Jan 31 Homily Connect: Do We Recognize Jesus
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
DT 18:15-20 1COR 7:32-35 MK 1:21-78
Scripture
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another,
Prophets of Our Past Proclaiming Liberty, Justice, Freedom
- Moses led the Chosen People out of Egypt
- Abraham Lincoln proclaiming freedom to the slaves
- Susan B. Anthony led the movement for women’s right to vote
- Dorothy Day founding the Catholic Worker Movement
- Martin Luther King Jr. led the Civil Rights Movement
First Reading – Moses Speaks to the People
- “You are to become a prophet-a voice for God.”
The Call of Our Baptism
- We are anointed priest, prophet, king
- We are called to be the voice of God
- Love is our message because it is the Gospel message,
When Love Prevails
- It is difficult to harbor anger, resentment, and hostility
- Living in love we can make the our corner of the world better
Knowing the Gospel a Must
- Knowing the Gospel is knowing Jesus
- Knowing Jesus is having a relationship with Him
- Relationship is built on prayer, sacraments and service
Do We Recognize Jesus-The Holy One of God?
- Do we believe that Jesus can free us from our pride, ego and selfishness?
- Do our distractions, anxieties; worries keep us from seeing Jesus?
- Second Reading, St. Paul reminds us to not worry about earthly things
- We need to keep our focus on God
Devotional-Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Today – Jesus – The Eucharist
Let us live our baptismal call and become prophets
- Let’s share the Gospel of Love
- Let us proclaim hope, healing, peace
- Let us build unity, peace, justice and equality with each other
- We are called
Questions for Reflection
- What impacted you from today’s Readings and/or homily?
- Who is one of your most impactful prophets? Why?
- Is it difficult to see yourself as a prophet? Why or why not?
- How do you keep your focus on Jesus in the midst of worry and anxiety?
Live Connected
- Thinking about your own story, name several ways that you have been a prophet of hope, healing, peace in your family, with your friends or in your neighborhood. Make a commitment this week to be a prophet in a circumstance where you are needed.