February 17, 2014

February 17

February 17, 2014:  Monday, 6th week, Ordinary Time

Wordle: Readings 2-17-14Readings

  • Jas 1:1-11  Consider it joy when you encounter trials; testing produces perseverance.  Persevere so you may be complete.  If you lack wisdom, ask God in faith, and you'll receive it.  The lowly should take pride in high standing, and the rich in lowliness.  The rich will fade away in the midst of their pursuits.
  • Ps 119:67-68, 71-72, 75-76  "Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live."  I hold to your promise.  It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes. 
  • Mk 8:11-13  The Pharisees sought a sign from Jesus to test him.  He sighed, “Why does this generation seek a sign?  No sign will be given to this generation.”  Then he left them.
Pope Francis
  • Homily:  When we endure trials with faith, they ripen our lives.  Those who want everything now are like spoiled children; they can't face life and don't grow.  Another temptation for those with no patience is the omnipotence of getting what you want immediately, as those who asked for a sign.  God has his own way, not like a sorcerer's.  God is patient; when we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we sing a hymn to God’s patience.  Live in time with the music of patience, the music of our ancestors.
God’s people has suffered but has had the joy of looking forward to God’s promises.  When faced with challenges, have the patience of a mature person, the patience of God who carries us, the patience of people challenged by disease or a disabled child who go on.  They know how to read the signs of the times, unlike those who didn't recognize Jesus because they wanted a sign.
Those who suffer but don't lose the smile of faith keep the Church going. Persevere so you may be mature and complete.
  • Sunday homily:  Be honest about what's in your heart.  Always ask God for the grace to know what is happening in your heart, in order to make the right choice – for good. May the Lord help us love one another.
Jesus' gift:  On the cross, Jesus felt the presence of his mother and his friend and told them, “Here is your son” and “Here is your mother.”  These words manifest a saving mission.  Jesus left his mother to be our mother.
Christ led us to Mary; he wanted us to journey with a mother.  The Lord left us this icon of womanhood.  Mary who brought Jesus into the world with faith also accompanies us.  Blessed Isaac of Stella expressed the connection between Mary, the Church, and each of us who brings forth Christ:  In Scripture, what is said in a universal sense of the virgin mother, the Church, is understood in an individual sense of Mary. Every Christian is a bride of God’s word, a mother of Christ, virginal and fruitful.  Christ who dwelt in Mary’s womb now dwells in the Church’s faith and in the knowledge and love of each faithful soul. 
With love Mary turned a stable into a home for Jesus.  She is God's handmaid and sings his praises.  She is concerned that wine not be lacking in our lives.  She understands our pain.  She is a sign of hope for peoples suffering the birth pangs of justice.  She is the missionary who draws near to us, accompanies us, and opens our hearts to faith.  She walks at our side, shares our struggles, and surrounds us with God’s love.  She shares the history of each people and becomes a part of their identity.  She brings together her children who in pilgrimage come to see and be seen by her and find strength to bear their suffering.  She offers them maternal comfort and love.  (5.II, 285-86, p. 211-13)
Reflections
    • Creighton:  Struggles can lead us to humility and greater dependence on God.  Do I pray to have struggles resolved when and how I want, or am I open to God's time and plan? 
    • One Bread One Body:  Jesus sighed in frustration when the Pharisees sought a sign or apostles didn't understand his miracles but doesn't give up on us.
    • Passionist:  As Olympic athletes trained despite trials and persevered, so must we persevere, nurtured by daily commitment to our passion for God
    • Universalis:  The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order, hermits.  St. Fintan of Clonenagh, monk.  Bl. William Richardson, martyr.
    Music
    "Roamin' Catholic" report (for last night's Mass)

    • Music (from pianist, 1 male and 2 female vocalists):  good mix, and the assembly sang all but the two solo/choir pieces

    • Readings were well-proclaimed, though the presider didn't emphasize I in the four "it has been said... but I say to you..."
    • Presider and all Eucharistic ministers used hand sanitizer before Communion (so much so that I smelled it from my seat)
    (Other Roamin' Catholic reports)
    Apparel
    • Owl pin: Ask God for wisdom (1st reading)
    • "Vote" sign pin:  Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign (gospel)
    • DISC T-shirt:  early reminder of DISC 2014 in San Jose*
    • T-shirt and "vote" pin:  Presidents' Day-themed* 
    (*Everything doesn't have to relate exclusively to the biblical readings or liturgical celebration.:-)

     Dress your life!

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