4 Jan
Fri
Friday before Epiphany
1 John 3: 7 - 10
Ps. 97:1,7-9
Jn. 1:35-42
(Ps Wk I)
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"We have found the Messiah". What an astonishing thing to say ! It's what Andrew said to his brother Simon the morning after he'd met Jesus and gone and stayed with Him. How excited he must have been. And Simon accepted this great news and went along with Andrew to meet Jesus who then gave him a new name, "Peter" meaning Rock. In this Christmas season, in liturgical readings, we hear of many others who also 'found the Messiah'. They didn't all say so, in so many excited words; but finding the Messiah was what happened. The shepherds, Wise Men from the East, Simeon and Anna in the temple, John the Baptist and people with him at the Jordan river, guests at a wedding in Cana. Later in Jesus' life, other people also accepted Him as the promised Christ, right up to the Roman soldier who saw Him die on the cross and said "truly this man was God's Son".

"We have found the Messiah". Let us say these words during these weeks of our celebration of His birth. May our excitement have been like Andrew's: a marvellous discovery to be shared with others, and not merely a short-lived excitement of lights and tinsel and toys. May we truly give witness to this extraordinary birth, of God come among us, bringing His peace and light and justice and healing. And may we appreciate a little more deeply this year this Messiah, whom Andrew so excitedly recognised.



"Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God"

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the Church may strengthen her commitment to full visible unity in order to manifest in an ever growing degree her nature as community of love, in which is reflected the communion of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Elaboration

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