Tag: disciple

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Bringing Order to Chaos

picture of a storm

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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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The Epiphany of the Lord

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Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Responsorial: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010321.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Happy New Year! Thank you for joining me today. I’m so glad you’re here! Just as a reminder, in the notes for every podcast, you will find the script for that day’s show, the scripture readings, and the books and articles I used to prepare the episode. I also include topics from the Catechism of the Catholic Church that relate to theme of the readings. If you want to do a deeper dive into our readings, I encourage you to check out these resources.

Today we celebrate the Epiphany! The Gospel tells us that magi from the east prostrated before Jesus Christ and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What does this mean?

You know, when we listen to the Word of God and the homily during the mass, we enter into a dialogue with God. Our goal is to try to understand what God is trying to say to us here and now. And as part of this dialogue, we offer a response. We’ll talk about what that means in a little bit. So, are you ready? Let’s go!

First, who were the magi? Scripture does not give us much information about them. But we do know this: the magi were gentiles! Gentiles went to Bethlehem to praise and worship Christ and offer him their gifts. Paul, as if to pick up on this idea, tells us in our second reading from Ephesians, “…the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,” (Ephesians 3:6).

This is a wonderful affirmation that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to everyone! That is Good News!

Isaiah tells us something very interesting. Isaiah says that our light has come. Isaiah is telling us that the Lord sent his light – he sent Jesus – into the world (Isaiah 60:1). The light of Jesus Christ shines on all of us disciples. Isaiah goes on to say that we will radiate the light of Christ (Isaiah 60:5).

I know we didn’t hear from the book of Revelation today, but there is a very interesting reading that picks up on this theme from Isaiah. In Revelation 22:4-5 we read, “They shall see the Lord face to face and bear his name on their foreheads. The night shall be no more. They will need no light from lamps or the sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever.”

In today’s dialogue, God is telling us that we have the light of Christ, and that we should share the light of Christ with everyone! Get it? This little light of mine! I’m gonna let it shine!

This is what God is telling us. What should our response to God be?

Well, like the magi, we should first praise and worship God. That’s precisely what we do in the mass. Now, just a side note, Pope Francis declared this as the year of St. Joseph. So, we fathers and all the father figures out there are called to bring our families – to bring the domestic church to praise and worship God.

What else do the magi do? They offer their gifts to Jesus. So, we too are called to share our gifts and blessings with God by sharing them with everyone we encounter. But what does that mean, practically speaking? Well, not too sound trite, but that means we are called to share our time, our talents and our treasure.

Well, this means that we are called to share our blessings with the institutional Church established by Jesus Christ. So, we offer our gifts to help meet the physical needs of our parish – to keep the lights on, to pay the staff, to keep the place clean and safe, etc. Our parishes – our brick-and-mortar churches themselves can serve as a beacon drawing people to Jesus Christ. So, part of our responsibility is to make our parish infrastructure is available.

But church also means all the people of God. That means we are also called to share our gifts with other Catholic or Christian charities that serve people around the world, like Catholic Relief Services, HCPT, or Friends of Los Niños. These organizations minister to people around the world who are on the margins regardless of who they are or what they believe. There is no litmus test for Christian charity.

How do we make this happen? Well, the treasure aspect of time, talent and treasure, may be easier to calculate. Many bishops and priests suggest the following donation of our income: 5% to the parish; 1% to the bishop, and 4% to other Catholic or Christian organizations. Now, 10% of our income is a lofty goal for many of us. But knowing this recommendation can give us all food for thought as we begin this new year.

We are also called to share our time and our talents according to our circumstances. For example, the way a person shares their time will be different for an 80-year-old than a mother of young children or a teenager. And while I might have an opinion on everything, the bishops or my pastor might not ask for my advice on the law as I am not an attorney or my advice on medical or scientific issues as I am neither a physician nor a scientist. Does that make sense?

These examples of time, talent and treasure give us concrete ways to imitate the magi, but what is that we are really doing? In sharing our gifts, we share the light of Jesus Christ with others. Through our prolife ministries, we share the light of Christ with pregnant women who feel like they don’t have any choices. Through our hospitals and clinics, we share the light of Christ with people in need of medical and mental health services regardless of who they are or the value of their bank accounts. Through our homeless ministries, we share the light of Christ with those who have no place to live and no food to eat. Through our medical and prison chaplaincy programs, we share the light of Christ with people who desperately need to hear the comforting words of the God who saves.

Now, these are just a few examples. All of us can find some way to share our gifts with Christ’s church and the people of God. Not everyone will be interested in hearing the Good News, and that’s ok. Inspired by the God’s grace, we let our little lights of faith shine, that’s our response to God. Then we get out of the way and allow the Spirit to nurture an encounter with Jesus Christ.

Homework! Inspired by the Light of Christ, I encourage you to reflect on the following questions. First, how did your family, the domestic church, share your faith together this Christmas season? Second, reflecting on 2020, what are some ways you can improve how you share your time, talent and treasure in 2021?

I think doing our homework will help our little lights shine! 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. This Little Light of Mine is free-to-use music. Many thanks to the many artists who generously share their gifts and talents. If this is your first time here, welcome! You can help other listeners find us by rating and reviewing deacon rudy’s notes. I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me next week as we break open the Word. Happy New Year and may God bless you all!

Image Credit: Artist unknown. This Little Light of Mine. PNP file.

Bibliography/Suggested Reading:
1. Mitch, Curtis and Edward Sri. The Gospel of Matthew. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2010. Kindle.
2. Williamson, Peter S. Ephesians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2009. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. The Father reveals the mystery by sending Christ: 50
2. The Church, sacrament of human unity: 60, 442, 674, 755, 767, 774-76, 781, 831
3. The Apostolic Tradition: 75-76
4. Christ the light of the nations: 280, 529, 748, 1165, 2466, 2715
5. Epiphany: 528, 724
6. Holy Spirit manifesting Christ through Mary: 724
7. A new People of God not based on physical descent: 781-82

The Epiphany of the Lord https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010321.cfm
Lectionary: 20

Reading 1
Isaiah 60:1-6
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.

Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Responsorial
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
R.(cf. 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;
the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Reading 2
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.
It was not made known to people in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Alleluia
Matthew 2:2
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.