The rejection of Jesus by those in his hometown did not slow down his ministerial goals. We can imagine that Jesus knew what he was going to do already, but en route, wanted to stop by to see if any from his “native land” would like to participate in his public outreach. Apparently no one did, so without missing a beat, Jesus went ahead and “summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits” (Mk 6:7). We are summoned and sent out as well.

At the end of each Mass, we as Catholics are sent, just as the Apostles, to proclaim the good news! All of us as the Body of Christ, believers in Jesus the Christ, the baptized, are to live as his disciples and be witnesses to him in all aspects of our lives. This is best done by acknowledging that God is the center of our lives and recognizing, empowering, and standing up for the dignity of each person that we have the blessing to encounter. This is to be foundational in the way we think, look, feel, and act toward another. Beyond this our call of evangelization is unique, for we each have a particular charism and gifts that the Holy Spirit provides.

Jesus is the one who calls us, sends us, and empowers us. We become divinized, become God when we say yes to his will and participate in his life of service. Jesus not only teaches with authority, he calls and sends us with that same authority – exousia in Greek, meaning coming out of or from his own divine substance as Son of God. We are to rely on the divine providence of our Father, meaning he will provide that which we need to accomplish the task he has given us, and he will also send the Holy Spirit and others to provide help, aid, guidance and support. We see this over and over again in the lives of the saints.

At first sight we may not agree with God’s choosing, his choosing us or the others he sends to help us! Yet, we only need to recall what he accomplished with the Apostles, remembering the simple beginnings they came from and the wonders they accomplished in Jesus’ name. We also need to remember that God sees not as we do, for we are often misled by appearances “or lofty stature” but God sees the heart and character of the person (cf 1 Samuel 16:7). Let us be about building up the reign of God, being willing to be empowered by Jesus and those he brings into our lives, as well as empowering others. May we pray and be open to what God is calling us to do to serve him, to be willing to encounter others and will their good without seeking anything in return.

Photo: With Dr. Antonio Lopez, he has empowered me time again with his wisdom, compassion, and faithful witness!

Link for Mass readings for Thursday, February 1, 2018:

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020118.cfm

Today’s gospel reading is a sad account. Jesus preached and taught, but for the most part his words were not received, he did not perform healings, exorcisms, he was not able to bring those who knew him best into a deeper communion with his Father. The whole reason that he came was to bring light to a world suffering in darkness, and those closest to him refused the invitation such that: “he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mk 6:6).

Is our world today becoming more and more like Jesus’ “native place”? Where many of us expend more energy on cynicism, taking care of number one, and an uncritical acceptance of empiricism or scientism. Again, a sad state because science is an awesome gift. Science and faith come from the same source, our intrinsic ability to embrace wonder! These two are not incompatible. Authentic faith seeks understanding. Questioning and a searching mind are the ingredients for a faith alive, relevant, and vibrant. This is true for good science as well!

One without the other leads to a more limited understanding of the vast expanse of creation. Scientism is limiting the very gift of science itself because it stops when the questions get really interesting, when the exploration goes beyond the measurable, the sensate experiences as we know them. An embrace of mathematics, the sciences, philosophy, theology, the arts, sports, relationships, food, and recreation all help us to better understand and experience who we are called to be: the glory of God, which is the human being fully alive!

May we resist giving into limitation, minimalism, cynicism, and hardening of our hearts, and instead take some time today to enter into and embrace again the gift of wonder! If your efforts fall short, or you could use some extra wonder, look up tonight at the Blue Moon!

Photo: Almost super moon last night, January 30, 2018. Blue, Super Moon tomorrow night 😉

Link for the Mass reading for Wednesday, January 31, 2018:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/013118.cfm

“Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who has touched my clothes'” (Mk 5:30)? The woman could have slipped away, she could have stood still and said nothing, no one knew. His disciples were bewildered that Jesus asked such a question with so many pressing about him. But the woman approached with “fear and trembling” and told him the truth. Jesus did not admonish her for breaking a social taboo, even though both he and she knew the woman was healed the moment she touched his garment, Jesus publicly recognized her faith.

