our lives; when we allow ourselves to be nourished by the Word of God and by the Eucharist; when we put God first in our lives, then chaos is rebuked and the unsettled feeling in our hearts are dispelled.

Homework! Reflecting on Christ who comes to rebuke chaos, I ask you to reflect on the following two questions this week:

First, where is my focus? Am I more caught up in the news than in my own family or friends?
Second, what are some ways I can keep my focus on God and my family and friends throughout the day?

I think our homework will help Jesus help us maintain focus. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! Would you pray with me? God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot CHANGE; Courage to CHANGE the things I can; and Wisdom to know the DIFFERENCE. The Lord be with you! May Almighty God bless you Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Would you do me a favor? There’s a very basic survey I need help with. I’ll include the link in the notes to the podcast. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KRCLWK2 Would you fill it out for me? Your feedback will help me improve my homilies. If you have any thoughts about what should be in future surveys, please send an email to rudy@deaconrudysnotes.org. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image Credit: Photo by Photo by Josep Castells on Unsplash

References:
<1> Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible quotes in the podcast come from The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013. The readings at the end of the podcast notes come from the USCCB website and are based on the Lectionary. In general, the revised Lectionary is based on the New American Bible. For more information, see “Questions about the Scriptures used during Mass.” https://www.usccb.org/offices/new-american-bible/liturgy
<2> Scott Hahn, Email, “The King’s Authority: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time,” 25 January 2021.
<3> United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States, (Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2020), no. 5. Adobe Digital Editions PDF.
<4> FCFC, no. 14.

Bibliography/Suggested Readings:
1. Scott Hahn, Email, “The King’s Authority: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time,” 25 January 2021.
2. Healy, Mary. The Gospel of Mark. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008. Kindle.
3. Montague, George T SM. First Corinthians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011. Kindle.
4. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States. Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2020. Adobe Digital Editions PDF.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Sabbath: 345-49
2. Fallen angels: 391-95
3. Exorcisms: 550, 1673
4. Consecrated life: 914-33
5. Consecration of virgins: 922-24

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013121.cfm
Lectionary: 71

Reading 1
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Moses spoke to all the people, saying:
“A prophet like me will the LORD, your God, raise up for you
from among your own kin;
to him you shall listen.
This is exactly what you requested of the LORD, your God, at Horeb
on the day of the assembly, when you said,
‘Let us not again hear the voice of the LORD, our God,
nor see this great fire any more, lest we die.’
And the LORD said to me, ‘This was well said.
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kin,
and will put my words into his mouth;
he shall tell them all that I command him.
Whoever will not listen to my words which he speaks in my name,
I myself will make him answer for it.
But if a prophet presumes to speak in my name
an oracle that I have not commanded him to speak,
or speaks in the name of other gods, he shall die.’”

Responsorial
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9
R. (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the desert,
Where your fathers tempted me;
they tested me though they had seen my works.”
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Reading 2
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Brothers and sisters:
I should like you to be free of anxieties.
An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord,
how he may please the Lord.
But a married man is anxious about the things of the world,
how he may please his wife, and he is divided.
An unmarried woman or a virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord,
so that she may be holy in both body and spirit.
A married woman, on the other hand,
is anxious about the things of the world,
how she may please her husband.
I am telling you this for your own benefit,
not to impose a restraint upon you,
but for the sake of propriety
and adherence to the Lord without distraction.

Alleluia
Matthew 4:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light;
on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death,
light has arisen.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Mark 1:21-28
Then they came to Capernaum,
and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught.
The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
Jesus rebuked him and said,
“Quiet! Come out of him!”
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.
All were amazed and asked one another,
“What is this?
A new teaching with authority.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

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Sunday of the Word of God

logo for Sunday of the Word of God with Jesus walking with two disciples

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Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass Readings

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Responsorial: Psalm 25:4-9
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012421.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Thank you for joining me today for another edition of deacon rudy’s notes where every weekend we break open the Word. I’m so happy you’re here!

