20-second Summary
When we think of servants, we typically picture people who are oppressed or in positions that powerful people take advantage of. God has a different idea of what a servant is, and He calls us to this way of life and shows us through His only Son, how being a servant is actually one of the most honorable positions one can take.
He uses His servants to bring His light and message of Salvation to all the nations. Dive deeper into this idea of sharing God’s light and salvation as His servant…
Catechesis At Home – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
Not Just a Servant
First Reading
Israel, through whom I show my glory.
Now the LORD has spoken
who formed me as his servant from the womb,
that Jacob may be brought back to him
and Israel gathered to him;
and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD,
and my God is now my strength!
It is too little, the LORD says, for you to be my servant,
to raise up the tribes of Jacob,
and restore the survivors of Israel;
I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Responsorial Psalm
I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
And he put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or offering you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, “Behold I come.”
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
to do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!”
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Second Reading
and Sosthenes our brother,
to the church of God that is in Corinth,
to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy,
with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel Reading
Alleluia
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
To those who accepted him,
he gave power to become children of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”
John testified further, saying,
“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
Mass Readings are presented verbatim from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) web site in good faith accordance with its “Web and Other Digital Media Usage” guidelines. All Rights are reserved to the USCCB.
Not Just a Servant
REFLECTION – Servant of God
This week we reflect on the concept of a Servant of God. God calls Israel, not just as a servant, but to be a light to the nations. He sets apart this Chosen People as His own. The Psalmist presents himself to the Lord, as a servant – “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will.” St. Paul and Sosthenes present themselves as servants of Jesus Christ, His apostles, who are sent to preach and teach the Gospel to others. And finally, John the Baptist points us to Jesus Christ, Himself – the ultimate Servant, who gives His very life for all of us as ransom for our sins.
In all of these readings, it is more than just serving the Lord. The Lord takes our service and elevates it to make His Plan a reality. We can learn from the servants of the Old Testament – the prophets, kings, judges, and priests – how God uses them to further the plan of Salvation He has for the world. We see how He takes the broken and sinful people and make a nation that serves as His anchor on this earth. We understand through Jesus Christ the fulfillment of the covenants that God made with His People. Jesus, born poor, lived and suffered and died in a small corner of the world, who has built a Church that is worldwide, has millions of followers, and is the Light to all nations. This Church that we belong to and have a hand in expanding through our service to the Lord.
DISCUSSION – Servant or Light
How are we the Lord’s servants? St. Paul, in his letters, presents a picture of what it means to be a servant of God. He works hard, he prays hard, he lives with those whom he serves. Sound familiar? We work hard, we pray hard, and we live with those whom we are called to serve first – our families. The question is – do we serve with love, charity and patience? Are we a light to our families? How can we be that light?
ACTIVITY – Serve Others
In serving others with love, we are serving God. This week, make a special effort to be pleasant with one another in our service to them. Pleasantly do our chores, work, homework, etc. Be kind and patient with one another when there are mistakes or slip-ups. Seek to understand the other person’s point of view before trying to make our point. Say “please” and “thank you”. It is these small acts of service done with great love, that make our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities lights to the world.
DIG DEEPER – Other Not Just a Servant resources from Holy Owned and Operated:
Page: Resources
TWMWU: Faith in the Seen and Unseen
TWMWU: Take Up Our Cross!
TWMWU: 2nd Week of Lent – The Lord is My Light
TWMWU: 3rd Week of Lent – God’s Mercy Brings Life
TWMWU: Jesus Died for Us
Podcast: Talents – Episode 17
Podcast: Giving Back – Episode 127
Podcast: It’s All in the Little Things – Episode 69
How are you Not Just a Servant, but also a Light?
by Beth & Kristofer Cowles
HOO™ Co-Founders
Other Help on HOO
We Are Consuming Flesh And Blood – Episode 169
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:40 — 21.8MB)
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We are consuming flesh and blood, soul and divinity when we receive the Eucharist; and we thought it important to discuss that and proclaim it.
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