All the while as this scene transpired, Jairus must have been in agony, knowing how close his daughter was to death, and Jesus actually stopped and took the precious time to even engage with this woman. Finally, they were about to resume their journey when the terrible news came that his daughter had passed away. What might have flashed through his mind in that moment? The time Jesus took to talk with her, could that have made the difference? Other details surely crossed his mind, he was a synagogue official and would have known the taboos she crossed to reach out and touch Jesus in public, he knew that in doing so she would make Jesus unclean, she was a woman who was the lowest of low. She was frail and pallid from her condition, at death’s door herself, yet she had mustered more courage and faith, than he had.

Jesus said to the man, “Do not be afraid, just have faith” (Mk 5:36). Jairus had just experienced a powerful expression of just such faith with this woman, probably someone until this very moment who he would have shown disdain for. Maybe just maybe, if he could muster the same faith as her, Jesus could bring his daughter back to life. A light shone in the darkness of his despair and the darkness did not overcome it. Jesus indeed heals his daughter, by taking her hand and commanding her to rise and walk.

How many of us have been or have known someone who has experienced such great needs as did Jairus, whose daughter was near death, or did the woman who had been suffering for twelve years with hemorrhages? How many of us know of such healings that still happen today? How many of us have though experienced the opposite? Where we experienced no healing, we wondered where Jesus was, and why did he allow this to happen, or did not step in to help?

The best we can do in times of trial and dire need is to trust in Jesus. He may or may not bring the outcome we seek. But I assure you that he is present with us through our pain and suffering, whether we feel his presence or not. Sometimes he allows the unthinkable to happen, of which we cannot even comprehend at the time, to bring about a greater good. Often, we are not able to see that until a later date when we are able to look back. Remember also, death is not a final end, Jesus has conquered death, he and we who participate with him are victorious. Ultimately, faith is placing our trust in our God and Father who loves us, who is present to us, and carries us in our darkest hour. He sent his Son Jesus to us, to walk with us, who has given us these words: “Do not be afraid, just have faith” (Mk 5:36). Let us place our hand in his, face what is before us, and be on our way together.

Photo: St Augustine Parish, Culver City, CA, December 2017

Link for the Mass readings for Tuesday, January 30, 2018:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/013018.cfm

Today’s Gospel account follows Jesus successfully showing his power over the tumultuous storm at sea. Jesus and his disciples have entered the Gentile territory of the Gerasenes. As soon as they get out of the boat a man possessed by an unclean spirit rushes up to him. He himself was in a worse state than the storm. He called himself Legion as he was possessed by many demons. He had been living in the tombs, away from society, family, and friends, some of whom had made multiple attempts to restrain him, cure him, bring him back to his right mind, but to no avail. The encounter with Jesus ultimately brought about the result of this man “sitting there clothed and in his right mind” (Mk 5:15). Jesus was able to liberate this man from his desperate state. If you have not done so, I recommend reading the full account (Mk 5:1-20).

Many scoff at the healing power and miracles of Jesus, and they certainly would also discount demon possession. Though very rare, there are still cases today. A strict approach of scientism that only accepts the empirical, only that which can be measured by the five senses, discounts not only the divinity of Jesus and God, but any talk of a spiritual realm. This is unfortunate, because it is limiting approach in our understanding of the fullness of creation. We ourselves are both physical and spiritual, and to seek to understand both, helps us to better understand ourselves and the world around us.

Too many today are in the same need of experiencing the liberating power of Jesus. Just as chaotic and tumultuous, especially among our youth, are those who are consumed and imprisoned by a vice grip of addiction. Family members and friends reach out desperately to help, to provide aid, and find themselves in the same situation as those who sought to care for this man who had been living in the tombs. Somehow this man caught “sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him” (Mk 5:6). There must have been some ember at the core of who he was that could still move and bring him to Jesus. This growing epidemic could benefit from a unified approach of the best that science, psychology, and prayer can offer.

