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February 2, 2025 - A Place of Holy Encounter​

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord​

Luke 2:22-40

 

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted. And you yourself a sword will pierce, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

 Opening Prayer: Jesus, help me to encounter you in your word, just as Simeon and Anna encountered you in the temple. Fill me with your energy and vitality to serve and glorify you as they did.

 

Encountering Christ:

 

1. Israel’s Encounter: Imagine this picture of the Holy Family coming to the temple in a spirit of sacrifice and obedience. Mary and Joseph arrived at the temple to offer their sacrifice of poverty, not the sacrifice of the wealthy (cf. Lev 12:8). They presented their firstborn son to consecrate him to the Lord. St. John Paul II said, “These words resound in the temple of Jerusalem, as forty days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph prepare to ‘present him to the Lord’ (Lk 2:22). By emphasizing the contrast between the modest, humble action of the two parents and the glory of the event as perceived by Simeon and Anna, the Evangelist Luke apparently wanted to suggest that the temple itself was waiting for the Child’s coming.” This is the moment when God revealed Christ, the true High Priest (cf. Heb 9:11), to the temple itself. It is the moment of Israel’s first encounter with Christ. Simeon and Anna represent Israel: both of these elderly, faithful Jews had waited their whole lives to see this child who had suddenly been brought before them in the temple. Israel had been waiting in expectant joy for the advent of Christ for hundreds of years. As Isaiah prophesied, the child Emmanuel (cf. Isa 17:14) is also Israel’s righteous King (cf. Isa 9:1-7). As our first reading today promises: “And the lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple; The messenger of the covenant whom you desire—see, he is coming! says the Lord of hosts” (Mal 3:1).

2. Simeon’s Encounter: God promised the righteous, devout Simeon the gift of sight: to see the Lord with his own eyes. This is the beatific vision that, God willing, we all will experience when we see God face-to-face in Heaven. Simeon wanted to see with his own eyes this light that would shine on all the nations. He longed for God to come, bringing his mercy, justice, and truth to the broken world. Like Job, he longed to see Christ incarnate on the earth: “As for me, I know that my vindicator lives, and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust… my own eyes, not another’s, will behold him” (Job 19:25, 27). Simeon received the blessing of holding the Lord in his arms! Simeon also encountered Mary, offering her a type of “second” Annunciation. Through God’s gift of spiritual sight, he announced Jesus’ true mission on the cross and that Mary would have her own share in the suffering of the cross. We who are Christ’s disciples will also share in his redemptive suffering.

3. Anna’s Encounter: Anna was an inspiring woman of heroic virtue. She was known as a prophetess, meaning she was also blessed with spiritual vision. Luke mentioned her heritage, from the house of Asher, along with her father’s name. She was married and widowed, then spent her life serving God in the temple, constantly worshiping, praying, fasting, and watching for the Messiah. When she saw Jesus, she knew that it was the time of God’s visitation. This was unlike many Israelites, who “did not recognize the time of [their] visitation.” (Lk 19:44). When she encountered Jesus, she immediately assumed her prophetic role: “And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem” (Lk 2:38). Do we have this expectant confidence in the Lord? How do we encounter Christ in prayer and the sacraments and then allow others to encounter Christ through us?

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, I marvel at your coming to us in history, as in this Gospel passage. I am in wonder at you coming to me in mystery under the veil of the Most Blessed Sacrament and in your word. I am in awe of the moment when you will come again in majesty, when all flesh shall see your salvation, just as Simeon did (cf. Lk 3:6). Inspire and lead me with the Holy Spirit as you lead Simeon and Anna. Fill me with zeal for building up your Kingdom of Heaven, and so prepare for your coming.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will imitate Simeon and Anna by worshiping and praying in your presence in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

For Further Reflection: Watch this video: Fra Angelico, “The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple by Christian Art, which explores the details and facts about this famous painting.

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and lay member of Regnum Christi.

