January 27, 2018

Jan. 27

January 27, 2018:  Saturday, 3rd week, Ordinary Time
  • 'Ewe lamb' tie bar:  poor man's ewe; "that man is 'you'" (1st reading, 2 Sm 12:7)
  • 'Girl with heart' pin:  "Create a clean heart in me" (psalm)
  • 'Blood drop' pin:  Free me from blood guilt... (psalm)
  • 'Musical note' tie pin:  "Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise." (psalm)
  • 'Boats' tie:  Disciples took Jesus in the boat, and other boats were with him (gospel)
  • Green in shirt:  Ordinary Time season

Your work deserves the gratitude of every citizen because it takes place in the most diverse situations and helps everyone affected.  Your presence alongside immigrants is a prophetic sign, so necessary for our world.  Words from your statues:
Humanity is the call to show compassion to children, the elderly, people not recognized as unique and unrepeatable that remain hidden in the shadow of indifference.
Impartiality:  The Good Samaritan acted impartially, helping the man, not questioning him first.
Neutrality:  You don't take sides with any of the parties in conflicts or disputes.  This contrasts with today’s trend to make distinctions between those who deserve attention and relief and those deemed unworthy.
You're “an international network necessary to coordinate relief efforts and ensure mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation, and lasting peace."  Those who look at others through the lens of friendship, not competition or conflict, build a more just and human world.
Read

    Ewe lambs
  • 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17  Nathan / David:  “A rich man took a poor man's ewe to cook for his guest.” / “He deserves to die.” / “You are the man!  God says the sword shall never depart from you because you took Uriah's wife.” / “I have sinned.” / “The Lord has forgiven you, but the child must die.”  The child became desperately ill, and David begged God for him.
  • Ps 51:12-17  "Create a clean heart in me, O God."  Give me back the joy of your salvation.  Open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
  • Mk 4:35-41  A squall filled a boat with water.  "We're perishing!"  Jesus rebuked the wind, asked, “Why are you terrified?  Where's your faith?”  They wondered, “Who is he whom even wind and sea obey?”  
Named after 1st reading
Reflect
  • Creighton:  Jesus asked his disciples, “Why are you terrified? Don't you have faith yet?”  Certainly this is a dramatic scene and fear in the midst of a storm at sea is understandable.  When I put off an unpleasant chore or difficult conversation, it's usually rooted in some fear.  If I identify the fear, it takes negative energy out of the situation and reminds me to trust that no matter what happens, God is with me.  Notice which of your habits and actions are rooted in fear, then have faith that God will be with us no matter what.
    Storm on the Sea of Galilee/ Rembrandt
  • Passionist:  Jesus' disciples were awash in fear; he quieted the sea and calmed their fear, but then they seemed more afraid of what he did!  When we're overwhelmed, may we let the Lord of Peace calm us and help us let go of control, recognize our limits, give up our efforts to build walls, open us to new understanding, sit quietly with questions God alone can answer, watch as Jesus calms the sea, and marvel at the peace only God can give.
  • DailyScripture.net:  ""Why are you afraid?"  Jesus' sleeping presence on the sea reveals his disciples' sleeping faith; they were afraid even though their Lord was with them.  The Lord is ever present to us, still asking why we're afraid.  Faith enables us to relate to God with trust and reliance, believing and keeping his word.  If we want to live, grow, and persevere in faith, then it must be nourished with the word of God.  Courage working with faith enables us embrace God's word with confidence and act on it with hope.  The Holy Spirit strengthens our faith and trust and enables us to act with justice and kindness even in the face of opposition.
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