READINGS FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 70

 Ir-Raba' Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

 

Reading 1                ZEPHENAIAH 2:3; 3:12-13

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth, who have observed his law; seek justice, seek humility; perhaps you may be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger. But I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD: the remnant of Israel. They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; nor shall there be found in their mouths
a deceitful tongue; they shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them.

QARI 1                mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Sofonija 2:3; 3:12-13

Fittxu lill-Mulej ilkoll,  intom, l-umli tal-art, li tagħmlu ordnijietu, fittxu l-ġustizzja, fittxu l-umiltà; biex forsi f’jum il-korla tal-Mulej ikollkom fejn tistkennu. “U nħalli f’nofsok poplu umli u mċekken”. U f’isem il-Mulej ifittxu l-kenn dawk li jifdal minn Iżrael. Ma jagħmlux ħażen, ma jgħidux kliem b’ieħor, u lsien qarrieq ma jibqax iżjed f’fommhom, hekk li joqogħdu jirgħu u jistrieħu bla ma jbeżżagħhom ħadd.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Responsorial Psalm               PSALM 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

The LORD keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!

The LORD gives sight to the blind;
the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.
The LORD loves the just;
the LORD protects strangers.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!

The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains,
but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!


SALM RESPONSORJALI               Salm 145(146):7,8-9a,9bc-10

R/. (Mt 5:3): Henjin il-foqra fl-ispirtu.

Il-Mulej jagħmel ħaqq lill-maħqurin,
u jagħti l-ħobż lill-imġewħin.
Il-Mulej jeħles lill-imjassrin. R/.

Il-Mulej jiftaħ għajnejn l-għomja;
il-Mulej jerfa’ lill-milwijin;
il-Mulej iħobb lill-ġusti;
il-Mulej iħares lill-barranin. R/.

Hu jżomm lill-iltim u lill-armla,
imma lill-ħżiena jħarbtilhom triqathom.
Il-Mulej isaltan għal dejjem;
Alla tiegħek, Sijon, minn nisel għal nisel. R/.

Reading 2               1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-31

Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God. It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord."

QARI 2                  mill-Ewwel Ittra lill-Korintin 1:26-31

Ħuti, qisu s-sejħa tagħkom: għax mhumiex ħafna fostkom li huma għorrief skond il-qies tad-dinja; mhumiex ħafna s-setgħana, mhumiex ħafna n-nobbli. Imma Alla għażel in-nies boloh għad-dinja biex iħawwad l-għorrief; għażel id-dgħajfa tad-dinja biex iħawwad il-qawwija; għażel il-mistmerra mid-dinja, u n-nies li ma huma xejn, biex iġib fix-xejn lil dawk li huma xi ħaġa. Hekk ebda bniedem ma jkun jista’ jiftaħar quddiem Alla. Minnu li intom tinsabu fi Kristu Ġesù li sar għalina l-għerf mingħand Alla, ġustizzja, qdusija u fidwa, biex bħalma hu miktub, min jiftaħar, ħa jiftaħar fil-Mulej.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Gospel               MATTHEW 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

EVANĠELJU                Qari skond San Mattew 5:1-12a

F’dak iż-żmien, kif ra l-folol, Ġesù tala’ fuq il-muntanja, qagħad bilqiegħda, u esqu lejh id-dixxipli tiegħu. Fetaħ fommu u qabad jgħallimhom u jgħid: “Henjin il-foqra fl-ispirtu, għax tagħhom hija s-Saltna tas-Smewwiet. Henjin l-imnikkta, għax huma jkunu mfarrġa. Henjin ta’ qalbhom ħelwa, għax huma jkollhom b’wirthom l-art. Henjin dawk li huma bil-ġuħ u bl-għatx tal-ġustizzja, għax huma jkunu mxebbgħin. Henjin dawk li jħennu, għax huma jsibu ħniena. Henjin dawk li huma safja f’qalbhom,n għax huma jaraw lil Alla. Henjin dawk li jġibu l-paċi, għax huma jissejħu wlied Alla. Henjin dawk li huma ppersegwitati minħabba s-sewwa, għax tagħhom hija s-Saltna tas-Smewwiet. Henjin intom, meta jgħajrukom u jippersegwitawkom u jaqilgħu kull xorta ta’ ħażen u gideb kontra tagħkom minħabba fija. Ifirħu u thennew, għax ħlaskom kbir fis-smewwiet”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

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Reflection on Sunday's Readings by Fr. Anthony Kadavil

OUR CHRISTIAN GOALS

Introduction:


Sunday’s readings define our Christian goal of eternal happiness and explain the attitudes and actions necessary to reach it. They form the outline for Christ-like living, noting the personal qualities expected of a disciple of Jesus and pointing out the way of life to be lived by a disciple.

