Today we are Jesus’ disciples who need to respond with generosity of our own hearts to the call of God in our lives, so we can pronounce and show in words and deeds that Jesus Christ is indeed the Good News and the time of fulfillment is very much at hand.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has a history of over 100 years , in which Christians around the world have taken part in an octave of prayer for visible Christian unity. By annually observing the WPCU, Christians move toward the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper "that they all may be one." (cf. John 17:21)
This Sunday welcomes us to Ordinary Time in the life of the Church. Ordinary Time provides a welcome opportunity to reflect on the life of Jesus and our vocation as Christians.
January 21 begins the 9 Days for Life Novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. Visit www.9daysforlife.com to sign up for daily prayers sent January 21-29 by email or text message, or download the free mobile app!
The Son of God, who from eternity shares the fullness of life with the Father and the Holy Spirit, was “immersed” in our reality as sinners to make us share in His own life: He was incarnate, He was born like us, He grew up like us, and on reaching adulthood manifested His mission which began precisely with the “baptism of conversion” administered by John the Baptist. The Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove, while the Father’s voice from Heaven proclaimed Him- “My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany – the “manifestation” of the Lord that commemorates the coming of the Magi as the first demonstration of Christ to the Gentiles. The feast proclaims that Jesus came to save and bring life to all. No one is excluded; no one is a stranger to Him.
The St. Luke Respect Life Ministry is sponsoring its Diaper and Wipes Drive during the month of January. A Pack-N-Play will be placed outside the Parish Hall after all Masses for donations. Proceeds go to two Crisis Pregnancy Centers in Clay County: Emergency Pregnancy Services and First Coast Women's Services. Thank you for your generosity!