LITURGICAL CALENDAR 2020
MARCH
HE IS THE WORD MADE FLESH
In the Prologue of his Gospel account, John introduces the Word as being “in the beginning” “with God” as well as being “God”. He then goes on to tell us that this Word gave power to those who received Him to become “Children of God”, not according to the flesh but rather “the will of God”.
In the account of the Annunciation, Luke paints Mary as a picture of discipleship. She is open to everything “according to (God’s) will”. Her openness to the Word of God allowed the “Eternal Word” to take root in her heart and in her flesh. The Word that dwelt in a Tabernacle in the wilderness and thereafter in the Temple, is now “made flesh” and dwells among us.
FEBRUARY
HE IS THE LAMB OF GOD
Appearing initially in the account of the first Passover, the ‘Lamb of God’ is at once a sacrifice, a protection against death through its blood and a meal that leads to freedom. Lambs offered in the Temple, as expiatory sacrifices, were also known by this title.
Jesus is the sacrifice offered once for all – the Lamb once slain who lives forever and whose blood has ransomed men for God. Those who eat His flesh and drink His blood will live forever and those who believe in Him, though they die, will live. At every Eucharist, we “break the one bread that provides the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Christ.”
(cfr Rev 5:6-9, Gal 1:4); 2 (cfr Jn 6:50-51); 3 (cfr Jn 11:25); 4 (CCC 1405)
JANUARY
HE IS THE BELOVED OF THE FATHER
Publicly acknowledged by God, the Father, as His beloved Son, Jesus is the one through whom all nations will be blessed and whose kingdom will have no end.