They show us the values that Christ cares about. In essence, the Beatitudes both fulfill and complete the Ten Commandments which stress the “Thou shalt nots.” But Jesus presents the Beatitudes in a positive sense, as the virtues in life which will ultimately lead to the rewards of salvation – not in this world, but in the next.

Scripture lessons:

Zephaniah, in the first reading, calls the “moral minority” of the Jews of his time “blessed” because they seek justice, humility, truth, and righteousness, thus making a declaration of dependence on God. In the second reading, Paul advises his Corinthian Christians to use their gifts and Heaven-sent blessings for the good of the community because God has chosen to give them life in Jesus, by whom He justified, sanctified and redeemed them.

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples in the paradoxical blessedness of poverty, hunger, sorrow, and persecution. In poverty, we recognize God’s reign; in hunger, His providence; in sorrow, true happiness; and in persecution, true joy. In other words, the blessed in Jesus’ list are poor in spirit, compassionate, meek, merciful, clean of heart, peace-makers and those who are willing even to be insulted and persecuted for their lived Faith in him.

Each of the inspired authors of today’s readings, Zephaniah, Paul, and Matthew, “makes a motion,” that each of us should consider making a personal Declaration of Dependence on God and then work with His grace to lead a holier and happier life.

Life messages:

1) We need to respond to the challenge of the Beatitudes in daily life. The Beatitudes propose to us a way of life, inviting us to identify with the poor, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst after justice. They challenge us to be compassionate people, to be men and women who are pure in heart, and to become the peacemakers in our dealings with one another, in our families, and in the society at large, even when this approach to things exposes us to ridicule and persecution.

Let us remember that each time we reach out to help the needy, the sick, and the oppressed, we share with them a foretaste of the promises of the Beatitudes here and now.

2) We need to choose the way wisely. “There are two Ways, one of Life and one of Death, and there is a great difference between the two Ways.” These are the opening lines of the “Didache,” a first century Christian catechism used to teach new Christians the essence of the Christian faith. The way of life is the way of Jesus that leads to eternal life. The challenge of the beatitudes is: “Are you going to be happy in the world’s way or in Christ’s way?” God wants us to live as brothers and sisters who care for one another.

//////////////////////////////////////     © 2023, Fr. Anthony Kadavil - https://frtonyshomilies.com

 

 

 

CALLED TO THE LIGHT

Readings for January 22, 2023

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 67

 It-Tielet Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

 

Reading 1               

ISAIAH 8:23—9:3

First the Lord degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the end he has glorified the seaward road, the land west of the Jordan, the District of the Gentiles. Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where but now there was distress. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.

QARI 1                mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Iżaija 8:23b–9:3

Alla bħalma qabel fl-imgħoddi kien mela bl-għajb l-art ta’ Żebulun u l-art ta’ Naftali, hekk issa fl-aħħar isebbaħ it-triq tal-baħar ’l hemm mill-Ġordan, il-Galilija tal-ġnus. Il-poplu li kien miexi fid-dlam ra dawl kbir; in-nies li joqogħdu f’art id-dlam dawl idda fuqhom. Int kattart il-ġens, kabbart l-hena; huma ferħu quddiemek, bħalma jifirħu fi żmien il-ħsad, bħalma jifirħu fi qsim il-priża. Għax il-madmad li kien itaqqlu, u l-ħatar ta’ fuq spallejh, u l-bastun tal-argużin, int kissirthom bħal f’jum Midjan. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Responsorial Psalm                PSAlM 27:1, 4, 13-14

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

SALM RESPONSORJALI               Salm 26(27):1,4,13-14

R/. (1a): Il-Mulej id-dawl u s-salvazzjoni tiegħi.

Il-Mulej id-dawl u s-salvazzjoni tiegħi;
minn min għandi nibża’?
Il-Mulej hu l-kenn tiegħi;
quddiem min għandi nitwerwer? R/.

Ħaġa waħda tlabt lill-Mulej,
ħaġa waħda nfittex:
li ngħammar f’dar il-Mulej
tul il-jiem kollha ta’ ħajti;
biex nitgħaxxaq bil-ħlewwa tal-Mulej
jien u nħares lejn it-tempju tiegħu. R/.

Nemmen li għad nara t-tjieba tal-Mulej f’art il-ħajjin.
Ittama fil-Mulej, żomm sħiħ u qawwi qalbek;
ittama fil-Mulej. R/.