May we pray for all those suffering, bound, and shackled by the wide range of addictions that plague too many today. That even in the deepest darkness of their internal imprisonment, they may see the light of Jesus, encounter him and give their life to him. May we pray also for the families, friends, and those close to the ones struggling with these agonizing torments of addiction that they may also draw on the strength of Jesus, be guided to find the proper aid, support, facility, and/or treatment programs for themselves and their loved ones who are suffering.

May we hold on to the hope that Jesus is stronger than any evil that seeks to bind anyone, and we claim his victory for all those who are suffering from any form of addiction. May Jesus lead them to freedom, to their right mind, and like the Gerasene man who was healed in today’s gospel, may they experience the fullness of healing whereby they may go forth to help others to find the same path to liberation.

Photo: Sunset a few weeks back

Link for the Mass readings for Monday, January 29, 2018: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012918.cfm

Yesterday we read how Jesus, “rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet! Be still” (Mk 4:39)! Today we read how Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and said, “Quiet! Come out of him” (Mk 1:25)! In both cases and throughout the Gospels, Jesus is showing his authority as Lord of All. The power he wields is the divine outpouring of the Love shared between himself and his Father who is the Holy Spirit which is extended out to us.

We are invited to participate in the same life and authority of the love of Jesus. The question is, do we want to? We are inclined to sin, have adopted sinful tendencies and habits, and are entrenched in debilitating defense mechanisms that have developed over years, and maybe, even unbeknownst to us, we have even entertained and executed the influences of demons. These negative attributes will not dissolve overnight. What we can do on this Lord’s Day, is determine and decide who today is the Lord of our life. Is it us or Jesus? If you choose Jesus, read on.

May we make some time today to sit and examine our conscience and identify a habit, a thought pattern, something in our life that is counter to serving the will of God. Call to mind the seven deadly sins of pride, avarice (greed), envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, sloth, or acedia (CCC 1866) and choose one to uproot. Clearly identify it and then rebuke it in the name of Jesus. Then, as we continue into the day, and at the very instant the temptation arises again, at the moment it seeps into our thoughts, we need to use the words of Jesus and in his name rebuke it again, again, “In Jesus’ name: Pride, Quiet, be still!” or “In Jesus’ name: Pride, Quiet, come out of me!”

We also need to replace that which we have uprooted. As we identify and uproot the capital sins, those main roots that nourish many other negative and sinful behaviors, we must replace them by learning and putting into practice the four cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, courage, and the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. We must realize in this work of healing, that alone we will not succeed, for we must align our will and discipline with the power of his name. When we call upon the name of Jesus in seeking healing for ourselves and others, he is present and working through us just as he did when he healed and cast out unclean spirits.

Let us call upon the name of Jesus, for where the light and love of Jesus the Christ is present, no darkness can remain. May we be willing to hold the healing hand of Jesus, our Blessed Redeemer, that he may reveal to us that which is keeping us from his Father and so choose to repent and experience the healing power of his Love. May we be willing to discipline ourselves and align ourselves with the guidance of Emmanuel, God with us. May we be willing to surrender our lives to Jesus, to become holy, to become saints, to be his instruments of his love and healing.

Photo: Photo: Statue of Mary and Jesus on the front grounds of Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, Oceanside, CA

Link for the Mass readings for Sunday, January 28, 2018:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012818.cfm

On display in this recounting of the calming of the storm at sea is the humanity of Jesus. He has finally succumbed to the exhaustion from being pulled and touched, challenged and accused, the constant interaction through his service of teaching, healing, forgiving, and exorcising, that he not only fell asleep on the boat but was in such a deep sleep that he was as if dead, even through the height of the storm. Also, we see his divinity expressed when his disciples wake him and he calmed the storm immediately with just his word: “Quiet! Be Still” (Mk 4:39)!

The disciples have grasped his uniqueness and have accepted him as their rabbi, their teacher, but they are still having trouble comprehending that he is also the Son of God. The disciples will continue to experience his miracles, but it will not be until after the resurrection and ascension, that their faith will find the maturity to participate in the fullness of the ministry Jesus he was grooming them for.

