Outreach
VESCC
REFLECTION QUESTION OF THE WEEK
LAST WEEK
Sunday, 13 January, 2008
Baptism of the Lord
Is there a way I need to humble myself so that the life of the Trinity can become more active within me?
Dear Friends!
You might want to simply discuss the question above with one another on the way home from church, or to make use of the following simple format at home at a convenient time during the week.
1) Make the Sign of the Cross together, placing yourselves within the Holy Trinity. (possibly touch your fingers with holy water beforehand)
2) Read aloud some portion from this Sunday’s scripture readings.
3) Read the Question and allow time to reflect for a moment; then give each person who wishes a chance to share his/her answer.
4) Pray together: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen!”
From this Sunday's Scripture
First Reading Isaiah 42:1-4.6-7
Thus says the Lord: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations. He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets. He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame. Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed until true justice is established on earth, for the islands are awaiting his law. I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right; I have taken you by the hand and formed you; I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to free the captives from prison, and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.
Second Reading Acts 10:34-38
Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: "The truth I have now come to realise," he said "is that God does not have favourites, but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him. It is true, God sent his word to the people of Israel, and it was to them that the good news of peace was brought by Jesus Christ – but Jesus Christ is Lord of all men. You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil."
Gospel Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him, "It is I who need baptism from you," he said "and yet you come to me!" But Jesus replied, "Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands." At this, John gave in to him.
As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven, "This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him."
AT HOME THIS WEEK
All Parents are encouraged to purchase a copy of the An Illustrated Catechism from Deacon Greg to be used with your children at home. This week, parents, please sit down to read and discuss pp. 14-15 with your children of all ages together. If you have not yet done so, it would be good to arrange a “special place” in the home for your discussions with at least some of the following: Bible, holy water font, a crucifix and a candle. After reading, be sure to pray together.
Adults who would like to read more might look at either the Catechism of the Catholic Church (238-260) or the shorter Compendium thereof (36-49). If you do not have a copy, both can be found on the Vatican Website: http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm >SiteMap >Catechism
Parents of Children preparing for Communion, please be sure to do any activity which may have been assigned by your child’s catechist. Your child is asked to show the activities he or she has done at home to the catechist next Sunday. Please be aware that your work at home with your child is the most important element of his or her preparation!
Confirmation Candidates are asked to read pp 80-87 of the Our Catholic Faith textbook and to be sure to carefully complete any activity assigned by your catechists.
