Monday, January 1, 2018
January Creeks, rivers, and other forms of moving water, including ice, manifest the flow of life itself. A gurgling stream or rushing river, even in midwinter's rest, is the sign that new life is coming forth, even when it is not yet perceptible in a snow-covered landscape. Our life in Christ begins through the saving water of Baptism; since this is so, we have an obligation to protect and save the water. Water pollution is widespread, denying safe drinking water to millions of people. 1 sirach JANUARY 1 SUNDAY /MARY, MOTHER OF GOD/NEW YEARS DAY Sirach, Chapter 4, Verse 20 My son, watch for the right time; fear what is evil; do not bring shame upon yourself. Shame is generally connected with sexual ungodliness. Leviticus which is the book of the law on holiness in chapter 18 lists every sort of sexual sin. Sex is good and was invented by God and carries no shame if it is done at the right time open to life between a husband and a wife...