1 February 2015 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time • Divine Office Week IV • Year B SUNDAY PLUS Presentation of the Lord Welcoming the Lord by Denis McBride C.Ss.R. I n today’s Gospel Jesus is welcomed into the synagogue and he makes a deep impression on everyone. Why does he make such an impact? Because people can readily see that Jesus acts with authority: when he speaks, something happens. When most of us speak, it has to be said that nothing much happens: we decorate the air with language, hoping that something might land, that our words might make a difference. We wait for a response. And then we wait some more. In the absence of something happening, we wonder why our words have not achieved what we had hoped. The difference with Jesus is that his word becomes an event: what he says actually happens. And the people welcome this, saying: “This is a teaching that is new.” The teaching is new because people can see it taking place before their eyes. This is different from what they are used to. This is new. This is a word that comes about. Tomorrow is the feast of the Presentation, when Mary and Joseph take Jesus up to the Temple in Jerusalem. The old prophet Simeon welcomes this child, takes him into his arms, declaring that his life’s mission is now over, having set eyes on the salvation which he has awaited all his life. The child does not say anything; he speaks no words. His presence, not his words, provokes the welcoming response. Can we be Simeon and welcome the Lord into our lives? Can we, like the people of Capernaum, welcome this new word? Can we take the Lord into our lives, believing that welcoming him will make a real difference? There is only one way we will know – by doing it. www.denismcbride.com Prayer To be Christ-like Shine in and through me so that I might reflect your love at all times and in all places. Lord, teach me to be like you. Amen. A-Z of healthy living Involvement by Sr Janet Fearns by Sr Thérèse Garman Lord, when I looked in the mirror this morning, I saw myself and did not see much of you. I saw the moments when, with a little more effort, I could have been stronger, more just, more generous, more willing to put the needs of others before my own. My faults and failings were more obvious than my list of good deeds. Lord, I am not perfect; both you and I know that only too well. Yet you love me, just as I am, warts and all. Every time I fall you are there, helping to pick me up and set me off on the road towards you once again. Lord, help me to follow you more closely. Help me to be more like you. In Luke 19:1-10, we see how Jesus made a difference by being involved in people’s lives, and their world. How can we make a difference in the lives of our neighbours, our family, our work colleagues? Do we care enough to be involved? Jesus became involved by going out among the people. He met Zacchaeus among the crowds in Jericho, despite the fact that Zacchaeus was up a tree. Do we notice the individual in the crowd? Jesus did not meet people by chance, but with a purpose. He intentionally helped Zacchaeus find God. His involvement was friendly, supportive and accepting, and this Today: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 Mark 1:21-28 redemp orist p u b l i c a t i o n s Monday: Malachi 3:1-4 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 “ People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy. Charlie T. Jones and Bob Phillips, Wit & Wisdom Tuesday: Hebrews 12:1-4 Mark 5:21-43 Wednesday: Hebrews 12:4-7. 11-15 Mark 6:1-6 Thursday: Hebrews 12:18-19. 21-24 Mark 6:7-13 Sunday Plus. Edited by Denis McBride C.Ss.R. and Lisa Gregoire. Copyright © Redemptorist Publications, Alphonsus House, Chawton, Hampshire GU34 3HQ, a registered charity. www.rpbooks.co.uk/plus Friday: Hebrews 13:1-8 Mark 6:14-29 started a relationship. To connect people to God we must first befriend them. Many obstacles separate us from people. For Jesus there was the distance – Zacchaeus was up a tree, he felt condemned by people and he carried guilt about his past life. Jesus removed the obstacles by befriending him. Are we willing to make a difference to people’s lives by getting involved, despite criticisms and apparent obstacles? “ I fear that Christians who stand with only one leg upon earth, also stand with only one leg in heaven. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian Saturday: Hebrews 13:15-17. 20-21 Mark 6:30-34 Next Sunday: Job 7:1-4. 6-7 1 Corinthians 9:16-19. 22-23 Mark 1:29-39 www.facebook.com/sundayplus