3rd Sunday in Ordinary time (Year C)

 First Reading: From the Book of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10)

  • The reading recounts Ezra reading the Law to the people of Israel, who respond with reverence and commitment to follow God's teachings.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19

  • "Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life." The psalm celebrates the perfection and guidance provided by God's law.

Second Reading: From the First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 12:12-30)

  • St. Paul emphasizes the unity and diversity of the Church, comparing it to a body with many parts, each with its unique role and importance.

Gospel: From the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21)

  • The Gospel begins with Luke’s introduction and then recounts Jesus' return to Galilee. He reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, proclaiming the fulfillment of the scripture that announces the coming of the Messiah.


Today, I'd like to reflect on the Second Reading, which deeply moved me.

St. Paul’s message in the Second Reading from 1 Corinthians emphasizes the unity within the Body of Christ, where each member plays a unique role, akin to the diverse parts of a single body. This illustrates a communal relationship, highlighting interdependence and mutual support within the Church. The Church, as the Body of Christ, signifies that while each of us is an individual, we are united through our faith in Christ and contribute to the larger mission of the Church.

While this concept may seem similar to beliefs in pantheistic or panentheistic religions, where all souls constitute the divine, such as in Hinduism or Taoism, there is a key difference. In Christianity, we believe that we are united in Christ through the Church, rather than forming Christ or God ourselves.

We can affirm that Christ works through us and is present in our lives every day. It is easy to overlook this in our fast-paced world, or to dismiss occurrences as independent of a higher being. We must remain vigilant and alert to Christ's presence in our lives.

Have you recognized Christ in your life today? I truly hope so. Please share your experiences with us in the comments.

Location: Bannockburn, Stirling FK7, UK

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Did you know that Christmas means the Mass of Christ? Christ + Mass = Christmas. We are all called to be witnesses of Christ. While some do this by spreading the word, others do it through their actions. As a computer professional, I choose to share my faith through this blog. During last Sunday's Mass, the priest encouraged us to read the scriptures, meditate on them, and share our reflections. This blog is my way of fulfilling that suggestion. Here’s why I decided to start it: I've had this idea for a while, and now I've decided to bring it to life. It aligns with Fr. Jamie's suggestion. It motivates me to keep my readings up-to-date. It helps me grow spiritually. Last, but definitely not least, it helps YOU grow as well. I hope this blog helps you achieve your spiritual goals. I also hope it helps you better understand who Jesus WAS, IS, and WILL BE in our lives.
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