regan.ocd – Page 4 – SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

January 5, 2025January 5, 2025

6th JANUARY 2025

The Fishers of Men Bible Story - Faithful Fable

MONDAY, CHRISTMASTIDE

1 Jn 3:22–4:6 Ps 2: 7-8, 10-12 Mt 4: 12-17, 23-25

WALKING WITH JESUS: A DIVINE CALLING

We witness Jesus calling His first disciples – Simon and Andrew, James and John. As they fish by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus extends a simple yet life-altering invitation: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt 4:19). Their immediate response – leaving everything behind – stands as a powerful example of what it means to radically follow Christ.

This calling to walk with Jesus, is not limited to these fishermen but is extended to all who are open to answering Jesus’ summons. He calls each of us from the ordinariness of our lives to partake in something greater: His mission to proclaim the Good News. The choice of these simple fishermen by trade, demonstrates that Jesus does not demand exceptional qualifications. Rather, He meets us where we are and transforms our vocations into instruments for His Kingdom.

A key lesson here is the immediacy of the disciples’ response. They leave behind their nets and boats; their livelihood, security, and comfort, to follow Jesus into an uncertain future. This radical decision reminds us that following Christ often requires letting go of what is familiar and secure. It is a trustful surrender of our plans, ambitions, and resources to the will of God

Jesus’ call to become “fishers of men” reveals the transformative nature of discipleship. These men, once preoccupied with physical sustenance, are now called to a spiritual mission: to draw others to Christ. This shift challenges us to look beyond the routine of daily life and discern how we too are called to serve God’s greater purpose. At its core, the call to follow Jesus is about trust, obedience, and mission. Through it, the Lord invites us to participate in the work of salvation, becoming His hands and feet in the world.

Response: I will give you the nations as your inheritance.

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025

5th JANUARY 2025

The Epiphany of the Lord – Jan. 8, 2023

SUNDAY, SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Is 60: 1-6; Ps 72: 1-2, 7-13; Eph 3: 2-3, 5-6; Mt 2: 1-12

EPIPHANY: GOD REVEALED

The Feast of the Epiphany is a profound celebration in our Church, a moment of revelation and joy that commemorates God’s love made visible to all nations. “Epiphany” means “revelation,” and on this day, we celebrate the moment God revealed His Son, Jesus Christ, to the world beyond Israel’s borders. The story of the wise men, or Magi, who travelled from distant lands to find and honour the newborn King, illustrates that Jesus came not only for the Jewish people but for all of humanity.

Today’s first reading from Isaiah offers a prophecy spoken nearly seven hundred years before Christ’s birth. The people of Israel, having returned from exile, were weary from captivity yet were given hope for a future bright with God’s light. This prophecy foretold that Jerusalem would be a beacon for all nations, for through the Messiah, God’s glory would shine upon them. In Jesus, this promise is fulfilled, for He becomes the light of the world, guiding all people toward unity with God.

In the second reading, Saint Paul, reveals a “mystery” that had been hidden from previous generations but is now made known through Christ. This mystery is that God’s promise of salvation extends to all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. Through Jesus, each person is welcomed into God’s family as a beloved child and heir. Paul sees himself as a custodian of this grace, entrusted with sharing this message of inclusion with others, especially those who may feel excluded or unworthy of God’s love. This truth—that all are loved by God—reminds us that His grace transcends every barrier we create and that each person is our brother or sister in Christ.

The Gospel reading brings us to the heart of the Epiphany story. The wise men—possibly astrologers or scholars from the East—witnessed a unique star in the sky and followed it with faith and wonder. When they arrived and found Jesus, they offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each with deep meaning. Gold represented Jesus’ kingship, frankincense His divinity, and myrrh His sacrifice. These gifts illustrate the fullness of who Jesus is: our King, our God, and our Savior. Their journey shows us that faith often calls us to go beyond the familiar and open ourselves to God’s mystery.

In celebrating Epiphany, we are also called to become like that star which guided the wise men. In a world often divided by differences and darkened by suffering, we are asked to be bearers of light, guiding others toward God’s love and peace. Just as the star led the wise men to Christ, our own lives can serve as signs of hope for those who may feel distant from God. This feast also speaks powerfully to our modern world’s need for unity and compassion. We see places of darkness around us, places and people affected by violence, poverty, and despair. Regions such as Israel, Palestine, and Manipur have experienced deep conflict, shattering the lives of many and leaving families and communities in need of peace and healing. Today’s readings call us to be symbols of God’s love and mercy for others, especially for those living in uncertainty. As followers of Christ, we are invited to bring His peace where there is discord, becoming signs of His presence and hope for a world that so deeply needs it.

