In the Magi’s ShoesCamels can carry hundreds of pounds, although the

dromedary’s hump poses a challenge for securing a load. For three wise men eager to set out on their long journey from the east, some Velcro® packing straps would have come in handy. Upon seeing the awaited sign of a new star, the magi used what they had and set off in earch of the newborn King.

We celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord on January 3, the occasion of God made known to the wise men. More generally, epiphany means a realization. An inventor, for example, suddenly sees the solution to a problem, or at least a way to get there.

Take the inventor of Velcro, for instance. An electrical engineer by trade, George de Mestral returned with his dog from an outdoor romp and then set to the task of removing burrs from their coat (the dog’s) and pants (the man’s). De Mestral then went a step farther, looking through a microscope to discover what made those nettlesome burrs stick.

It turned out that the prickly burrs had spikes with tiny hooks on the end—perfect for snagging fur or fabric. The sight inspired the idea for a fastener having loopy fabric on one side and hooks on the other. Like magi on their hope-filled quest, the inventor searched with great anticipation for a way to create the hooks. Half a dozen cloth makers sent him on his way with no idea how to proceed. We, too, have our hopes and disappointments

When the magi reached Jerusalem, they logically asked where they could fi d the newborn King, presumed successor to Herod’s throne. Herod sent them to continue the search. Then the star reappeared to guide the wise men! De Mestral, too, joyfully received guidance when a newly contacted fabric maker suggested using nylon. Cutting stiff hreads at an angle would form the hooks. In our lives, the Holy Spirit gives us direction.

Among other things, Velcro enables children to put on their own shoes. As a child of God, please make a New Year’s gift o Heart of the Nation if you can. Your gift r pledge will help us stick together in prayer, worship, and love.

Faith As Close As Your TV

Monthly Bulletin January 2021

Fr. Mark PayneChaplain

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MARY, MOTHER OF GODHOLY DAY – JAN. 1

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BrunoTypewritten Text.

Planting a terrarium creates a small ecosystem. Step one requires a container made of clear glass.

Think of people as God’s vessels. Transparent to our heavenly Father, we come in all shapes and sizes. Even if we seem as plain as a pickle jar, God’s light and love can shine through us.

We receive the Sacraments, eager for layer after layer of God’s graces. When creating a terrarium, a layer of pebbles goes in first to provide drainage.

At Mass, the Word of God does not always soak in. By letting some of the thoughts from Scripture drain off, the Holy Spirit helps us to focus and reflect on the words we especially need at the time. Like water that makes ordinary pebbles glisten, those few recalled

words can transform us. More advice follows in

Isaiah 55. Like instructions on making a terrarium, the reading gives us easy-to-follow steps. After coming to the water, we need to listen to have life.

Back to the terrarium, next comes a thin layer of moss to keep the soil above it in place. God knows every crumbling bit of dirt about us. Like soil gently patted down, the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness help

us to develop firm resolve to treat others with loving forgiveness, too.

Choosing the plants for a terrarium and arranging them takes some consideration if you want them to thrive. God chooses each of us and gives us room to grow in faith where we are planted.

After an initial watering, we put the cover on a terrarium. As sunlight warms the air inside the vessel, condensation forms and waters the plants again. The plants regularly need an extra misting.

Baptism christens us with life-giving water. Through the years, the Word of God at Mass gets presented in cycles so that wisdom not absorbed comes back to us. God gives us all the extra help we need, rooting for us to have eternal life.

Fr. Tony ScannellChaplain

What Are You Looking For?John the Baptist called Jesus the “Lamb of God,” prompting

Andrew and another listener to tag after Him. When the Lord asked what they were looking for, they wanted to know His lodging place. Andrew went to tell his brother Peter that they had found the Messiah!

“When people suddenly find themselves unable to attend Mass at church, they look for another place to come to the Lord,” said Fr. Mark Payne, chaplain for Heart of the Nation. “We want to stay on TV and online every Sunday for you.”

