TURN THE OTHER CHEEK

7th Sunday Ordinary Time

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18, 1 Corinthians 3:16-23, Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13, Matthew 5:38-48
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022314.cfm

"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!

"I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY, CATHOLIC CHURCH"

Chair of St. Peter

1 Peter 5:1-4, Psalm 23:1-6, Matthew 16:13-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022214.cfm


"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).

CARE-FREE IN JESUS' COMFORT

James 1:12-18, Psalm 94:12-15, 18-19, Mark 8:14-21

Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021814.cfm


"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.

DIVINE MERCY IN DIVINE FRUSTRATION

Founders of the Order of Servites

James 1:1-11, Psalm 119:67-68, 71-72, 75-76, Mark 8:11-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021714.cfm

"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 HIGHEST MORAL STANDARDS

6th Sunday Ordinary Time

Sirach 15:15-20, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34, Matthew 5:17-37
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021614.cfm

"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!

MULTIPLICATION TABLE

1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34, Psalm 106:6-7, 19-22, Mark 8:1-10
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021514.cfm


"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.

DAILY PERSEVERANCE NEVER GETS OLD

1 Kings 11:4-13, Psalm 106:3-4, 35-37, 40, Mark 7:24-30

Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021314.cfm


"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.

HEART CONDITIONS

1 Kings 10:1-10, Psalm 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40, Mark 7:14-23

Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021214.cfm


"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!"

CAN IT BE?

Our Lady of Lourdes

1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, Psalm 84:3-5, 10, 11, Mark 7:1-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021114.cfm


"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.


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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from February 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati,  August 8, 2013

"REBUILD MY CHURCH"

St. Scholastica

1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13, Psalm 132:6-10, Mark 6:53-56
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021014.cfm

"REBUILD MY CHURCH"

"I have truly built You a princely house, a dwelling where You may abide forever." -1 Kgs 8:13

Everything Solomon created - the magnificent Temple building, the great architecture, ornate decorations, and countless sacrifices - pointed toward the moment of the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant. When the ark was placed in the Temple, it meant that God now dwelt within its walls (1 Kgs 8:11-13).
The people of Israel were caught up in the excitement of God dwelling in their midst. The dedication of the Jerusalem Temple was the apex of Israel's history; from that point, everything went downhill. They delighted in the trappings of worship, but their lifestyles showed that they were interested only in giving the Lord "lip-service" rather than "life-service" (see Mk 7:6; Is 29:13). Solomon's pride and disobedience mirrored that of all Israel and sowed the seeds of civil war. The Lord Who dwells with His people delights in humility and obedience; Solomon and many other worshippers instead gave the Lord pride and disobedience.
It is good that our Church buildings contain beauty befitting the glory and majesty of Almighty God. It is also fitting that those who enter the Church buildings worship God with hearts full of love and lives of obedient faith (Rm 1:5). Jesus reveals that God is seeking people who will worship Him in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23). Humble yourself in God's sight (1 Pt 5:6), especially by obeying His commandments (Jn 15:10). Rebuild the Church by your loving reverence and obedience.


Prayer: Father, may I obey You so that my light might shine before all so they will give glory to You (Mt 5:16).

Promise: "All who touched Him got well." -Mk 6:56

Praise: St. Scholastica left her family to found a religious community.

SALT LICKED?

5th Sunday Ordinary Time

Isaiah 58:7-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Psalm 112:4-9, Matthew 5:13-16
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020914.cfm

"What if salt goes flat? How can you restore its flavor? Then it is good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." -Matthew 5:13

We've had much snow this year. As I walked to Mass this morning, I had to walk over large quantities of salt on the streets and in the Church parking lot. That salt had been trampled upon by many people (see Mt 5:13) and was dirty and disgusting. No one would ever consider sprinkling it on their dinner.

Similarly, in the time of Jesus, when conquering armies had vanquished a nation, they spread salt on that nation's croplands and trampled it underfoot to work it deep into the soil. This degraded the soil so that crops planted in that soil would wither and not bear fruit, thus making it unlikely that nation would prosper again.

