The Rich And The Kingdom Of God

FEBRUARY 28, 2022, MONDAY

Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 347

Reading I

1 Pt 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,

kept in heaven for you

who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,

to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.

In this you rejoice, although now for a little while

you may have to suffer through various trials,

so that the genuineness of your faith,

more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire,

may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor

at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Although you have not seen him you love him;

even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him,

you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,

as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.

Responsorial Psalm

111:1-2, 5-6, 9 and 10c

R.        (5)  The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

or:

R.        Alleluia..

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart

            in the company and assembly of the just.

Great are the works of the LORD,

            exquisite in all their delights.

R.        The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

or:

R.        Alleluia.

He has given food to those who fear him;

            he will forever be mindful of his covenant.

He has made known to his people the power of his works,

            giving them the inheritance of the nations.

R.        The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

or:

R.        Alleluia.

He has sent deliverance to his people;

            he has ratified his covenant forever;

            holy and awesome is his name.

            His praise endures forever.

R.        The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

or:

R.        Alleluia.

Alleluia

2 Cor 8:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,

so that by his poverty you might become rich.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mk 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,

knelt down before him, and asked him,

“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good?

No one is good but God alone.

You know the commandments: You shall not kill;

you shall not commit adultery;

you shall not steal;

you shall not bear false witness;

you shall not defraud;

honor your father and your mother.”

He replied and said to him,

“Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,

“You are lacking in one thing.

Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor

and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”

At that statement, his face fell,

and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,

“How hard it is for those who have wealth

to enter the Kingdom of God!”

The disciples were amazed at his words.

So Jesus again said to them in reply,

“Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!

It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle

than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”

They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,

 “Then who can be saved?”

Jesus looked at them and said,

“For men it is impossible, but not for God.

All things are possible for God.”

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Have you ever been sad because you didn’t do something good which you could have done? The visit to a sick or lonely person postponed, the help not given to someone in great financial need, the prayer-time not given, the failure to listen to your children or people close to us - many ways in which we could, without too much difficulty, have said a ‘yes’ to love. This is something like the feeling of the rich man when he walked away with his wealth and his sadness. Let that be part of prayer today.

PRAYER:

I allow myself time to think about what Jesus loves about me - and I don't move on until I do! Jesus may show me the one thing that is holding me back from freedom. I can walk away or I can ask for help to deal with it.

From The Fullness Of The Heart The Mouth Speaks (Eight Sunday Ordinary Time - C)

FEBRUARY 27, 2022, SUNDAY

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 84

Reading I

Sir 27:4-7

When a sieve is shaken, the husks appear;

so do one’s faults when one speaks.

As the test of what the potter molds is in the furnace,

so in tribulation is the test of the just.

The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had;

so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind.

Praise no one before he speaks,

for it is then that people are tested.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16

R (cf. 2a) Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

            to sing praise to your name, Most High,

To proclaim your kindness at dawn

            and your faithfulness throughout the night.

R Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.

The just one shall flourish like the palm tree,

            like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow.

They that are planted in the house of the LORD

            shall flourish in the courts of our God.

R Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.

They shall bear fruit even in old age;

            vigorous and sturdy shall they be,

Declaring how just is the LORD,

            my rock, in whom there is no wrong.

R Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.

Reading II

1 Cor 15:54-58

Brothers and sisters:

When this which is corruptible clothes itself with incorruptibility

and this which is mortal clothes itself with immortality,

then the word that is written shall come about:

            Death is swallowed up in victory.

                        Where, O death, is your victory?

                        Where, O death, is your sting?

The sting of death is sin,

and the power of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God who gives us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters,

be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord,

knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Alleluia

Phil 2:15d, 16a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Shine like lights in the world

as you hold on to the word of life.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 6:39-45

Jesus told his disciples a parable,

“Can a blind person guide a blind person?

Will not both fall into a pit?

No disciple is superior to the teacher;

but when fully trained,

every disciple will be like his teacher.

Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye,

but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?

How can you say to your brother,

‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’

when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye?

You hypocrite!  Remove the wooden beam from your eye first;

then you will see clearly

to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.

“A good tree does not bear rotten fruit,

nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.

