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Called to be holy: God will help us
When I first read the second reading for this Sunday, I thought it kind of silly. The reading is only two verses long and most of it is Paul's greeting to the church of Corinth.
I thought to myself, now why would the church choose this short reading to be read on a Sunday? But, when I read it again, it hit me - BAM - right between the eyes. Paul says "to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy . . ." Right there it is, called to be holy! Holy! I am called to be holy! And sometimes that can be hard.
I have been married for just three months. Before we were married, my husband and I heard a talk that mentioned that spouses are called to lead one another to heaven.
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Jan. 16, 2005)
Is 49:3, 5-6
Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
1 Cor 1:1-3
Jn 1:29-34
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What a beautiful way to look at marriage. But I also thought what an awesome responsibility that was. Not only must we help to make one another better people, but with that we must do our best to lead one another to heaven!
Most of the time our marriage is great, but there are those times when we argue and disagree. And sometimes we argue about things that we see in each other that we need to work on ourselves.
And, boy, does my pride get in the way when my husband tells me something about myself that I already know, but do not like to admit. Recently my husband pointed something out to me - the way I don't always communicate in a loving way.
I immediately became defensive. Instead of really thinking about what he said, and thanking him for making me aware of my actions, I make matters worse by not wanting to talk about an issue that I know is true. I didn't want to admit to it.
My defensiveness did not make the situation any better, but only led to anger and annoyance. The situation could easily have been resolved if I put my pride aside and took a moment to reflect on what my husband said, and admitted he is right. (Okay, it does eventually happen, but it takes me time to let my pride be broken and tell him I will try to work on how I communicate with him.)
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Reflection questions
Do I refuse to listen to advice from
those who might draw me closer to holiness?
Do I take on the responsibility of helping those I love grow in holiness?
Who, in my life, is leading me to heaven?
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The reason my husband points things out to me is because he loves me and he wants me to be a better person, a holier person. It's the same thing with Christ. Christ has sanctified us and called us to be holy.
It's tough to change and admit our faults, but as Paul also writes, "grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." God will give us the grace we need each day to become holier, so that we may become closer to him.
Kiley Hackl is a 2004 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Madison, where she was active in several ministries at St. Paul University Catholic Center. She now works as an registered nurse in the Cincinnati area, where she recently moved to live with her new husband.
St. Paul's Web site is www.stpaulscc.org
Faith Alive!
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In a Nutshell
No matter how many human qualities we ascribe to God, we know that God transcends them all.
Second Isaiah exhorted people to think that God is much greater and more innovative than they had imagined.
Scripture writers remind us that we cannot fully grasp God. But the biblical authors are certain of God's love for us.
Catholic News Service
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Grappling With What We Still Don't Know About God
By Father Dale Launderville, OSB
Catholic News Service
The God we search for exceeds the capacity of our imagination.
The prophet called Second Isaiah, who preached to an audience of despairing exiles in Babylonia around 540 B.C., challenged his listeners this way: "To whom can you liken God? With what equal can you confront him?" (Isaiah 40:18).
full story
What We Don't Know About God Impels Us Forward
By Father Robert L. Kinast
Catholic News Service
More than 35 years after his death Trappist Father Thomas Merton (1915-1968) remains a dominant figure and guide for contemporary spirituality. There are several reasons why.
First, Father Merton's spiritual writings have a strong autobiographical style. Beginning with "The Seven Storey Mountain," the account of his conversion and entry into monasticism, he shared his questions, insights, failures, hopes and achievements in a personal way. By drawing on his own experience, he encourages all of us to look within for the starting point of our spiritual development rather than depending on the latest technique.
full story
If We Can't Know God Completely, Why Bother?
By Marcellino D'Ambrosio
Catholic News Service
When you press questions far enough about doctrines such as the Trinity or the Eucharist, you inevitably come up against the same response: "It's a mystery."
"Foul!" cry many critics. "This 'mystery' stuff," they say, "is just a smokescreen."
full story
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Copyright © 2004 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
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This week's readings
Week of January 16 - 22, 2005
Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005
Reading I: Is 49:3, 5-6
Reading II: 1 Cor 1:1-3
Gospel: Jn 1:29-34
Monday, Jan. 17, 2005
Reading I: Heb 5:1-10
Gospel: Mk 2:18-22
Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005
Reading I: Heb 6:10-20
Gospel: Mk 2:23-28
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Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005
Reading I: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17
Gospel: Mk 3:1-6
Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005
Reading I: Heb 7:25--8:6
Gospel: Mk 3:7-12
Friday, Jan. 21, 2005
Reading I: Heb 8:6-13
Gospel: Mk 3:13-19
Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005
Reading I: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14
Gospel: Mk 3:20-21
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Pope's Prayer Intentions
January General Intention
Lasting peace in the Middle East: That all those working in the Middle East may intensify their efforts for peace.
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January Mission Intention
Missionary apostles: That in mission lands, holy and generous apostles may be raised up, eager to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to everyone.
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