When we became disciples of Jesus, we received His Word with great joy (Mk 4:16). We became the salt of the earth (Mt 5:13), and this kind of "salt is good" (Lk 14:34). We literally put a "good taste" in the mouth of those who are hungry for God's love. If, however, we fall away from Jesus, we go flat. We become to hurting people that salt which degrades. The enemy has used our "flat" lives to trample people underfoot.

Jesus teaches us: "Salt is good, but if salt loses its flavor what good is it for seasoning? It is fit for neither the soil nor the manure heap; it has to be thrown away. Let him who hears this, heed it" (Lk 14:34-35). "Keep salt in your hearts and you will be at peace with one another" (Mk 9:50).

Every day, draw closer to Jesus. Let Him refresh you with His love. Be salt that refreshes and not salt that degrades.

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to keep me fresh for You.

Promise: "Your faith rests not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God." -1 Cor 2:5

Praise: Praise Jesus, Who has conquered sin and death!

DAILY DYINGS

St. Jerome Emiliani, St. Josephine Bakhita

1 Kings 3:4-13, Psalm 119:9-14, Mark 6:30-34
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020814.cfm

"People were coming and going in great numbers, making it impossible for them to so much as eat." -Mark 6:31

Jesus tried to take a day off, or at least an hour off. He wanted to stop and eat for a change. So He got into the boat with His apostles and went off to a deserted place (Mk 6:32). However, hundreds, even thousands, of people ran around the lake, and what was supposedly a deserted place was packed with a vast crowd (Mk 6:33). So there was no rest and no food for Jesus.

Most people get rather irritable when they don't eat and sleep enough. When our stomachs are growling and our eyelids drooping, we naturally have a tendency to focus on ourselves and our own needs. Yet Jesus reacted to the overwhelming demands from the crowd by dying to Himself and loving the people. Jesus forgot about His needs and "began to teach them at great length" (Mk 6:34).

Jesus hung on the cross and died on Calvary, but this was not His first death. Jesus' three hours on Calvary completed thirty-three years of dying to Himself because of His love for us. In the same way, let us pick up our cross daily, follow Jesus, deny our very self (Lk 9:23), and die to ourselves repeatedly (Jn 12:24).

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Calvary, for long days, fastings, hard work, self-denial, and Your love.

Promise: "I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you." -1 Kgs 3:12

Praise: St. Jerome learned discipline in the Venetian army, and discipleship in God's.

GOD, THE TOUR GUIDE

St. Paul Miki, & Companions

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, 1 Chronicles 29:10-12, Mark 6:7-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020614.cfm

"Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out." -Mark 6:7

In Mark's gospel, Jesus sends us out with four things and without four things.
We are to go without taking:
   * food (Mk 6:8),
   * luggage (Mk 6:8),
   * money (Mk 6:8), and
   * clothes (Mk 6:9).

We are to go with:
   * another disciple (Mk 6:7),
   * authority over demons and diseases (Mk 6:7, 13),
   * a walking staff (Mk 6:8), and
   * sandals (Mk 6:9).

Walking sticks and sandals are ways of improving our transportation as we take the Gospel to the ends of the earth (see Acts 1:8).
When Jesus sends us out:
   * we go trusting in God for our daily bread (Mt 6:11),
   * we go as brothers and sisters in Him,
   * we go "to destroy the devil's works" (1 Jn 3:8), and
   * we keep moving (see Mk 6:11).

Most Christians have in abundance those things Jesus tells us we should do without, while lacking the community and the authority the Lord tells us we cannot do without.  If we are to go forth in Jesus' name, we need a re-structuring of our lives. Jesus is willing to do it. Will you let it be done? (see Lk 1:38)


Prayer: Father, may I do it Your way.

Promise: "Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God, following His ways and observing His statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees as they are written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in whatever you do, wherever you turn." -1 Kgs 2:3

Praise: At their martyrdom, St. Paul Miki and his twenty-five companions were pierced by a lance, as was their Savior.

THE DEBT OF SIN

St. Agatha

2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17, Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7, Mark 6:1-6
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020514.cfm

THE DEBT OF SIN

"Afterward, however, David regretted having numbered the people, and said to the Lord: 'I have sinned grievously in what I have done.' " -2 Samuel 24:10

David sinned by taking a census against God's will. This sin caused the deaths of 70,000 people in three days by pestilence (2 Sm 24:15). The wages of sin is death, in fact, thousands of deaths (Rm 6:23). Moreover, this was probably not David's worst sin.
This shows us the devastating effect of one sin, and why one sin is a tragedy much greater than the worst natural disasters. In this passage, we see the measurable results of one sin. This gives us some idea of the astronomical debt of sin amassed by the accumulated sins of all times.
This helps us understand how heavy was the cross Jesus carried. "He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, upon Him was the chastisement that makes us whole" (Is 53:5). "The Lord was pleased to crush Him in infirmity" (Is 53:10). The word "crushed" is a great understatement, but it's the best the English language can do.
We can see why Jesus screamed on Calvary: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mk 15:34) No one has ever suffered to a degree that was even remotely comparable to Jesus' suffering. Jesus says: "Come, all you who pass by the way, look and see whether there is any suffering like My suffering" (Lam 1:12).


Prayer: Jesus, I love You. Give me the grace to avoid sin and to lead others to become Your disciples.

Promise: Jesus "made the rounds of the neighboring villages instead, and spent His time teaching." -Mk 6:6

Praise: St. Peter denied Christ three times. St. Agatha, as she was being tortured, was asked three times to deny Christ. She held fast to Jesus each time and received the crown of life (see Rv 2:10).

AGED TO PERFECTION?

2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30-19:3, Psalm 86:1-6, Mark 5:21-43
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020414.cfm


"Keep my life, for I am devoted to You; save Your servant who trusts in You." -Psalm 86:2

David was probably in his forties when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband to be murdered. You could call this a mid-life crisis of sin. Several years later when David was in his fifties or sixties, his son Absalom tried to take over the kingdom and kill his father. When Absalom was killed in battle, David lamented: "My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Sm 19:1)
This is the same son with whom David wouldn't talk for five years (see 2 Sm 13:38 and 14:28). Yet, David truly forgave and kept forgiving Absalom. He loved him unconditionally. David grew from a lustful, murderous middle-age to a loving, forgiving, holy old age. David still needed much more purification and growth in holiness, but he allowed the Lord to change him significantly.
Jesus "progressed steadily in wisdom and age and grace before God and men" (Lk 2:52). How about you? We're all growing in age, but what about in wisdom and grace? Have you repented and forgiven? Have you left behind the sins of the past? Are you growing to "the full maturity of Christ" (Eph 4:15)? Grow; don't just grow old.


Prayer: Father, may my entire attention be on Jesus, as "I give no thought to what lies behind but push on to what is ahead" (Phil 3:13).

Promise: "Taking her hand, He said to her, 'Talitha, koum,' which means, 'Little girl, get up.' The girl, a child of twelve, stood up immediately and began to walk around." -Mk 5:41-42

Praise: Norm, a teenager, invited his father and grandfather to accompany him on a men's retreat. Together, they received Jesus in Word and Eucharist.

JESUS RESTORES FAMILIES

St. Blase, St. Ansgar

2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13, Psalm 3:2-7, Mark 5:1-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020314.cfm

JESUS RESTORES FAMILIES

"Go home to your family and make it clear to them how much the Lord in His mercy has done for you." -Mark 5:19

David's family was a disaster. His son Absalom became his rival, overthrew his government, and was seeking his father's life (2 Sm 15:1ff; 17:3). Instead of seeking a reconciliation with Absalom, David fled. He had no doubt that Absalom was deadly serious about defeating him (2 Sm 15:14).
David believed the worst of his son. Many of you have likewise experienced serious family ruptures. Like David, when you hear that a certain family member is set against you, immediately you believe the worst about that family member and act upon that belief.
Jesus bluntly stated that He came to divide families (Lk 12:51-53). When Jesus delivered the Gerasene demoniac, this man pressed Jesus to accompany Him (Mk 5:18). Far too many of us can relate; the spiritual warfare of accompanying Jesus on deliverance ministry is preferable to the ridicule and rejection you expect to receive from your family if you told them all that Jesus has mercifully done for you.
However, Jesus sent the delivered man straight home to his family to announce God's mercy (Mk 5:19). He might be calling you to do the same. May Jesus use your conversion, prayers, obedience, words, and witness to heal and restore your family.