Reading 2               1 CORINTHIANS 1:10-13, 17

I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you. I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of  human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.

QARI 2                 mill-Ewwel Ittra lill-Korintin  1:10-13,17

Nitlobkom, ħuti, f’isem Sidna Ġesù Kristu, biex tkunu taqblu fi kliemkom u ma jkunx hemm firdiet fostkom. Kunu magħqudin kif imiss, ħsieb wieħed u fehma waħda. Ħuti, in-nies ta’ Kloji qaluli fuqkom li fostkom hemm it-tilwim: irrid ngħid jien, li kull wieħed minnkom qiegħed jgħid: “Jiena ta’ Pawlu”, “U jiena ta’ Apollo”, “U jiena ta’ Kefa”, “U jiena ta’ Kristu”. Jaqaw Kristu mifrud? Forsi Pawlu kien li ssallab għalikom jew f’isem Pawlu tgħammidtu? Kristu ma bagħatnix biex ngħammed iżda biex inxandar l-Evanġelju, mhux bi kliem l-għerf sabiex ma jiġix fix-xejn is-salib ta’ Kristu. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Gospel               MATTHEW 4:12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. 

EVANĠELJU               Qari skond San Mattew 4:12-23

Meta Ġesù sama’ li kienu arrestaw lil Ġwanni, warrab lejn il-Galilija. Telaq minn Nażaret u mar joqgħod Kafarnahum, qrib il-baħar, fl-inħawi ta’ Żebulun u Naftali, biex hekk iseħħ dak li kien ingħad permezz tal-profeta Iżaija, meta qal: “Art ta’ Żebulun, u art ta’ Naftali, it-triq tal-baħar, art ’il hemm mill-Ġordan, Galilija tal-ġnus! Il-poplu li kien qiegħed fid-dlam ra dawl kbir; dawk li kienu f’art u dell il-mewt idda dawl għalihom”. Minn dak iż-żmien Ġesù beda jxandar u jgħid: “Indmu għax is-Saltna tas-Smewwiet waslet”. Huwa u jdur ma’ xatt il-baħar tal-Galilija lemaħ żewġt aħwa, Xmun jgħidulu Pietru, u ħuh Indrì, qegħdin jixħtu x-xbiek fil-baħar, għax kienu sajjieda. U qalilhom: “Ejjew warajja, u nagħmilkom sajjieda tal-bnedmin”. U minnufih telqu x-xbiek, u marru warajh. Wara li mexa minn hemm ra żewġt aħwa oħra, Ġakbu ta’ Żebedew u ħuh Ġwanni, qegħdin fid-dgħajsa ma’ missierhom Żebedew isewwu x-xbiek tagħhom, u sejħilhom. Minnufih telqu d-dgħajsa u lil missierhom, u marru warajh. Ġesù dar il-Galilija kollha jgħallem fis-sinagogi tagħhom, ixandar l-Evanġelju tas-Saltna u jfejjaq kull xorta ta’ mard u dgħufija fost il-poplu. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

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Reflection on Sunday's Readings by Fr Fr. Anthony Kadavil

FROM DARK TO LIGHT

Introduction:

Sunday’s readings show that the early Christians understood how Jesus had fulfilled the expectations of ancient Israel. Describing the humble beginning of the public ministry of Jesus, Sunday’s Scripture readings teach us that Christ has brought us from the darkness of sin into the Light of God (4:16) by calling us to repentance (4:17) and the acceptance of God’s rule over us. (You may add a homily starter anecdote)

Scripture lessons summarized:

The first reading contains the prophetic reference to Christ as the Light that dispels darkness. Matthew wanted his readers to recognize that the Light of which Isaiah spoke had finally appeared with the coming of Jesus. The refrain for Sunday’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 27) reminds us, The Lord is my Light and my Salvation.

The second reading advises the Corinthians to live as children of the Light, avoiding divisions and rivalries, because several factions had arisen among the Corinthian Christians, each claiming allegiance to its first Christian teacher or to a particular Apostle.

In Sunday’s Gospel passage (Mt 4:12-23), Matthew explains that what Isaiah prophesied has been fulfilled through the preaching and healing ministry of Jesus.By his ministry of inviting people to the Kingdom of God through repentance, Jesus has brought Light to peoples living in darkness, thus fulfilling God’s original promise.

In addition, the Gospel describes the call of the first disciples (4:18-22), and Jesus’ own preaching, teaching, and healing ministry which has led people to repent of their sins and accept the Good News of God’s rule (the Kingdom of God). He has also chosen ordinary fishermen with no formal training in Mosaic Law to preach the Good News, and they have been very effective instruments in the hands of the Holy Spirit, continuing Jesus’ mission to the world.

