Father Madden's Sunday Reflection
St. John's Church
The Epiphany of the Lord
January 4, 2025
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- Fr. Madden's Sunday Reflection
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Father Madden's
Sunday Reflection
Dear Friends in the Lord,
Happy New Year. I hope everyone was able to enjoy the holidays. It is great to be a Catholic. One of the biggest reasons is that our holiday seasons last so long. The celebration continues all this week. I have never figured out whether the Christmas Season ends, or Ordinary Time begins on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord which we celebrate next Sunday. I think it is both. This is another reason Catholicism is a gift, every end marks a beginning.
This year’s celebration has revealed not only how great it is to be a Catholic, but how important, indeed indispensable it is. The birth of the Christ Child deepens the truth first expressed in Genesis that the human person is born in the image and likeness of God. The Incarnation shows that God resides in human flesh. The tragedy of our time is that this foundational truth is too often ignored, denied or rejected. All to the diminishment of our individual and communal, national and international lives. The Feast of the Holy Family celebrates the first place that we experience that truth and learn how to live with others who experience it themselves.
In 1987, the Lutheran Minister, Richard John Neuhaus published the book, The Catholic Moment: The Paradox of the Church in the Postmodern World. We did not really capture the moment then, though Neuhaus did become a Catholic himself. To capture the moment is to be able to disagree without being disagreeable, to hate the sin, but truly love the sinner, to be generous and humble, kind and forgiving and, as St Paul states so powerfully, to bear with one another lovingly. Indeed, to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to recognize that the Christian journey is the progressive relinquishment of worldly concerns which allows for the surrender and trust that this moment requires. It seems likely that the moment will never be fully captured here on earth. Nonetheless, as we gather today for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. We realize that it is necessary for the Wise to Still Seek Him.
We can be grateful to God that Dolores continues to heal. She has been attending Mass on a regular basis and was recently spotted in the sanctuary! I want to thank everyone for their prayers, they are working. Thanks, too, for all the help that has been pitched in to help during this time. In fact, it is clear that a crew of assistant sacristans/adult servers would be a great help to Dolores and to the parish. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact me by email or phone. It is perfect way to fulfill the New Year’s resolution to become more involved in the church.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr John Madden
1st Reading: Lectionary 20
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
Responsorial: Psalm
R. (cf. 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;
the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;
the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
2nd Reading: Ephesians
Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.
It was not made known to people in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.
It was not made known to people in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Verse Before the Gospel
Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems.
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection.
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope arises.
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems.
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection.
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope arises.
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
Gospel: Mathew
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
Prayer
St. John's Parish:
Prayer Needs & Intentions
Please remember the following needs and intentions in your prayers:
- Soe (George V)
- For my niece, Michelle, newly diagnosed with breast cancer (age 40) that God gives her the strength to endure what’s about to happen 🙏🏻💙 (Karen S)
- Please pray for me, my family and many friends that we manage their ailments (Barbara K)
- Successfully in the new year. Thank you. (Barbara K)
- Please pray for John a s he continues his battle with cancer (Cynthia D)
- Please pray for the health and intentions of
Jeff person and my personal health and no intentions (Steve S) - Please pray for my son and his children will be together soon. (Christine M)
- Please pray for Zandra, Anthony Thomas and Leah now that they r in Cuenca, Ecuador, they arrived safely late last night. Pray for a safe return later this month. Please pray for my in-laws, Elena and Rafael zeas on their 60th wedding anniversary. May they remain in good health, Please pray for our Isabella and her health and work intentions, please pray that she be successful when she returns to school later this year. Please for Thomas and his health and with intentions Read More (Zandra V)
- Please pray for my family. (Katie D)
- Please pray that many men will attend the Catholic Men’s Conference on March 21 this year and that it changes their lives and the lives of their families as well! (Todd J)
- Please pray for Linda A. who begins radiation treatments this week. Thank you for your prayers. (Jeanne A)
- Please continue to pray for Henry. He goes to Boston Childrens for his spinal shot this week. Thanks (Brian M)
- For Jack as he travels back to college that he stays close to God and continues to grow in the faith, and Sr. Mary Germaine as she travels to KS to visit her family.
