Thursday
of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1, Second
Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29
18 King David then went in, sat
down in Yahweh's presence and said: 'Who am I, Lord Yahweh,
and what is my lineage, for you to have led me as far as this?
19 Yet, to you, Lord Yahweh,
this seemed too little, and now you extend your promises for your servant's familyinto the
distant future. Such is human destiny, Lord Yahweh.
24 for you constituted your
people Israel your own people for ever and you, Yahweh, became their God.
25 'Now, Yahweh God,
may the promise which you have made for your servant and for his family stand
firm forever as you have said,
26 so that your name will be
exalted for ever and people will say,
"Israel's God is Yahweh Sabaoth."
Your servant David's dynasty will be
secure before you,
27 since you, Yahweh Sabaoth,
the God of
Israel, have disclosed to your servant, "I am going to build you a
dynasty." Hence, your servant has ventured to offer this prayer to you.
28 Yes, Lord Yahweh,
you are God indeed,
your words are true and you have made this generous promise to your servant.
29 What is more, you have
deigned to bless your servant's dynasty, so that it may remain for ever before
you; for you, Lord Yahweh,
have spoken; and may your servant's dynasty be blessed with your blessing for
ever.'
Responsorial
Psalm, Psalms 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14
1 [Song of Ascents] Yahweh,
remember David and all the hardships he endured,
2 the oath he swore to Yahweh,
his vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
4 will not allow myself to
sleep, not even to close my eyes,
5 till I have found a place
for Yahweh, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob!'
11 Yahweh has sworn to David,
and will always
remain true to his word, 'I promise that I will set
a son of yours upon your throne.
12 If your sons observe my
covenant and the instructions I have taught them, their sons too for evermore willoccupy
your throne.'
13 For Yahweh has
chosen Zion, he has desired it as a home.
14 'Here shall I rest for
evermore, here shall I make my home as I have wished.
Gospel, Mark
4:21-25
21 He also said to them, 'Is a
lamp brought in to be put under a tub or under the bed? Surely to be put on the
lamp-stand?
22 For there is nothing hidden,
but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except
to be brought to light.
23 Anyone who has ears for
listening should listen!'
24 He also said to them, 'Take
notice of what you are hearing. The standard you use will be
used for you -- and you will receive
more besides;
Meditation: "The measure you give"
What does the image of light and a lamp tell us about God's
kingdom? Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do
today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling.
The Jews also understood "light" as an expression of the inner
beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light (
Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm
119:105). God's grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also
fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp
to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love.
Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually,
so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and
enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom. In fact, our mission
is to be light-bearers of Christso that others may see the truth of
the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.
Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can
try to hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to
shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits, even
when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide them from
others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known to God who sees
all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in God's light and who
seek his truth. Those who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more
from him; they will not lack what they need to live as Christ's disciples, and
they will shine as lights to those who hunger for God's truth and wisdom. Do
you know the joy and freedom of living in God's light?
"Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving
truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the
blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand
your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and
deed."
 Let Christ’s Light Shine |
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Thursday of the
Third Week in Ordinary Time
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Mark 4:21-25
He said to them, "Is a lamp brought in
to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a
lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is
secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to
hear." He also told them, "Take care what you hear. The measure
with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be
given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has
not, even what he has will be taken away."
Introductory Prayer:Lord, thank you for reminding me today of my
dignity as a Christian. By your grace in baptism and by your teaching in the
gospels and in the Church, you have put light in my soul. Lord, you are my
light.
Petition:Christ, help me to be a sincere witness of your light.
1. Transparency in Our Lives: God sees us. This is a simple truth—an
extremely powerful truth. God looks at us with love. We cannot hide from God.
We cannot hide from ourselves. We cannot even hide from others. We need to
live in the presence of God. God lets light shine on our lives so that we can
see the truth about ourselves, and so that we need not be ashamed that others
see the truth about who we are. True happiness is preserved and increased by
the tenacious living of sincerity.