February 3, 2025 – Freed to Share the Good News

Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Mark 5:1-20

Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

 

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of the Most High God, have mercy on us all! Thank you for coming to save us when we have fallen into sin. Help me to know, love, and follow you. Open my heart today to hear and understand your word.

Encountering Christ:

 

  1. The Demons Know Him: In Mark’s Gospel, there are very few people who assent to Jesus’ divinity. However, one surprising group knew Jesus’ true identity: the demons. In this passage, Legion acknowledged Jesus as “Son of the Most High God.” They were compelled to obey Jesus’ commands. We could interpret this as a confirmation of Jesus’ divinity, since these spirits—evil as they are—knew his true identity. We can also conclude from this that mere belief in Jesus’ identity is not enough. We must accept that Jesus is the Son of God and we must assent to his Lordship in our lives. We are called to know, love, and follow him.                                                                                                                                                                                                            
  2. Chained in Mortal Sin: The possessed man was practically dead—perhaps even worse than dead. The poor soul was consumed by a host of demons, living in the tombs, and isolated from the community. What a hellish existence! He was in pain, crying out and hurting himself. When he lived among others, had he hurt them too? This is an image of the pain and suffering caused by mortal sin. Mortal sin separates a person from God and others. It shackles and chains a soul. It causes pain and suffering to everyone involved. In short, it causes spiritual death. The Catechism teaches, “If it is not redeemed by repentance and God’s forgiveness, it causes exclusion from Christ’s Kingdom and the eternal death of Hell, for our freedom has the power to make choices for ever, with no turning back. However, although we can judge that an act is in itself a grave offense, we must entrust judgment of persons to the justice and mercy of God” (CCC 1861). Lord, protect us from mortal sin.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
  3. Encountering and Sharing Mercy: Jesus came to save all people from the captivity of sin. He wants to restore us to life and communion with himself and others. The possessed man had an intimate encounter with God’s mercy. His running to and prostrating himself before Jesus was an act of repentance. After Jesus forgave and freed him from the oppression of the demons, he wanted to follow Jesus. Instead, Jesus told him, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Jesus sent him on a mission to share Christ’s mercy with his loved ones and community. His exile was ended, and his life was restored. Christ directed him to proclaim the Gospel of Christ’s mission of mercy to the Gentiles in the center of Greco-Roman culture, the Decapolis. Imagine the joy and hope in this man’s words and how compelling his story was based on his healing and restoration. Out of the darkest moments of our lives, God’s light shines the brightest. Jesus wants to extend his Divine Mercy to all people. Our own stories of what God has done for us can be powerful instruments of evangelization.

Conversing with Christ: My Jesus, help me to be vulnerable and to share my own story of what you have done for me to the people around me. Help me not to be ashamed of my past, but to share how God has forgiven and absolved even my darkest sins. May I be courageous and joyful in sharing the Good News of salvation and mercy, and so be a light in the darkness, confident in the fact that your light is shining within me, never to be overcome by the powers of sin and death in the world (cf. Jn 1:5).

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace, I will consider the wonderful things you have done for me and how they have filled me with joy (cf. Ps 126:3), in order to be ready to share with others the cause for my hope in you (cf. 1 Pet 3:15).

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and lay member of Regnum Christi. 

February 4, 2025 -The Healed Daughters

Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him and a large crowd followed him. There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

