Saints and the Liturgical Year

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December 30, 2014 - Tuesday (Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that the newness of the Nativity in the flesh
of your Only Begotten Son may set us free,
for ancient servitude holds us bound
beneath the yoke of sin.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2014-12-30
 
December 31, 2014 - Wednesday, Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty ever-living God,
who in the Nativity of your Son
established the beginning and fulfillment of all religion,
grant, we pray, that we may be numbered
among those who belong to him,
in whom is the fullness of human salvation.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

December 31 - Saint Sylvester I, Pope (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Come, O Lord, to the help of your people,
sustained by the intercession of Pope Saint Sylvester,
so that, running the course of this present life under your guidance,
we may happily attain life without end.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. Sylvester (d.335) served the Church when the Arian heresy and the Donatist schism had provoked great discord. After the Peace of Constantine, he contributed to the expansion of the Faith throughout the Roman world.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on Pope St. Sylvester, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/stsylvester.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2014-12-31
 
With December 31, we reach the end of our calendar year 2014. Thank you all who have visited this thread.

Most of all, thank you, Lord, for all the blessings we received in the past and during 2014. Thank you, too, for all the blessings that will still come our way!

Happy New Year to everyone!
 
January 1 - Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation):
Today is also World Day of Prayer for Peace.

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary
bestowed on the human race
the grace of eternal salvation,
grant, we pray,
that we may experience the intercession of her,
through whom we were found worthy
to receive the author of life,
our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

"Today’s feast commemorates the important role Our Lady had in God’s work of salvation. It reminds us of the singular dignity accorded by God to Mary, as Mother of God. And, as is Mary’s role, her feast today points us to Jesus, the newborn Prince of Peace.

It is likewise a fitting occasion for renewed adoration of the newborn Prince of Peace, for listening once more to the glad tidings of the angels, and for imploring from God, through the Queen of Peace, the supreme gift of peace … (Marialis Cultus, 1974). This day, therefore, has been instituted as World Day of Prayer for Peace." (quote from Saints Corner, post # 211, Our Eucharistic Journery Group.)

“This oldest feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the mystery of her being the Mother of Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. It is the principal feast of Mary, because her divine Motherhood is the reason why she received the special privileges of Immaculate Conception and Assumption into heaven. Mary is the Mother of Christ and the Mother of the Church.” (ORDO.)

For more on the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/solemnityofmary.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-01
 
grateful_child said:
January 1 - Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation):
Today is also World Day of Prayer for Peace.

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary
bestowed on the human race
the grace of eternal salvation,
grant, we pray,
that we may experience the intercession of her,
through whom we were found worthy
to receive the author of life,
our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

"Today’s feast commemorates the important role Our Lady had in God’s work of salvation. It reminds us of the singular dignity accorded by God to Mary, as Mother of God. And, as is Mary’s role, her feast today points us to Jesus, the newborn Prince of Peace.

It is likewise a fitting occasion for renewed adoration of the newborn Prince of Peace, for listening once more to the glad tidings of the angels, and for imploring from God, through the Queen of Peace, the supreme gift of peace … (Marialis Cultus, 1974). This day, therefore, has been instituted as World Day of Prayer for Peace." (quote from Saints Corner, post # 211, Our Eucharistic Journery Group.)

“This oldest feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the mystery of her being the Mother of Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. It is the principal feast of Mary, because her divine Motherhood is the reason why she received the special privileges of Immaculate Conception and Assumption into heaven. Mary is the Mother of Christ and the Mother of the Church.” (ORDO.)

For more on the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/solemnityofmary.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-01
Click to expand...
Reflections on Our Lady as Our Mother, from the book, More Mother Than Queen, by Venerable Fr. Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus, o.c.d.:
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=12615173#post12615173
 
January 2 - Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church (Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who were pleased to give light to your Church
by the example and teaching
of the Bishops Saints Basil and Gregory,
grant, we pray,
that in humility we may learn your truth
and practice it faithfully in charity.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

"St. Basil (329-379) was a brilliant student born of a Christian family in Caesarea, Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey). He fought the Arian heresy vigorously. He followed the monastic way of life before being elected Archbishop of Caesarea in 370. Monks of the Eastern Rites still follow the monastic rule he wrote.

St. Gregory (329-389) was also from Cappadocia. A friend of St. Basil, he also followed the monastic way of life before being elected Archbishop of Constantinople in 381, in which capacity he fought against the Arian heresy at its height. He is called ‘The Theologian’ because of his great learning and talent for oratory." (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-02
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/B/stbasilthegreat.asp
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/G/stgregorynazianzen.asp
 
January 3, 2015 - Saturday, Christmas Season:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty ever-living God,
who were pleased to shine forth with new light
through the coming of your Only Begotten Son,
grant, we pray,
that, just as he was pleased to share our bodily form
through the childbearing of the Virgin Mary,
so we, too, may one day merit
to become companions in his kingdom of grace.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

January 3 - The Most Holy Name of Jesus (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who founded the salvation of the human race
on the Incarnation of your Word,
give your peoples the mercy they implore,
so that all may know there is no other name to be invoked
but the Name of your Only Begotten Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

"From apostolic times, the Church has professed, 'at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:10-11). Through the efforts of St. Bernardine of Siena, devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus was promoted through the inscription of its monogram (IHS) and the addition of the name of Jesus to the Hail Mary. Pope Sixtus V granted an indulgence for piously uttering the phrase 'Praised be Jesus Christ!" (Enchiridion Indulgentiarum).((Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on the Most Holy Name of Jesus, see link:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-03
 
January 4, 2015 - The Epiphany of the Lord (Solemnity):

Collect (Opening Prayer) at the Vigil Mass:
“May the splendor of your majesty, O Lord, we pray,
shed its light upon our hearts,
that we may pass through the shadows of this world
and reach the brightness of our eternal home.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Collect (Opening Prayer) at Mass during the Day:
“O God, who on this day
revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations
by the guidance of a star,
grant in your mercy
that we, who know you already by faith,
may be brought to behold the beauty of your sublime glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-04

“The general manifestation of God’s presence in nature and its attendant beauty has sometimes been referred to as ‘diaphany’, a Greek word meaning ‘to appear through,’ but beyond and deeper than this diaphany is the ‘theophany’ in the history of the people of God. The ‘Epiphany’ is the ultimate manifestation, and is applied to the revelation of God’s glory in Jesus of Nazareth who becomes the complete sign of this glory. John’s Gospel has worked out this theme best. True wisdom is to seek, find, recognize,and adore God’s real presence in the signs and events of our times.” (ORDO)

January 4 - Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious (Memorial in the Dioceses of the United States on ordinary days):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who crowned with the gift of true faith
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s burning zeal to find you,
grant by her intercession and example
that we may always seek you with diligent love
and find you in daily service with sincere faith.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

"Born in New York, St. Elizabeth (1774-1821) married and bore five children. After her husband’s death, she converted to Catholicism and founded the first religious society in the United States of America, the Sisters of Charity, a community of teaching sisters that founded Catholic schools, especially to educate underprivileged children. She laid the foundation of the American parochial school system and was the first person born in the United Sates of America to be canonized. (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/stelizabethannseton.asp
 
January 5, 2015 - Monday of Christmas Time after the Epiphany:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, whose eternal Word adorns the face of the heavens
yet accepted from the Virgin Mary the frailty of our flesh,
grant, we pray,
that he who appeared among us as the splendor of truth
may go forth in the fullness of power
for the redemption of the world.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture Readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

January 5 - Saint John Neumann, Bishop (Memorial in the Dioceses of the United States):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who called the Bishop Saint John Neumann,
renowned for his charity and pastoral service,
to shepherd your people in America,
grant by his intercession
that as we foster the Christian education of youth
and are strengthened by the witness of brotherly love,
we may constantly increase the family of your Church.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Born in Bohemia, St. John (1811-1860) felt a desire to help in the missions in the United States of America, and he was ordained in New York in 1836. Entering the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, he established parishes and parish schools. In 1852 he was consecrated Bishop of Philadelphia and prescribed the Forty Hours devotion.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. John Neumann and St. Telesphorus, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjohnneumann.asp
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-05
 
January 6, 2015 - Tuesday of Christmas Time after Epiphany:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, whose Only Begotten Son
has appeared in our very flesh,
grant, we pray, that we may be inwardly transformed
through him whom we recognize as outwardly like ourselves.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

January 6 - Saint Andre Bessette, Religious (Optional Memorial in the Dioceses of the United States):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Lord our God, friend of the lowly,
who gave your servant, Saint Andre Bessette,
a great devotion to Saint Joseph
and a special commitment to the poor and afflicted,
help us through his intercession
to follow his example of prayer and love
and so come to share with him in your glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. Andre (1845-1937) was born near Quebec and entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross. He performed humble tasks for more than forty years and entrusted all of the poor and sick who flocked to his cell to the care of St. Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He built a shrine to St. Joseph in Montreal, which after St. Andre’s death, grew into a great basilica: St. Joseph’s Oratory.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Andre Bessette, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-06
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/blandrebessette.asp
 
Although the *Advent and Christmas Seasons *will soon be over, the graces and blessings we received during this time need not be. For, the graces and lights we received during this time can be used to draw new graces and blessings during the year, as we continue on our challenging spiritual journey.

In the following poem by Jess P. Balon found in the Euchalette, we are reminded that the Lord is ever present in our life. He is ever ready to give us His light to light up our way toward finding Him, especially in times of darkness … And, like the Magi, if we trustingly follow His light, we will surely find Him!

Read on for J. P. Balon’s poem,*** Light Up Our Star Again!***
 
A poem by Jess P. Balon (from the Euchalette, January 4, 2015, p.4):

Light Up Our Star Again!

"In the dark night of human problems and tragedies,
blessed are those who can direct the course of their life
by the God-lit star of vision, courage, and faith.
It shines brightly in their sky
even when all else shakes, or crumbles,
or vanishes into nothing.

But even stars do disappear some nights,
behind the black curtain of stormy clouds.
And so, for us, one day (one night) may come
when all the sky grows dark,
and we feel lost,
wandering aimlessly in an aimless life.
Nor can we say how far down we shall keep tumbling
from fall to fall -
from sin to sin …
So far from the pearly sky lighting the peaks
that used to be our home …

Who can remove for us
the dark cloud that hides our star?
Or who can light for us
a brand new star to lead us safe
to our eternal home?
We surely can’t.
Lighting a star is not for us to do.
But He who made the sun to shine
and out of the dark chaos order,
and light brought forth,
He can fill our sky and lives
with countless stars.
‘The Lord’ is His name.
‘Love’ is His badge.
And out of love,
He can dispel the dark that chokes us.
He alone is our light. He’s our salvation.
He can re-light in us
the star of our vision, courage, and faith,
and draw us out again
from death to life.

This, He alone can do.
This will He do, for sure,
For He loves us.
And then shall we, frail, bruised children,
lost in the desert of a star-less world,
feel the wounds heal,
under the soothing radiance
of our new-found star.
Then, shall we be like the Wise Men of old,
who, for a while, had lost sight of their bright guide.
Then will our hearts throb with joy like theirs,
upon seeing again, bright in the sky,
the friendly light leading us with them
to the brightest star of all -
Jesus, the Sun of life."
(Euchalette, Jan. 4, 2015, p.4.)​

Yes! Jesus is our Star, whose light on that first *‘Holy Night’ *will ever be there to light up our way, especially in times of darkness. All we need to do is ask for His light, trustingly, from a humble heart; then, watch for His light to come through …

youtube.com/watch?v=JxCO5BGQIcs&feature=related
 
grateful_child said:
January 4, 2015 - The Epiphany of the Lord (Solemnity):

Collect (Opening Prayer) at the Vigil Mass:
“May the splendor of your majesty, O Lord, we pray,
shed its light upon our hearts,
that we may pass through the shadows of this world
and reach the brightness of our eternal home.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Collect (Opening Prayer) at Mass during the Day:
“O God, who on this day
revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations
by the guidance of a star,
grant in your mercy
that we, who know you already by faith,
may be brought to behold the beauty of your sublime glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-04

“The general manifestation of God’s presence in nature and its attendant beauty has sometimes been referred to as ‘diaphany’, a Greek word meaning ‘to appear through,’ but beyond and deeper than this diaphany is the ‘theophany’ in the history of the people of God. The ‘Epiphany’ is the ultimate manifestation, and is applied to the revelation of God’s glory in Jesus of Nazareth who becomes the complete sign of this glory. John’s Gospel has worked out this theme best. True wisdom is to seek, find, recognize,and adore God’s real presence in the signs and events of our times.” (ORDO)
Click to expand...
Sharing this reflection on today’s feast from today’s Euchalette, January 4, 2015:

Homage to the Savior of All Nations

"Epiphany is the manifestation/revelation of Jesus as the King/Savior not only of the Jews, but of all human beings. Today’s feast reminds us that God loves all nations and cultures of the earth, and that He communicates with us in many, often unforeseen ways - through internal inspirations, through external events, through people, and through His Word… Many times these factors are combined in an interplay that becomes clear only in hindsight. The challenge is for us to ‘decipher’ God’s message and respond to it with faith, persevering generosity and courage, just as the Magi did.

As we … start the Eucharistic celebration, let us include in our intentions all the peoples of the world and all those who are working hard to bring about harmony and cooperation among all human beings." (p.1; emphasis added.)
 
January 7, 2015 - Wednesday of Christmas Time after Epiphany:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who bestow light on all the nations,
grant your peoples the gladness of lasting peace
and pour into our hearts that brilliant light
by which you purified the minds of our fathers in faith.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

January 7 - Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Priest (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who adorned the Priest Saint Raymond
with the virtue of outstanding mercy and compassion
for sinners and for captives,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, released from slavery to sin,
we may carry out in freedom of spirit
what is pleasing to you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Born in Barcelona, St. Raymond (1175-1275) was the third superior general of the Dominican Order. He is famous for his efforts to abolish slavery. He wrote five books of Decretals, which constitute a valuable contribution to the development of canon law. The Summa de Casibus Penitentiae, which is about the correct and fruitful administration of the Sacrament of Penance, is the most notable of his works.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Raymond of Penyafort, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-07
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/R/straymondofpenyafort.asp
 
January 8, 2015 - Thursday of Christmas Time after Epiphany:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who through your Son
raised up your eternal light for all nations,
grant that your people may come to acknowledge
the full splendor of their Redeemer,
that, bathed ever more in his radiance,
they may reach everlasting glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
 
January 9, 2015 - Friday of Christmas Time after Epiphany:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, we ask, almighty God,
that the Nativity of the Savior of the world,
made known by the guidance of a star,
may be revealed ever more fully to our minds.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

For information on Venerable Pauline-Marie Jaricot, Foundress of the Association for the Propagation of the Faith, see link:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-09
 
January 10, 2015 - Saturday of Christmas Time after Epiphany:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty ever-living God,
who through your Only Begotten Son
have made us a new creation for yourself,
grant, we pray,
that by your grace we may be found in the likeness of him,
in whom our nature is united to you.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”
l
Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

For information on St. William of Bourges, see link:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-10
 
January 11, 2015 - The Baptism of the Lord (Feast):
(Sunday after the Epiphany of the Lord.)

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty ever-living God,
who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan
and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him,
solemnly declared him your beloved Son;
grant that your children by adoption,
reborn of water and the Holy Spirit,
may always be well pleasing to you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/b16baptLord10.HTM
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-11
 
January 12, 2015 - Monday, First Week of Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Attend to the pleas of your people with heavenly care,
O Lord, we pray,
that they may see what must be done
and gain strength to do what they have seen.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

For information on St. Marguerite Bourgeoys and St. Benedict Biscop, see link:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-12
 
grateful_child said:
January 11, 2015 - The Baptism of the Lord (Feast):
(Sunday after the Epiphany of the Lord.)

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty ever-living God,
who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan
and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him,
solemnly declared him your beloved Son;
grant that your children by adoption,
reborn of water and the Holy Spirit,
may always be well pleasing to you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/b16baptLord10.HTM
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-01-11
Click to expand...
On Sunday, January 11, 2015, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, *Christmas Time *ends. The Ordinary Time of the Liturgical Year then begins on Monday, January 12th. It continues on until February 17th, Tuesday before Ash Wednesday on February 18th. It resumes on May 25th, the day after Pentecost; and continues on until November 28th, the day before Advent 2015 begins.

Below are excerpts from a reflection on the Baptism of the Lord, found in the Euchalette, 01/13/13, by Jess P. Balon:

The Meaning of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan:

"Jesus did not need to receive John’s baptism. He needed no conversion or repentance, since he was absolutely sinless. He did not need to prepare himself to welcome the Kingdom either … Actually, he himself was the beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth! And yet we know that it was Jesus himself who insistently asked to be baptized by John. Why? Because he knew that the reception of that baptism was part of the Father’s plan for him…

While for all other people who have received it, John’s baptism was a preparation for the Kingdom, for Jesus it was an inauguration of the Kingdom, the formal beginning of his mission of salvation.

The baptism received by Jesus, therefore, though externally similar to that received by thousands of others, was essentially different, actually unique. It had a saving dimension / effect, not for Jesus, but for all men." (p. 4).

The baptism of Jesus and our baptism:

"The baptism received by Jesus, then, was also different from the one through which we have become Christians. All of us need to be baptized in order to be re-established in a filial relationship with God. Each of us needs to become by grace what Jesus Christ is by nature: a child of God.

The baptism of Jesus did not bring about any change or purification in him. It only manifested what he was: God’s beloved Son. His baptism was a revelation, an epiphany. The sacrament of baptism that we have received, instead, has brought about in us a radical change: from sinful and unworthy creatures, it has made us adopted children of the Father, brothers / sisters of Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit…

Our baptism, however, has also a fundamental similarity with that of Jesus in its commitment aspect. Jesus’ baptism, in fact, was, on his part, a formal commitment to fulfill the Father’s will / plan to the very end. Such a commitment is also part of our baptism. We have to remember this and live up to the commitment we undertook, with the same dedication and fidelity shown by Jesus." (p.4).
 
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