Word for the Week

Sunday, January 01, 2017 Name of Jesus Introduction

From the beginning, by virtue of our baptism, we are called Christian. We were “Christ-ened” at the font. Bearing his name, we share the same Father and are invited to address him intimately: Abba! Jesus bears our sins in humble obedience to the will of the Father. Today we pray that the mind of Christ, whose name we bear, would be our own. It is a good way to begin, again, another year.

First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27

God commanded Aaron to say these words, known as the Aaronic benediction, in blessing the people of Israel. We too are marked with God’s name and God’s blessing as we are sent from our assemblies into the world.

Psalm: Psalm 8

How majestic is your name in all the earth! (Ps. 8:1)

Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7

Paul proclaims the ultimate significance of the nativity: Jesus was born the Son of God so that, because of him, we all may be God’s children.

Gospel: Luke 2:15-21

Eight days after his birth, Jesus is circumcised according to Jewish law and given the name announced by the angel before his conception.