Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the First Sunday after Christmas. Today we have a Parish Eucharist at 11 am at St Thomas' Church, with no service at St Agnes'.
If you are unable to be with us in person, you will find resources below to worship at home.
Our first hymn this morning is "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
Today's Gospel
John 1:1-18The Word Became Flesh
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.
Reflection
If there’s one gospel passage that most church goers are familiar with it is probably John 1, which is also known as John’s prologue. It is always said at mid-night mass, the first service of Christmas when we welcome Christ into the world and throughout the year at other key services such as today.
As we look ahead to the new calendar year, I thought it might be nice to use this space to invite you to do something a little different. Lectio Divina.
Sometimes, when we are really familiar with a text, we just let it wash over us without really taking time let it sink in. Lectio Divina is a spiritual practice that gives us the opportunity to look at scripture more contemplatively and is based on the practices of St. Ignatius.
When we do this we often find new meaning to the bible and a depth of richness that speaks to us through our imagination, as we interpret God’s word through our hearts as well as our mind.
Before you start, try and find a quiet place and maybe light a candle. As you find that calm space in yourself, you may also want to take a few slow deep breaths and relax.
Start by slowly reading the passage above. Don’t rush, just take your time and read at a moderate pace, and as you do, make a note of any words or phrases that resonate with you. Don’t worry if nothing jumps out immediately just take a short break and reflect on what you read and then slowly read it again a few times.
With each repetition, new insights or perceptions may begin to develop, unveiling the richness and meaning of God’s Word.
The next step is to meditate on the text, particularly bringing to mind any words or images that emerged during your reading of the passage. Perhaps there are things that relate to joy or stressful things that are happening in your life at the moment or it may be a memory of something from the past that re-emerged in your consciousness.
Stay with those images a while and pray with them. Don’t try too hard – this is not structured or formal praying. Just ask what is the spirit saying to you, even if it feels vague, and then think how you might want to respond.
God is calling us to share what our heart is feeling and speak to Him in our own words. Have a conversation with God, whether that be through requests for help, thanking Him, or telling Him how much you love Him.
Lastly, we contemplate - we reflect on the spiritual encounter and ask if there is something that we are being called to do or change in our lives. This can be unnerving as we open ourselves to be transformed and guided by God’s will, but it can also be tremendously fulfilling and enriching as we surrender ourselves to God.
All this may sound strange if you’ve never done it and it may also sound difficult but it does get easier as we open our hearts to the Lord.
If you’re still struggling, it might help to meditate on some of the following questions:
-John refers to Jesus as the light shining in the darkness that cannot be overcome. Are there any areas of darkness in your life that you are worried about and need Jesus to shine a light on, to help you understand things better and overcome them?
-How has the Word of God, born this Christmas, inspired you? Is there something in the reading that stands out and that the Lord wants you focus on in the New Year?
-We see the baby Jesus in the manger helpless and small – a symbol of hope for all. What are your hopes? What do you think Jesus is hoping for in your life?
-Jesus is the word of God - God with us; do you see how He might be reaching out to you?
-Jesus is God’s son, the Word of God made flesh – He is the utmost symbol of God’s love for us, God’s children. How have you experienced His love in your life in the last week, days or year? What do you want to thank God for?
Let the Holy Spirit enter you so that you can experience Jesus at work in your mind, heart and your soul as He brings you to the truth of Jesus, the Way the Truth and the Life in God the Father.
Happy New Year to all of you. Paul
Our Prayers
Merciful Father,
Creator of all things seen and unseen,
Help us to see your glory in all things,
to use our imagination and be guided by your Holy Spirit
