Missal Readings & Reflection for Fri, Feb 28 2014; Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
James 5:9-12

Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another,
that you may not be judged.
Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.
Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters,
the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered.
You have heard of the perseverance of Job,
and you have seen the purpose of the Lord,
because the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear,
either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath,
but let your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No,”
that you may not incur condemnation.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12

R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

He pardons all your iniquities,
he heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
He will not always chide,
nor does he keep his wrath forever.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

Gospel
Mark 10:1-12

Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan.
Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom,
he again taught them.
The Pharisees approached him and asked,
“Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?”
They were testing him.
He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?”
They replied,
“Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce
and dismiss her.”
But Jesus told them,
“Because of the hardness of your hearts
he wrote you this commandment.
But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
So they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together,
no human being must separate.”
In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this.
He said to them,
“Whoever divorces his wife and marries another
commits adultery against her;
and if she divorces her husband and marries another,
she commits adultery.”

REFLECTION
SOURCE: One Bread One Body
TITLE: JESUS LOVES THE DIVORCED

"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and the woman who divorces her husband and marries another commits adultery." –Mark 10:11-12

Jesus does not believe in divorce, and He never will (see Heb 13:8). In fact, Jesus hates divorce (Mal 2:16). Of course, this does not mean that He hates those who are divorced. The very reason He hates divorce is because He loves those who are divorced and did not want to see them hurt by divorce.

The Church, as the body of Christ, has always been true to Jesus, the Head of the body, and has opposed divorce. In recent years, some denominations, not in full communion with the Catholic Church, have ignored Jesus' words forbidding divorce and second marriages. The Catholic Church has recognized that divorce is sometimes not the fault of divorced persons but something imposed on them by their spouses. In this case, those divorced are not rejecting Jesus' prohibition of divorce but are victims of injustice. The Catholic Church has also realized that not every marriage is a marriage by God's standards, and the Church's diocesan tribunals discern such marriage cases carefully and prayerfully. Therefore, the Church may discern that some second marriages are actually the first and only marriages by God's standards. However, individuals should not discern that for themselves. The Church alone has that responsibility.

Taking into account these clarifications, as Christians we must oppose divorce and second marriages. We must say, do, and love as Jesus does.

PRAYER: Father, thank You for the divorced who have unilaterally been faithful to their marriage vows.

PROMISE: "You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and have seen what the Lord, Who is compassionate and merciful, did in the end." –Jas 5:11

PRAISE: Although her husband deserted her with two children, Rita, through God's grace, remained faithful to him and was able to care for him when he returned to her shortly before his death.

...the word of the Lord...

Missal Readings & Reflection for Thur, Feb 27 2014; Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
James 5:1-6

Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries.
Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten,
your gold and silver have corroded,
and that corrosion will be a testimony against you;
it will devour your flesh like a fire.
You have stored up treasure for the last days.
Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers
who harvested your fields are crying aloud;
and the cries of the harvesters
have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure;
you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter.
You have condemned;
you have murdered the righteous one;
he offers you no resistance.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 49:14-15ab, 15cd-16, 17-18, 19-20

R. (Matthew 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

This is the way of those whose trust is folly,
the end of those contented with their lot:
Like sheep they are herded into the nether world;
death is their shepherd and the upright rule over them.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Quickly their form is consumed;
the nether world is their palace.
But God will redeem me
from the power of the nether world by receiving me.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Fear not when a man grows rich,
when the wealth of his house becomes great,
For when he dies, he shall take none of it;
his wealth shall not follow him down.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed,
“They will praise you for doing well for yourself,”
He shall join the circle of his forebears
who shall never more see light.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Gospel
Mark 9:41-50

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink
because you belong to Christ,
amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, 
it would be better for him if a great millstone
were put around his neck
and he were thrown into the sea.
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.
It is better for you to enter into life maimed 
than with two hands to go into Gehenna,
into the unquenchable fire.
And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off.
It is better for you to enter into life crippled 
than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.
And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.
Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye
than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,
where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

“Everyone will be salted with fire.
Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid,
with what will you restore its flavor?
Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.”

REFLECTION
SOURCE: One Bread One Body
TITLE: MAIN-LINE

"If your foot is your undoing, cut it off!" –Mark 9:45

Jesus commands us to gouge out an eye or cut off a hand or foot under two circumstances. Jesus does not mean for us to literally maim ourselves, but He emphasizes that we should go to great extremes to resist temptations, especially temptations to sin sexually (Mt 5:28-29) or to oppose another's ministry (Mk 9:39-47).

Most of us are surprised by these emphases because we don't think an impure glance or a negative reaction to another's ministry the worst sins imaginable. However, we must lay aside our ideas and take on Jesus' priorities. We must not even mention or allude to sexual sin. Our "holiness forbids this" (Eph 5:3). In addition, we should never hinder, criticize, or gossip about the ministries of other Christians, even if they are from a different denomination or theological background. We must oppose heresies but always encourage those ministering in the name of Jesus, even if not of our company (Mk 9:38ff). We should be more willing to cut out our tongues and maim our physical bodies than to maim the body of Christ by saying a discouraging word about another Christian ministry.

PRAYER: Father, may I maim my physical body before I would maim the body of Christ.

PROMISE: "God will redeem me from the power of the nether world by receiving me." –Ps 49:16

PRAISE: Theresa's quiet acceptance of her suffering transformed her nursing home.

...the word of the Lord...

Missal Readings & Reflection for Wed, Feb 26 2014; Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
James 4:13-17

Beloved:
Come now, you who say,
“Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town,
spend a year there doing business, and make a profit”–
you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow.
You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears.
Instead you should say,
“If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that.”
But now you are boasting in your arrogance.
All such boasting is evil.
So for one who knows the right thing to do
and does not do it, it is a sin.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11

R. (Matthew 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Hear this, all you peoples;
hearken, all who dwell in the world,
Of lowly birth or high degree,
rich and poor alike.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Why should I fear in evil days
when my wicked ensnarers ring me round?
They trust in their wealth;
the abundance of their riches is their boast.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Yet in no way can a man redeem himself,
or pay his own ransom to God;
Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough
to remain alive always and not see destruction.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

For he can see that wise men die,
and likewise the senseless and the stupid pass away,
leaving to others their wealth.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

Gospel
Mark 9:38-40

John said to Jesus,
“Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name,
and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.”
Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him.
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name
who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.”

REFLECTION
SOURCE: One Bread One Body
TITLE: HERE TODAY AND GONE TOMORROW

"You have no idea what kind of life will be yours tomorrow." –James 4:14

Contrary to Scripture, most of us have many ideas about our lives tomorrow. We don't expect major changes. We certainly don't expect to die. We believe we're in control.