Opening Prayer: Jesus, feed me with your word. Help me to desire your healing and wholeness. Bless me as I encounter you in Scripture today.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Markan Sandwich: St. Mark used a literary device throughout his Gospel called a “sandwich.” Today’s Gospel reading is a great example. This device helps us understand the shared meaning behind the events in two stories that seem unrelated. Here the story of Jarius and his daughter in the clutches of death is sandwiched in the middle by the story of the woman with a hemorrhage. The key to understanding deeper meaning in this passage is to look for ways that the stories relate. Both are centered on coming to Jesus for healing. Both people were female, and both were miraculously healed. Another similarity is time. The girl was twelve years old, and the woman had suffered with a hemorrhage for twelve years. Her issue of blood made her unable to participate in her community; she was ritually unclean. Consider this: The woman had suffered in this way as long as the girl had been alive, equaling a “lifetime” of isolation, pain, and suffering. The little girl was presumed dead. Both needed Jesus to bring them back to life.                                                                                                                                          
  2. Desiring Healing: In a mystical way, our healing is connected to our internal disposition; we must want Jesus to heal us. Notice that both Jairus and the woman approached Jesus and desired healing. The woman reached out her hand to touch Jesus, and his power flowed out of him to her. It is striking, almost as if she were instrumental in her own healing by reaching out to him. Jesus blessed the woman and told her that her faith saved her. Notice that he addressed her in a familial way, calling her “daughter.” When Jesus approached the little girl, he lifted her up, raising her from the sleep of death and restoring her life, even more powerfully than in the case of the woman. Both are returned to health, life, and community. Our conversion to Christ makes us part of God’s family. Jesus raised Jairus’s daughter and called her “little girl’: “Talitha koum.” The woman who was healed became a “daughter” of God, a “little girl” again. Both have new life in and through Christ. Do I truly desire and believe that I can be healed? Do I want to be God’s beloved child?                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
  3. Hidden Sacraments: This passage holds a key to two hidden sacraments. Both Jairus and the woman approached Jesus in humility and fear of the Lord. Jairus “fell at his feet,” and the woman “came in fear and trembling and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth.” This strikes an image of the sacrament of Reconciliation where we humbly kneel at Christ’s feet and confess the truth of the brokenness of our lives. When we make that short pilgrimage to our Church and stand in line for Confession, we are like the woman stretching our hand out to be healed. Another hidden sacrament is the Anointing of the Sick. Both the woman and the little girl were healed by Christ’s touch. In the Anointing of the Sick, the priest touches the sick person on the forehead and hands with blessed oil and speaks words of healing (CCC 1513). Christ’s words are also instrumental, as they are in the absolution at the end of Confession. “by the priest’s sacramental absolution God grants the penitent ‘pardon and peace’” (CCC 1424). Jesus tells the woman, “Go in peace, and be healed.” In the sacraments, Christ himself touches and heals us. Do I truly believe that Christ heals me through his sacraments? Do I want to be transformed by the Kingdom of Christ?

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, I want to be healed in every way that I am broken so that I can give glory to you and serve you with a whole and pure heart. Help me reach out to you when I need to be healed physically, mentally, or spiritually. Heal me with the touch and words of your sacraments, especially in the Most Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation. Restore my life and transform me into my deepest identity as your child.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will examine my conscience and ask you to reveal what is in need of your healing. I will then make a plan to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and lay member of Regnum Christi. 

February 5, 2025 – Seeing Christ Everywhere

Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

Mark 6:1-6

He departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Opening Prayer: Lord, I come before you today to place my heart in your gentle and merciful hands. I know you need my faith in order to make this time with you fruitful for my spiritual life. I invite the Holy Spirit to increase my belief in all the good you can do in my life.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Seeing Christ: The Jews from Jesus’s neighborhood presumed they knew him and, as a result, they failed to perceive any of his divine reality. Prejudice, presumption, or familiarity can blind us too from seeing that Jesus is in everyone. “We do not have to discover in which of several people Christ is to be found; we must look for him in them all. And not in an experimental spirit, to discover whether he is in them . . . but with the absolute certainty that he is… Christ does not choose to be known through outward appearances—even the appearance of virtue” (Caryll Houslander, The Reed of God).                                                                                                                                                    
  2. No Mighty Deeds: It is hard to imagine the Creator of the heavens and earth would be hindered by anything if he wanted to execute his might. We see here that Our Lord values us so completely that he gives us the freedom to believe (or not believe) in his love for us. We are so free that our lack of belief in him—and thus our lack of permission—hinders the completion of good deeds for us. Yet, freedom is love. Nothing forced or kept is truly loved. God knew that when he left the final decision to us. Will we allow Christ to exercise his might in our lives? He waits for us to open ourselves up to him just a little further today.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
  3. He Was Amazed: We know that Jesus raised the dead, walked on water, and made a tiny bit of food enough to feed the multitudes, so we could assume there is little that would amaze him. But here we read Jesus was amazed at the lack of faith of the people in his hometown. Amazed! God has so much to give to us, but when we remain stubborn and stuck in our disbelief he is thwarted. We can pray, therefore, for God to move our heart as the centurion did: “Lord, help my unbelief!” Faith is a gift from God, and we must ask for it and protect it. We should never be amazed when we falter, but we should amaze ourselves if we don’t ask for help when we fall.

