"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord." These words from the prophet Jeremiah go hand in hand with Jesus' teaching in the Gospel of Luke: "Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours."

"Simon Peter fell at the knees of Jesus and said, 'Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.' Jesus said to Simon, 'Do not be afraid.'" We are called to join the apostles and go fishing for the Kingdom.

"They will fight against you but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." Being a Christian in today's world is not easy. Jesus teaches us to trust and love.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor..." Jesus is the Word of God who embodies the Scripture he proclaims.

"Do whatever he tells you." " From the miracle at Cana, Mary's wisdom guides us as we strive to follow her Son.

"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." The Baptism of Jesus is a celebration of God's mercy and the call of our own baptism.

"Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. . . We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." At the Epiphany, God is revealed to all nations and peoples through Jesus Christ.

"All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart..." Son of God and Son of Mary, Jesus brings peace on earth to people of good will.

"See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. And so we are." The Holy Family inspires our families to be holy.

"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen." Let us go forth from this early morning liturgy and share with our loved ones the Good News that Jesus Christ is born!