For the repose of the soul of Benigna Opina
For a special intention Read More (Sandra K) - For Matteo Gallagher and Trish P. (Mrezuke)
- In addition to all intentions and requests already posted and to be posted today, please pray for Stephen Smith, his sister Betsy, her daughter Katie, Stephen's sister-in-law Ellie, all of whom are suffering and facing their passions, many of which are life-threatening. For Robin and her husband who is in VNA Care home hospice, Martha who is in palliative care, all those who are dying and their families, all the souls in purgatory. Along with all those suffering or threatened in body, mind, spirit or soul and those separated from our merciful God by any obstacle, that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit continue to bless them in every way and give them his joy so that they may share and spread it to others. And that God Help all political leaders and despots as soon as consistent with His will come to see and follow the Way and less although suffering from their failure to do so. Read More (JAMES C)
- For Paul and Christine Shusha's (Kassandra R)
- Prayers for my Brother Bernie Fitzpatrick, My Health, My Family, my Friends, My Neighbors, the Country, the World. (C. Patricia S)
- For men to be courageous husbands and fathers leading their families in prayer and Christian living (Pamela J)
- Praying for improved health for Sharon R, Barbara L, Dorothy H, Mary O, Betty Y, Barbara M, Denise R, Helen P, Kate M, Bob R, Anita M, Ed V, Bill R, Bob K, Earle M, MaryAnn/Bob H, Andrea C, Susan M, Joe C, Ellie W, Margaret R, Mary T, Frank M, Jane S, Judy H, Michael R, Cathy L, Sr. Francis M, Sr. Marna R, Paul R, Bobby H, Dana S, Theresa C, Diane/Phil M, Joe G, Ann Marie W, Marion P, Doreen G, Kerri D, Mary D and Linda M. Read More (Donna W)
- Praying for the repose of the soul of M. Elizabeth Regale. May her soul Rest in Peace. (Donna W)
- Please pray for my family. (Kerri N)
- Praying for improved health and positive test results. (Carol H)
- For Thad S., that he may breathe easier, the Murphy's, and the Pet ells. (Nancy A)
To share a prayer request or intention in the Sunday Reflection, please click the REPLY button at the bottom of the Saturday morning Prayer Intentions email and post it in the comments.
Act of Spiritual Communion
by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Our Common Prayer
O God, whose Only Begotten Son bore the weight of human suffering for our salvation, hear the prayers of your Church for all our brothers and sisters in need and deliver us from our trials. Open our ears and our hearts to the voice of your Son:
"Be not afraid, for I am with you always."
Bless all those working for the common good; give us the wisdom to do what is right and the faith to endure this hour,
that, trusting in your loving protection,
we might see the end of our struggles
and rejoice in your mercy.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
by Pope Leo XIII
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against
the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
PRAYER PLEDGE
Join the team of St. John's parishioners pledging to pray daily
for the religious education and spiritual formation of our young people
In this challenging time our commitment to praying for our youth is more necessary than ever. Without prayer we cannot hope to transmit the riches of our Catholic faith to the next generation; join us as we lift our voices to God and ask for His blessing upon our efforts to teach our young people to become disciples of Christ.
We welcome you to pray a daily prayer of your own choosing, or to use the "Prayer for St. John's Religious Education" below. 👇
Prayer for St. John's Religious Education
Most gracious Lord, we ask your blessing upon the Religious Education program of our beloved parish of St. John’s. Please allow Your love and grace to flow freely and permeate the hearts and souls of our students and their families. Holy Spirit allow your gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Piety to flourish in our Catechists as they pass on the teachings of Your Church to our students. Bless our volunteers for their generosity and loyalty which keeps our program operating properly. St. Joseph, intercede for our parents in this time so that they will recognize and accept their role as leaders of the Domestic Church.
We praise and honor you our Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit. Amen
St. Charles Borromeo, patron of catechists, pray for us.
St. Gemma Galgani, patron of students, pray for us.
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