Conversing with Christ: Lord, how often I forget to intercept the thoughts that tell me you are not divine or that you cannot help me. I must reject those thoughts that are not from you and actively seek your protection and help throughout my day, so as never to “amaze” you with my unbelief.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will set a timer on my phone to ring every hour for the next nine hours, and I will pray “Jesus, increase my faith” each time the alarm rings.

For Further Reflection: Reflect and pray with the words from Matthew 8:5-13.

Megan Naumovski is a speaker, writer, and teacher of the Catholic faith.                                                

February 6, 2025 – Building God’s Kingdom

Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

Mark 6:7-13

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Opening Prayer: My Jesus, thank you for sending your Apostles and their successors into the world to build up your Kingdom. Without them, there would be no Church! Help me recognize my own role to play in bringing about your Kingdom here and now.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Attachment to Christ Alone: Jesus called the Twelve Apostles to detach from the earthly things they would need on their mission trip in order to bless them with God’s divine, abundant providence. Of course, he knew that they would need food, clothing, and money on their journey, but the Apostles would have to depend on the charity of those they were serving. This kind of detachment is only possible when one is truly attached to Christ. Jesus desires that we have both eternal life with him and abundant life here and now (cf. Jn 10:10). When we trust in Christ, we are open to leaving behind the things we want and to receiving the good things with which God wants to bless us instead.                                                                                                                                                                       
  2. Two by Two: Jesus did not send the Apostles out alone; instead, he sent them two by two. This shows the importance and strength of working together to bring about the Kingdom of God. This idea of going out two by two is reminiscent of Noah gathering and bringing the animals two by two into the ark (cf. Gen 7:9). Two were needed to multiply life, to be fruitful. Perhaps Jesus sent the Apostles, and later the seventy-two disciples (cf. Lk 10:1), in the same way, because two could more effectively “multiply” the message of the Gospel. Sometimes working with others to build up Christ’s Kingdom can be difficult, but our diverse ideas, strengths, and personalities make us stronger and more effective together.                                                                                                                                      
  3. Christ’s Authority: Jesus gave the Twelve the honor of sharing in his mission by setting people free from the captivity of demons and sickness, the harbingers of sin and death. These are things that only God truly has the power to do, but he shared this power and authority with his Apostles to further his mission. Jesus bestowed his authority on them in other ways as his time on earth drew to its end. He breathed on them and gave them the authority to forgive sins, another work only God can do (cf. Jn 20:22). After his Resurrection, he commissioned the Eleven and bestowed all authority upon them through his presence: “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age’” (Mt 28:18-20). St. John Paul II said the Kingdom’s “seed and beginning is the Church.” As members of the Church, we also have a share in Christ’s mission. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit, who is always with us in our tasks. Do we trust in his power to work through us to bring God’s will to fruition here and now?

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, help me to trust in you and the power you give me to bring about your Kingdom. Help me to remember that my true strength comes from you, my Jesus. Give me the confidence and energy I need to build your Kingdom and bring others to encounter you at the foot of your throne.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will ask you in prayer what you are calling me to do to build up your Kingdom.

