Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - C - January 23, 2022
How many times have you ever realized you witnessed history? We see historical events in the media, but we rarely witness these events first hand. If we did, what would our reaction be? Surprise? Disbelief? The hometown of Jesus witnessed history first hand when their son returned home to preach. His message: the prophecy of God's Servant was fulfilled. He was that fulfillment.
FIRST READING Nehemiah called the people together so they could understand the Law and rededicate themselves to YHWH. That act called for a feast of rejoicing, of course, in the name of the Lord.
PSALM Psalm 19 praised God for his providence. He was in control, both of the affairs of nature (creation) and the affairs of humanity (his Law). Despite shortcomings, we, too, should praise our Maker and our Law-giver.
SECOND READING St. Paul chided the Corinthian community for its divisive spirit. He argued for order, based upon a hierarchy of ministries, not on the manifestation of gifts.
GOSPEL In Luke 4, Jesus taught in the synagogue at Nazareth. His message was simple. He was the fulfillment of Isaiah's servant prophecy. He was the Messiah.
DAILY READINGS for the Second Week in Ordinary Time.
CHILDREN'S READINGS In the story for the first reading, Johnny felt down until a friend invited him to play tag football. In the first reading, Nehemiah invited the people to turn from their depression and celebrate their life as God's people. In the story for the gospel, Sally had to recite her favorite poem to her class, then explain why it was her favorite. Sally's explanation was brief, but to the point, just like the teaching Jesus gave to the people in his hometown.
CATECHISM LINK In this week's Catechism Link, we discuss God's Spirit, what the Spirit has done in the Bible and what the Spirit does for us today.
FAMILY ACTIVITY In the gospel, Jesus read and commented on the Bible. To encourage your family members to read and discuss the Scriptures, create a Bible corner with candles and flowers. Dedicate the corner with the today's reading from Luke.