This Sunday, we celebrate “Sunday of the Word of God.” In September 2019, Pope Francis asked that the third Sunday of Ordinary Time be set aside for the celebration, study, and dissemination of the Word of God. I’ll include a link to the document in the notes for this podcast. It’s a wonderful initiative to encourage all Catholics to become more familiar with Scripture and become more comfortable sharing the Good News with others. Todays’ readings give us some great ideas to reflect on with our families and friends.

Our first reading is from Jonah. I think Jonah reflects our times today, especially in light of the storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Jonah was probably written after the exile. During this time, Israel is more nationalistic and very intolerant and suspicion of their enemies. Jonah is a prophet, and he expects to serve God’s will for God’s people. But what happens? God sends Jonah to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria – to Israel’s enemy. So, God wants Jonah to preach a message of repentance and forgiveness for the enemies of the country. How do you think that message went down?

It didn’t! Jonah was so upset that he tried to escape and hide from God. The passage we read this Sunday shows that in the end, Jonah delivers God’s message to Nineveh. But Jonah did the bare minimum. He only preached the destruction of Nineveh. He says, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed” (Jonah 3:4). Jonah didn’t offer a message of repentance. It was the king of Nineveh who, after hearing Jonah’s message from God, called his people to repent and convert (Jonah 3:4-10). God looked upon Nineveh and was moved by their repentance. So, God spares Nineveh.

Our passage today doesn’t give us Jonah’s reaction, so here’s the rest of the story. Spoiler alert! How do you think Jonah feels about God sparing his enemy? Jonah is ticked off! He is so upset he tells the Lord to take his life. Jonah says, “…Lord, please take my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live” (Jonah 4:3). That’s how upset he was with God. This very short book ends with God asking Jonah if God shouldn’t care about Nineveh and its 120,000 inhabitants and all their animals (Jonah 4:11). Of course, we know God does care about all creation.

One of the ideas that the Book of Jonah points is that while we might be narrow-minded and intolerant of people who are different from us or think differently from us, God’s mercy and love knows no limits. God’s mercy was not exclusively for Israel but was even available to Israel’s enemies.

Isn’t that a message for today? Sometimes we can become almost self-righteous in our points of view that we can’t think of our “enemies” as children of God. But the reality is that God cannot be limited by our politics! Understanding that might thaw frozen hearts and help us reach out to people not as our enemies but recognizing them as our neighbors. Oh sure, we might think of them as our annoying neighbors; but nonetheless, they are our neighbors. Everyone deserves to hear the Good News!

And the task of sharing the Good News is significant. In today’s Gospel, like what we heard last week in John, Jesus calls the first disciples. He calls Andrew and his brother, Simon Peter. A little farther down the coast, Jesus calls James and his brother John. What does he say to Andrew and Simon Peter? He says, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17).

Could God reveal himself to each and every one of us directly? Wouldn’t that be something – maybe like how in Captain Marvel, people can speak directly with the Supreme Intelligence. But that’s fiction. God will never force himself on anyone. So, Jesus asks us as disciples to become fishermen of other people. In other words, to share the Good News. To whom do we share the Good News? Well, as we heard in the first reading where Jonah preached to his pagan-enemies, and even in the second reading where Paul is writing to Gentiles, we are to bring the Good News to everyone regardless of how they voted and regardless of their political point of view.

This Sunday is Sunday of the Word of God, and our goal is to implement the prayer we hear in today’s Psalm: Teach me your ways, O Lord. Maybe that’s the only thing that can help us overcome the violence we saw at the capitol.

The bishops of the United States have a new website with some great resources to celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God. The website is catholic.bible. I’ll include all the links in the notes to this podcast. But there’s a handout called “New Habits Inspired by Sunday of the Word of God” and it has four simple ideas to spend time with Scripture: 1) the USCCB offers a Daily Readings Podcast, 2) Family Lectio Divina, 3) a resource from the Archdiocese of Detroit called “52Sundays” with some cool activities and reflections, and 4) try reading the Gospel before dinner. To this list, I would add that there are some excellent podcasts out there that can offer some discussion starters, like homilies by Bishop Robert Barron, or Fr. Larry Richards of the Reason for Our Hope Foundation, and of course, mine right here on deacon rudy’s notes!

