2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
In our reading. the prophet Isaiah tells us that we are called to be "Servants of God". We are to try to bring others closer to God and to help others everyday.
In our gospel, John the Baptist saw Jesus walking toward him so he told those with him that Jesus is the Lamb of God, the one who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus is the one who was coming after him but is greater than John. He was alive before John was born. He told them of the Spirit coming from heaven like a dove and staying on the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit (Jesus). Now John knows that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.
Special Saint/Feast Day: Blessed Christina Ciccarelli – January 18th
Blessed Christina lived in the 16th century. She was born in Abruzzi, Italy. Her baptismal name was Matthia. As she grew up, Matthia felt God calling her to a life of prayer and penance. She chose to become a cloistered nun and entered the St. Augustine convent in Aquila. She was called Sr. Christina.
Sr. Christina’s life as a nun was silent and hidden as she never left her convent. The people of Aquila knew that they were receiving many blessings because of the prayers of the nuns.
Sr. Christina was aware of the needs of the poor in the area and the nuns provided whatever they could to the poor. Sr. Christina prayed and offered sacrifices for all those who suffered.
Jesus sometimes gave Sr. Christina the ability to know the future. He used her to work miracles for the good of others.
She died on January 18, 1543.
There are many different ways to help others. Blessed Christina shows us how to help other people by praying for them and being attentive to their needs and sufferings.