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.
"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.
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