February 15

February 15, 2014:  Saturday, 5th week, Ordinary Time

Readings

• 1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34  King Jeroboam thought:  “The kingdom will return to David’s house.  If they offer sacrifices, the people will kill me.”  He made calves of gold and told them:  “Here is your God, who brought you up from Egypt”; this led to sin.  He made temples and priests.  His house was to be destroyed for this sin.

• Ps 106:6-7ab, 19-22  "Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people."  We've sinned.  Our fathers made and adored a calf, forgetting God who had done great deeds.

• Mk 8:1-10  There was a crowd of 4,000 without food.  Jesus / disciples:  “My heart is moved with pity; they've had nothing to eat.” / “Where can anyone get enough bread here?”  He broke and blessed seven loaves and a few fish, the disciples distributed them, the crowd was satisfied; seven baskets were left over.

Pope Francis

• Friday's homily:  Christians...
  • are sent, walk, move forward, going beyond difficulties.
  • are lambs, defended by the Lord.
  • are joyful, because they know and bring the Lord.  The joy of Jesus forgives and helps even amid challenges, mistakes, and sins.

• Gospel Joy (Evangelii Gaudium drill-down), continuing Chapter 5 (a series):

The missionary power of intercessory prayer:  Intercessory prayer moves us to evangelize and seek others' good.  It doesn't divert us from contemplation, which always has a place for others.  It's a prayer of gratitude for others. It's a spiritual gaze acknowledging God's work in others' lives.  The gratitude flows from a heart attentive to others.  After prayer, evangelizers are more open and free and want to do good and share their lives.

The great people of God were great intercessors.  Intercession is like a leaven in God's heart, penetrating and touching the Father’s heart, shedding light on and changing concrete situations, and showing his power, love, and faithfulness.  (5.I, 281-83, pp. 209-11)

Reflections

• Creighton:  Jesus called his disciples to give and redistribute food.  Do I give and redistribute what I have?

• One Bread One Body:  Do I believe God will multiply/provide for me/us?

• Sacred Space

Music

• Ven al banquete/Come to the feast/ Hurd, Moriarty:  composer-led (cued after story), letra/lyrics, sample sheet music (verse 1 refers to gospel)

Apparel

• Cow (calf?) pin representing idols (1st reading)

• Working abacus pin:  "multiplication" of loaves and fishes [here's how to multiply on an abacus] (gospel)

Dress your life!

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