THIS WEEK - Divine Savior Norridge

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Page Four BAPTISM OF THE LORD January 9, 2011 EVANGELIZATION A CALL TO CONNECTION Catholics Come Home Chicago in the New Year Have you seen a “Catholics Come Home” advertisement on TV? These ads are part of the evangelization efforts in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The goal of all evangelization is to connect people with Jesus Christ and to connect them with each other in the Body of Christ, his Church. Simply stated, evangelization is a call to connection. We live in a world that prides itself on the many possibilities of connection that are available: ♦ Computers, email, iPods, cell phones, and various forms of electronic connection post our thoughts and images throughout the world. ♦ A worldwide network of air travel allows us to go around the world and connect with countless destinations. ♦ The globalization of our economy makes us tightly connected as producers and consumers. ♦ An unprecedented level of sexual freedom allows multiple “easy” physical connections for those who so choose. Still, despite all these new connections and possibilities of connection, we are paradoxically more isolated than ever in humanity’s history. Electronic media connect us but also leave us alone behind a screen or with cell phone in hand. Air travel enables us to go around the world and connect with destinations, but we do so always in the shadow of the threat of terrorism that can destroy us. A global market connects us, but a profit‐ driven world economy still divides the world and disconnects the rich from the poor. Abundant sexual liberties allow us to “hook up” indiscriminately, but we find genuine, sustaining intimacy more daunting than ever. Where can we find an authentic and life‐giving connection? The Church connects us with Jesus Christ and with each other in him. Beginning this weekend commuters will see ads on buses and the red/blue/brown lines of the CTA reminding us that the true connection we all desire is a connection with God. The Catholic Church invites you to come home, be at home, re‐connect, and stay connected to the one who is the source of our life and hope, Jesus Christ. YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN US !!! At 10:00 AM every Tuesday morning all are invited to join our Bible Discussion. Every week we read the readings for the coming Sunday and then discuss them. It is a very causal setting. If you have something to say or if you just want to come and listen to what others have to say that’s fine too. It is very interesting how some of our discussions have applied God’s Word to today’s world. Bring your Bible, prepare to have a good time, and enjoy the Scriptures. PRAYER GROUPS Divine Savior’s Prayer Group meets every Wednesday evening at 7:45 PM in the Rectory. Italian Prayer Group meets every Friday evening at 7:30 PM in the Rectory. Are you widowed? Do you know someone who is widowed? If you have been recently widowed and are still struggling with the loss, or if you have been widowed for some time and need something to get you “over the hump” because you seem stuck in one spot, this program is designed to help you move on with your life while treasuring your past and its precious memories. This weekend program, hosted by Rainbow Hospice, will be held at Holy Family Medical Center, Des Plaines, IL. All are invited. Joyful Again! Is a faith‐based introspective workshop for both men and women (all ages) who have been widowed and are still trying to find hope and joy in their lives. When: March 19 & 20, 2011 Where: Holy Family Medical Center 100 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, IL For more information: Call: 708‐354‐7211 Email: joyfulagain@att.net Website: www.joyfulagain.org
Page Five BAPTISM OF THE LORD January 9, 2011 FEAST OF FAITH THE SIGN OF THE CROSS At the beginning of our prayer, we make the sign of the cross together. This sign, simple and powerful, operates on many levels. We trace the sign of the cross over our bodies, reminding ourselves that the cross of Christ has become our source of resurrection, life, and grace. With this sign, we also profess our faith in the Trinity: the presider does not say "in the names," but "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"‐‐ three persons, one God. The sign of the cross is also a baptismal reminder, for every sign of the cross echoes the words spoken over us at our baptism, which marked our entry into the saving mystery of Christ. This many‐ layered sign is also our primary sign of blessing: the cross is traced over people, places, and things upon which we ask God to impart divine benediction. In blessing ourselves with the sign of the cross at the beginning of Mass, we acknowledge the mystery that has gathered us together: that Christ, the crucified and risen One, is living, and that we are members of his Body. Our response, our Amen, is our yes to all this, our first profession of faith. ‐‐Corinna Laughlin, (c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co. THIS IS MY BELOVED SON This Sunday's celebration of the Baptism of the Lord closes the Christmas season. In the scriptures we see one more epiphany, or manifestation, of the Spirit of God in Jesus‐‐but this time it is as an adult, rather than as a child. Jesus' baptism also serves as the inauguration of his prophetic mission and the messianic age. Today's reading from Isaiah describes God's chosen Messiah, upon whom God's spirit rests. In the Acts of the Apostles Peter says that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power" (Acts 10:38). Finally, in the proclamation from Matthew's Gospel Jesus' baptism in water goes almost unnoticed. The crucial moment comes when the Spirit of God comes upon Jesus and a voice from heaven echoes the words of Isaiah: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). (c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co. January 9, 2011 Baptism of the Lord IS 42:1‐4, 6‐7 / Acts 10:34‐38 / Mt 3:13‐17 You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Though today’s feast day celebrates Jesus’ baptism, in today’s Gospel the Holy Spirit is the one making the first impressions. As Jesus emerges from his baptism, the Holy Spirit descends on him in the form of a dove—a gentle bird normally associated with peace. That’s certainly one first impression of the Holy Spirit. However, as we know from Jesus’ ministry, the Holy Spirit’s work in him was hardly quiet and peaceful. Jesus spent his life turning the status quo upside down— challenging those in power and uplifting those who were oppressed. Jesus called for repentance from sin, healed the outcast, and overturned the moneychangers’ tables in the temple. As we hear in the reading from Acts, after his baptism Jesus was filled with “the holy Spirit and power.” Talk about a second chance to make a first impression—this Holy Spirit turned out to be no meek dove, but a mover and a shaker! Though Jesus’ baptism was different form ours, we too receive the power of the Holy Spirit in our baptism and in the sacrament of confirmation. And the Holy Spirit seeks to move and shake in our lives, just as it did in Jesus’ life. But we’re not marionettes controlled by the Spirit. We must respond to the Spirit’s urging. In the moments when a colleague tells a racist joke, when we see a stranger treated unjustly, or when a lonely neighbor aches for companionship—in those moments, the Holy Spirit calls us to speak out in justice and to reach out in love. The Spirit continually seeks to make new first impressions in the world through our actions—if we are willing to respond. Janel Esker sundaybulletins@liguori.org © 2011 Liguori Publications, Ligouri, MO 63057‐9999. Printed in U.S.A. Imprimatur: Most Rev. Robert J. Hermann, Archdiocesan Administrator, Archdiocese of St. Louis. No part of this work may be used in any form without prior written permission of Liguori Publications. Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament and Revised Psalms © 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All rights reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
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THIS WEEK - Divine Savior Norridge

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