Sunday, January 19, 2020

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: "They showed us unusual kindness"

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 4:22-43
Mass: Is 49:3, 5-6; Resp Ps 40; 1 Cor 1:1-3; Jn 1:29-34


Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

It seems a good day to pay special attention at Mass, especially during the Communion Rite, after the priest breaks the bread. This is when we echo the words of John the Baptist from today's Gospel. During this week of prayer for Christian unity, we join "all who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours" (1 Cor 1:2). Deliver us from evil, Lord, take away our sins, have mercy on us, and grant us the peace that only you can give.

May we go forth then, all of us, called to be holy and bearers of the peace and love of the Lamb of God. 

If you are looking for some practical ways to go about extending peace and love to all those you encounter, please turn to St Benedict in Chapter 4 of the Holy Rule, "The Tools for Good Works". It there that St Benedict prescribes at least 74 tools for good works. We could also title the chapter, "The Tools for Peace and Love". We remember that our "way of acting should be different from the world's way; the love of Christ must come before all else" (RB 4:20-21).

Honor everyone.
Do not act in anger.
Do not nurse a grudge.
Rid your heart of all deceit.
Never give a hollow greeting of peace.
Never turn away when someone needs your love.
Speak the truth with heart and tongue.
Guard your lips from harmful or deceptive speech.
Harbor neither hatred or jealously of anyone.
Do nothing out of envy. 
Pray for your enemies out of love for Christ.
If you have a dispute with someone, make peace with her before the sun goes down.
(RB 4:8, 22-26, 28, 51, 65-67, 72-73)

Today's photo: Thank you for your faithful witness.


© Gertrude Feick 2020

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