These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me. For I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective. Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them; not I, however, but the grace of God that is with me. Therefore, whether it be I or they, so we preach and so you believed. (1 Cor 15:1-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020925.cfm
All the readings this Sunday speak of the Call: the Prophet Isaiah, the Apostle Paul, the first disciples, Peter, James and John. Paul says that he toiled harder than all of the rest, but generously acknowledges, it is God’s grace that accomplishes the work. This is the link to the joint statement of the North Carolina Catholic bishops about immigration: https://charlottediocese.org/communications/nc-catholic-bishops-issue-joint-statement/.
He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers” saying: I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the assembly I will praise you. (Heb 2:5-12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011425.cfm
The Daily Reflection, the Orchid Ministry, and the Sunday Mass in Spanish with a Little Bit of English on Facebook will be on vacation beginning today. The Padre will be traveling to Asheville, North Carolina, to celebrate the Funeral Mass of Myrna Rodríguez, sister of Meira Riesco. God willing, the Reflection, the Orchids, and Sunday Mass on Facebook will return on Sunday, February 9. As the Scriptures say, “in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.” Thank you for your prayers; I carry all of you in mine.
As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him. (Mk 1:14-20)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011325.cfm
The Gospel of Mark wastes no time in getting to the story of Jesus. As Jesus begins proclaiming the Kingdom of God, he calls the first disciples. Jesus calls, they leave everything and follow him. Perhaps, the gospel writer is telling us that faith is doing whatever Jesus asks us to do.
After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Lk 3:15-16, 21-22)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011225.cfm
We rarely think about the River Jordan, but it is the longest and most important river. The River Jordan runs through every parish and church in the world, and we have all played in its waters. Today we celebrate not only the Baptism of the Lord, but also our own baptism.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 149)
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance, let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD loves his people, and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011125.cfm
In a world filled with tragedy and sadness, the Scriptures remind us that God really wants us to be happy and to rejoice with singing and festive dancing. And so the liturgy invites us, “Lift up your hearts.” We pray for all those affected by the fires in California, because God is with us even in our sorrows.
https://youtu.be/M2RbemY3egc?feature=shared