For Further Reflection: Read this General Audience address by St. Pope John Paul II: All Are Called to Build God’s Kingdom.

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and lay member of Regnum Christi.

February 7, 2025 – The Voice of Truth

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Opening Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit, open my ears to hear your word. Open my mind to understand its meaning. Open my soul to receive your life-giving truth and plant it deep in the good soil of my heart.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Last Prophet, First Martyr: St. John the Baptist was the last prophet who foretold Jesus; in fact, he was the new Elijah. Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he… All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come” (Mt 11:11-14). John was also the first Christian martyr. He was martyred for following and proclaiming God’s moral law. His adherence to the truth landed him in prison and angered Herod’s new wife, costing him his life. Servant of God Dorothy Day said that Jesus came for two reasons: “He came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” When we profess and proclaim the truth, we can make other people uncomfortable. While we must proclaim the truth with prudence and, above all, charity, we are called to have fortitude in the face of immorality.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
  2. John’s Power: Even from prison, John stayed firm in his adherence to the truth and to preaching God’s word. Herod was afraid of John, perhaps because he spoke so boldly and was full of “the spirit and power of Elijah” (Lk 1:17). Even though Herod feared John, he would go and listen to him while he was in prison. John confused him, “yet he liked to listen to him.” This line is so interesting and poses many questions. What did they talk about? What was it about John’s manner and words that attracted this immoral king to go into the dungeon and listen to someone who had called him out for his behavior? One might imagine that John was very virtuous. He most likely spoke powerfully with truth and conviction, but also with the gentleness and love of someone who follows the Lord. How do we reflect the merciful love of the Father when we speak and act?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
  3. Admonishing the Sinner: John was imprisoned and martyred for admonishing the king. Our consciences are meant to admonish us internally. The conscience is the voice of God’s law inside ourselves. It tells us what is right and wrong and how we should follow God’s will. St. John Henry Newman called it “the aboriginal Vicar of Christ” in the soul. A good morning practice is to ask Jesus to guide us by our consciences throughout the day. When people choose to suppress or ignore this voice inside them, we can be the gentle voice of the Good Shepherd for them—a voice of truth coming from outside instead of from the inside. Admonishing the sinner is a spiritual work of mercy. This must always be done with charity, keeping Christ’s truth and the salvation of the person we are speaking with at the forefront of our minds.

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, when I am faced with immorality, send your charity, prudence, knowledge, and fortitude to me. May I speak with love, kindness, and truth. Give me the courage to defend my faith and build up your Kingdom. May I always seek to lift up my brothers and sisters and help them hear your voice. Help me to be your firm but gentle voice of truth in this broken world.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will ask my conscience to guide me throughout the rest of the day. I will pay attention to and follow it, as it is your voice, my Good Shepherd.

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and lay member of Regnum Christi. 