So much to choose from, and that leads us to homework! Nourished by the Eucharist, the following two questions will help us implement Sunday of the Word of God. First, what are some ways you and your family and friends can celebrate Sunday of the Word of God this weekend? Second, what are some things you can do this year to learn more about Scripture, like joining a Bible study group or listening to Fr. Mike Schmitz and his videos called “The Bible in a Year.”

Let’s start 2021with some new ways to honor Scripture in our homes. Perhaps then the power of God’s love can transform our nation and our world! Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image Credit: The official logo for the Sunday of the Word of God was unveiled at the Vatican on January 17, 2020. The colorful logo depicts “The Road to Emmaus” and is based on an icon written by the late Benedictine Sister Marie-Paul Farran. The newly established day is being celebrated on January 26th. It is meant to be devoted to the celebration, study, and dissemination of the word of God. (courtesy Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization).

Bibliography/Suggested Reading:
1. Healy, Mary. The Gospel of Mark. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008. Kindle.
2. Montague, George T SM. First Corinthians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. 520, 787-88: Jesus and his disciples
2. 543-46: Proclamation of the kingdom
3. 863-65: Vocation
4. 914-33: Consecrated life
5. 922-24: Consecration of virgins

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012421.cfm
Sunday of the Word of God
Lectionary: 68

Reading 1
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
The word of the LORD came to Jonah, saying:
“Set out for the great city of Nineveh,
and announce to it the message that I will tell you.”
So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh,
according to the LORD’S bidding.
Now Nineveh was an enormously large city;
it took three days to go through it.
Jonah began his journey through the city,
and had gone but a single day’s walk announcing,
“Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed, “
when the people of Nineveh believed God;
they proclaimed a fast
and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.

When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way,
he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them;
he did not carry it out.

Responsorial
Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R. (4a) Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your love are from of old.
In your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice
and teaches the humble his way.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Reading 2
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time is running out.
From now on, let those having wives act as not having them,
those weeping as not weeping,
those rejoicing as not rejoicing,
those buying as not owning,
those using the world as not using it fully.
For the world in its present form is passing away.

Alleluia
Mark 1:15
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Mark 1:14-20
After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;
they were fishermen.
Jesus said to them,
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.
He walked along a little farther
and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
They too were in a boat mending their nets.
Then he called them.
So they left their father Zebedee in the boat
along with the hired men and followed him.

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A New Year Resolution

Photo of a pen and paper resolutions list.

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Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Mass Readings

Reading 1: 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19
Responsorial: Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10
Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Gospel: John 1:35-42

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011721.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Thank you for joining me today for another edition of deacon rudy’s notes where we break open the Word.

This weekend we celebrate the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time. While “ordinary” can mean no special or distinctive features (New Oxford American Dictionary), what we celebrate every Sunday is no trivial matter! The seasons of the liturgical year, like Advent and Lent, allow us to highlight some specific aspect of the mystery of Christ. During Ordinary Time, however, we celebrate the mystery of Christ in its entirety. That, I assure you, is no small thing!

Today’s readings are perfect as we evaluate our New Year’s resolutions. Whether you’ve already set your resolutions or not, our readings give us some helpful ideas as we develop or evaluate our resolutions.

We begin with the question from the Gospel in mind, “What are you looking for?” (John 1:38).

With that question in mind, let’s turn our attention to that interesting second reading from First Corinthians. This section of First Corinthians is about sexual morality.

To illustrate the attitudes Paul encountered, I’d like to share a story shared by one of my graduate school professors, the biblical scholar Fr. George T. Montague, SM, in his commentary on First Corinthians. He tells the story of a member of the Italian parliament from a Christian party. In 2007, Italian police busted the official in a hotel room with two prostitutes and cocaine. A reporter asked him how his circumstances fit with his Christian values. Listen to his response. He said, “Of course, I recognize Christian values. But what has that got to do with going with a prostitute? It is a personal matter.” <1>

I know, I know, it’s a stunningly laughable story! But sadly, I think many Christians can relate to the idea that “It is a personal matter.” Too many Christians separate their Sunday worship from the rest of their lives. That was definitely the attitude in Corinth, and St. Paul took it on!

We can spend a lot of time focused solely on the second reading, but what’s the connection between sexual morality and the rest of our readings today?