For every tree is known by its own fruit.

For people do not pick figs from thornbushes,

nor do they gather grapes from brambles.

A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good,

but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil;

for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.”.

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

God sees each of us from the inside. He sees us with a generous and compassionate gaze and does not despise or condemn us for our shortcomings and failings. I pray for humility and for a deeper capacity to perceive God’s presence and action around me.

PRAYER:

Lord, make me more aware of my inadequacies, so that I may become gentle in dealing with others.

The Little Children And Jesus

FEBRUARY 26, 2022, SATURDAY

Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 346

Reading I

Jas 5:13-20

Beloved:

Is anyone among you suffering?

He should pray.

Is anyone in good spirits?

He should sing a song of praise.

Is anyone among you sick?

He should summon the presbyters of the Church,

and they should pray over him

and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

The prayer of faith will save the sick person,

and the Lord will raise him up.

If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another

and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.

Elijah was a man like us;

yet he prayed earnestly that it might not rain,

and for three years and six months it did not rain upon the land.

Then Elijah prayed again, and the sky gave rain

and the earth produced its fruit.

My brothers and sisters,

if anyone among you should stray from the truth

and someone bring him back,

he should know that whoever brings back a sinner

from the error of his way will save his soul from death  

and will cover a multitude of sins.

Responsorial Psalm

141:1-2, 3 and 8

R.        (2a)  Let my prayer come like incense before you.

O LORD, to you I call; hasten to me;

            hearken to my voice when I call upon you.

Let my prayer come like incense before you;

            the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice.

R.        Let my prayer come like incense before you.

O LORD, set a watch before my mouth,

            a guard at the door of my lips.

For toward you, O God, my LORD, my eyes are turned;

            in you I take refuge; strip me not of life.

R.        Let my prayer come like incense before you.

Alleluia

See Mt 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;

you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mk 10:13-16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them,

but the disciples rebuked them.

When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,

“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,

for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Amen, I say to you,

whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child

will not enter it.”

Then he embraced the children and blessed them,

placing his hands on them.

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

The Gospel urges us to love. This scene shows how Jesus understood that with children. A crowd of them interrupted his preaching, and the apostles were shooing them away. They were noisy, energetic, enjoying life, running instinctively towards someone who also enjoyed it. The apostles spoke sternly to those who brought them: These kids are not serious. We are here to listen to the Sermon on the Mount and we can't hear him properly with all this noise and commotion. Jesus intervened, invited the children closer and laid his hands on them. He gave them two precious things that cost no money: time and affection.

Our treatment of children and of the vulnerable, of outcasts and those with disabilities can fall far short of what Jesus demands. The courage to reflect gently on past failings can give us wisdom and freedom to do better in the future.

Do I take the time to nourish and connect with my childlike qualities? This will help me retain a sense of wonder, awe, gratitude and excitement in the small things of creation.

PRAYER:

Almighty and ever living God, we thank You for everything that You've been done for us. Your extraordinary love, comfort and care is totally genuine. Always open our hearts to love and care our families and loved ones in all aspects in life.

The Two Become One Flesh

FEBRUARY 25, 2022, FRIDAY

Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 345

Reading I

Jas 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

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.

Alleluia

See Jn 17:17b, 17a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Your word, O Lord, is truth;

consecrate us in the truth.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mk 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:

Jesus sets out the ideal for marriage. He reminds us of what it is meant to be, even though, perhaps through no fault of our own, we may fail to live up to it. God is always present lovingly to the partners, even if through human weakness they have to part.

Jesus calls us back to the original vision that God has for creation. He sets out the ideal for marriage: a loving and faithful union of mutual respect. In words repeated in the marriage rite he says, ‘What God has joined together, let no one separate'.

PRAYER:

My prayer may be a time to pray with gratitude for those who witness to love, and to have deep compassion for all whose relationships and commitments have brought suffering. I hear God calling me to life and holding me in love.

Keep Salt in Yourselves

FEBRUARY 24, 2022, THURSDAY

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 344

Reading I

Jas 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

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!

Alleluia

See 1 Thes 2:13

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Receive the word of God, not as the word of men,

but as it truly is, the word of God.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mk 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.”