February 8, 2025 – Jesus, The Shepherd King

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Mark 6:30-34

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Opening Prayer: Jesus, bless me as I hear your sacred word. Help me to listen to your voice and follow you always.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Servant Leadership: Jesus called the Apostles to servant leadership in imitation of him. Jesus told his Apostles, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:43-45). Servant leaders put the needs of the people before their own needs. The Apostles, for example, were so busy serving the people that they did not even have a chance to eat! St. John Paul II taught what he called the law of the gift: “We become most truly human in the measure in which we go out of ourselves and give ourselves for the sake of others.” This means we find true meaning and joy in our lives precisely to the degree that we give our lives away to God and others.                                                                                                          
  2. The Good Shepherd: When Jesus looked at the people, he saw their need. They were confused, disordered, and sinful, and there was no one to lead them out of this condition. They were sheep without a shepherd wandering aimlessly: “We had all gone astray like sheep, all following our own way” (Isa 53:6). They were also unprotected from predators; they were vulnerable to wolves, thieves, and bandits (cf. Jn 10:7-12). Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He leads, guides, protects, feeds, and cares for us. If we allow him, Jesus protects us from modern predators who would distract us, steal our peace, or otherwise harm us.                                                                                                                                                        
  3. Israel’s True Shepherd: The people of Israel had been sheep without a shepherd for hundreds of years. In the years after King David, Israel had a line of corrupt, inadequate rulers. Consequently, they were conquered, exiled, and taken to Babylon. When they returned, they were ruled over by vassal kings who had their own interests in mind, not those of the people; King Herod was only the latest in a long line of “kings” who answered to Rome and controlled the Jewish people. Jesus, the true King of Israel, revealed himself to be a shepherd ruler, modeling his ancestor David. This scene precedes the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. As this Gospel passage continues, Jesus demonstrates how a good king cares for his people: he teaches them (v. 34), creates order (v. 39), and feeds them (vs. 41-42). Are we teachable? How can we allow Jesus to create order where there is disorder in our life? Do we allow Jesus to feed the hungry parts of our soul?

Conversing with Christ: My Jesus, thank you for being the true shepherd King. I want to sanctify you as Lord of my heart and enthrone you as King there (cf. 1 Pet 3:15). I am sorry for the times when I have not allowed you to guide and rule my heart and for when I have wandered away from your care. Thank you for coming to find me when I have strayed from the flock (cf. Lk 15:4). May I always listen to your voice and follow you, my Good Shepherd.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will read John 10:1-18 and meditate on the image of you as my Good Shepherd.

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and lay member of Regnum Christi.                                                 

February 9, 2025 – Beyond What Is Safe

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 5:1-11

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Opening Prayer: Jesus, to encounter you in a way that radically changes my life seems a little daunting. I long to let you into my boat. I long to let you command me what to do. I don’t want anything—hesitation or doubt—to get in the way of my relationship with you. Help me as I begin my prayer this morning to be totally open to your will for my life, in the big things and in the little things.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Put Out Into Deep Water: Jesus asked Simon in this passage to return to fishing when this professional had already tried all night and failed. Did Jesus want to catch fish or was he inviting Simon to make an act of faith in him? When we have tried and failed, Jesus may want us to make more room in our life for him to be the protagonist. This call to a deeper level of faith can feel scary, but when we are confident in who is doing the asking, we are less likely to hesitate. Our assurance grows when our sacramental life is robust and we’re praying on a daily basis.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
  2. I Am a Sinful Man: Simon expressed an amazement that he had been chosen despite his unworthiness. When we look at our own sinfulness, we too feel Simon’s shame and might be tempted to turn away. Simon shows us the most spiritually healthy attitude we can have toward Christ—one that is full of humility and recognizes the reality of our weakness. Let us bow low to Jesus, admit our sinfulness before him, and count on him to “complete the good work he has begun in us…” (cf. Phil 1:6).                                                                                                                               
  3. You Will Be Catching Men: From all time, Jesus had a mission in mind for Simon Peter, which Peter fulfilled, even to the point of martyrdom. Jesus has also prepared works for us to do. When we let Christ have free reign in our life, we are able to view all of our work through his eyes. We develop a more truthful appraisal of our efforts and redefine how we evaluate success in our life. Our success is now measured by how pleasing our thoughts, words, and actions are to Christ.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I welcome your call, and what you are doing in my life and in my heart today. I know that you want to work with me and use me to spread your Kingdom, even though I am unworthy. Thank you for letting me be a part of this great mystery of salvation.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will pray the Litany of Trust.

For Further Reflection: Pray Psalm 51 in a spirit of humble repentance.

Fr. Adam Zettel, LC, was ordained in 2017 and worked for three years as a high school chaplain in Dallas, Texas. Now he resides in Oakville, Ontario, serving youth and young adults.                                                

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Alex Kucera

Atlanta

Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.

In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.

Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.

From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.

Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!