Prayer: Father, use my fasting, obedience, and prayer to restore any ruined areas in my family (Is 58:12). May I love my family with Your heart of love.

Promise: "When I lie down in sleep, I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I fear not the myriads of people arrayed against me on every side." -Ps 3:6-7

Praise: St. Ansgar evangelized Scandinavia and was instrumental in converting the King of Sweden to Christianity.

THE LAST DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Presentation of the Lord

Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Psalm 24:7-10, Luke 2:22-40
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020214.cfm

"When the day came to purify them according to the law of Moses, the couple brought Him up to Jerusalem so that He could be presented to the Lord." -Luke 2:22

According to Jewish law, forty days after their baby boys were born, parents were obliged to present them to the Lord (Lv 12:3-4). Therefore, we celebrate the Lord's Presentation forty days after Christmas, His birthday. So today's feast day is connected with the number "40" and with Christmas.

The number "40" indicates a period of great change, hopefully ending in fulfillment. For instance, the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years before entering the promised land. Noah's flood lasted forty days. Moses was in God's presence on Mount Sinai for forty days. Nineveh had forty days to repent. Jesus fasted for forty days and ascended forty days after His resurrection. Today, the Lord is offering us the grace of a "40," that is, the grace of transformation and fulfillment.

Did you "have a good Christmas"? Is your life transformed by what the Lord did this past Christmas? If not, you can be transformed by the graces of today. Today may be your last chance for Christmas. Give your life to the Christ of Christmas. Jesus is a Sign of contradiction and your "Downfall" if you reject Him. He is your "Rise" if you accept Him  (Lk 2:34). Give your life to Jesus today and have Christmas.

Prayer: Father, may this be the best Christmas ever - all that You want it to be.

Promise: "Since He was Himself tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are tempted."  -Heb 2:18

Praise: Alleluia! Praise Jesus, the Light to the nations and the glory of Israel! (Lk 2:32)

CONFIDENT-IAL

2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17, Psalm 51:12-17, Mark 4:35-41
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020114.cfm

Jesus "said to them, 'Why are you so terrified? Why are you lacking in faith?' " -Mark 4:40

Do you have confidence in the Lord? (see Mt 9:28) Can you proclaim: "This great confidence in God is ours, through Christ" (2 Cor 3:4) and "Our hope being such, we act with full confidence" (2 Cor 3:12)? We are tempted to think that Jesus is sleeping and doesn't care if we're about to drown (see Mk 4:38). However, Jesus is in control. He is Lord. Therefore, "let us draw near" to Him "in utter sincerity and absolute confidence" (Heb 10:22).

Life is "a great contest of suffering" (Heb 10:32), a battle centering on our faith and confidence in the Lord. The Lord wants to increase and deepen our confidence in Him (see Lk 17:5). The evil one pressures us into surrendering our confidence in the Lord (see Heb 10:35). However, "we are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and live" (Heb 10:39).

The Lord calls us to cry out to Him in the battles and storms of life. As we come to know Him, we should no longer cry out in doubt and confusion but in great, full, unyielding, absolute confidence. We know that our Redeemer lives (Jb 19:25, RSV-CE). We know the Lord is faithful to His promises (see 1 Thes 5:24). We know He will never leave us orphans (Jn 14:18). We know He has conquered the world (Jn 16:33). Be confident in Him.

Prayer: Father, may I know that I know Your love and power. May I project confidence in You.

Promise: "The Lord on His part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die." -2 Sm 12:13

Praise: After ten years of stubbornness, Thomas repented and went back to Confession.