God's Word disagrees; it bluntly states: "You are a vapor that appears briefly and vanishes. Instead of saying, 'If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that,' all you can do is make arrogant and pretentious claims" (Jas 4:14-16). We're just thinking like everybody else, and God's Word calls us "arrogant and pretentious."

The Lord wants us neither to rest on our laurels nor count on the future but live for the present. "Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" (2 Cor 6:2) We're not taking anything for granted. Life on earth is a gift, every heartbeat a grace. There's no guarantee that I will be able to finish writing this sentence, or you will be able to finish reading it. Our lives are fragile, precarious, and fleeting. Anything can happen at any time.

"Only in God is my soul at rest; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all" (Ps 62:2-3).

PRAYER: Jesus, in a constantly changing world, You are my Rock, my Fortress, my Refuge (see Ps 18:3).

PROMISE: "No man who performs a miracle using My name can at the same time speak ill of Me." –Mk 9:39

PRAISE: Ronald committed as a young adult to pray daily for the conversion of six of his friends. Three of them converted within a year, two more converted within a decade, and the last one gave his life to Jesus many years later on his deathbed.

...the word of the Lord...

Missal Readings & Reflection for Tue, Feb 25 2014; Tuesday of the Seventh week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
James 4:1-10

Beloved:
Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from?
Is it not from your passions that make war within your members?
You covet but do not possess.
You kill and envy but you cannot obtain;
you fight and wage war.
You do not possess because you do not ask.
You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly,
to spend it on your passions.
Adulterers!
Do you not know that to be a lover of the world means enmity with God?
Therefore, whoever wants to be a lover of the world 
makes himself an enemy of God.
Or do you suppose that the Scripture speaks without meaning when it says,
The spirit that he has made to dwell in us tends toward jealousy? 
But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says:
God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.

So submit yourselves to God.
Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners,
and purify your hearts, you of two minds.
Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep.
Let your laughter be turned into mourning
and your joy into dejection.
Humble yourselves before the Lord
and he will exalt you.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 55:7-8, 9-10a, 10b-11a, 23

R. (23a) Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

And I say, “Had I but wings like a dove,
I would fly away and be at rest.
Far away I would flee;
I would lodge in the wilderness.”

R. Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

“I would wait for him who saves me
from the violent storm and the tempest.”
Engulf them, O Lord; divide their counsels. 

R. Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

In the city I see violence and strife,
day and night they prowl about upon its walls. 

R. Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

Cast your care upon the LORD,
and he will support you;
never will he permit the just man to be disturbed. 

R. Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

Gospel
Mark 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee,
but he did not wish anyone to know about it. 
He was teaching his disciples and telling them,
“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men 
and they will kill him,
and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” 
But they did not understand the saying,
and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house,
he began to ask them,
“What were you arguing about on the way?” 
But they remained silent.
For they had been discussing among themselves on the way
who was the greatest. 
Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,
“If anyone wishes to be first, 
he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” 
Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, 
and putting his arms around it, he said to them,
“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me;
and whoever receives me,
receives not me but the One who sent me.”

REFLECTION
SOURCE: One Bread One Body
TITLE: FLESH BE GONE

"Is it not your inner cravings that make war within your members?" –James 4:1

Our inner cravings (Jas 4:1) for pleasures (Jas 4:3) and our prideful (Jas 4:6) friendship with the world (Jas 4:4) are the origins of the conflicts and disputes in our lives and in this world (Jas 4:1). "Therefore submit to God; resist the devil and he will take flight. Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you backsliders. Begin to lament, to mourn, and to weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into sorrow. Be humbled in the sight of the Lord and He will raise you on high" (Jas 4:7-10).

This is not only the message for Lent next week, but also for life. "We lived at the level of the flesh, following every whim and fancy, and so by nature deserved God's wrath like the rest" (Eph 2:3), but "those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24). By God's grace and only by God's grace, we must "put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the desires of the flesh" (Rm 13:14). "You are not to spend what remains of your earthly life on human desires but on the will of God. Already you have devoted enough time to what the pagans enjoy" (1 Pt 4:2-3).

PRAYER: Jesus, if You set me free, I will truly be free (Jn 8:36).

PROMISE: "If anyone wishes to rank first, he must remain the last one of all and the servant of all." –Mk 9:35

PRAISE: For several decades, Linda has spent several weeks each summer organizing evangelistic missions to bring Jesus to rural Appalachia through the Legion of Mary.

…the word of the Lord...

Missal Readings & Reflection for Mon, Feb 24 2014; Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
James 3:13-18

Beloved:
Who among you is wise and understanding?
Let him show his works by a good life 
in the humility that comes from wisdom.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts,
do not boast and be false to the truth.
Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above
but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there is disorder and every foul practice.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,
then peaceable, gentle, compliant,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without inconstancy or insincerity.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
for those who cultivate peace.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15

R. (9a) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple. 

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye. 

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just. 

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

Gospel
Mark 9:14-29

As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John
and approached the other disciples,
they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them.
Immediately on seeing him,
the whole crowd was utterly amazed.
They ran up to him and greeted him. 
He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?”
Someone from the crowd answered him,
“Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit.
Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down;
he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid.
I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.”
He said to them in reply,
“O faithless generation, how long will I be with you?
How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” 
They brought the boy to him.
And when he saw him,
the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions.
As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around 
and foam at the mouth. 
Then he questioned his father,
“How long has this been happening to him?” 
He replied, “Since childhood.
It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him.
But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
Jesus said to him,
“‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.”
Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!”
Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering,
rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it,
“Mute and deaf spirit, I command you:
come out of him and never enter him again!”
Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out.
He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!”
But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.
When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private,
“Why could we not drive the spirit out?”
He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

TITLE: TRIPLE FAITH

"I do believe! Help my lack of faith!" –Mark 9:24, our translation

The father of a demon-possessed son told Jesus that His disciples were not able to free his son. Jesus "replied by saying to the crowd, 'What an unbelieving lot you are! How long must I remain with you? How long can I endure you? Bring him to Me' " (Mk 9:19). Jesus indicated that the lack of faith of the crowd and His disciples prevented the boy from being freed. In other words, our faith, or lack of it, sometimes makes a big difference for other people. Look at how Jesus healed the paralytic after He saw the faith of the stretcher-bearers of the paralyzed man (Mk 2:5).

Jesus remarked not only about the lack of faith among His disciples and the assembled crowd. He also challenged the father of the demon-possessed boy to exercise his faith. Jesus said: "All things are possible to one who believes" (Mk 9:23, our transl). The father accepted Jesus' challenge and cried out: "I do believe! Help my lack of faith!" (Mk 9:24, our transl.) Thus, the faith of parents often makes a critical difference for their children.

Finally, we are all expected not only to depend on others' faith but to have faith ourselves. Jesus repeatedly says in the Gospels: "Your faith has saved you" (e.g. Mk 5:34). We are saved by grace through faith (see Eph 2:8). Unlike the faith that accepts God's healing, the faith accepting salvation can never be someone's else faith, but only our own faith.