2. Light for the World: Our life is not just for ourselves. We are called to be a gift for others, a gift that leads them to God. This is the greatest thing about our life: We are called to give life. We are called to participate in the fruitfulness of God. We give life by enlightening others. We help other people come to the light by trying sincerely to go clearly towards the light and by not fearing to show people the truth. The light shed by our lives produces a real effect in souls. Vatican II reminds us that modern man needs reasons for hope. A Christian carries hope. Will I keep it hidden; perhaps even kill it by being afraid to share it? Or will I let the world receive hope? Will I let the world see that we all can be much greater than we think because our Father is greater than we think?
3. Standing up for the Light of Truth
to Be Lived: Moral
relativism seems to be the norm for our times. Many people think that they
can decide what principles they will live by, instead of seeking to form
their consciences by principles in accordance with God’s loving design for
the human person. Am I content merely to follow what I know to be right, or
do I also look to enlighten the consciences of others, prudently and
charitably? Have I ever given the impression of condoning actions that are
wrong? Do I take an interest in promoting the value of life in all of its
stages? Am I courageous in nobly defending others when people criticize them
behind their backs?
Conversation with Christ:Lord, thank you for this calling. You have
given light to my soul so that I can be a light for others. Lord, help me to
have confidence in the power of your light: the power of your truth and
grace. Let me be brave enough to allow this light to penetrate my soul even
more today. Let me be brave enough to not hide from your light; let me be
brave enough to give it to others.
Resolution:I will enlighten my conscience better
about a point of our faith or morals by looking it up in the Catechism of the
Catholic Church (It can be found on-line at http://www.vatican.vaif needed).
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HURSDAY, JANUARY 30,
MARK 4:21-25
(2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29; Psalm 132)
(2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29; Psalm 132)
KEY VERSE: "Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear" (v 23).
READING: Jesus regularly taught by means of parables, but many people were unresponsive to his message. He cited the prophet Isaiah (Is 6: 9) to show that the reason they did not get the point of his teachings was that their eyes, ears and hearts were closed to his revelation (v 12). Jesus admonished his disciples to listen carefully. God had blessed them abundantly through his teaching; therefore, much would be expected of them. Since they had been given the light of faith, they had the obligation to share their belief with others. Their faith must not be hidden, but must shine brightly like a lamp illuminating the whole household. Anyone who rejected the light of truth would continue to live in darkness.
REFLECTING: How have I been a source of light to others today?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, I pray that your light will shine through me in all that I do.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
Spiritual Battlefield
The first mistake most Christians make is forgetting that they are
embroiled in a war for souls. Your life is taking place on a battlefield. The
enemy is real, and the sooner we realize that and proactively do something
about it, the better off we and our families will be.
God will give him the throne of David, his father
‘The amount you measure out will be the amount you will be given,
and more besides.’In 1609, Mary Ward formed a community of sisters to educate young women, assist persecuted and imprisoned Catholics and evangelise in areas priests were unable to go. This charism was different to the norm of religious life for women at that time, who were usually enclosed. Mary worked to empower women, to use their gifts as God called them to do. She worked to educate the poor, nurse the sick and visit the imprisoned. Eventually she was named a heretic and imprisoned by church officials, her work destroyed and her sisters scattered. Through word and example, Mary exhorted her followers to act ‘without fear ... in quiet confidence that God will do his will in the confusion.’ Her faith in God was nourished through contemplative prayer.
January
30
Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska
(1825-1899)
Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska
(1825-1899)
Today we honor a woman who submitted to God's will throughout her
life—a life filled with pain and suffering.
Born in
1825 in central Poland and baptized Sophia, she contracted tuberculosis as a
young girl. The forced period of convalescence gave her ample time for
reflection. Sophia felt called to serve God by working with the poor, including
street children and the elderly homeless in Warsaw's slums. In time, her cousin
joined her in the work.