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Jesus comes to give us a new commandment, to love one another just as he has loved us. If anyone gives even a cup of water to another in the name of Christ it changes everything.

‘Love changes everything’ is the title of a song from the musical ‘Aspects of Love’. It is love that makes the world go round despite the efforts of the musical Cabaret to convince us that it is money makes the world go round. Am I aware of the obstacles to love in my life, through my hands, what I do, through my tongue, what I say?

PRAYER:

As Christians, we are the salt of the earth. Salt has always been used to preserve, to cleanse, to add flavour, to purify. Salt in the Old Testament was the symbol of an unbreakable covenant. May we never break faith with you, Lord.

Whoever Is Not Against Us Is For Us

FEBRUARY 23, 2022, WEDNESDAY

Memorial of Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr (Red)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 343

Reading I

Jas 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

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!

Alleluia

Jn 14:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;

no one comes to the Father except through me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mk 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.”

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

To believe in Jesus is a great gift from God. Anyone that does a good act to another in His name are certainly blessed.p Also, if someone gives you just a cup of water because you believe in the Lord, they too will receive a reward. On the other hand, if we should block others from believing in the Lord, Jesus tells us in very descriptive language that there will be a price to pay. How we deal with each other reminds us of our responsibility vis-à-vis the examples, either good or bad, that we portray in our way of living.

PRAYER:

Lord, self-renunciation and attention to the needs of our brothers and sisters are the hallmark of belonging to you. You call me to be a stepping stone for others, not a stumbling block.

I Will Build My Church (FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER, APOSTLE - C)

FEBRUARY 22, 2022, TUESDAY

FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER, APOSTLE (White)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 535

Reading I

1 Pt 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

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.

Alleluia

Mt 16:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church;

the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mt 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.”

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Our faith requires that we give a personal answer to the question as to who Jesus (the Son of Man) is. It is not enough to quote the Catechism of the Catholic Church or the views of one or other theologian. "But who do you say that I am?" Try to answer not only from the head but from the heart. You might helpfully rephrase the question as: "Who is Jesus for me?" An answer can only be given in prayer.

PRAYER:

I proclaim Jesus by the way I live as my words and actions, my attitudes and choices demonstrate who influences me.

Help My Unbelief

FEBRUARY 21, 2022, MONDAY

Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time (Green)

Memorial of Saint Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (White)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 341

Reading I

Jas 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

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.

Alleluia

See 2 Tm 1:10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death

and brought life to light through the Gospel.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mk 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.”

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

The poor father’s cry, ‘I believe, help my unbelief’ is one of the best-loved human statements in the gospels. Does it express the reality of your own struggle to believe? It has been said humorously that most of us are atheists before breakfast, but perhaps we are half-atheists for most of the day? It is also said that most people live lives of quiet desperation. When you experience things getting beyond you, do as the father did and bring your problems to Jesus. Be honest with him; beg his help. You will, he promises, find rest for your aching heart.

PRAYER:

Jesus listens to the deep desires of those who come to him in their need. He recognises faith and encourages it. I take time to express myself to Jesus and ask him to strengthen my faith.

Love Your Enemies

FEBRUARY 20, 2022, SUNDAY

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 81

Reading I

1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

In those days, Saul went down to the desert of Ziph

with three thousand picked men of Israel,

to search for David in the desert of Ziph.

So David and Abishai went among Saul’s soldiers by night

and found Saul lying asleep within the barricade,

with his spear thrust into the ground at his head

and Abner and his men sleeping around him.

Abishai whispered to David:

“God has delivered your enemy into your grasp this day.

Let me nail him to the ground with one thrust of the spear;

I will not need a second thrust!”

But David said to Abishai, “Do not harm him,

for who can lay hands on the LORD’s anointed and remain unpunished?”

So David took the spear and the water jug from their place at Saul’s head,

and they got away without anyone’s seeing or knowing or awakening.

All remained asleep,

because the LORD had put them into a deep slumber.

Going across to an opposite slope,

David stood on a remote hilltop

at a great distance from Abner, son of Ner, and the troops.

He said: “Here is the king’s spear.