In summary, we are responsible to have faith for ourselves, and often responsible to have faith for our families (especially our children) and faith for others. Be men and women of faith.

PRAYER: Father, give me faith to move mountains (Mt 17:20), drive out demons, and conquer kingdoms (Heb 11:33).

PROMISE: "If one of you is wise and understanding, let him show this in practice through a humility filled with good sense." –Jas 3:13

PRAISE: When Mary went to a Bible study, her heart began to burn with a love of God's Word.

...the word of the Lord...

Missal Readings & Reflection for Sun, Feb 23 2014; Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading
Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

The LORD said to Moses,
“Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them:
Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.

“You shall not bear hatred for your brother or sister in your heart.
Though you may have to reprove your fellow citizen,
do not incur sin because of him.
Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against any of your people.
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
I am the LORD.”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13

R/ (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.

R/ The Lord is kind and merciful.

He pardons all your iniquities,
heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
crowns you with kindness and compassion.

R/ The Lord is kind and merciful.

Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.

R/ The Lord is kind and merciful.

As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.

R/ The Lord is kind and merciful.

Second Reading
1 Corinthians 3:16-23

Brothers and sisters:
Do you not know that you are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person;
for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.

Let no one deceive himself.
If any one among you considers himself wise in this age,
let him become a fool, so as to become wise.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God,
for it is written:
God catches the wise in their own ruses, 
and again:
The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,
that they are vain.

So let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you, 
Paul or Apollos or Cephas,
or the world or life or death,
or the present or the future:
all belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God.

Gospel
Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one as well.
If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,
hand over your cloak as well.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile,
go for two miles. 
Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

TITLE: TURN THE OTHER CHEEK

"But what I say to you is: offer no resistance to injury." –Matthew 5:39

Jesus sounds so naive. Everybody knows we must resist injury. Jesus says that after we've been hit on one cheek, we should turn the other. We'll get killed if we take His advice. However, the Sermon on the Mount is not "advice"; it is the Lord's command. Yet we rationalize that Jesus' message in the Sermon on the Mount is poetic, symbolic, anything but literal.

Sometimes Jesus does not speak literally, as when He said to gouge out our eye (Mt 5:29). So we're tempted to assume the Sermon on the Mount, especially this part of it, must not be literal. However, Jesus did literally turn the other cheek, hand over His garments and walk the extra mile (Mt 5:39-41), even up Mount Calvary to be crucified.

If we deny that the Sermon on the Mount is literal, we may be denying that we must imitate the crucified Christ. Jesus is literally calling us to a radically different lifestyle. Following Jesus is not just a modification of a worldly life but an utterly new way to live.

Will you decide to be a Christian on Jesus' terms – not as other people are, not as you want, but as He wills? Accept the Preacher and the preaching of the Sermon on the Mount.

PRAYER: Jesus, it's impossible to be a Christian without Your constant amazing grace. Pour out the Holy Spirit upon me (Rm 5:5) and give me the grace to receive in docility.

PROMISE: "For the wisdom of this world is absurdity with God." –1 Cor 3:19

PRAISE: Praise the risen Jesus, the only Way to the Father (Jn 14:6). Alleluia!

...the word of the Lord...

Missal Readings & Reflection for Sat, Feb 22 2014; Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle

First Reading
1 Peter 5:1-4

Beloved:
I exhort the presbyters among you,
as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ
and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed.
Tend the flock of God in your midst,
overseeing not by constraint but willingly,
as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly.
Do not lord it over those assigned to you,
but be examples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd is revealed,
you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6

R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Gospel
Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi
he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply, 
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

"I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY, CATHOLIC CHURCH"

"On this rock I will build My church, and the jaws of death shall not prevail against it." –Matthew 16:18

At the Masses of Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, all the Catholics of the world will be asked to renew their baptismal promises. The last of the baptismal promises is: "Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy, catholic Church?", etc. When we renew our baptismal promises, we acknowledge that we were baptized in one Spirit into one body, the Church (1 Cor 12:13). In baptism, we have committed ourselves to remain faithful to one another as members of the body of Christ. Thus, we are obligated to celebrate Mass each Sunday with the other members of Christ's body, and to go to Confession annually to be reconciled with the Church. We must also pray for, support, serve, and obey the Church. Moreover, it is not an option for a Catholic to join another Christian denomination or religion. This would be denying our baptismal promises.

Do you love the Church as Jesus loves the Church? If you are to make the last baptismal promise, you must be willing to lay down your life for her (Eph 5:25). In baptism, we have made the commitment to love the Church unconditionally, even when it is most unlovable. This is humanly impossible, but the Holy Spirit, Who birthed the Church, will give us the grace to love the Church. In the power of the Spirit, love the Church and live the new life through baptism.

PRAYER: Father, may I grieve over those who have left the Church. Give me confidence that You will lead them back.

PROMISE: "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care. Watch over it willingly as God would have you do, not under constraint; and not for shameful profit either, but generously." –1 Pt 5:2

PRAISE: St. Peter imitated Jesus in his ministry and in crucifixion, leaving a strong example for later popes (see 1 Pt 2:21ff).

...the word of the Lord...

Missal Readings & Reflection for Fri, Feb 21 2014; Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
James 2:14-24, 26

What good is it, my brothers and sisters,
if someone says he has faith but does not have works? 
Can that faith save him?
If a brother or sister has nothing to wear
and has no food for the day,
and one of you says to them,
“Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,”
but you do not give them the necessities of the body,
what good is it?
So also faith of itself,
if it does not have works, is dead.

Indeed someone might say, 
“You have faith and I have works.”
Demonstrate your faith to me without works,
and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.
You believe that God is one. 
You do well.
Even the demons believe that and tremble.
Do you want proof, you ignoramus,
that faith without works is useless?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works
when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar?
You see that faith was active along with his works,
and faith was completed by the works.
Thus the Scripture was fulfilled that says,
Abraham believed God,
and it was credited to him as righteousness,
and he was called the friend of God.
See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
For just as a body without a spirit is dead,
so also faith without works is dead.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. (see 1b) Blessed the man who greatly delights in the Lord’s commands.

Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed. 

R. Blessed the man who greatly delights in the Lord’s commands.

Wealth and riches shall be in his house;
his generosity shall endure forever.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just. 

R. Blessed the man who greatly delights in the Lord’s commands.

Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just man shall be in everlasting remembrance. 

R. Blessed the man who greatly delights in the Lord’s commands.

Gospel
Mark 8:34-9:1

Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them,
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake
and that of the Gospel will save it.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
and forfeit his life?
What could one give in exchange for his life?
Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words
in this faithless and sinful generation,
the Son of Man will be ashamed of
when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

He also said to them,
“Amen, I say to you,
there are some standing here who will not taste death
until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power.”

