Today’s readings show that the early Christians understood how Jesus had fulfilled the expectations of ancient Israel. Describing the humble beginning of the public ministry of Jesus, today’s Scripture readings teach us that Christ has brought us from the darkness of sin into the Light of God by calling us to repentance and the acceptance of God’s rule over us.
We need to appreciate our call to be Christ’s disciples. Every one of us is called by God, both individually and as Church members, to be His disciple. The call is both a privilege and responsibility. The mission of preaching, teaching and healing, which Jesus began in Galilee, is now the responsibility of the Church and of each individual Christian. Our response to the call begins with our reception of Baptism and Confirmation, the Sacraments of Initiation. That response is meant to be strengthened through the years by the Eucharist and Reconciliation and to be made manifest in Matrimony or Holy Orders. We are healed and consoled in the Anointing, which also prepares us for death. As we respond to Christ’s call, we gain spiritual strength through our personal and family prayers, our Sacramental life and our faithful study of the Bible and the Church’s teachings.
Let us ask the Lord Jesus to give us the strength and perseverance to answer his calling, so that we may faithfully serve the Lord, doing His Divine will as best as we can by cooperating with His grace.
“Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”
“A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.”
Evangelium vitae, 100
On Monday Jan 23rd we will celebrate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. The over 60 million abortions since the 1973 decision of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton reflect with heartbreaking magnitude what Pope Francis means by a “throwaway culture.” However, we have great trust in God’s providence. We are reminded time and again in Scripture to seek the Lord’s help, and as people of faith, we believe that our prayers are heard.
I encourage you as individuals to make a special prayer or an act of self-denial (ex. fasting) for that intention on that day. Come for morning Mass or join us at 7 pm Holy Hour Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. May God forgive us all of the sins against the dignity of every human’s life and make us an ambassadors of a new culture life!
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior!