3rd Sunday of the Year (b)

This Week’s Liturgy Calendar.

 

Ordinary Time of the Year. (B)

 

Weekdays – Year 1.

 

Sunday 25th January:            Third Sunday of the Year. (B)

Repentance is one of the main themes running through the readings of today’s Mass.

The first reading from the prophet Jonah, tells how the preaching of Jonah met with an immediate response from the people of Nineveh. It stresses the mercy and forgiveness of God and how this is available and freely given to all people not just the people of Israel.

Even though we know that the second coming of Christ was not as close at St. Paul expected, the message he gives is important. He reminds us that, ultimately, we are called to live in the next world. The things of this world should not distract us from that calling and should not affect the way we live our lives.

The Gospel shows the prompt response of the first disciples to Jesus’ call to follow him. It is complete and total.

Monday 26th January:           Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus.

These two men were two of St. Paul’s most ardent followers. Timothy accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey, leaving him at Ephesus. He is regarded as the first Bishop of Ephesus. Titus was put in charge of the Church at Crete. Paul wrote two letters to Timothy and one to Titus that are often called the pastoral letters.

 

Tuesday 27th January: Weekday of third week of the year.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews stresses that the old sacrifices were imperfect; a pale copy of what real worship ought to be. They could never bring us into a close relationship with God. Christ’s sacrifice was perfect and does this.

Jesus reminds his listeners that anyone who does the will of God can become his brother, sister and mother.

Wednesday 28th January:   Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Thomas was born near Aquino in Italy in 1225. He died in 1274. He spent his early years at Monte casino, studied at Naples University and joined the Dominican Order. This caused trouble within his family who actually took him prisoner and held him for two years. He studied later under St. Albert the Great. His devotion to the Eucharist gave rise to much of his writing, including hymns which are still used in the Church today. He is regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of the doctors of the Church. He devoted his life to teaching and preaching but above all to theological reflection and writing of the truths of the faith.

Thursday 29th January:         Weekday of the third week of the year.

Today the author of the Letter to the Hebrews moves from theology of priesthood to practical exhortation. Jesus is the living way to the Father. We should be full of hope and approach the presence of God, remaining true to our faith and encouraging and supporting one another.

The Gospel reminds us that, whatever talents we are given in life, we are expected to use them to the best of our ability. We should be signs of the presence of Christ in the community.

Friday 30th January:    Weekday of the third week of the year.

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews reflects on how the follower of Christ has already suffered persecution and had to struggle to hold on to the new found faith. He encourages his readers to keep that up and have hope and belief in God’s love for us.

St. Mark recounts some more parables on the perennial problem – how do good and evil exist side by side. It is the harvest on Judgement Day which will give the answer.

Saturday 31st January:             Memorial of St. John Bosco.

          St. John Bosco was born near Turin in Italy in 1815. His mother brought him up from the age of two following on the death of his father. From his early years, he wanted to be a priest and work with homeless boys. Sometime after his ordination, he managed to set up a training school for poor boys. By 1856, there were 150 resident boys, with 4 workshops, a printing press, Latin classes and another 500 children coming in as day students. At first, he had a number of priests helping him on an informal basis. Later he founded a religious order to carry on his work. These became known as the Salesians, after the Patron Saint chosen for them, St. Francis of Sales. John Bosco died in 1863. He is a patron of the young and of teachers.

 

The light of God surrounds us;

The love of God enfolds us

The power of God protects us;

The presence of God watches over us;

Wherever we are,

God is,

And all is well.

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