Homily Cycle I 01-04-20 Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/010420.cfm

The first reading advises us to “Beware of deception” – the deception we most need to be aware today is Secularism and Relativism disguised as individual rights and the only way to live.  In our Gospel we heard: “Behold the Lamb of God”, “Rabbi” and “We have found the Messiah”.

We prayed in the Collect {Opening Prayer}, a “… new light … through your only Begotten Son ….”  Andrew called his brother Simon Peter to follow Jesus, the Messiah.  We are called to follow Jesus more faithfully each day we are on earth.

“God is using your present circumstances to make you more useful for later roles in His unfolding story.”  [Louie Giglio]

How will we do that, maybe this story can help enlighten us.  A rabbi asked his students: “How can we determine the hour of dawn, when the night ends and the day begins?”

        

One of the rabbi’s students suggested: “When from a distance you can distinguish between a dog and a sheep?”  “No,”” was the answer from the rabbi.

        

“It is when one can distinguish between a fig tree and a grapevine?”  asked a second student.  “No,” said the rabbi.  “Please tell us the answer then,” said the students.

        

        

“It is … when you can look into the face of another human being and you have enough light in you to recognize your brother or your sister.  Until then it is night, and darkness is still with us.”

For us it is when we look into the face of each human being and see the face of God!

May God Be Praised!