2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time are:

1. Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6
2. Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
3. 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3
4. John 1: 29-34

• Patron saint of lost causes
• Do you ever wonder why you were put here?
• My father-in-law is a 88 year old widower, and occasionally he wonders why he is still here.  What would you say to such a person?
• How important is that question?

• Finding God's will
• We probably all agree that part of what makes a saint great is that they followed God's will in their lives faithfully, despite pressures and obstacles.
• What differentiates any of us from a great saint?
• Do you think that we all harbor greatness but it rarely gets a chance to come out, or that we're exhibiting greatness in hard to see ways, or do you think that only some of God's children are called to greatness?

• The place of peace 
• Can you think of anyone in your life who is generally full of peace?
• What is their secret?
• What difference does that peace make in their lives?
• How can we be more people of peace?

• Getting out of the way
• John the Baptizer stands as a classic case of God's servants pointing the way to God for others, then getting out of the way.
• What makes that "getting out of the way" so difficult for us?
• How can we train ourselves to "let go" when the time comes?

Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. Am I looking for purpose, or comfort in my life?
2. How eager am I to find holiness in my life?
3. What am I doing to reduce the "noise" in my life?
4. Am I ready to disappear for Christ?

Shalom!