Life messages:

    1) We need to appreciate our call to be Christ’s disciples: Every one of us is called by God, both individually and as Church members, to be His disciple. The call is both a privilege and responsibility. The mission of preaching, teaching and healing which Jesus began in Galilee is now the responsibility of the Church and of each individual Christian.

Our response to the call begins with our reception of Baptism and Confirmation, the Sacraments of Initiation. That response is meant to be strengthened through the years by the Eucharist and Reconciliation and to be made manifest in Matrimony or Holy Orders. We are healed and consoled in the Anointing which also prepares us for death. As we respond to Christ’s call, we gain spiritual strength through our personal and family prayers, our Sacramental life and our faithful study of the Bible and the Church’s teachings.

    2) We need to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom: When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are sent forth to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom and to defend the Catholic Faith. Each of us Christians has received a unique call to preach the Good News of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, and salvation through our daily life.

This call challenges us to rebuild our lives, homes, and communities in the justice and peace that Jesus proclaims. As we continue with the celebration of the Holy Mass, let us ask the Lord Jesus to give us the strength and perseverance to answer his calling, so that we may faithfully serve the Lord, doing His Divine will as best as we can by cooperating with His grace.

//////////////////////////////////////     © 2023, Fr. Anthony Kadavil - https://frtonyshomilies.com

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A CHALLENGE TO LIVE LIKE THE LAMB

Readings for January 15, 2022

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 64

Qari tat-Tieni Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

 

Reading 1               ISAIAH 49:3, 5-6

The LORD said to me: You are my servant, Israel, through whom I show my glory. Now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, the LORD says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

Qari 1                mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Isaija 49:3,5-6

Il-Mulej qalli: “Iżrael, inti l-qaddej tiegħi, bik jiena nkun imfaħħar”. Issa tkellem il-Mulej, li minn ġuf ommi għamilni qaddej tiegħu, biex għandu nraġġa’ lura lil Ġakobb, u biex Iżrael jinġabar miegħu mill-ġdid – għax jien kont imfaħħar f’għajnejn il-Mulej, u Alla tiegħi kien il-qawwa tiegħi – u Hu qalli: “Tkun ħaġa żgħira wisq għalik, li inti tkun il-qaddej tiegħi, biex tqajjem it-tribù ta’ Ġakobb, u traġġa’ lura l-fdal ta’ Iżrael. Jien nagħmel minnek dawl għall-ġnus, biex is-salvazzjoni tiegħi sa truf l-art tinfirex”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

 Responsorial Psalm               PSALM 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

R. (8a and 9a) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
And he put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Sacrifice or offering you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
to do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

SALM RESPONSORJALI               Salm 39(40):2,4ab,7-8a,8b-9,10

R/. (8a,9a): Hawn jien, Mulej, ġej nagħmel ir-rieda tiegħek.

Ittamajt b’tama qawwija fil-Mulej;
hu niżel ħdejja u sama’ l-għajta tiegħi.
Qegħedli fuq fommi għanja ġdida,
għanja ta’ tifħir lil Alla tagħna. R/.

Int ma titgħaxxaqx b’sagrifiċċji u b’offerti;
imma widnejja inti ftaħtli;
ma tlabtnix vittmi tal-ħruq u tat-tpattija.
Imbagħad jien għedt: “Hawn jien, ġej”. R/.

“Fil-bidu tal-ktieb hemm miktub fuqi
li nagħmel ir-rieda tiegħek.
Alla tiegħi, dan jogħġobni;
il-liġi tiegħek ġewwa qalbi”. R/.

Xandart il-ġustizzja f’ġemgħa kbira;
xufftejja ma żammejthomx magħluqa.
Mulej, dan inti tafu. R/.

Reading 2               1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-3

 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

QARI 2               Bidu tal-Ewwel Ittra lill-Korintin 1:1-3

Pawlu, li Alla ried isejjaħlu biex ikun appostlu ta’ Kristu Ġesù, u Sòsteni ħuna, lill-Knisja ta’ Alla li qiegħda f’Korintu; lil dawk li tqaddsu fi Kristu Ġesù, imsejħa biex ikunu qaddisin flimkien ma’ dawk kollha li f’kull pajjiż isejħu l-isem ta’ Ġesù Kristu, is-Sid tagħhom u tagħna; grazzja u sliem mingħand Alla missierna u l-Mulej Ġesù Kristu.   Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.     