Epiphany also reminds us that there are no strangers to God. Regardless of nationality, race, or background, each person is beloved to God and a part of His family. This truth urges us to break down walls of prejudice and division and to see our shared humanity. In Epiphany, we glimpse a vision of the world united in God’s love, a world where each person honours the dignity of the other. Today, we are reminded of our own journey toward God. As the wise men followed the star with faith and perseverance, we are called to seek Christ in our lives and allow His light to guide us. As we draw near to Him, we become more like that star, reflecting His love to others. May we, like the wise men, offer our gifts to Jesus and be instruments of His peace and grace.

Response: All nations on earth shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025

4th JANUARY 2025

Nurturing the Seed of God | Restoring the Wells

SATURDAY, CHRISTMASTIDE

1 Jn 3: 7-10 Ps 98: 1, 7-9 Jn 1: 35-42

NURTURING THE DIVINE SEED WITHIN US

Choosing the right seed for sowing is the first step in reaping a healthy crop. A good seed sown in fertile soil, with proper care, will surely yield a good harvest. Therefore, a farmer invests time in selecting quality seeds before the cultivation season begins. Alongside selecting the seed, nurturing it is equally important. With fertile soil, timely manure, fresh water, and protection from pests, the seed will grow into a fruitful crop.

“The seed of God abides in us.” This proclamation in today’s first reading invites us to understand the meaning of “the seed of God.” In the book of Genesis, we read, “God created humankind in His image and likeness… He breathed into the nostrils of humanity the breath of life” (Gen 1:26-27; 2:7). If we are created in God’s image, then we resemble Him; if His breath is in us, we live in Him. God, therefore, is our original seed. This original seed, lost through sin, was restored through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every Christian baptized in the name of Jesus resembles God in Christ, the first seed of God. In Him, we are reborn and possess the same seed that He has restored to us. Since the seed of God dwells within us, there is a deep thirst for God in our hearts. The Gospel today reveals this thirst through the disciples’ question, “Master, where are you staying?” The Gospel concludes with the words, “They came, they saw, and they stayed with Him.” In other words, the seed of God within us is made to bear good fruit through our abiding in His love. It is in this mutual abiding that the seed is nurtured and bears abundant fruit.

St. Teresa of Avila would add that if we nurture the seed of God’s love within us with prayer and the manure of good virtues, we will steadily grow in His likeness, bearing fruit in His image. By living in communion with Him, we will bear abundant fruit and become more like Christ.

Response: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

January 2, 2025January 3, 2025

3rd JANUARY 2025

Catholic Church on X: "Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. 'At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and

FRIDAY, CHRISTMASTIDE

Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

1 Jn 2: 29 — 3: 6 Ps 98: 1, 3-6 Jn 1: 29-34

JESUS: THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

Sin – Alienation from God: Sin is “an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to the eternal law” (CCC 1849). Sin is rebellion against God, leading to spiritual death and depravity. In sin, we become painfully aware of our alienation from God, resulting in shame and blame.

Justice – Desiring the Good of Others: Despite our sin, God does not abandon us. He enters our broken world through His Son, who accepts our human condition yet lives without sin. Divine justice, thus, is not about condemnation, but about desiring the good of others. Jesus calls us His friends, not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters, redeeming us from shame and guilt.

Jesus – the Lamb of God: Jesus’ call to repentance invites us to turn to Him, to cease relying on ourselves. The initiative for our redemption comes from God. He redeems us by sending His Son to be the Lamb who takes away our sins, as St. John the Baptist proclaimed. Today’s first reading assures us that Jesus, the Holy One, sanctifies us when we allow ourselves to be washed by Him. True holiness consists in surrendering to Him, so that God’s justice, through mercy, restores our original friendship with Him, making us beloved children through adoption.

Sins of the Flesh: At times, we lose control of our minds and hearts, falling into vices such as evil thoughts, murder, adultery, theft, lies, and greed (cf. Mk 7:20-23; Mt 15:18-19). St. Paul speaks of the works of the flesh (cf. Gal 5:19-21), which prevent us from experiencing God (cf. Mt 5:8). Only Jesus can redeem and transform us, uniting us through His Spirit.

Fruit of the Spirit: Jesus comes to reverse the consequences of sin, showing compassion and offering forgiveness. By living in fellowship with Christ and the Spirit, we can bear the fruits of the Spirit, living a life that reflects His character (Gal 5:22-23).

