Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (1/15/23)

 Liturgical Theme

The theme of the second Sunday in ordinary time in year A is the calling of the first disciples, as described in the Gospel reading for that day, which is the story of Jesus calling Simon and Andrew, James and John to be his disciples. In this story, Jesus shows his authority as a teacher and demonstrates his power to transform the lives of those who follow him. The reading also speaks to the theme of obedience and following God's call, as the disciples leave everything behind to follow Jesus.

Scriptures

Is 49:3,5-6: In this passage, the prophet Isaiah is speaking on behalf of God, who is saying that the nation of Israel has been chosen to be his servant and to bring his salvation to the ends of the earth. The passage also mentions that God will use Israel to be a light for the Gentiles, or non-Jewish peoples.

1 Cor 1:1-3: In this passage, the apostle Paul is writing a letter to the church in Corinth, a city in ancient Greece. In the opening of the letter, Paul identifies himself as an apostle, or a messenger of Christ Jesus, and he greets the members of the Corinthian church with the words "grace and peace."

Jn 1:29-34: In this passage, John the Baptist is speaking about Jesus, whom he has just baptized. John refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God," a term that suggests Jesus will sacrifice himself for the sins of humanity. John also testifies that he saw the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus, and he declares Jesus to be God's Chosen One.

Scriptural Theme

There is a common theme of God's plan and purpose for humanity that unites these scripture passages. 

In the passage from Isaiah, God speaks of using the nation of Israel to bring his salvation to the ends of the earth, which suggests that God has a plan for redeeming and reconciling humanity to himself. 

The passage from 1 Corinthians emphasizes the idea that the members of the Corinthian church have been called by God to be holy and set apart for a special purpose. 

And in the passage from John, Jesus is described as God's Chosen One, who has been ordained to bring about the redemption of humanity through his death and resurrection. 

Overall, these passages highlight the idea that God has a specific plan and purpose for the salvation of humanity, and that he has chosen and ordained certain individuals and groups to play a key role in this plan.

Theology

Here are some possible deeper theological themes that could be drawn out of these passages:

In the passage from Isaiah, the idea of God's sovereignty and his role as the creator and sustainer of all things is prominent. God speaks of forming the nation of Israel in the womb and being their strength, which underscores his complete control over their existence and his role as their provider and protector.

The passage from 1 Corinthians emphasizes the idea of God's grace and the way in which he has called and sanctified believers for a special purpose. The phrase "grace and peace" in the opening greeting is a common formula in Paul's letters and suggests that God's grace, or unmerited favor, is the source of the believers' peace and well-being.

The passage from John highlights several important theological themes, including the concept of atonement, the deity of Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit. The reference to Jesus as the "Lamb of God" suggests that he will be sacrificed as a substitute for the sins of humanity, and John's testimony that he saw the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus affirms Jesus' divine nature and his role as the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Haiku

God's plan for salvation
Chosen ones, called to be holy
Grace and peace abound

Limerick

There once was a servant named Israel
Whose God had a plan that was special
He'd bring salvation to all
Through a servant so small
But with a light that was bright and essential

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