Let an attendant come over to get it.

The LORD will reward each man for his justice and faithfulness.

Today, though the LORD delivered you into my grasp,

I would not harm the LORD’s anointed.”

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 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.

Reading II

1 Cor 15:45-49

Brothers and sisters:

It is written, The first man, Adam, became a living being,

the last Adam a life-giving spirit.

But the spiritual was not first;

rather the natural and then the spiritual.

The first man was from the earth, earthly;

the second man, from heaven.

As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly,

and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly.

Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one,

we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one.

Alleluia

Jn 13:34

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I give you a new commandment, says the Lord:

love one another as I have loved you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples:

“To you who hear I say,

love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

To the person who strikes you on one cheek,

offer the other one as well,

and from the person who takes your cloak,

do not withhold even your tunic.

Give to everyone who asks of you,

and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

For if you love those who love you,

what credit is that to you?

Even sinners love those who love them.

And if you do good to those who do good to you,

what credit is that to you?

Even sinners do the same.

If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment,

what credit is that to you?

Even sinners lend to sinners,

and get back the same amount.

But rather, love your enemies and do good to them,

and lend expecting nothing back;

then your reward will be great

and you will be children of the Most High,

for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged.

Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.

Forgive and you will be forgiven.

Give, and gifts will be given to you;

a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,

will be poured into your lap.

For the measure with which you measure

will in return be measured out to you.”

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Jesus uses extreme language to highlight the importance of our relationships to one another. We are to deal with others, mindful of how we ourselves have received the good gift of forgiveness from God. This reminds us of the words in the ‘Our Father’, ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’. When one has difficulties with others, it is good to pray for oneself, to know one’s own faults, if any; and to pray for the others, that they may receive the grace from God for their better self to emerge. Do to others as God has done to you.

Jesus, the love you speak of is not just emotion: it is a commitment of the will. It is extravagant and limitless, and it includes us all, good and bad alike. This is the true love that frees up the world’s gridlock of hatred, judgement, blame, recrimination and violence. It is an active loving based on going the extra mile. ‘The measure of love is to love without measure.’

PRAYER:

Lord, I am the focus of your indiscriminate love. Grant me a profound appreciation of this limitless gift. Transformed by this love, may I in turn show unrestricted loving to others-especially to my enemies!

Transfiguration Of Jesus

FEBRUARY 19, 2022, SATURDAY

Saturday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 340

Reading I

Jas 3:1-10

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters,

for you realize that we will be judged more strictly,

for we all fall short in many respects.

If anyone does not fall short in speech, he is a perfect man,

able to bridle the whole body also.

If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us,

we also guide their whole bodies.

It is the same with ships:

even though they are so large and driven by fierce winds,

they are steered by a very small rudder

wherever the pilot’s inclination wishes.

In the same way the tongue is a small member

and yet has great pretensions.

Consider how small a fire can set a huge forest ablaze.

The tongue is also a fire.

It exists among our members as a world of malice,

defiling the whole body

and setting the entire course of our lives on fire,

itself set on fire by Gehenna.

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature,

can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species,

but no man can tame the tongue.

It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With it we bless the Lord and Father,

and with it we curse men

who are made in the likeness of God.

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.

My brothers and sisters, this need not be so. 

Responsorial Psalm

12:2-3, 4-5, 7-8

R.        (8a)  You will protect us, Lord.

Help, O LORD! for no one now is dutiful;

            faithfulness has vanished from among the children of men.

Everyone speaks falsehood to his neighbor;

            with smooth lips they speak, and double heart.

R.        You will protect us, Lord.

May the LORD destroy all smooth lips,

            every boastful tongue,

Those who say, “We are heroes with our tongues;

            our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”

R.        You will protect us, Lord.

The promises of the LORD are sure,

            like tried silver, freed from dross, sevenfold refined.

You, O LORD, will keep us

            and preserve us always from this generation.

R.        You will protect us, Lord.

Alleluia

See Mk 9:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:

This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.

R.Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mk 9:2-13

Jesus took Peter, James, and John

and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.

And he was transfigured before them,

and his clothes became dazzling white,

such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.

Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,

and they were conversing with Jesus.

Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,

“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!

Let us make three tents:

one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.

Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;

then from the cloud came a voice,

“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

Suddenly, looking around, the disciples no longer saw anyone

but Jesus alone with them.

As they were coming down from the mountain,

he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,

except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

So they kept the matter to themselves,

questioning what rising from the dead meant.

Then they asked him,

“Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

He told them, “Elijah will indeed come first and restore all things,

yet how is it written regarding the Son of Man

that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt?

But I tell you that Elijah has come

and they did to him whatever they pleased,

as it is written of him.”

REFLECTION:

This mountain-top experience brings Jesus into a deep encounter with God’s world. Consolation, courage, strength come to him. He is confirmed in his mission. I am glad for him. For the three disciples there is a spiritual awakening. A veil is lifted for a moment and they feel the touch of the divine. The impact of God is dazzling. They naturally want this to last forever.

Jesus' presence with Moses and Elijah reminds us that Jesus held law and vision in mind. I allow Jesus to draw me into a broader view of the church than that into which I may have settled.

PRAYER:

Lord, as Peter says, it is good for us to be close to you, and life-giving to listen to you, even when you speak of the inevitability of suffering. The focus of my life is meant to be on you, not on myself and my affairs.

Conditions of Discipleship

FEBRUARY 18, 2022, FRIDAY

Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 339

Reading I

Jas 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

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.

Alleluia

Jn 15:15b

R.        Alleluia, alleluia.

I call you my friends, says the Lord,

for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.

R.        Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mk 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.”

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Two crosses await each of us in this life: the cross of the world and the cross of Christ. We have to choose. The cross of the world has an insidious appeal. It appears as a short-cut to happiness and at the start, easily carried. But it becomes heavy and more disappointing as time passes. The cross of Christ appears difficult and challenging at the start. But it gets easier, if carried faithfully, over the years. Eventually, it will bring us to a happiness without end.

PRAYER:

I note that ‘the multitude’, all of us, are called to be faithful to the values of Jesus - self-denial, justice, compassionate goodness to others, rather than to the values of the world - greed, self-indulgence, celebrity. This is how I am to attain true life.

First Prediction of the Passion

FEBRUARY 17, 2022, THURSDAY

Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (Green)

Optional Memorial of the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, Religious (White)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 338

Reading I

Jas 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

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.

Alleluia

See John 6:63c, 68c

R.        Alleluia, alleluia.

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life;

you have the words of everlasting life.

R.        Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mk 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.” 

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

The Lord wants our faith in our prayer. Jesus asks us in many ways the same question, ‘Who do you say that I am ?' How would you answer? You are God..you are the poor...you are the hungry...the need in every person I meet...how might you answer that question? Let his words of who he is echo in your prayer, ‘I am life, joy, and whatever you do for others, you do for me.'

PRAYER:

Lord, when I fail to understand your ways don’t lose hope in me. May I heed your call to ‘get behind you’ like a good disciple following the Master. Strengthen me in times of suffering: may I patiently bear unavoidable suffering, as you did. May I believe that what I endure helps in the saving of the world.

Jesus Heals A Blind Man At Bethsaida

FEBRUARY 16, 2022, WEDNESDAY

Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 337

Reading I

Jas 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

15:2-3a, 3bc-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?

Alleluia

See Ephesians 1:17-18

R.        Alleluia, alleluia.

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

enlighten the eyes of our hearts,

that we may know what is the hope

that belongs to his call.

R.        Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel

Mk 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.”

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Sight was given to the man gradually, not all at once. I take some time to notice how my prayer leads me to appreciate God's light and consolation. As I see how God opens my eyes gently, I ask for the faith and hope I need to continue to trust in God's goodness.

I put myself in the sandals of the blind man brought to Jesus, the healer everybody wanted to meet. He takes me gently by the hand, warm and reassuring. As he gives me his full attention, I grow in trust and confidence. Jesus opens my eyes and I see what a good man he is.

PRAYER:

I cannot thank the Lord enough for his goodness and kindness. Every moment of my life is his gift to me.

Leaven of the Pharisees

FEBRUARY 15, 2022, TUESDAY

Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 336

Reading I

Jas 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

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.

