I. Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection for the Unborn Children: on Tuesday, January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court handed down a decision known as Roe versus Wade, which made abortion legal throughout the United States, and struck down many states’ laws restricting abortion. Since that decision, more than 50 million abortions have been performed in the United States. In all the dioceses of the United States, today is observed as a day of fasting & penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and for the full restoration of legal guarantee to the right to life. We pray not only for the innocent children who are not able to be born, but for all mothers and fathers who are considering abortion and those who have had abortions. On this day, hundreds of thousands will participate in pro life marches across the nation. The largest of these takes place in Washington, DC, where some 400,000 people gather on the Mall and march up Capitol Hill to witness to the Gospel of Life. I challenge you to observe a strict fast; what you eat would amount to no more than one meal.
II. Christian Unity:January 18-25, 2019 is the annual observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme chosen for 2019 is “Justice, Only Justice, You Shall Pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). Throughout 2019, join Christians everywhere in praying “that they may all be one” joining our prayer with that of the Lord Jesus Christ. For more information go to: www.geii.org. There will be a prayer service at 7:00pm on Sunday, January 27, 2019, here at the Cathedral, to pray for unity. Everyone is invited and bring a friend!
III. An Outrageous Wedding Party! Most wedding celebrations include the exchanging of vows (within a Mass or not) and usually a dinner or reception, at least some food is served to the guests. Quite often there is dancing and some other activity. It’s a day to remember for the guest, the host, the bride and groom, and their families. Family stories will be told for many years after each wedding, as legends become lore. We hear in the Gospel for today (John 2:1-11), for the second Sunday in ordinary time, one such cultural element that is still followed today—the best wine is served before a lesser quality wine. This becomes the background setting for Jesus’ first of seven signs ( miracle), each of which are indications of his true identity. Jesus’ mother is present at the beginning of Jesus ministry and will be present until he meets his death on the cross, accompanied by the beloved disciple. Mary instructs the server reset the wedding feast in Cana, “Do whatever He tells you.” These words are addressed to us as well in the life of faith. Mary knows Jesus’ generous nature. She probably wasn’t surprised when her Son, instead of supplying a small portion of wine for the wedding feast, converted upwards of 120 gallons of water into wine! When we listen to Mary’s command we, too, encounter life in abundance with Jesus. Our “lack” can be transformed into abundance when we allow Jesus into our hearts! We cannot outdo Jesus in generosity!
WOW! (by Sharon Obuchowski)
What I find in prayer is hope,
What I lose in prayer is me.
What I find in prayer is love,
What I lose in prayer is darkness.
What I find in prayer I learn anew,
What I lose in prayer is my stupidity.
And then…Wow!