Tag: Year B

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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.

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The Baptism of the Lord

complex drawing of Jesus and Moses as one person

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Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 OR Isaiah 55:1-11
Responsorial: Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10 OR Isaiah 12:2-6
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38 OR 1 John 5:1-9
Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011021.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Hello and thank you for joining me for another edition of deacon rudy’s notes where we break open the Word.

Have you ever heard the golden rules of leadership? Lead by example and never ask someone to do something you’re not willing to do.

Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. John the Baptist told the people that one is coming and that he is not worthy even to untie his sandals. John, who is preaching in the desert, offers immersion in the water to cleanse people of their sins. Jesus does not have sin. And yet, Jesus comes to the river, and he submits himself to John.

Why?

Well, first, I think Jesus is telling Israel that John is on to something here. People lived the Law in a perfunctory way, checking off boxes on their annual to-do lists. But they weren’t living the Law. They weren’t living lives of faith rooted in God. So, John is calling people to repent and turn back to God.

In a way, we can look at sin and sinful patterns in our lives as a form of slavery or perhaps slavery to addictions. It’s easy to think of someone strung out or drunk, but there are many other examples of slavery to sinful patterns. Slavery to sin can lead people to do all sorts of strange things.

Take, for example, the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, directed by David Frankel. In the movie, the editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep, learns of its owner’s plot to force her out. She makes a few calculated moves and sacrifices her closest and perhaps most productive employee, Nigel, to keep her job.

The Devil Wears Prada is a good quarantine-binging movie, so I won’t reveal any more details about it, but this is an example of what people might be willing to do to their co-workers to get ahead and stay on top. This movie also offers many excellent examples of what it means to be a slave to sinful patterns.

Of course, there are many other forms of slavery to sin in today’s culture than just to money and status. We could spend the better part of a day sharing examples of sinful patterns we’ve all encountered. But here’s the key takeaway. What is a slave? A slave keeps their head down. If we are slaves to sin, how can we recognize God in our lives and God’s grace all around us?

In the Gospel, Jesus goes into the river like Moses who parted the Red Sea and led the people safely through to the other side. Jesus, like Moses, leads us away from the slavery of sin to freedom. <1> Breaking sinful patterns in our lives can be a scary thing. But we are not alone. Jesus leads us by example. He goes first into the water, letting us know that it’s ok. We can do it too.

Once Jesus emerges from the water, the heavens tear open, the Spirit descends upon Jesus, and we read that God announces, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased,” (Mark 1:11). This amazing action anoints Jesus for his ministry. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. This is where it all starts. And after the resurrection and ascension, many people began to understand. But today, I think we are like those people John the Baptist preached to.

What do I mean? Well, why do people indulge in sinful and addictive patterns?

I suggest that people pursue what’s sinful and addictive because something is missing in their lives. People “nurse” themselves with something they think will fill the want in their lives. Perhaps the silver lining of the strange year 2020 in which so many self-isolated and social-distanced to combat COVID-19 is that we have the opportunity to evaluate our lives, our careers, and our actions.

Are we living the life we want to live? Are we living God’s call for our lives?

My brothers and sisters, I have good news! Just as God smiled on Jesus at baptism, so too does God smile at each of us when we’re baptized. Think about that just for a second. If you are baptized, God says to you, “You are my beloved.” Never doubt that you are worthy. Never doubt that you have a purpose. Never doubt that you are loved!

More good news: Jesus Christ came to this world to offer us a way out of sinful and destructive habits. But we need to take the first step. This start of the new year gives us an opportunity as individuals and as nations for discernment. Discernment helps us evaluate the good, the bad, and the ugly of our lives. Discernment gives us the opportunity to work on developing good habits that we call virtues in our lives. Discernment gives us the opportunity to identify and to reconcile our sins. Discernment gives us the opportunity to, with the help of God, reject destructive patterns in our lives and our nations.

How? We start with baptism. We bring our sins to reconciliation. We get ourselves to Mass, where the Word made flesh, and the Real Presence in the Eucharist nourishes us. And we go out into the world, letting everyone know there is a better way. We invite others to come back to church. And those who are not baptized, we invite them to get to know Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light.