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

TITLE: READY OR NOT

"If anyone in this faithless and corrupt age is ashamed of Me and My doctrine, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes with the holy angels in His Father's glory." –Mark 8:38

The Lord is well aware that He sends us forth to witness in an unfavorable and even hostile situation, to a "faithless and corrupt age." Nonetheless, He challenges us to boldly proclaim Him and His teaching. If we let ourselves be intimidated by negative circumstances, Jesus will be ashamed of us "when He comes with the holy angels in His Father's glory" (Mk 8:38).

This takes away one of our best excuses for not being Jesus' witnesses. We rationalize not speaking up for Jesus because the people in a particular situation are not open or ready for the Gospel. However, the Gospel itself opens people to the Gospel. People don't need to be ready for it, but we need to be ready for them by obeying Jesus.

Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all creation (Mk 16:15). They did not "pick their spots." They were not reacting to circumstances, but the circumstances were reacting to them. We don't have to inform the Lord about how hard and resistant are the hearts of those to whom He sends us. He knows the situation.

Our job is to obey Him. His job is to open people's hearts, save them, and lead them into everlasting life. Therefore, in Jesus' name go with the Gospel to all people, even to the "faithless and corrupt."

PRAYER: Father, may my heart overflow with love for You, and may I speak from the abundance of my heart (Lk 6:45).

PROMISE: "You must perceive that a person is justified by his works and not by faith alone." –Jas 2:24

PRAISE: St. Peter Damian was an orphan who later became an international peacemaker. "Blessed too the peacemakers; they shall be called sons of God" (Mt 5:9).

...the word of the Lord...

Missal Readings & Reflection for Thur, Feb 20 2014; Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
James 2:1-9

My brothers and sisters, show no partiality
as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.
For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes 
comes into your assembly,
and a poor person with shabby clothes also comes in, 
and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes
and say, “Sit here, please,”
while you say to the poor one, “Stand there,” or “Sit at my feet,” 
have you not made distinctions among yourselves
and become judges with evil designs?

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.
Did not God choose those who are poor in the world
to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom
that he promised to those who love him?
But you dishonored the poor.
Are not the rich oppressing you?
And do they themselves not haul you off to court?
Is it not they who blaspheme the noble name that was invoked over you?
However, if you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,
You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well.
But if you show partiality, you commit sin,
and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad. 

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears. 

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Gospel
Mark 8:27-33

Jesus and his disciples set out
for the villages of Caesarea Philippi.
Along the way he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that I am?”
They said in reply,
“John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others one of the prophets.”
And he asked them,
“But who do you say that I am?”
Peter said to him in reply,
“You are the Christ.”
Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.

He began to teach them
that the Son of Man must suffer greatly
and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed, and rise after three days.
He spoke this openly.
Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples,
rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan.
You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

TITLE: FLUNKING THE THIRD GRADE?

"He began to teach them that the Son of Man had to suffer much." –Mark 8:31

The first grade in the school of Jesus is concerned with Jesus' question: "Who do people say that I am?" (Mk 8:27) In the second grade, Jesus asks each of us personally: "You...who do you say that I am?" (Mk 8:29) To answer this question properly, we must not only have knowledge of Jesus but also total faith in Him as Messiah and Lord (Mk 8:29). In the third grade, Jesus brings up the cross. Again, this is not merely a matter for discussion; it is a radical decision to live a new life of love. "Jesus said to all: 'Whoever wishes to be My follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in My steps. Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will save it' " (Lk 9:23-24).

Peter flunked the third grade. He wanted a cross-less Christianity. Jesus temporarily expelled Peter from school, saying to him: "Get out of My sight, you satan!" (Mk 8:33)

After denying Christ three times, Peter cried tears of repentance (Lk 22:62) and finally got back into the third grade. Eventually, Peter was crucified himself. He made the grade, graduated, and rose into the everlasting happiness of heaven.

What grade are you in? Have you flunked out? Will you repent? Will you graduate? Give your life totally to the crucified and risen Messiah and Lord.

PRAYER: Jesus, I believe in You – Messiah, Lord, and God!

PROMISE: "Did not God choose those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom He promised to those who love Him?" –Jas 2:5

PRAISE: Every Holy Thursday, Pete leads each of the shifts in his plant in prayers and devotions.

...the word of the Lord..,

Mass Readings and Reflection for Wednesday, February 19 2014; Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
James 1:19-27

Know this, my dear brothers and sisters:
everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger
for anger does not accomplish
the righteousness of God.
Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess
and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you
and is able to save your souls.

Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, 
he is like a man who looks at his own face in a mirror.
He sees himself, then goes off and promptly forgets
what he looked like.
But the one who peers into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres,
and is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts;
such a one shall be blessed in what he does.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue
but deceives his heart, his religion is vain.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this:
to care for orphans and widows in their affliction
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 15:2-3a, 3ab-4ab, 5

R. (1b) Who shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord?

He who walks blamelessly and does justice;
who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue. 

R. Who shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord?

Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
By whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD. 

R. Who shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord?

Who lends not his money at usury
and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
shall never be disturbed. 

R. Who shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord?

Gospel
Mark 8:22-26

When Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida,
people brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him.
He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village.
Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked,
“Do you see anything?”
Looking up the man replied, “I see people looking like trees and walking.”
Then he laid hands on the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly;
his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly.
Then he sent him home and said, “Do not even go into the village.”

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

TITLE: THE SECOND TIME AROUND

"A second time Jesus laid hands on His eyes." –Mark 8:25

Jesus took the blind man outside the village, put spittle on his eyes, "laid His hands on him, and asked, 'Can you see anything?' The man opened his eyes and said, 'I can see people but they look like walking trees!' Then a second time Jesus laid hands on his eyes, and he saw perfectly; his sight was restored and he could see everything clearly" (Mk 8:23-25).

Is your spiritual sight clouded? Jesus may have already laid His hands on you through Baptism and Confirmation, but you still may be out of touch with reality. We Christians may be even blind to being blind – having blinded ourselves by sin (Is 29:9; 1 Jn 2:11). Like the blind man in today's Gospel reading, we need Jesus to lay hands on us a second time. We need a renewal of our Baptisms and Confirmations. We need to confess our sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Then our spiritual sight will be restored (Mk 8:25). We will "see everything clearly" and perfectly (Mk 8:25). We will more clearly see Jesus' will for us, and eventually see Him face to face in the eternal light of heaven (1 Cor 13:12). Come to Jesus a second time.

PRAYER: Father, I will not stay another moment in sin. I will walk in Your light (1 Jn 1:7).

PROMISE: "Looking after orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself unspotted by the world make for pure worship without stain before our God and Father." –Jas 1:27

PRAISE: Juanita regularly gives large amounts of money to finance the spread of the gospel.

...the word of the Lord...

Mass Readings and Reflection for Tuesday, February 18 2014; Tuesday of the sixth Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
James 1:12-18

Blessed is he who perseveres in temptation,
for when he has been proven he will receive the crown of life 
that he promised to those who love him.
No one experiencing temptation should say,
“I am being tempted by God”;
for God is not subject to temptation to evil,
and he himself tempts no one.
Rather, each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his desire.
Then desire conceives and brings forth sin,
and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters:
all good giving and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.
He willed to give us birth by the word of truth
that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 94:12-13a, 14-15, 18-19

R. (12a) Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.

Blessed the man whom you instruct, O LORD,
whom by your law you teach,
Giving him rest from evil days. 

R. Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.

For the LORD will not cast off his people,
nor abandon his inheritance;
But judgment shall again be with justice,
and all the upright of heart shall follow it. 

R. Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.

When I say, “My foot is slipping,”
your mercy, O LORD, sustains me;
When cares abound within me,
your comfort gladdens my soul. 

R. Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.

Gospel
Mark 8:14-21

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread,
and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.
Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out,
guard against the leaven of the Pharisees
and the leaven of Herod.” 
They concluded among themselves that
it was because they had no bread.
When he became aware of this he said to them,
“Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread?
Do you not yet understand or comprehend?
Are your hearts hardened?
Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?
And do you not remember,
when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand,
how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?”
They answered him, “Twelve.”
“When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand,
how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?”
They answered him, “Seven.”
He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

TITLE: CARE-FREE IN JESUS' COMFORT

"When cares abound within me, Your comfort gladdens my soul." –Psalm 94:19

Jesus taught that one of the problems preventing people from understanding the Word of God is the cares and anxieties of this world. These many cares invade our mind and choke the Word in us, which then bears no fruit (Mk 4:19). Many of us are like Martha. We work hard and take responsibility for our actions. However, we "are anxious and upset about many things" (Lk 10:41). The cares of this world do not stop; they bombard us relentlessly.

Today's psalm response is great advice for living amidst a myriad of cares. "When cares abound within" us, we are to focus on God and the comfort that He offers (Ps 94:19; see also Is 40:1). God's comfort gladdens our soul, particularly when cares pile up. His Word commands us: "Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you" (1 Pt 5:7). However, we must turn to God, not to the cares.

You can't hold onto both your cares and His comfort. Cast your cares at the feet of Jesus, and do not reel them back in. Your cares won't make you glad, but His comfort definitely will.

PRAYER: Father, I know that my fears about my problems and cares are useless (Mk 5:36). "Help my lack of trust" (Mk 9:24) so that I may embrace Your comfort and never let it go.

PROMISE: "Every worthwhile gift, every genuine benefit comes from above, descending from the Father." –Jas 1:17

PRAISE: Fr. Bernard is blind. However, Jesus opens his eyes daily just before he celebrates the Mass. After Mass, he is once again unable to see.

...the word of the Lord...

Mass Readings and Reflection for Monday, February 17 2014; Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
James 1:1-11

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greetings.

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters,
when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect,
so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
But if any of you lacks wisdom,
he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly,
and he will be given it.
But he should ask in faith, not doubting,
for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea
that is driven and tossed about by the wind.
For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord,
since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways.

The brother in lowly circumstances 
should take pride in high standing,
and the rich one in his lowliness, 
for he will pass away “like the flower of the field.”
For the sun comes up with its scorching heat and dries up the grass,
its flower droops, and the beauty of its appearance vanishes.
So will the rich person fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76

R. (77a) Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.

Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I hold to your promise. 

R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.

You are good and bountiful;
teach me your statutes. 

R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I may learn your statutes. 

R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.

The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 

R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.

I know, O LORD, that your ordinances are just,
and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me. 

R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.

Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants. 

R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.

Gospel
Mark 8:11-13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus,
seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
“Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
Then he left them, got into the boat again,
and went off to the other shore.

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

TITLE: DIVINE MERCY IN DIVINE FRUSTRATION

"With a sigh from the depths of His spirit He said, 'Why does this age seek a sign?' " –Mark 8:12

Jesus drove out demons, cured the leprous; healed the paralyzed, handicapped, hemorrhaging, and deaf; raised the dead, calmed a storm, walked on the water, and multiplied loaves and fish, among other miracles, signs, and wonders. Then "the Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Him. They were looking for some heavenly sign from Him as a test" (Mk 8:11). Jesus sighed from the depths of His spirit (Mk 8:12) and was understandably frustrated.

Likewise, the apostles did not grasp the meaning of Jesus' miracles, including the double multiplication of the loaves. Jesus expressed His frustration with a barrage of questions: "Do you still not see or comprehend? Are your minds completely blinded? Have you eyes but no sight? Ears but no hearing?" (Mk 8:17-18) "Do you still not understand?" (Mk 8:21)

Despite His frustration, Jesus worked another sign by healing a blind man at Bethsaida (Mk 8:22-25). Jesus met the unreasonable demands of the Pharisees and also continued to work with the apostles who He knew would eventually abandon Him.

Jesus is merciful. He doesn't give up on us, no matter how sinful or shameful our behavior. No matter if everyone else gives up on us, Jesus keeps loving us and trying to transform us (see Is 49:15). Jesus always forgives us and will in no way reject us (Jn 6:37). Jesus is so merciful that He died on the cross in our place. Lord Jesus, mercy.

PRAYER: "Lord Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me, a sinner" (the Jesus Prayer).

PROMISE: "Count it pure joy when you are involved in every sort of trial." –Jas 1:2

PRAISE: The Servites serve their Lady and their Lord by serving their brothers and sisters. Their seven founders lived lives of gospel poverty and shared Christian community.

...the word of the Lord...

Mass Readings and Reflection for Sunday, February 16 2014; Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading
Sirach 15:15-20

If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you;
if you trust in God, you too shall live;
he has set before you fire and water
to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.
Before man are life and death, good and evil,
whichever he chooses shall be given him.
Immense is the wisdom of the Lord;
he is mighty in power, and all-seeing.
The eyes of God are on those who fear him;
he understands man’s every deed.
No one does he command to act unjustly,
to none does he give license to sin.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34

R/ (1b) Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Blessed are they whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD.
Blessed are they who observe his decrees,
who seek him with all their heart.

R/ Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

You have commanded that your precepts
be diligently kept.
Oh, that I might be firm in the ways
of keeping your statutes!

R/ Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Be good to your servant, that I may live
and keep your words.
Open my eyes, that I may consider
the wonders of your law.

R/ Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Instruct me, O LORD, in the way of your statutes,
that I may exactly observe them.
Give me discernment, that I may observe your law
and keep it with all my heart.

R/ Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Second reading
1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Brothers and sisters:
We speak a wisdom to those who are mature,
not a wisdom of this age,
nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away.
Rather, we speak God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden,
which God predetermined before the ages for our glory,
and which none of the rulers of this age knew;
for, if they had known it,
they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written:
What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard,
and what has not entered the human heart,
what God has prepared for those who love him, 
this God has revealed to us through the Spirit.

For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.

Gospel
Matthew 5:17-37

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses
that of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you,
whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment;
and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin;
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’
will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.

“You have heard that it was said, 
You shall not commit adultery.
But I say to you,
everyone who looks at a woman with lust
has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye causes you to sin,
tear it out and throw it away.
It is better for you to lose one of your members
than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna.
And if your right hand causes you to sin,
cut it off and throw it away.
It is better for you to lose one of your members
than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.

“It was also said,
Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.
But I say to you,
whoever divorces his wife -  unless the marriage is unlawful - 
causes her to commit adultery,
and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

“Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
Do not take a false oath,
but make good to the Lord all that you vow.
But I say to you, do not swear at all;
not by heaven, for it is God’s throne;
nor by the earth, for it is his footstool;
nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Do not swear by your head,
for you cannot make a single hair white or black.
Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,' and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’
Anything more is from the evil one.”

or
Matthew 5:20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses
that of the scribes and Pharisees, 
you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you,
whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment.

“You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery.
But I say to you,
everyone who looks at a woman with lust
has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

“Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
Do not take a false oath,
but make good to the Lord all that you vow.
But I say to you, do not swear at all.
Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’
Anything more is from the evil one.”

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

TITLE: THE HIGHEST MORAL STANDARDS

"You have heard the commandment, 'You shall not commit adultery.' What I say to you is: anyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his thoughts.' " –Matthew 5:27-28

Jesus did not believe in working on the sabbath, but He did cause a controversy by healing on the sabbath. He was also not ultra-strict about washing His hands before eating (see Mt 15:2). Moreover, Jesus did not require His disciples to fast until after He ascended into heaven (see Mt 9:14ff). He also stopped an adulteress from being put to death (Jn 8:3ff).

Some people misunderstood Jesus' actions. They thought He was trying to be popular by being permissive. However, Jesus set the record straight by proclaiming: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets. I have come, not to abolish them, but to fulfill them" (Mt 5:17). Jesus then proceeded to set the highest moral standards in history. He condemned not only murder but growing angry (Mt 5:22). He forbade not only adultery but also lustful glances and thoughts (Mt 5:28). Jesus also opposed divorce although it was accepted in the Bible (Mt 5:32). He even commanded us to love our enemies and to offer no resistance to injury (Mt 5:44, 39).

Jesus is not permissive; He is impossibly demanding. We will be hopelessly frustrated in trying to fulfill Jesus' moral standards. Our only hope is to come to Jesus (see Mt 11:28) and turn our lives over to Him. We cannot meet His standards, but we can "let it be done" to us according to His word (see Lk 1:38). "He Who calls us is trustworthy, therefore He will do it" (1 Thes 5:24).

PRAYER: Father, I must be, but cannot be, holy. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me from this impossible situation.

PROMISE: "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him." –1 Cor 2:9

PRAISE: Alleluia! Jesus has conquered death for us! Alleluia!

Mass Readings and Reflection for Saturday, February 15 2014; Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34

Jeroboam thought to himself:
“The kingdom will return to David’s house.
If now this people go up to offer sacrifices
in the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem,
the hearts of this people will return to their master,
Rehoboam, king of Judah,
and they will kill me.”
After taking counsel, the king made two calves of gold
and said to the people:
“You have been going up to Jerusalem long enough.
Here is your God, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.”
And he put one in Bethel, the other in Dan.
This led to sin, because the people frequented those calves
in Bethel and in Dan.
He also built temples on the high places
and made priests from among the people who were not Levites.
Jeroboam established a feast in the eighth month
on the fifteenth day of the month
to duplicate in Bethel the pilgrimage feast of Judah,
with sacrifices to the calves he had made;
and he stationed in Bethel priests of the high places he had built.

Jeroboam did not give up his evil ways after this,
but again made priests for the high places
from among the common people.
Whoever desired it was consecrated
and became a priest of the high places.
This was a sin on the part of the house of Jeroboam
for which it was to be cut off and destroyed from the earth.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 106:6-7ab, 19-20, 21-22

R. (4a) Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

We have sinned, we and our fathers;
we have committed crimes; we have done wrong.
Our fathers in Egypt
considered not your wonders. 

R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

They made a calf in Horeb
and adored a molten image;
They exchanged their glory
for the image of a grass-eating bullock. 

R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

They forgot the God who had saved them,
who had done great deeds in Egypt,
Wondrous deeds in the land of Ham,
terrible things at the Red Sea.

R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Gospel
Mark 8:1-10

In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat,
Jesus summoned the disciples and said,
“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd,
because they have been with me now for three days
and have nothing to eat.
If I send them away hungry to their homes,
they will collapse on the way,
and some of them have come a great distance.”
His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread
to satisfy them here in this deserted place?”
Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?”
They replied, “Seven.”
He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground.
Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them,
and gave them to his disciples to distribute,
and they distributed them to the crowd.
They also had a few fish.
He said the blessing over them
and ordered them distributed also.
They ate and were satisfied.
They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets.
There were about four thousand people.

He dismissed the crowd and got into the boat with his disciples
and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

TITLE: MULTIPLICATION TABLE

"How can anyone give these people sufficient bread in this deserted spot?" –Mark 8:4

Some Christians believe God no longer multiplies food, money, or time. Other Christians believe God still does His multiplication-miracle, but that He doesn't do it for them.

Jesus' multiplication of loaves and fish for the Gentiles specifically contradicts this. In Mark 6:34-44, Jesus multiplied loaves and fish for thousands of Jewish people. In Mark 8:1-9, He does the same thing for the Gentiles, thereby showing the miracle of multiplication is for all, not just for a certain group.

We deprive ourselves of the miracle of multiplication by our lack of faith. We don't believe our heavenly Father will provide; so we provide for ourselves to the point that we leave God little opportunity to father us in practical ways. We don't believe in the Spirit's gift of miracles (1 Cor 12:10); so we confine ourselves to the natural and scorn the supernatural.

By faith and in obedience to the Lord, risk, simplify, and give to the point that you need a God Who still multiplies loaves and fish. Then you will see the miracle of multiplication.

PRAYER: Father, may I make decisions in my life which will make me dependent on You for my "daily bread."

PROMISE: "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd. By now they have been with Me three days and have nothing to eat." –Mk 8:2

PRAISE: In one year, Jose grew in Christian maturity to the point that he was as mature as those who had been active Christians for years.

...the word of the Lord...

