The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – January 15, 2023
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January 23, 2023The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – January 15, 2023
John 1:29 – “John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’- (altera die videt Iohannes Iesum venientem ad se et ait: ecce agnus Dei qui tollet peccatum mundi.)
Dear Parishioners and Friends:
In the tradition of the Church there are actually three epiphanies (a triptych as it were): the coming of the three Kings, the Baptism of the Lord, and finally the Lord’s first miracle at Cana in Galilee. The word “epiphany” means to “make manifest.” Liturgically, the celebration of the Lord’s Nativity soon gives way to the celebration of the Lord’s public ministry at the age of thirty. Remember, Jesus spent thirty years obeying, three years teaching, and three hours redeeming (Fulton Sheen).
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth, His home town, and His entire mission comes to its ultimate culmination for all time in Jerusalem, the place of His suffering on the Cross, Crucifixion, Death, and Resurrection. This is the greatest story ever told. Nothing in the history of mankind can surpass its significance. All that came before, and all that has happened since, and all that will happen in the future, particularly at the end of the world, receives its meaning from those three days in Jerusalem. This is the kerygma. The core Truth of the Gospel - Jesus Christ saves souls.
Jesus came to save sinners. Check out Mark 1:15. This was the content of His preaching. Jesus came not only to save us from the Original Sin of our first parents, but all the sins we commit after baptism. Only Jesus Christ, the God-man has this power. In Baptism and the Sacrament of Penance this power is seen most directly, even though venial sins are cleansed from our souls in the other Sacraments and in other ways. Indeed, all the Sacraments are the most significant and efficacious way we share in the Resurrection of the Lord. Jesus came to save each and every soul. This is done in a particular and personal way. The invitation is always personal, made to measure. Yes, and there are so many wandering, suffering, drifting, numb, souls seeking for meaning in life now and for eternity. Yes, there are many struggling, searching, worrying, souls.
Praise the Lord that there are the souls who have found a safe place in the love of Jesus Christ, His life, His light. Our task is not to rest on our laurels, but to make flickering flames burn brightly and prevent bruised reeds from toppling down. Each of us in Jesus has this task before him each day. And it begins in my own heart, mind, and soul. Reach out to others the best you can. Don’t be afraid. He is with you.
At every Mass we hear over and over again, lest we lose the way: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us”. And before Holy Communion: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”
Our humble response: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
