2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time:

1. Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6
2. Psalms 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
3. 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3
4. Matthew 3: 13-17

• Formed from the womb
• Some of you may remember Kelly Smith in the choir.  Years back I remember her relating an experience when she was teaching her kindergartners and it suddenly came to her that she was doing, right at that moment, what she had been born to do.
• How would you know if you are doing what you were born to do?
• What might that feel like?
• Would you necessarily be the world's best at it?
• Would you necessarily enjoy that?
• Do you think that you might have different "destinies" as you go through life? 

• Open my ears Lord
• We follow God, draw closer to God, become holy and wholly in God one decision at a time.  I don't think that means that every decision must be perfect.  Rather holiness comes to us as we humbly seek God's will and follow that to the best of our abilities.
• What are some things that make it hard for you to tell the will of God in your life?
• Is it always the case that your close friends and family help you make the right choice?
• How do you tell when you have made the right choice? 

• Is there an apostle in the house?
• How would you define apostle?
• Can you name any?
• What do you think all of them have in common?
• Are all of us called to be apostles?
• Is it possible to be apostolic by yourself? 

• I remember when
• Some of you may remember Andy ("Dad") Anderson.  Every year on the anniversary of his baptism, he would pull out his baptism candle and light it again and reflect on his baptism.
• How did you first come to know the Lord?
• In what ways is that experience still with you today?
• How have you come to know Him more deeply in the months/years/decades since?
• How would you describe God in one word today? 

• Preparation for Reconciliation
• How can I become more attentive to God's will in my life?
• Where is God calling me today?
• How am I living out my apostleship?
• How am I celebrating my conversion today?

  Right Place, Right Time, Right Now

I have had many dreams through the years.

When I was young, I dreamed of being a great runner.

All it would take is enormous discipline, and perseverance.

 

Failing that, I dreamed of deep understanding -

Of how the universe works,

And why thermodynamics makes everything run down.

 

Then I dreamed of understanding my wife.

That I could ever be just the husband that she needed.

Always having her needs, our needs, in proper context and sharp focus.

 

Failing that, I dreamed of  somehow becoming wise.

Having counsel, encouragement, just the right word -

For anyone needing consolation along their way.

 

Now, I just ask that I be where I'm supposed to be,

When I'm supposed to be there,

With my heart open to whatever will come.

 

That will have to be enough. 

 

Shalom!