Fr. Craig’s Contemplations

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
We “return” to Ordinary time this weekend. We begin by hearing from the Prophet Isaiah, which is deeply consoling. “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” We are called to RECEIVE this sacred LIGHT and SHARE this LIGHT with those whom we encounter. John the Baptist offers a “testimony” saying, "Behold the Lamb of God.” Here we are 20 centuries repeating the precious words of John the Baptist at each Mass, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.”  John the Baptist testifies that indeed, Jesus is the Son of God. This very same grace (this same divine light) is given to each of us!
It is good to again reflect on the interior power of baptism. To consider what John the Baptist shares in today's scripture emphasizes an “interior conversion.” To begin to “comprehend” the words John says “one whom you do not know” – remember Jesus has not yet publicly revealed Himself as the Messiah (the Anointed One) and the Son of God.  John the Baptist declares that he is merely a servant of Jesus who is “unworthy” to untie Jesus’ sandals.  In prayer when we contemplate the words of St. John the Baptist, we examine again the great humility John the Baptist had deep within him, when we contemplate this humility, we are again given a greater revelation so to WHO Jesus really is to each one of us.
May the Lord be with you!
Fr. Craig

READINGS FOR JANUARY 15, 2023

2^ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
 

1^st Reading—Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6—The Lord said, “You are my servant, /Israel, through whom I show my glory./…I will make you a light to the nations,/that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Responsorial Psalm:  — “Here I am, Lord, here I am. I come to do your will.”

2^nd Reading—1 Corinthians 1: 1-3— “Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus,” greeted the holy people of the Corinthian church with God’s grace and peace. He addressed them as “sanctified in Christ Jesus.”

Gospel Acclamation—Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! “The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him, he gave the power to become children of God.” Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Gospel—John 1: 29-34—John exclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” He continued, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove…I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”


PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

1) Let us pray for the Church:
Spirit of the Living God, grant grace and peace to your people.
          May there be unity among all who follow the Lord Jesus.
          We pray to the Lord…

2) Let us pray for the earth and all the people who dwell on it:
God of all creation, may we grow in our respect for the earth and be good stewards of what you have given to us. 
May we find the strength to defend the unborn, the weak, and the vulnerable.
          We pray to the Lord…

3) Let us pray for our nation:
Guide our civil leaders, judges, and legislators with your Spirit of wisdom.
Be a light to our nation and lead us to respect the rights and dignity of every
living person.  Help us find the path to peace and security.
          We pray to the Lord…

4) Let us pray for the sick:
May your healing Spirit lift our ailing brothers and sisters –especially
And for all who have asked for our prayers. 
Bob Lee       Scott Hevel           Kevin Petrusha     Beth Tracey
Marge Park           Cory Hof     Allie Rose Frazer  Kylie Nelson
Cheryl Splude       Joe Carr
We pray to the Lord…

5) Let us remember the dead:
Raise your people, loving Lord, and grant them eternal joy, especially –
(5:00 Mass)  Fr. Bernie Mullen, Sister Anne Mary, Robert Harvey, Mary Fetzer
(8:30 Mass)  Madonna Petrusha,                                                                                               Living & Deceased members of the Weisbrod Family
(10:30 Mass)  Roger Tait
          We pray to the Lord…


ANNOUNCEMENTS—January 15, 2023

 

1. The Parish offices will be closed on Monday, January 16^th, and reopen on Tuesday. Because of this, Mass will be at 9 a.m., not 7 p.m. Monday.

 

2. It’s time to sign up for your Lenten Retreat. We are scheduled at St. Paul of the Cross for Men—on Mar. 3-5 and for Women—Mar. 24-26. Please take a pamphlet and there is a form to sign up.

 

3. The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Euchre tournament on Saturday, January 28^th after the 4 p.m. Mass. $15 per person at the door will cover the cost to play, snacks and drinks. Please call the parish office to sign up.

 

4. The quilting and craft group will meet next Saturday, December 21 from 10-2 in Solanus Hall.

 

5. Please stop in the gathering area and purchase your tickets for January 22^nd where you will be entertained by Christian comedian Shawn Reynolds. $20 covers your ticket and snacks. Doors open at 4:00, the show begins at 4:30 p.m., invite your friends!

 

6. If you haven’t picked up your 8 x 10 picture, there are a few left in the gathering area. If you ordered a package, your 8 x 10 was in it, and if you had your picture taken on the make up date, you have to use the link given in your email.