Reflection for 24 January 2021

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deacon John Bird

Today the readings for Mass present interesting questions for reflection.  How would you respond to Jonah’s announcement that ‘forty days and you will be destroyed’ (Jonah 3:4) because of sin and living contrary to God’s laws and one’s unbelief? Or how would you respond to Christ’s invitation to “come after me and I will make you fishers of men.”? (Mk 1:17)

These questions are presented to us every day, and it is left up to us to choose how we respond.  Do we respond with a resolve to conversion as the Ninevites did by changing our lives to reflect a life free of selfishness, pride, arrogance, and attachment to our sinful disregard for God’s laws?  Do we  respond to Christ’s invitation to be his disciples in proclaiming  His Word, His Gospel by the way we live our lives?  St. Francis is said to have instructed his followers to “preach the Gospel and if necessary, use words.”

Remember, God’s love for us allows us to make the choice on how to respond.  Only you can make that decision to turn away from sin, and by this action you accept Christ’s invitation to a life of love for God and neighbor, a life of hope in eternal life. 

Let us pray:  Dear Jesus, guide me in my words, thoughts, and actions to live a Gospel life. A life filled with love of you and neighbor, a life that is an example of your goodness and love. Amen

Reflexión para el  24 de enero de 2021

3er domingo entiempo ordinario

Diácono John Bird  

Hoy las lecturas de la Misa presentan preguntas interesantes para nuestra reflexión. ¿Cómo responderías al anuncio de Jonás de que 'cuarenta días y serás destruido' (Jonás 3:4) a causa del pecado y de vivir en contra de las leyes de Dios y de la falta de fe? ¿O cómo responderían a la invitación de Cristo de "venir y sígueme y yo los haré pescadores de hombres"? (Mc 1,17)

Estas preguntas se nos presentan todos los días y nos queda elegir cómo respondemos. ¿Respondemos decididos a la conversión que los Ninivitas hicieron cambiando nuestra vida para reflejar una vida libre de egoísmo, orgullo, arrogancia y apego a nuestro pecado y falta de atención a las leyes de Dios? ¿Respondemos a la invitación de Cristo a ser sus discípulos al proclamar Su Palabra, Su Evangelio por la forma en que vivimos nuestra vida? Se dice que San Francisco instruyó a sus seguidores a "predicar el Evangelio y, si es necesario, usar palabras".

Recuerden, el amor de Dios por nosotros nos permite tomar la decisión de cómo responder. Sólo tú puedes tomar esa decisión de apartarte del pecado y con esta acción aceptar la invitación de Cristo a una vida de amor a Dios y al prójimo, una vida de esperanza en la vida eterna.

Oremos: Querido Jesús, guíame en mis palabras, pensamientos y acciones para vivir una vida evangélica, una vida llena de amor a ti y al prójimo, una vida que es un ejemplo de tu bondad y amor. Amén

My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament.

I love Thee above all things, and I desire Thee in my soul.

Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though Thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee.

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

From: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/memorare-393

Great news. Beginning on Saturday, 21 November we will once again begin offering indoor Sunday Masses at San Juan and Alclade as normal, occupancy limit of 75 people. Thank you all for your patience and understanding.

Also we ask those who come to Mass here at San Juan to don your masks when you exit your cars to come in to Church in respect of the policies and directives and requests of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo.

There is still no masses at Santa Clara.