January 2025 – Prince of Peace

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Eyes of Love: That day in the synagogue Jesus offered a new life to the man healed of his withered hand and another chance for the Pharisees to recover from their hardening hearts. Jesus knew, as he performed his saving ministry, that his actions would incite the Pharisees to plot to destroy his life.. Yet, through his eyes of love, Jesus saw the man’s need, giving us a model for doing good, even when its unpopular.

Today, January 22, 2025, the Church calls us to see human dilemmas with eyes of love. We are invited to a stronger commitment to the dignity of human persons, especially the unborn and their mothers and fathers. It is a day to be observed with prayers, fasting or almsgiving for the good being done for pregnant women with or without partners in every circumstance to bring their babies to birth.

Sunday, January 19

Dear Parishioners,

The festivities like the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus are over. We now continue our spiritual journey through the Sundays in Ordinary Time. The second Sunday in Ordinary Time speaks about the theme of marriage. The Gospel of today records the first sign or the miracle of changing of water into wine at the wedding of Cana by Jesus. The importance of this event is that the sign made the disciples believe in him and pushed Jesus to begin this public ministry. Mary, the mother of Jesus, plays a pivotal role in this episode for she knows that Jesus has the power to perform a miraculous sign and bring joy to the bewildered host of the wedding.

The happy outcome of the intervention of the mother of Jesus makes the marriage feast become alive with the availability of good wine. As a result, the disciples come to faith in Jesus as Jesus is almost forced to begin his public ministry. In the first reading Isaiah praises Zion and depicts her a woman yearning for her husband and family. In the second reading Paul urges the Corinthians to use the gifts they have received for the common good and strive for the better living.

Therefore, let us pause for a while and ask ourselves: How far are we able to reach out to the daily liturgical celebration to bring about unity among us?

Do we play a pivotal role to bring joy and happiness in our community?

Do we really reach out to the poor to uplift for them to live a normal life as we have?

Fr. Raj

9 Days for Life:

Day #1: Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of life. Help us to cherish and protect this gift, even in the midst of fear, pain, and suffering. Give us love for all people, especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to the trust that every life is worth living.

Day #2: May each person suffering from participation in abortion find forgiveness, hope, and healing in Christ.

Day #3: May every pregnant mother receive compassionate care and support as she nurtures the life in her womb.

Day #4: May every father of a preborn child lovingly support the mother of his child in welcoming new life.

Day #5: May every pregnant mother choosing adoption receive grace and support in embracing this loving option.

Day #6: May all who support or participate in abortion experience a conversion of heart to seek and receive the Lord’s boundless mercy.

Day #7: May all preborn children be protected in law and welcomed in love.

Day #8: May civic leaders work for the protection of all human life, in every stage and circumstance.

Day #9: May all who defend life find strength and renewal in the Holy Spirit.