Response: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

January 1, 2025January 1, 2025

2nd JANUARY 2025

1 John 2:28 - And now, dear children, continue in him, so that w...

THURSDAY, CHRISTMASTIDE

Mem. of Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen

1 Jn 2: 22-28 Ps 98: 1-4 Jn 1: 19-28

JESUS CHRIST: FULLY DIVINE, FULLY HUMAN

One of the heresies that troubled the early Church was Gnosticism. Gnostics believed that all matter was evil and only the spirit was good. This made the mystery of the Incarnation unacceptable to them. Similarly, Islam finds the Incarnation unthinkable. They claimed that Christ, a semi-divine being, descended upon the human Jesus at His baptism and left Him at His Passion. St. John the Evangelist strongly refuted such errors, calling their proponents “antichrists” and “liars.” He urged Christians to remain rooted in true teaching so that they might abide in the Father and the Son and secure their salvation. Even today, we must be vigilant against false teachers who challenge Catholic practices such as confession, the veneration of saints, and the use of sacred images. When doubts arise, it is vital to engage in honest dialogue within the Church, seeking clarity and understanding.

The truth of the faith is this: Jesus Christ is both true God and true man. He is Emmanuel—God with us. In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist proclaims to the Jews and Levites, “There stands one among you…” This powerful declaration is an Epiphany, revealing Christ’s presence among His people. St. Basil the Great, whose feast we celebrate today, beautifully explains the Incarnation: “The Father was, and the Son was born! Do not ask, ‘When?’ or ‘How?’ for such questions have no answers. God is on earth; He is among men—not in the smoking mountain or roaring tempest giving the Law, but in the flesh. The gentle and good One dwells with those He makes His equals. God is in the flesh—not operating from a distance, but through a human nature one with ours, seeking to bring all humanity back to Himself.” This mystery of the Word made flesh is the foundation of our faith and salvation. Let us embrace this truth, remaining steadfast and faithful to Christ, who is always with us as Emmanuel.

Response: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

December 31, 2024January 1, 2025

1st JANUARY 2025

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (January 01, 2024)

WEDNESDAY, CHRISTMAS OCTAVE

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Nm 6: 22-27; Ps 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4: 4-7; Lk 2: 16-21

BECOMING A BLESSING, INSPIRED BY MARY

Today, we celebrate the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the beginning of a new year. Mary was a blessing to Joseph and Jesus, and she continues to be a blessing to all humanity. As we honour her today, she invites us to become a blessing to others in the coming year. In the first reading, we hear how God commanded Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel. Ultimately, all blessings come from the Lord, the source of every good thing. Aaron and his sons were chosen as instruments to transmit these divine blessings, which consist of seven key elements:

God blesses – God is the fountain of all blessings. Every good gift comes from Him, and we must acknowledge His authority, gratefully receiving all that He provides.

God keeps – God protects His people and provides for their needs. He is attentive to their welfare.

God’s face shines upon us – God’s goodness is ever-present. His people are called to reflect this goodness and virtue in their daily lives.

God is gracious – God is merciful and compassionate, showering His people with kindness even when they fall short of His grace.

God lifts His countenance – As a loving Father, God never turns away from His wayward children but looks upon them with enduring love.

God gives peace – In His presence, there is calmness and tranquillity, even amid life’s conflicts.

God’s name is upon His people – Created in His image and likeness (Gen 1:27), God’s children live and move in Him (Acts 17:28), bearing His name as a mark of their belonging.

These elements of blessing are gifts God continues to offer through His chosen instruments.

Today, we recognize Mary, the Mother of God, as the most powerful instrument of God’s blessings. Mary is Jesus’ mother. Jesus is God the Son, and thus Mary is the Mother of God. Through her, the Father sent His only Son into the world. Mary played an essential role as the Mother of God. By saying “yes” to God’s will, she bore Jesus, the eternal Son of the Father, and nurtured Him with unwavering faith and love. She pondered in her heart the mysteries revealed to her, faithfully obeying God at every moment of her life.

Here are seven ways we can become a Blessing to Others:

Bless others with goodwill – Let us wish others well from the depths of our hearts. Let every “Happy New Year” we share be an earnest prayer for their happiness.

Protect and provide for others – As Mary cared for her family, we are called to protect the dignity and reputation of others and extend a helping hand, whether through kind words, acts of service, or simple gestures of encouragement.

Reflect God’s goodness – Let our lives radiate God’s love and virtue, and inspire others to seek His goodness in their lives.

Be gracious and merciful – When we show compassion, let us embody God’s infinite mercy.

Love with God’s heart – Just as Mary embraced all with a mother’s love, we are called to love unconditionally and accept others as they are.

Be peacemakers – In a world often divided by conflict, may we sow peace, reconciling differences and promoting harmony.

Live as God’s children – As bearers of God’s image, may we live in a way that reflects our dignity as His adopted children.

When we strive to embody these qualities, we become channels of God’s blessings, just as Mary was to Jesus and to the world. May Mary, the Mother of God, inspire us to embrace this call with faith and courage.

Response: O God, be gracious and bless us.