 

Alleluia

Jn 14:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord;

and my Father will love him

and we will come to him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mk 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?”

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

The daily bread of which Jesus speaks is not for the stomach. I pray that my eyes may see, that my ears may hear and that my memory be blessed to notice God's goodness and to receive the food God offers to me each day.

PRAYER:

Lord, break down the walls that press in on my small heart: let me believe that you are the Son of God, and that in company with you I truly live. Help me see that you yourself are the ‘bread’ which I need to stay alive. Help me to hang all my hope on you.

Demand for a Sign

FEBRUARY 14, 2022, MONDAY

Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop (White)

Feast of Saint Valentine, Martyr (Red)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 335

Reading I

Jas 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

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.

Alleluia

Jn 14:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;

no one comes to the Father except through me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mk 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.

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Jesus asks for faith in him and in his words, not in signs and miracles. The sign given in prayer is simply that we pray; not much may happen, but it is our time, our love given to God. Our works for God are in action time. Prayer is time for the heart. God is always at work growing our heart so that it is more like the heart of his Son.

PRAYER:

Lord, what about me? Am I always looking for something more from you? You reveal yourself as being totally on my side, through your Passion and Resurrection. Let me accept these great signs. Let me trust that you are on my side even when smaller things do not go well.

Blessings and Woes

FEBRUARY 13, 2022, SUNDAY

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)

CYCLE C - YEAR II

Lectionary: 78

Reading I

Jer 17:5-8

Thus says the LORD:

            Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings,

                        who seeks his strength in flesh,

                        whose heart turns away from the LORD.

            He is like a barren bush in the desert

                        that enjoys no change of season,

            but stands in a lava waste,

                        a salt and empty earth.

            Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,

                        whose hope is the LORD.

            He is like a tree planted beside the waters

                        that stretches out its roots to the stream:

            it fears not the heat when it comes;

                        its leaves stay green;

            in the year of drought it shows no distress,

                        but still bears fruit.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

R (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Blessed the man who follows not

            the counsel of the wicked,

nor walks in the way of sinners,

            nor sits in the company of the insolent,

but delights in the law of the LORD

            and meditates on his law day and night.

R Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

He is like a tree

            planted near running water,

that yields its fruit in due season,

            and whose leaves never fade.

Whatever he does, prospers.

R Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Not so the wicked, not so;

            they are like chaff which the wind drives away.

For the LORD watches over the way of the just,

            but the way of the wicked vanishes.

R Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Reading II

1 Cor 15:12, 16-20

Brothers and sisters:

If Christ is preached as raised from the dead,

how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead?

If the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised,

and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain;

you are still in your sins.

Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

If for this life only we have hoped in Christ,

we are the most pitiable people of all.

But now Christ has been raised from the dead,

the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Alleluia

Lk 6:23ab

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Rejoice and be glad;

your reward will be great in heaven.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 6:17, 20-26

Jesus came down with the Twelve

and stood on a stretch of level ground

with a great crowd of his disciples

and a large number of the people

from all Judea and Jerusalem

and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon.

And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said:

            “Blessed are you who are poor,

                        for the kingdom of God is yours.

            Blessed are you who are now hungry,

                        for you will be satisfied.

            Blessed are you who are now weeping,

                        for you will laugh.

            Blessed are you when people hate you,

                        and when they exclude and insult you,

                        and denounce your name as evil

                        on account of the Son of Man.

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!

Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.

For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.

            But woe to you who are rich,

                        for you have received your consolation.

            Woe to you who are filled now,

                        for you will be hungry.

            Woe to you who laugh now,

                        for you will grieve and weep.

            Woe to you when all speak well of you,

                        for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Four contrasts are referred to in these few scripture verses – poverty/riches; hunger/fullness; sorrow/laughter; and defamation/commendation. Jesus upturns the values we would normally consider desirable. He asks us to realise that we are not living simply to be happy in this life but we should ask ourselves the deeper value of our ways of life in the light of what we can bring with us to eternal life.

PRAYER:

I try to see which beatitude touches me today, whether because it helps me rejoice in God's gifts to me or because I feel a resistance in my heart. I pray for a listening heart.