Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jn 1:35-42
January 14, 2024

In recent years, there have been many studies into cognitive function, especially in the area of memory loss. I am at the age where I at least “skim” such reports when I run across them. What I have learned about “better brain health” seems to offer suggestions on how to protect “spiritual health” as well.

Many studies speak to the importance of social interaction. It appears that isolated people are more likely to suffer memory loss. Just so with those who, for whatever reason, are not part of a Christian Community. When we do not come together as a family of faith, we are more likely to forget what God has done for us through Baptism. Sharing our faith, especially by coming together to celebrate Eucharist, is a brilliant way for God to remind us of what we have been specially chosen for.

Diet plays a very important part in protecting our powers of recall and understanding. There is no better spiritual nourishment than The Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Hearing deficit that is not addressed is associated with loss of cognitive abilities. The Liturgy of the Word is an excellent time and place to hear, without the distractions of the world, that to which God is calling us.

Studies show that continuing to learn new things and develop new skills as we age helps protect memory. Religious education and spiritual growth and development should be a lifelong effort for Christian disciples. The more we learn about God, the more we want to know. And, the more we know about God, the more we know about ourselves and our world…and what we as individuals…and as Church…are commissioned to do in this world.

Depressed people tend to be more vulnerable to a loss of brain power. The Lord has encouraged us to “Break the Bread and Share the Cup” in memory of Him. When we do that and remember Who Jesus was and Who Christ is, we are better able to live in hope and push back against those things that cause us worry…stress…depression. Our hope is in the Name of the Lord…Who has given us The Sacraments so that we never lose hope.

Because of the way the Church year unfolded, we missed celebrating the Baptism of The Lord this year. Besides not having one final occasion to remember and rejoice over the Birth of Jesus Christ, the calendar has also taken from us a brilliant opportunity to reflect on the meaning and the power of our own Baptisms. Our Readings on this Second Sunday of Ordinary Time make up for that lost opportunity in that they are all about being chosen to serve our God.

Simply put, the first Sacrament of Initiation is very much about being chosen to serve as a disciple of The Son of God…called to proclaim Jesus as The Lamb of God Who has taken away the sin of the world.

In our Second Reading, St. Paul reminds us of the vulnerability, as well as the strengths, of our earthly bodies. The same holds true for our spiritual lives. It is important that we accept the invitation extended to the first disciples to “come and see where the Lord lives.”

Christ resides in the Eucharist.

When we come TOGETHER to LISTEN to The Word, to be NOURISHED with The Sacrament, and to LEARN more about God and what God is asking of us, we are re-energized, renewed, and protected. And then we can go out into the world with every HOPE that we can make a real difference.