HOMILY CONNECT–JANUARY 23, 2022 – THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Scripture: Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 1 Cor 12:12-30 Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21

IN THE BEGINNNING – THE BEGINNING OF ST. JOHN’S GOSPEL
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Today the church celebrates Sunday of the Word of God
The Word of God is alive-is reflected through our spirituality – our Catholic religion
Alive through Jesus’ sacraments, teachings and doctrines of the Church
Do you know most of Mass comes from Scripture?
Many say “Oh I am spiritual but not religious.”
Maybe that is why today, only 33% of Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

MY TWENTY DOLLAR BILL – CONSIDER EACH SIDE REFLECTS A MESSAGE
One side Spirituality-The other side Religion
If there was only one side – the value is no longer $20
Is your life only one sided – only Spiritual – only Religion
If only one sided – we are not experiencing the fullness of faith
Spirituality – our relationship with God: How we talk, connect, relate to Him
It’s where and how we see God
Religion – is a structure to help to shape our relationship with God through the guidance of Scripture, prayer, commandments, doctrines, teachings
Especially Eucharist and Reconciliation
WE NEED BOTH SPIRITUALITY AND RECONCILIATION TO GROW IN HOLINESS

THIS TWENTY DOLLAR BILL – SPIRITUALITY-RELIGION IS LIKE PARENTING
All want to have a relationship with our children – to talk and connect -to share thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams
Offer structure, rules, regulations, guidance to become ethical, moral, virtuous people

TODAY’S GOSPEL – “TODAY THIS SCRIPTURE IS FULLFILLED IN YOUR HEARING.”
Do you ever feel lost or lonely – the world caving in on you?
Are there times when we feel held captive by decisions made by us or others?
Are we spiritually blind to the needs around us?
In distress, do we turn to Jesus and the Sacraments?
JESUS IS OUR FULLFILMENT!
We are CHOSEN to embrace the Word of God which is the Word of Hope

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD AND THE EUCHARIST
We give thanks for the gift of the Word – The Scriptures
We give thanks for a rich Catholic Religion – Sacraments
Both help us to grow as Disciples of Jesus into a deeper love relationship with HIM

THE WORD OF GOD IS ALIVE AND WELL. AS THE BODY OF CHRIST, WILL WE WELCOME HIM INTO OUR LIVES?

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
What impacted you from the readings/homily?
Do you ever feel lost or lonely – the world caving in on you?
Are there times when you feel held captive by decisions you or others made?
Are you spiritually blind to the needs of those around you??
In distress, do you turn to Jesus and the Sacraments?

LIVE CONNECTED Consider the areas of Spirituality and Religion in your life. Assess if you have a healthy balance between the two. Make an adjustment to become more of a balanced disciple of Jesus.