Gospel               JOHN 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

EVANĠELJU                Qari mill-Evanġelju skond San Ġwann 1:29-34

F’dak iż-żmien, Ġwanni, ra lil Ġesù riesaq lejh, u qal: “Araw il-Ħaruf ta’ Alla, li jneħħi d-dnub tad-dinja. Dan hu li għalih għedtilkom: ‘Warajja ġej bniedem li hu aqwa minni, għax kien qabli’. Anqas jien stess ma kont nafu, imma jien għalhekk ġejt ngħammed bl-ilma, biex hu jkun mgħarraf lil Iżrael”. U Ġwanni xehed għalih u qal: “Jiena rajt l-Ispirtu nieżel mis-sema bħal ħamiema u joqgħod fuqu. Tabilħaqq, anqas jien ma kont nafu; imma dak li bagħatni ngħammed bl-ilma, hu stess qalli: ‘Fuq min tara l-Ispirtu jinżel u joqgħod, dak hu li jgħammed bl-Ispirtu s-Santu’. Dan rajtu b’għajnejja, u għalhekk xhedt, dan hu l-Iben ta’ Alla”.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

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Reflection on Sunday's Readings by Fr Fr. Anthony Kadavil

 RENEWING OUR LIFE

  Introduction:

 The central theme of Sunday’s readings is a challenge to live like the Lamb of God and to die like the Lamb of God and thus bear witness to Christ the “Lamb of God.” We have to choose to accept John’s testimony in today’s Gospel as God’s personal and corporate call to us to become witnesses to the Lamb of God. (You may add a homily starter anecdote here)

 Scripture summarized:

  In both the first and second readings, God calls individuals to His service entrusting them with a mission. The first reading is from the “Songs of the Suffering Servant” in Isaiah, where the prophet was chosen by God from his mother’s womb and consecrated to be a “light to the nations.” Here,aspects of Jesus’ own life, as sacrificial lamb, and mission, as salvation of the world, are foreshadowed.

  In the second reading, Paul reminds the Corinthian Christians that they, like all who call on the name of Jesus, are “sanctified and called to be holy.” They are called by God and consecrated in Christ Jesus for a life of holiness and service. As believers, we too have been called by God to become members of Christ’s Body by our Baptism, and we are consecrated in Christ Jesus for a life of holiness and service.

The Gospel passage presents three themes, namely, the witness John the Baptist bears to Jesus, the revelation (epiphany) and identification of Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” and the call to discipleship. John’s first declaration probably brought five pictures of the “lamb” to the minds of his Jewish listeners.

    1) The Lamb of Yearly Atonement (Lv 16:20-22) used on Yom Kippur.
    2) The Lamb of Daily Atonement (Ex 29:38-42; Nm 28:1-8).
    3) The Paschal Lamb(Ex. 12:11ss).
    4)The Lamb of the Prophets(Jer 11:19), (Is 53:7).
    5) The Lamb of the Conquerors.

Life messages:

1) We need to live and die like the Lamb of God.

    (A) Live like a lamb by:
        i) leading pure, innocent, humble, selfless lives, obeying the Christ’s commandment of love;
        ii) appreciating the loving providence and protecting care of the Good Shepherd in His Church;
        iii) eating the Body and drinking the Blood of the Good Shepherd and deriving spiritual strength from the Holy Spirit through the Holy Bible, the Sacraments and our prayers.

    (B) Die like a sacrificial lamb by:
        i) the sacrificial sharing our blessings of health, wealth, and talents with others in the family, parish, and community;
        ii) bearing witness to Christ in our illness, pain, and suffering; iii) offering our sufferings for the salvation of souls and in reparation for our sins and those of others.

2) We need to be witnesses to the Lamb of God by our exemplary lives. Sunday’s Gospel reminds us that being a disciple of Jesus means that we are to grow by Faith to become witnesses for him. And bearing witness to Christ is an active, not passive, lifetime enterprise. One cannot be a disciple of Jesus at a distance, any more than one can be a distant lover.

3) We are invited to “Come and see.” The essence of our witnessing is to state what we have seen and believed and then to invite others to “come and see” our experience of Jesus. As with Andrew and John, Faith begins with our responding to Jesus’ invitation to “come and see.” We tell others about good restaurants, barbers, optometrists, etc. Why isn’t there the same fervor over inviting and encouraging people to come and participate in our Church activities?

If we are not willing to invite others into this experience, what does that say about our experiences with Christ and with our Church?

//////////////////////////////////////     © 2023, Fr. Anthony Kadavil - https://frtonyshomilies.com

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