I suggest to you that people chase extraordinary forms of thrills, pleasure, or excitement because something is missing from their lives. They (and we) might be trying to satisfy the ache with something – anything.

As we begin this new year, we can look to Scripture to help us consider and evaluate our new year’s resolutions. The Gospel asks, “What are you looking for?” (John 1:38).

In today’s Gospel, you can almost picture Andrew excitedly chasing after Jesus. Jesus responds, “Come, and you will see” (John 1:39). This is an invitation. Of course, we are saved only by God’s grace. There is nothing we can do to merit salvation. But God will not force himself on anyone. So, Jesus extends an invitation. “Come, and you will see” (John 1:39).

This is like our reading today from First Samuel. The Lord is calling, but Samuel didn’t recognize the call. He thought his master, Eli, was calling him. When Eli finally realized what was happening, he suggests to Samuel to respond to the Lord, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9).

So many of us live in an over-stimulated environment with watches and phones and other smart devices. Are we too distracted from hearing God’s call? The Lord didn’t push himself on Samuel. He didn’t say, “Hey, silly! I’m talking to you!” The Lord waited for Samuel to respond. And the Lord is waiting for you and me to respond.

Our great joy as disciples during Ordinary Time is to celebrate the Good News, like Andrew, that “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41), and that Jesus will set us free. Jesus offers our lives meaning, and purpose. And as disciples, like Andrew, we turn to all those we encounter – especially those people among our families and friends who we see chasing the next big thrill. We turn to them and to those who’ve fallen away and to those who are nonbelievers, and we say to them, “I have Good News!”

Homework! Reinvigorated by our Eucharistic celebration, I ask you to reflect on the following two questions. First, reviewing your New Year’s resolutions, what are some ways you can respond to Jesus’ invitation? Perhaps join or help lead a bible study or prayer group? Second, what are some ways you could share or help the Church share the Good News with other people?

Doing our homework will help us as disciples refine our new year’s resolutions and reach out to everyone who needs to hear a message of hope and peace! Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image Credit: Photos public domain.com. 30 December 2010. Resolution List. JPG file.

References:
<1> George T. Montague, SM, First Corinthians (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011), sec “Reflection and Application (6:12-20),” chap “The Court and the Courtesan (1 Cor 6). Kindle

Bibliography/Suggested Reading:
1. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright IV. The Gospel of John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015. Kindle.
2. Montague, George T. SM. First Corinthians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Desire for God: 27-30
2. Goodness of every creature: 339
3. The title Christ: 436-39
4. Fornication: 1852, 2353

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011721.cfm
Lectionary: 65

Reading I
1 Samuel; 3:3b-10, 19
Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the LORD
where the ark of God was.
The LORD called to Samuel, who answered, “Here I am.”
Samuel ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.”
“I did not call you, “Eli said. “Go back to sleep.”
So he went back to sleep.
Again the LORD called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli.
“Here I am, “he said. “You called me.”
But Eli answered, “I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep.”

At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD,
because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet.
The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time.
Getting up and going to Eli, he said, “Here I am. You called me.”
Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth.
So he said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply,
Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.”
When Samuel went to sleep in his place,
the LORD came and revealed his presence,
calling out as before, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him,
not permitting any word of his to be without effect.

Responsorial
Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
R. (8a and 9a) 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.

Reading II
1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Brothers and sisters:
The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord,
and the Lord is for the body;
God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power.

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?
But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one Spirit with him.
Avoid immorality.
Every other sin a person commits is outside the body,
but the immoral person sins against his own body.
Do you not know that your body
is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,
whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
For you have been purchased at a price.
Therefore glorify God in your body.

Alleluia
John 1:41, 17b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We have found the Messiah:
Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
John 1:35-42
John was standing with two of his disciples,
and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God.”
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,
“What are you looking for?”
They said to him, “Rabbi” — which translated means Teacher —,
“where are you staying?”
He said to them, “Come, and you will see.”
So they went and saw where Jesus was staying,
and they stayed with him that day.
It was about four in the afternoon.
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter,
was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.
He first found his own brother Simon and told him,
“We have found the Messiah” — which is translated Christ —.
Then he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said,
“You are Simon the son of John;
you will be called Cephas” — which is translated Peter.