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Continued January 7
January 7, 2015 by
January 7 Today’s short reflection
January 7, 2015 by
Daily Prayer for January 7Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt
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Monday January 5
January 5, 2015 by
“The BIBLE grows more beautiful, as we grow in our understanding of it” |
Jakarta, 5 January 2015
A Christian Pilgrim
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Sunday January 4th Today’s feast, also known as “the Manifestation to the Gentiles” celebrates the call of Gentiles, or non-Israelites, to salvation
January 4, 2015 by
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalms: Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,10-13; Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6
The Scripture Text
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern My people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared, and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found Him bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him.” When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-12 RSV)
Today’s feast, also known as “the Manifestation to the Gentiles” celebrates the call of Gentiles, or non-Israelites, to salvation. Many first-century Jews were eagerly awaiting a Messiah who would deliver them from foreign oppression and reestablish Israel as God’s dwelling place. But Jesus did not come to deliver His people from political bondage. He came to “save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). In Jesus, the Father set out to create one universal Church encompassing men and women of every nation.This is where the magi come in, the first Gentiles to whom Jesus was made manifest. They came seeking the “king of the Jews”, but found the King of the universe instead!
And who were these magi? They probably were not kings, but astrologers – similar to today’s New Agers and zodiac readers. These “wise men” were wise in that they were searching for truth and undertook a long and arduous journey just to find it. And when they found Jesus, who is truth incarnate, they bowed down in worship – the surest sign of wisdom.
Just as Jesus at His birth drew wise men from afar, so today He draws people of all backgrounds to Himself. People all over the world, whether consciously or unconsciously, are searching for the truth and life found in Jesus. There is not one person, no matter how far from the truth they seem, to whom Jesus does not want to manifest His presence and love.
Let’s commit ourselves to praying that people of every religious and cultural background come to know salvation and the fullness of life that God offers them through Jesus. Let’s pray for those who are sincerely seeking the truth, especially those who seem to be looking in the wrong places. Let’s ask God for the wisdom to recognize those people with whom He wants us to share His light and love. As Saint John Paul II once encouraged, let us be like that star that guides others to the light of Christ, “so that individuals and peoples in search of truth, justice, and peace may come to Jesus, the one Savior of the world”.
Short Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing that Your plan of salvation is meant for everyone, including myself. Help all those who are searching for You to find the light of truth in Your Son Jesus. Amen.
Jakarta, 1 January 2015 [Mary, Mother of God]
A Christian Pilgrim
New Years Day and Feast of Mary, Mother of God
January 1, 2015 by
Pope Francis’ suggested New Year’s resolutionsby Cindy Wooden |
(CNS/Paul Haring)
VATICAN CITY — When Pope Francis met before Christmas with Vatican employees, mostly lay people with families, he asked them to do 10 things. The list sounded remarkably like suggestions for New Year’s resolutions:
— “Take care of your spiritual life, your relationship with God, because this is the backbone of everything we do and everything we are.”
— “Take care of your family life, giving your children and loved ones not just money, but most of all your time, attention and love.”
— “Take care of your relationships with others, transforming your faith into life and your words into good works, especially on behalf of the needy.”
— “Be careful how you speak, purify your tongue of offensive words, vulgarity and worldly decadence.”
— “Heal wounds of the heart with the oil of forgiveness, forgiving those who have hurt us and medicating the wounds we have caused others.”
— “Look after your work, doing it with enthusiasm, humility, competence, passion and with a spirit that knows how to thank the Lord.”
— “Be careful of envy, lust, hatred and negative feelings that devour our interior peace and transform us into destroyed and destructive people.”
— “Watch out for anger that can lead to vengeance; for laziness that leads to existential euthanasia; for pointing the finger at others, which leads to pride; and for complaining continually, which leads to desperation.”
— “Take care of brothers and sisters who are weaker … the elderly, the sick, the hungry, the homeless and strangers, because we will be judged on this.”
MARY, MOTHER OF GOD (LUKE 2:16-21) – THURSDAY, 1 JANUARY 2015
January 1, 2015 by
MARY, MOTHER OF GOD (LUKE 2:16-21) – THURSDAY, 1 JANUARY 2015
As the Christmas season unfolds, the Holy Spirit continues to invite us to ponder the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Today’s feast is especially important because it focuses our attention on the fact that Mary bore the very Son of God in her womb. From the moment of His conception, Jesus of Nazareth held all the fullness of God’s love, grace, and power in His person. This is the mystery, the wonder that Mary treasured and pondered in her heart (Luke 2:19). She did not fret over the dangers her new family would face. She did not worry about what might happen in the future, or regret what might happen in the future, or regret what might have happened in the past if she and Joseph had not been asked to raise the Son of God. Instead, Mary carefully observed all the ways God was working as she brought Jesus to birth and began to raise Him. She did not let God’s words and deeds become memories that gradually faded; she kept them alive in heart.
God does not want His truths to fade from our minds either. He wants us to imitate Mary by keeping His promises alive in our hearts throughout the year. Indeed, He is giving us this new year as an opportunity to grow in our knowledge of His love.
Of course, Mary did not just have the memory of historical events. She had Jesus with her, day after day. Now, through the Holy Spirit, we too can experience Jesus’ presence day after day. This is part of the promise of the Gospel. The more we prayerfully reflect on who Jesus is and what He has done, the closer He draws us to Himself.
In this new year, why don’t we (you and I) resolve to spend time each day with Jesus in Scripture and prayer? As we make the effort, we will find Jesus’ words taking on their own life within each of us and transforming us into His likeness. Let it happen. Let this be the year that we treasure and ponder Jesus, the Son of God.
Jakarta, 1 January 2015
A Christian Pilgrim
New Years Eve January 1 Mother of God
December 31, 2014 by
Daily Dig for December 31
The solemnity of Mary , Mother of God
January G
Remember us, most loving Mother of God.
Jörg Zink
| You have been placed upon this earth. Go your way through it, paying heed to God’s will. Follow his leading, and pay attention to each sign he gives. He who sent you is there. He will guide you. He will accompany you with the face of your brother. He will keep you from falling. He will point out your path. He will receive you at its end. Even then he will stay beside you. Forever. Give thought now to the road Jesus trod upon this earth, starting in Bethlehem. It is your path. Follow it, and become one with the will of God as he has shown it to you. Source: “Doors to the Feast” |
Tuesday December 30
December 31, 2014 by
2014 in review
2014 in review
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Monday December 29
December 29, 2014 by
“At last, all-powerful Master, You give leave to Your servant to go in peace, according to Your promise. For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared for all nations, the light to enlighten the Gentiles and give glory to Israel, Your people.” (Luke 2:29-32; text from the Divine Office)
Jakarta, 29 December 2014
A Christian Pilgrim