Storms arise in our lives, sometimes just as unannounced and as quickly as the squall in today’s Gospel. A health issue, an injury, an economic shift, a conflict in a relationship, the effects of a mistake in judgment or a sinful choice, all can arise at a moment’s notice. We, like the disciples, can sometimes only hold on so as not to be tossed into the sea, or bail out water so we don’t sink, but sooner or later we need to turn to Jesus to seek his aid. As the storms arise, a helpful point to keep in mind that I have learned from one of our past retreat directors, Fr. RB is: “Sometimes the Lord calms the storm, and sometimes the Lord lets the storm rage on and calms his child.”

This is where our faith and trust mature. No matter the severity of the storm we need to trust in Jesus that he is present with us, accompanying us and not leaving us alone, no matter if we brought the storms in our lives upon ourselves, or they arose from another source. May we trust that he will either calm the storm or bring us a sense of peace as we travel through it assured that Jesus will give us that which we need to ride it out to the other side. We are also to follow his model and be the same for others in their storms. May we be that calm assurance and presence for those who need Jesus but do not know him or are focusing on fear instead of him. May we be present and accompany one another through our storms, such that we can experience the divinity and so the peace of Christ through our embrace of one another.

Carry these words with you and call upon them as storms arise: In Jesus’ name, “Quiet! Be still” (Mk 4:39)!

Photo credit: Deacon Michael Miller – We as Church are at our best when we embrace and support one another through the storms and celebrations of life.

Fr RB Williams home page and link to his homily from today:

http://www.rbwords.com/

http://www.rbwords.com/wttw/date/2018-01-27

Link for the Mass readings for Saturday, January 27, 2018:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012718.cfm

Two parables are presented by Jesus today in the Gospel of Mark. Both are presenting what the kingdom of God is like, the first presents a man who sows seeds, and the second is a mustard seed that is planted. In both cases the seeds germinate and go through the process of becoming mature plants. The kingdom of God is like these plants in that it starts with the smallest of beginnings, and we also need to realize that God’s timing is not our timing. In our rapid paced world of instant access, we would do well to slow down.

God not only begins small, and on his own timetable, but he is often working beyond the realm of our awareness. This is evident in the first parable offered by Jesus: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how” (Mk 4:26-27). This is not to say that God has set everything in motion and is indifferent or despondent to his creation. Quite the opposite. God has a plan and has been engaged in our life even before our conception. Just as he revealed this truth to Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you” (Jeremiah 1:5), he reveals himself and his will for us today as well.

God has always known us. The beauty is that even though God has no need for us, he invites us to know him, to participate in spreading his kingdom. Just think of someone who you have for the longest time wanted to meet. If the opportunity arose to spend time with that person, how excited would you be? We have the opportunity to do so with the Creator of all that exists, and not just today, or tomorrow, but for all of eternity. He has created us for himself and he invites us to share in his relationship, his work of salvation history in simple and subtle ways. Are we making an effort to be aware, are we willing to watch and pray? Are we willing to place ourselves in a posture to receive his Word as well as his Silence? Just as a seed that is sown matures and grows over time into a mightiest of oak trees, so may our relationship with our Loving God and Father also grow and mature that we become one with him.

Photo: A pair of Sand Hill Cranes JoAnn and I saw one evening on one of our walks.

Link for the Mass readings for Friday, January, 26, 2018:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012618.cfmGod

In today’s gospel account, chosen because of the feast of St Paul’s conversion, we read: Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15). The Eleven, and Paul who would encounter Jesus later (cf. Acts 9:1-9), are commissioned with carrying the Gospel, to the whole world. What did they preach? How are we do follow in their footsteps?

The earliest kerygma, Greek for preaching the Gospel, was a very simple but effective mnemonic device. Each disciple was taught what was needed to be covered in sharing the Good News. This blueprint was the symbol of the fish. In Greek, fish is pronounced ichthus. Each of the characters of ichthus represented the key words that needed to be covered as follows:

Iesous – Jesus
Christos – Messiah or Anointed One
Theos – God
Hyios – Son
Soter – Savior.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God our Savior.