Your gift or pledge in any amount will help! Asked where He was staying, Jesus said to come and see. When you come to TV Mass or receive inspirational publications, you’ll see the importance of your donation.

Life in a Pickle JarCome to the water! Rain and snow replenish the soil of God’s magnificent terrarium

that we call the planet Earth. The ancient prophet Isaiah relayed God’s message comparing water to God’s life-giving and replenishing Word.

“So glad my wife and I found your broadcast. We have been watching every Sunday for months now, and we love the spiritual nourishment we receive.”

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“We, like everyone in the world, are going through something with hearts and mind and also family. If it weren’t for Heart of the Nation, my family would not know what to do.”

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New Year’s Prayer Lord Jesus, as this new year begins, what would You have me leave behind?Meandering tracks of my confusion, when I could have turned to You?Yet at this crossroads, I give You thanks for detours You took to watch over me.Lord Jesus, as this new year begins, what would You have me leave behind?Time spent on the familiar, dog-eared page, when new chapters awaited?In Your Word, may I discover ways to delight You with my life story.Lord Jesus, as this new year begins, what would You have me leave behind?The song, the thought, the fear stuck in my head, when Your blessings went unsung?Like one note held within a symphony, please hold me to make my joy complete. Amen.

“Abide in My Love…. YouShall Bear Much Fruit” Catholics and other Christians will focus on

harmony in a discordant world during the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25). This year’s theme, “Abide in my love…. You shall bear much fruit,” recalls Jesus comparing Himself to a vine with many branches (John 15). All fruitful faith stems from the Lord.

The week of prayer for unity always concludes on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle. Feared as a ruthless persecutor of early Christians, Paul set off for Damascus with the intention of taking believers into captivity. In a blinding light, the voice of the Lord asked why Paul persecuted Him. Several days later, God restored his sight, and Paul became a witness to God’s love, especially among Gentiles.

Sunday of the Word of God: A Start!Pope Francis instituted the Sunday of the Word of God to help believers

experience the working of the Holy Spirit through Scripture. The occasion, celebrated this year on January 24, provides a starting point. As the Holy Father explained, opening Scripture lets the Lord into our minds and hearts, and that openness has purpose.

When someone in a crowd around Jesus called the womb that bore Him blessed, the Lord declared anyone blessed who hears and observes the Word of God (which Mary did). Pope Francis expressed the importance of homilies inspired by the Holy Spirit as one way to get help in applying the Word in daily life. He began the Sunday of the Word of God to illuminate the year-round importance of holy Mass, praying with Scripture, reflection, and meeting the challenge of practicing mercy.

Epiphany PrayerLord Jesus,Who came as newborn Savior To share life with us on Earth, In Your love, may I find favor, Hope, joy, and blessing through Your birth.Like the magi who once saw The rising of a new star, May Your light lead me to rejoice, Following in wonder and awe. Continuing life’s journey, As did magi from afar, In Your love, O Lord most holy, May I seek You with all my heart.Amen.

Day of Prayer for the LegalProtection of Unborn Children

White or purple vestments indicate the focus that Masses take on the annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (January 22). White symbolizes the purity of newborn life. Violet expresses penitence.

When the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion on January 22, 1973, the decision referenced the 13th-century teaching of Saint Thomas Aquinas that a soul undeniably exists when a mother can feel the movement of a fetus. The court incorrectly stretched the meaning, ignoring Catholic belief that an unborn child has a soul from the moment of conception.

Although the Supreme Court’s decision upheld due process of law before depriving any person of life or liberty, U.S. law fails to wholly recognize an unborn fetus as a person. On January 22, please pray for legal measures to protect God’s smallest children.

With gratitude, Heart of the Nation welcomes new members to the Circle of the Heart monthly giving club. As a member, you will be included in prayers placed before the altar for every Sunday TV Mass. To join, please mark the box on your donation reply card, and indicate the amount of your pledge. (If you need to change or cancel your pledge, just contact Heart of the Nation.) Thank you!

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