Mass Readings and Reflection for Friday, February 14 2014; Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop

First Reading
1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19

Jeroboam left Jerusalem,
and the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met him on the road.
The two were alone in the area,
and the prophet was wearing a new cloak.
Ahijah took off his new cloak,
tore it into twelve pieces, and said to Jeroboam:

“Take ten pieces for yourself;
the LORD, the God of Israel, says:
‘I will tear away the kingdom from Solomon’s grasp
and will give you ten of the tribes.
One tribe shall remain to him for the sake of David my servant,
and of Jerusalem,
the city I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel.’”

Israel went into rebellion against David’s house to this day.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 81:10-11ab, 12-13, 14-15

R. (11a and 9a) I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.

“There shall be no strange god among you
nor shall you worship any alien god.
I, the LORD, am your God
who led you forth from the land of Egypt.”

R. I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.

“My people heard not my voice,
and Israel obeyed me not;
So I gave them up to the hardness of their hearts;
they walked according to their own counsels.”

R. I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.

“If only my people would hear me,
and Israel walk in my ways,
Quickly would I humble their enemies;
against their foes I would turn my hand.”

R. I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.

Gospel
Mark 7:31-37

Jesus left the district of Tyre
and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee,
into the district of the Decapolis. 
And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment
and begged him to lay his hand on him.
He took him off by himself away from the crowd. 
He put his finger into the man’s ears
and, spitting, touched his tongue;
then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him,
“Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”)
And immediately the man’s ears were opened,
his speech impediment was removed,
and he spoke plainly. 
He ordered them not to tell anyone. 
But the more he ordered them not to,
the more they proclaimed it. 
They were exceedingly astonished and they said,
“He has done all things well. 
He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

TITLE: ONE TO ONE

"Jesus took him off by himself away from the crowd." –Mark 7:33

Jesus sometimes healed people impersonally. For instance, sometimes He may have healed hundreds at one time. When Jesus healed a woman who was hemorrhaging for twelve years, He didn't even know she was healed until after the fact (Mk 5:30). However, Jesus' healing of the deaf man with a speech impediment was one of His most personal healings. Jesus took this man "off by himself away from the crowd" (Mk 7:33). He gave him One-on-one attention. Jesus "put His fingers into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue" (Mk 7:33).

Do you need Jesus' very personal touch for healing? If so, step out of the crowded conditions of your life. Lock yourself in a prayer closet with Jesus (see Mt 6:6). Have a heart-to-heart talk with Jesus. Meet Jesus in solitude and silence. Intimately receive the body and blood of Jesus into your body at Mass (see Jn 6:56).

People may laugh at you and call you stupid or ugly, but Jesus treasures you. You are beautiful in Him and to Him. Come away to be alone with Jesus. He loves you so much He died for you. Be alone with Jesus; be alone with Love Himself (see 1 Jn 4:16).

PRAYER: Father, open me and free me so that I will speak freely and plainly of Your love (see Mk 7:34-35).

PROMISE: "If only My people would hear Me, and Israel walk in My ways, quickly would I humble their enemies."–Ps 81:14-15

PRAISE: St. Methodius endured great opposition during his mission to Moravia. He was imprisoned for several years but nonetheless translated the entire Bible into Slavonic before he died.

Mass Readings and Reflection for Thursday, February 13 2014; Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
1 Kings 11:4-13

When Solomon was old his wives had turned his heart to strange gods,
and his heart was not entirely with the LORD, his God,
as the heart of his father David had been.
By adoring Astarte, the goddess of the Sidonians,
and Milcom, the idol of the Ammonites,
Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD;
he did not follow him unreservedly as his father David had done.
Solomon then built a high place to Chemosh, the idol of Moab,
and to Molech, the idol of the Ammonites,
on the hill opposite Jerusalem.
He did the same for all his foreign wives
who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.
The LORD, therefore, became angry with Solomon,
because his heart was turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel,
who had appeared to him twice
(for though the LORD had forbidden him 
this very act of following strange gods,
Solomon had not obeyed him).

So the LORD said to Solomon: “Since this is what you want,
and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes
which I enjoined on you,
I will deprive you of the kingdom and give it to your servant.
I will not do this during your lifetime, however,
for the sake of your father David;
it is your son whom I will deprive.
Nor will I take away the whole kingdom.
I will leave your son one tribe for the sake of my servant David
and of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 106:3-4, 35-36, 37 and 40

R. (4a) Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Blessed are they who observe what is right,
who do always what is just.
Remember us, O LORD, as you favor your people;
visit us with your saving help. 

R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

But they mingled with the nations
and learned their works.
They served their idols,
which became a snare for them. 

R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

They sacrificed their sons
and their daughters to demons.
And the LORD grew angry with his people,
and abhorred his inheritance. 

R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Gospel
Mark 7:24-30

Jesus went to the district of Tyre.
He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it,
but he could not escape notice.
Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him.
She came and fell at his feet.
The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth,
and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter.
He said to her, “Let the children be fed first.
For it is not right to take the food of the children
and throw it to the dogs.”
She replied and said to him,
“Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.”
Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go.
The demon has gone out of your daughter.”
When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed
and the demon gone.

REFLECTION

SOURCE: One Bread One Body

TITLE: DAILY PERSEVERANCE NEVER GETS OLD

"When Solomon was old...his heart was not entirely with the Lord." –1 Kings 11:4

Solomon's legacy began with great success. This was a direct result of his selfless prayers and attitude in the early days of his reign as king (1 Kgs 3:6ff). Sadly, Solomon did not persevere in his faithfulness to God, even though the Lord "had appeared to him twice" (1 Kgs 11:9). Despite a glorious beginning, Solomon's "heart was not entirely with the Lord" (1 Kgs 11:4). He "had not obeyed" God (1 Kgs 11:10), even though he received clear instruction from the Lord. The end result of Solomon's reign was catastrophic. His household fell apart and his nation was divided.

Jesus clearly tells us that the one who perseveres to the end will be saved (Lk 21:19). The surest way to be faith-filled and to have your heart "entirely with the Lord" at the end of your life is to make sure your heart is entirely with the Lord today and every day. "Delay not your conversion to the Lord, put it not off from day to day" (Sir 5:8). "Now is the acceptable time" (2 Cor 6:2). Day after day, come to Jesus (Mt 11:28). Day after day, "let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus" (Heb 12:2). Then, each day, persevere in staying with Jesus. He promises that when you persevere to the end, you will be saved (see Lk 21:19, RNAB).

PRAYER: Father, as I grow older in Jesus, Your Son, may I persevere in my faith so that I "bear fruit even in old age" (Ps 92:15).

PROMISE: "Happy are they who observe what is right, who do always what is just." –Ps 106:3

PRAISE: Thomas rebelled against God for many years. God drew him back to Himself when Thomas heard a favorite childhood hymn.

