Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: "Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit."

Year of Saint Joseph

In other years: Saint Anthony, Abbot (251-356)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 3:7-13

Mass: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Resp Ps 40; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42

I have waited, waited for the Lord, and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.

I like the postures of the people in today's Gospel. First, there is John the Baptist "standing", firmly grounded in belief in the One who came after him. Grounded in faith, John watches Jesus walk by. "Behold," says John, "the Lamb of God." John's two disciples who were with John hear him and follow Jesus. Jesus turns and sees. The Lord questions the disciples. The Lord questions each one of us: What are you looking for? So, what is it you are looking for? If you aren't sure, listen to the voice of the Lord: Come, and you will see. 

It is fitting too that we remember Saint Anthony, "the celebrated Father of Monks". Anthony heard the voice of the Lord: If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor-you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me. And Anthony did just that. 

What, dear brothers and sisters, is more delightful than this voice of the Lord calling to us? See how the Lord in His love shows us the way of life. Clothed then with faith and the performance of good works, let us set out on this way, with the Gospel for our guide, that we may deserve to see him who has called us to His kingdom.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue 19-21)

May the Virgin Mary help us make our lives a hymn of praise to God in response to His call  and in the humble and joyful fulfillment of His will.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, January 17, 2021)

Today's photo: Thanks to dear TAF, a 7am look at Lake Tippecanoe, Leesburg, IN, January 13, 2021. Crosley Jayne, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2021