This is the Good News. It may sound pretty basic but the dynamic truth of these five words are profoundly transformative if we truly believe them. What we need to ask ourselves is, do we really believe this statement to be true? If we do, how can we stop ourselves from smiling, from dancing, from sharing that Jesus is truly who he said he is! Jesus is fully God and fully man and he became one of us so we could be one with him.

Through Jesus’ Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection and Ascension, we are invited to share in the divinity of Jesus. We are to be deified, divinized, to become God through our participation in the life of Jesus. We are not so much the people of the Book, but a people who encounter a person, Jesus the Christ. We share the Gospel by sharing these five words, what each one means, and the story of our encounter with this person. This is what the Apostles and Paul, Mary the Mother of God, Mary Magdalene and those who followed them did. Let us continue the proclaim this Gospel with joy!
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Picture: The mosaic of Jesus Christ the Pantocrator, Ruler of the Universe at Hagia Sophia, in Istanbul, Turkey (I have not yet been there).

Link for the Mass Readings for Thursday, January 25, 2018:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012518.cfm

Each of the elements of the Parable of the Sower are worthy of meditation and reflection. A very good practice would be to take some time to reflect on each of its aspects and ask what limits the germination and growth of the seeds God has sown in our lives, and also what helps us to bring about successful growth and a successful yield. When did we experience God’s word but have it almost immediately snatched away; when did we gain an insight, experience joy from of his word and guidance, but did not in any way put the learning into practice; how many times have trials, hardship, and lack of courage or outright persecution, robbed us of stretching out of our comfort zone, and we withdrew, not wanting to risk growth?

Many of us can relate to: “Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit” (Mk 4:18-19). Distractions pull at us from within and without, from one second to the next. So much seeks to undo us, tear us down, and drive us into states of anxiety, despondency, cynicism, and depression. So many apparent goods and false truths entice us to feed our desires for power, wealth, fame, and pleasure. Material temptations offer promises of fulfillment but shortly after purchase leave us feeling empty. All the while, there is also so much good that needs to be done, so much work to do, even if we are willing to look beyond ourselves that we aren’t even sure how to serve or where to begin.

The lesson that Jesus offers us is to remember that the sought after outcome of a seed sown is that it will grow to be a mature plant that bears fruit. To bear fruit we need to create rich soil. That means breaking into hard ground, our hardness of heart, prejudgments, and pride, by spending time with people who we may have kept at arm’s length. In engaging with a person, instead of an idea of who someone is, we can begin to diffuse false judgments and prejudices.

When experiencing an insight it is helpful to embrace it, resist the distractions and mind noise that arise that attempt to steal it away, and encourage us to rush on to the next project or event. Meditate on the inspiration, let it take root, and put it into practice. God may be giving us a message through these encounters. When trials, tribulations, and temptations arise, may we prune and uproot weeds of distraction and distortion.

We often react or give in to our impulses and instead may we take a moment to breath, to discern each situation, purchase, and action, pray and seek God’s guidance, rely on trusted family, friends, colleagues, and classmates for guidance. Recall how similar past experiences turned out and resist making any rash or reactive decisions. Ultimately, trust that Jesus is present. Regarding service, start small, apply the same points just mentioned and engage in reaching out in your own small way, but with full focus and intention.

These are just a few ideas to start to uproot weeds and thorns, begin to remove some rocks and soften the earth, and enjoy the process of preparing some rich soil – our heart, mind, and soul to receive the seeds of the love of God that he sows. In time, as we surrender more to his will, continue to be nourished by his word, accept and put into practice his word, and trust in him and not the temptations that entice, distract, and disrupt our growth, we will see sprouts begin to grow, and soon mature plants that will “bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold” (Mk 4:20).

Photo: Class of 2017 models of creating rich soil!

Link for the Mass readings for Wednesday, January 24, 2018:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012418.cfm

Even a surface reading of the gospels will offer a glimmer of Jesus making things new. We can read and imagine the scene today. Many are gathered around him in a circle. The crowd is large, but more focused as Jesus is teaching. His family, presumably the relatives that only a few verses earlier came to seize him because he was out of his mind (cf. Mk 3:21), had arrived, were standing outside, and sent word. The message passed among the people was: “Your mother and your brothers [and your sisters] are outside asking for you” (Mk 3:32).

