2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Who is Jesus for us? John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus' mission as the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) delivered the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt and from the plague of death. The Lord Jesus freely offered up his life for us on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). The blood which he poured out for us on the cross cleanses, heals, and frees us from our slavery to sin, and from the "wages of sin which is death" (Romans 6:23) and the "destruction of both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28).
It is significant that John was the son of the priest, Zachariah, who participated in the daily sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29). In Jesus, John saw the true and only sacrifice which could deliver us from the bondage of sin, death, and the powers of hell. How did John know the true identity of Jesus, as the Son of God and Savior of the world (John 1:29)? The Holy Spirit revealed to John Jesus' true nature in such a way that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God? The Holy Spirit makes the Lord Jesus Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us freely of his Spirit that we may comprehend - with enlightened minds and eyes of faith - the great mystery and plan of God to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Let your Spirit be aflame in my heart that I may joyfully seek to do your will in all things.
Have a Blessed and Joyful Week
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Who is Jesus for us? John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus' mission as the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) delivered the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt and from the plague of death. The Lord Jesus freely offered up his life for us on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). The blood which he poured out for us on the cross cleanses, heals, and frees us from our slavery to sin, and from the "wages of sin which is death" (Romans 6:23) and the "destruction of both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28).
It is significant that John was the son of the priest, Zachariah, who participated in the daily sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29). In Jesus, John saw the true and only sacrifice which could deliver us from the bondage of sin, death, and the powers of hell. How did John know the true identity of Jesus, as the Son of God and Savior of the world (John 1:29)? The Holy Spirit revealed to John Jesus' true nature in such a way that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God? The Holy Spirit makes the Lord Jesus Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us freely of his Spirit that we may comprehend - with enlightened minds and eyes of faith - the great mystery and plan of God to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Let your Spirit be aflame in my heart that I may joyfully seek to do your will in all things.
Have a Blessed and Joyful Week
Our Lady Of Grace Romney
W V
Next week’s readings:
Next week’s readings: Acts of the Apostles 3: 13-15, 17-19; Psalm 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9; 1 John 2: 1-5a; Luke 24: 35-48
Father Joseph's Farewell Gathering
pictures and video
Farewell Letter From
Our Lady 0f Grace Parishoners
Dear Father Joseph:
God's people of Our Lady of Grace Parish are grateful He sent you to shepherd us for the past three years. During your time with us, you have contributed greatly to our spiritual growth and material well-being. You led in the revitalization of our Parish and Financial Councils. You guided in the expansion and enrichment of our Parish's ministries programs. You re-instituted a vigorous RCIA program. You began a series of regular pilgrimages to nearby religious sites. You supported and guided the revitalization of our youth and adult education programs. You supported and assisted in the establishment of a calendar of yearly parish spiritual and maintenance activities. You reinstated our yearly Parish picnic. And, perhaps most important, you instituted an annual ping-pong tournament, in order to accumulate a large number of trophies. For all this, and more, we are grateful and thank the Lord.
As you move on, and we are sure up, we want you to know that, in this world, one passes through places, but remains in hearts. You will remain in our hearts and, we hope, we will remain in yours.
We hope that our parting gift will one day bring your mother to see the vineyard in which you labor. If this is not possible, we are sure you will use our gift for the greater glory of our Lord and Savior.
Dominus vobiscum.