February 21

February 21, 2014:  Friday, 6th week, Ordinary Time

Readings

• Jas 2:14-24, 26  What good is it if you say you have faith but don't have works?  Faith without works is dead.

• Ps 112:1-6  "Blessed the man who greatly delights in the Lord’s commands."

• Mk 8:34-9:1  “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.  Whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel's will save it.  What profit is there for you to gain the world and forfeit your life?”

Pope Francis

• Homily:  Faith without fruit in works is not faith; commandments, prophecies, and truths of faith not put into practice/work are useless.  Faith and witness are inseparable; faith is an encounter with God, and it brings you to witness.  A faith without works—that doesn't involve one’s whole self and lead to witness—is just words, not faith.

Reflections

• Creighton:  Faith fuels good works.  Good works are the manifestation of our belief in and love for God.  Loving others is the way to love God and to live faith.  Our mission should involve doing good for those who need it most.  Go forth in love and sacrifice.

• Passionist:  We can witness faith spelled out in works, including James's own martyrdom.  Faith becomes evident in works, and works can be indicative of faith.  Salvation comes by the way I live.

• Universalis:  St. Peter Damian, teacher, hermit, reformer, cardinal.  St. Robert Southwell, Jesuit priest, poet, martyr at 33.  Read his poems here. 

• Sacred Space

Music

• If you belong to me/ Hurd (gospel)

Apparel

• Crucifix:  deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me (gospel)

• Music tie:  Huffington Ecumenical Institute with sessions on liturgical music composition, performance, and evaluation

• Green shirt and suspenders:  Ordinary Time (season)

Dress your life!

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