Jesus seizes on the opportunity for a teachable moment. Jesus looks not beyond and past the crowd that has encircled him to his family who had sent word, but to those who nearest him and said: “Here are my mother and my brothers. [For] whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother” (Mk 3:35). The true measure of family in the kingdom of God is not bloodline but faith in and following the will of God.

Only those who still experience the gift of a close, tight knit, experience of extended family can come close to the dramatic moment of silence that must have followed after this statement. For anyone living in the ancient Near East, familial, clan, tribal relations were paramount to survival. To state that family bonds were strong is an understatement. Yet Jesus is challenging this societal norm.

The relatives of Jesus are not present in this inner circle, they are on the outside. Imagine who else might be sitting in that circle; sinners, the unclean, tax collectors, and maybe even Gentiles, non Jews, and Jesus is saying that they are his brother and sister and mother. If his relatives thought he had lost his mind before, I cannot imagine what kind of mental conniption they entered into as a reaction after these words.

We might want to take a brief moment and assess if we might have had a similar reaction to Jesus’ words? Is he putting down his family, undercutting family values? Certainly, those who think nothing of attacking the Bible will stock up on this verse as well as the one in Luke about how if one is not willing to hate mother or father they can not be his disciple (cf. Luke 14:26).

We need to recognize that Jesus is not devaluing or delegitimizing family, he is restoring family to its proper place and extending it out beyond what anyone of his time could conceive of. As Bishop Robert Barron writes, “when we give the family a disproportionate importance in short it becomes dysfunctional” (Barron, 17). We are united under our God and Father as his children. There is a more powerful call to unity here than mere family, clan, or tribe. As each person draws closer in their encounter and relationship with God, they also draw closer together. As we are conformed more and more to the life of Christ we begin to bear his fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control (cf. Galatians 5:22).

If we are living and treating each other with more love, not the mere minimal emotional response, but the depth of unconditional love, willing the good of the other, Jesus practices; if we are more patient and present with one another, are kind, supportive, and empowering; do you think relationships will grow and bonds become stronger? How about if these same acts of expressing respect for the dignity of another goes beyond just family and friends, person to person out to the peripheries, where those who feel set apart, and/or are on the outside looking in? What if we take the fruits of the Holy Spirit and practice them with our enemies? Not possible? True, if we enclose our selves within our own bubble and focus on protecting our ego. Possible if we walk with Jesus who is inviting his followers to build a relationship with God first, and participate in the infinite Love of the One that created the universe.

Many in our country are choosing to encase themselves in their own protective bubble wrap. Instead of embracing diversity we are going backwards, we are regressing. By choosing to close ourselves off to other viewpoints, talking over each other and at each other if we are talking at all, and embracing fear instead of love, we are distancing ourselves from God. Our strength as a people and as a nation and as a world increases when we embrace the human dignity of each person, and the rich diversity bestowed upon us through the unconditional love of God. May we embrace the teaching of Jesus who in his emphasis on following God’s will “was insisting that the in-gathering of the tribes into God’s family is of paramount importance” (Barron 17).

Those in the circle with Jesus are those who are not defined by race, ethnicity, or gender. The family of Jesus is defined by those of us who are willing to follow the will of God and bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our encounters with each person we meet. We need Jesus, we need God, we need to open our hearts and minds to receive the Love between them, who is the Holy Spirit, and be open ourselves to will the good of our family and friends, our colleagues, classmates, and neighbors,  as well as those on the margins and our enemies. We need to resist asking who does or does not belong in the circle of those around Jesus and instead ask are we willing to surrender to God, follow his will, and sit at the feet of Jesus to learn how we can be better brothers and sisters to one another.

Photo: Cardinal Newman strong!

Barron, Robert. Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of Faith. NY: Image, 2011.

Link for the Mass reading for Tuesday, January 23, 2018:

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012318.cfm