Feast Day of Thomas Becket (1170) remembers the Archbishop of Canterbury who served from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. He engaged in conflict with Henry II, King of England, over the rights and privileges of the Church and was murdered by followers of the king in Canterbury Cathedral.

 

Reading: “O Lord, you have searched me out and known me;” Read Psalm 139

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Collect: Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

Pray the Jesus Prayer for 5 minutes focusing on the name Jesus: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.” (See John Michael Talbot explain the Jesus Prayer Part 3) 

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Make Merry:

• Gratitude Journal: Write 3 things for which you are grateful.

• Write thank you cards for gifts you have received. 

• Make or look at a photo album or scrapbook featuring people you love. Say a prayer of blessing on each person.

• Drive around the city to see Christmas Lights

• Make Five Golden Rings. Post a photo #12TideCbus

 

Ancient Text Reflection:

Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux (AD 200-258) Sermon 1 for Epiphany

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“The goodness and humanity of God our Savior has appeared in our midst.” We thank God for the many consolations he has given us during this sad exile of our pilgrimage here on earth. Before the Son of God became human his goodness was hidden, for God’s mercy is eternal, but how could such goodness be recognized? It was promised, but it was not experienced, and as a result few believed in it. “Often and in many ways the Lord used to speak through the prophets.”

 

Among other things, God said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction." But what did humans respond, thinking thoughts of affliction and knowing nothing of peace? They said: “Peace, peace, there is no peace.” This response made the angels of peace weep bitterly saying “Lord, who has believed our message?” But now they believe because they see with their own eyes, and because God’s testimony has not become even more credible. He has gone so far as to pitch his tent in the sun so even the dimmest eyes see him. Notice that peace is not promised by sent to us; it is no longer deferred, it is given; peace is not prophesied by achieved. It is as if God the Father sent upon the earth a purse full of his mercy. This purse was burst open during the Lord’s passion to pour forth its hidden contents - the price of our redemption. It was only a small purse, but it was very full.

 

As the Scriptures tell us: A little child has been given to us, but in him dwells all the fullness of the divine nature. The fullness of time brought with it the fullness of divinity. God’s Son came in the flesh so that mortals could see and recognize God’s kindness. When God reveals his humanity, his goodness cannot possibly remain hidden. To show his kindness what more could he do beyond taking my human form? My humanity, I say, not Adam’s –that is, not such as he had before his fall.

 

How could he have shown his mercy more clearly than by taking on himself our condition? For our sake the Word of God became as grass. What better proof could he have given of his love? Scripture says: Lord, what are we that you are mindful of us; why does your heart go out to us? The incarnation teaches us how much God cares for us and what he thinks and feels about us.

 

We should stop thinking of our own sufferings and remember what he has suffered. Let us think of all the Lord has done for us, and then we shall realize how his goodness appears through his humanity. The lesser he became through his human nature, the greater was his goodness; the more he lowered himself for me, the dearer he is to me. The goodness and humanity of God our Savior has appeared, says the Apostle. Truly great and manifest are the goodness and humanity of God. He has given us a most wonderful proof of his goodness by adding humanity to his own divine nature.