Mass Readings and Reflection for Wednesday, February 12 2014; Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
1 Kings 10:1-10

The queen of Sheba, having heard of Solomon’s fame,
came to test him with subtle questions.
She arrived in Jerusalem with a very numerous retinue,
and with camels bearing spices,
a large amount of gold, and precious stones.
She came to Solomon and questioned him on every subject
in which she was interested.
King Solomon explained everything she asked about,
and there remained nothing hidden from him
that he could not explain to her.

When the queen of Sheba witnessed Solomon’s great wisdom,
the palace he had built, the food at his table,
the seating of his ministers, the attendance and garb of his waiters,
his banquet service,
and the burnt offerings he offered in the temple of the LORD,
she was breathless.
“The report I heard in my country
about your deeds and your wisdom is true,” she told the king.
“Though I did not believe the report until I came and saw with my own eyes,
I have discovered that they were not telling me the half.
Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report I heard.
Blessed are your men, blessed these servants of yours,
who stand before you always and listen to your wisdom.
Blessed be the LORD, your God,
whom it has pleased to place you on the throne of Israel.
In his enduring love for Israel,
the LORD has made you king to carry out judgment and justice.”
Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty gold talents,
a very large quantity of spices, and precious stones.
Never again did anyone bring such an abundance of spices
as the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40

R. (30a) The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.

Commit to the LORD your way;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will make justice dawn for you like the light;
bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.

R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.

The mouth of the just man tells of wisdom
and his tongue utters what is right.
The law of his God is in his heart,
and his steps do not falter.

R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.

The salvation of the just is from the LORD;
he is their refuge in time of distress.
And the LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.

Gospel
Mark 7:14-23

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them,
“Hear me, all of you, and understand.
Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person;
but the things that come out from within are what defile.” 

When he got home away from the crowd
his disciples questioned him about the parable.
He said to them,
“Are even you likewise without understanding?
Do you not realize that everything
that goes into a person from outside cannot defile,
since it enters not the heart but the stomach
and passes out into the latrine?”
(Thus he declared all foods clean.)
“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him.
From within the man, from his heart,
come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder,
adultery, greed, malice, deceit,
licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.
All these evils come from within and they defile.”

REFLECTION
Source: One Bread One Body

Title: HEART CONDITIONS

"Wicked designs come from the deep recesses of the heart." –Mark 7:21

Solomon asked the Lord for a wise and understanding heart (1 Kgs 3:9). The Lord answered His prayer and made Him the wisest person in history (1 Kgs 3:12). Yet, through his sins, Solomon turned his heart away from the Lord (1 Kgs 11:3). His heart was not entirely devoted to the Lord (1 Kgs 11:4). He died a fool with his kingdom on the verge of civil war. Solomon died of a spiritual heart attack.

We Christians are greater than Solomon (see Mt 11:11). Through baptism, we have received not only a wise heart, but a new heart promised by the Lord (see Ez 36:26). However, we can likewise sin and turn our hearts away from the Lord. We can lose our first love (see Rv 2:4) and no longer decide to love the Lord with all our hearts (see Mt 22:37). If we persist in this lukewarmness (Rv 3:16), we, like Solomon, will also die and damn ourselves through a spiritual heart attack. Consequently, we must repent of any sinful compromises with the ways of the world and keep our new heart beating with pure love of the Lord. We received a new heart at our baptism and will receive a renewed heart through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Repentance prevents spiritual heart attacks.

PRAYER: Father, "create in me a clean heart" (Ps 51:12, our transl.).

PROMISE: "The report I heard in my country about your deeds and your wisdom is true." –1 Kgs 10:6

PRAISE: "Heart of Christ, we sing Your praises!"

Mass Readings and Reflection for Tuesday, February 11 2014; Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading
1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30

Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD
in the presence of the whole community of Israel,
and stretching forth his hands toward heaven,
he said, “LORD, God of Israel,
there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below;
you keep your covenant of mercy with your servants
who are faithful to you with their whole heart.

“Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth?
If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you,
how much less this temple which I have built! 
Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O LORD, my God,
and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant,
utter before you this day.
May your eyes watch night and day over this temple,
the place where you have decreed you shall be honored;
may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place.
Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel
which they offer in this place.
Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 84:3, 4, 5 and 10, 11

R. (2) How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

My soul yearns and pines 
for the courts of the LORD.
My heart and my flesh
cry out for the living God. 

R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest
in which she puts her young—
Your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my king and my God!

R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Blessed they who dwell in your house!
continually they praise you.
O God, behold our shield,
and look upon the face of your anointed.

R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

I had rather one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Gospel
Mark 7:1-13

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem
gathered around Jesus,
they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals
with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands.
(For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews,
do not eat without carefully washing their hands,
keeping the tradition of the elders.
And on coming from the marketplace
they do not eat without purifying themselves.
And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed,
the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.)
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him,
“Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders
but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” 
He responded,
“Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites,
as it is written:

This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
In vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines human precepts.

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.”
He went on to say,
“How well you have set aside the commandment of God
in order to uphold your tradition!
For Moses said,
Honor your father and your mother,
and Whoever curses father or mother shall die.
Yet you say,
‘If someone says to father or mother,
“Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’
(meaning, dedicated to God),
you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother.
You nullify the word of God
in favor of your tradition that you have handed on.
And you do many such things.”

REFLECTION
Source: One Bread One Body

Title: CAN IT BE?

"My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." –Psalm 84:3

Solomon, the wisest man in the world, was shocked that God would dwell in the Temple. He questioned: "Can it indeed be that God dwells among men on earth? If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain You, how much less this temple which I have built!" (1 Kgs 8:27) Imagine what Solomon's reaction would have been had he known that God became man and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14). How even more astounding that the incarnate God lives within those who have been baptized in His name! (see Rm 6:3) And there's even more: the incarnate, indwelling God gives us His body and blood under the appearances of bread and wine! (see Mt 26:26ff)

We are so overwhelmed by the Lord's Incarnation that we recall this event every morning, noon, and evening when we pray the Angelus. We are so amazed at the incarnate Lord's gift of Himself to us in the Eucharist that we receive Holy Communion daily or as often as possible. We center our lives on our incarnate, indwelling, eucharistic Lord. This is the reason for this book, One Bread, One Body. We teach on the daily eucharistic readings to encourage you to go to Mass daily or as often as possible and live the Eucharist to the fullest.

God is a Man. God is in you. The eucharistic Lord looks like bread and wine. We can receive the body and blood of God. Astounding! True! Amazing! Thank You, Lord!

PRAYER: Father, may I believe so strongly in Your eucharistic presence that I will live and die for You.

PROMISE: "I had rather one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere." –Ps 84:11

PRAISE: Through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, Barbara received comfort and relief during her difficult pregnancy.