Homework! I ask you to reflect on the following two questions.
First, how am I taking advantage of my New Year’s resolutions to evaluate the way I’m living my life?
Second, what are some ways I can share the Good News of Jesus Christ with other people?

I think doing our homework will help us spread hope in these confusing times. 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.

A quick word to our podcast listeners. Please take a moment to rate and review deacon rudy’s notes on whichever platform you are using to listen to me right now. This helps other listeners find us, and I know you will help me do that! I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image Credit: Artist unknown. Jesus is the new Moses. JPG file.

References:
<1> George T. Montague, SM. Mark: A Popular Commentary on the Earliest Gospel (Steubenville, Ohio: Franciscan University Press, 1992), 15.

Bibliography/Suggested Reading:
1. Anderson, Kelly and Daniel Keating. James, First, Second, and Third John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2017. Kindle.
2. Healy, Mary. The Gospel of Mark. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008. Kindle.
3. Kurz, William S. SJ. Acts of the Apostles. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013. Kindle.
4. Montague, George T. SM. Mark: A Popular Commentary on the Earliest Gospel. Steubenville, Ohio: Franciscan University Press, 1992.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God: 150-51
2. Jesus as the Christ: 436
3. Jesus anointed by the Spirit: 438, 486
4. John the Baptist: 523, 717-20
5. Baptism of Jesus: 535-37, 1223-25
6. Judge of the living and dead: 678-79
7. Water as type of the gift of the Spirit: 694
8. Baptism in water and the Spirit: 720
9. Salvation outside the Church: 776, 846-48
10. Blood and water as types of baptism and Eucharist: 1225
11. Descent of Spirit on Jesus: 1286

The Baptism of the Lord https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011021.cfm
Lectionary: 21

Reading 1
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Thus says the LORD:
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
a bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

OR:

Isaiah 55:1-11

Thus says the LORD:
All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money,
come, receive grain and eat;
come, without paying and without cost,
drink wine and milk!
Why spend your money for what is not bread,
your wages for what fails to satisfy?
Heed me, and you shall eat well,
you shall delight in rich fare.
Come to me heedfully,
listen, that you may have life.
I will renew with you the everlasting covenant,
the benefits assured to David.
As I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander of nations,
so shall you summon a nation you knew not,

and nations that knew you not shall run to you,
because of the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, who has glorified you.

Seek the LORD while he may be found,
call him while he is near.
Let the scoundrel forsake his way,
and the wicked man his thoughts;
let him turn to the LORD for mercy;
to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
As high as the heavens are above the earth
so high are my ways above your ways
and my thoughts above your thoughts.

For just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
and do not return there
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats,
so shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth;
my word shall not return to me void,
but shall do my will,
achieving the end for which I sent it.

Responsorial
Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
R. (11b) The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Give to the LORD, you sons of God,
give to the LORD glory and praise,
Give to the LORD the glory due his name;
adore the LORD in holy attire.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
the LORD, over vast waters.
The voice of the LORD is mighty;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The God of glory thunders,
and in his temple all say, “Glory!”
The LORD is enthroned above the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as king forever.
R. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

OR:

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

R. (3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Reading 2
Acts 10:34-38
Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered
in the house of Cornelius, saying:
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
You know the word that he sent to the Israelites
as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,
what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.”

OR:

1 John 5:1-9

Beloved:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God,
and everyone who loves the Father
loves also the one begotten by him.
In this way we know that we love the children of God
when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this,
that we keep his commandments.
And his commandments are not burdensome,
for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.
And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and blood.
The Spirit is the one who testifies,
and the Spirit is truth.
So there are three that testify,
the Spirit, the water, and the blood,
and the three are of one accord.
If we accept human testimony,
the testimony of God is surely greater.
Now the testimony of God is this,
that he has testified on behalf of his Son.

Alleluia
Cf. John 1:29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
John saw Jesus approaching him, and said:
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Mark 1:7-11
This is what John the Baptist proclaimed:
“One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens,
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

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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.