Dear Family of God,

Did you know that this Sunday is “Sunday of the Word of God”? Pope Francis has declared every Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, beginning in 2020, as "Sunday of the Word of God" to be celebrated in all Catholic Churches around the world. Since this day is the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, it means the Seventh Celebration of "Sunday of the Word of God" will take place today in all Catholic Churches in the world.

Dear Family of God,

John the Baptist introduced Jesus to the Jews as the “Lamb of God” on the second day (Jn. 1:29). He repeats it on the third day. “Lamb of God” is the most meaningful title given to Jesus in the Bible. It is used 29 times in the book of Revelation. It sums up the love, the sacrifice and the triumph of Christ.

Apple ran a commercial not long ago called “Behind the Mac – Greatness.” It shows artists and creators, such as Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Lady Gaga, working behind their MacBooks. The narration says, “There’s a certain kind of person who doesn’t wait for greatness. They make it.” It’s a compelling message. There’s beauty in using our gifts with passion and purpose.

Dear Family of God,

As we celebrate Epiphany or the Manifestation of Jesus as God and our light, I want to continue with the message of Pope Saint Paul II on the vocation of Christian Families.

In matrimony and in the family a complex of interpersonal relationships is set up--married life, fatherhood and motherhood, filiation and fraternity--through which each human person is introduced into the "human family" and into the "family of God," which is the church.