In 1855,
the two women made private vows and consecrated themselves to the Blessed
Mother. New followers joined them. Within two years they formed a new
congregation, which came to be known as the Felician Sisters. As their numbers
grew, so did their work, and so did the pressures on Mother Angela (the new
name Sophia took in religious life).
Mother
Angela served as superior for many years until ill health forced her to resign
at the age of 44. She watched the order grow and expand, including missions to
the United States among the sons and daughters of Polish immigrants.
Pope John
Paul II beatified her in 1993.
LECTIO DIVINA:
MARK 4,21-25
Lectio:
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
All-powerful and ever-living God,
direct your love that is within us,
that our efforts in the name of your Son
may bring mankind to unity and peace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
All-powerful and ever-living God,
direct your love that is within us,
that our efforts in the name of your Son
may bring mankind to unity and peace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Mark 4,21-25
He also said to them, 'Is a lamp brought in to be put under a tub or under the bed? Surely to be put on the lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden, but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. Anyone who has ears for listening should listen!'
He also said to them, 'Take notice of what you are hearing. The standard you use will be used for you -- and you will receive more besides; anyone who has, will be given more; anyone who has not, will be deprived even of what he has.'
He also said to them, 'Is a lamp brought in to be put under a tub or under the bed? Surely to be put on the lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden, but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. Anyone who has ears for listening should listen!'
He also said to them, 'Take notice of what you are hearing. The standard you use will be used for you -- and you will receive more besides; anyone who has, will be given more; anyone who has not, will be deprived even of what he has.'
3) Reflection
• The lamp which gives light. At that time, there was no electric light. Imagine all that follows. The family is at home. It begins to get dark. The father lifts up the small lamp, he lights it and places under the tub or under the bed. What will the others say? They will began to scream: “Father, place it on the table!” This is the story that Jesus tells. He does not explain. He only says: Anyone who has ears to listen, should listen! The Word of God is the lamp which should be lit in the darkness of the night. If it remains closed up in the closed Book of the Bible, it is like a small lamp under the tub. When it is united to the life in community, there it is placed on the table and it gives light!
• Be attentive to preconceptions. Jesus asks the disciples to become aware of the preconceptions with which they listen to the teaching which he offers. We should be attentive to the ideas which we have when we look at Jesus! If the colour of the eyes is green, everything seems to be green. If they are blue, everything will be blue! If the idea with which we look at Jesus were mistaken, everything which I think about Jesus will be threatened of being an error. If I think that the Messiah has to be a glorious King, I will understand nothing of what the Lord teaches and I will see that everything is mistaken.
• Parable: a new way of teaching and of speaking of Jesus. Jesus used parables, above all, to teach: this was his way. He had an enormous capacity to find very simple images to compare the things of God with the things of the life which people knew and experienced in the daily struggle to survive. This presupposes two things: to be inside, involved in the things of life, and to be inside, involved in the things of the Kingdom of God.
• The teaching of Jesus was diverse from the teaching of the Scribes. It was a Good News for the poor, because Jesus revealed a new face of God, in which people could recognize themselves and rejoice. “I bless you, Father, Lord of Heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to little children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do!” (Mt 11, 25-28).
• The lamp which gives light. At that time, there was no electric light. Imagine all that follows. The family is at home. It begins to get dark. The father lifts up the small lamp, he lights it and places under the tub or under the bed. What will the others say? They will began to scream: “Father, place it on the table!” This is the story that Jesus tells. He does not explain. He only says: Anyone who has ears to listen, should listen! The Word of God is the lamp which should be lit in the darkness of the night. If it remains closed up in the closed Book of the Bible, it is like a small lamp under the tub. When it is united to the life in community, there it is placed on the table and it gives light!
• Be attentive to preconceptions. Jesus asks the disciples to become aware of the preconceptions with which they listen to the teaching which he offers. We should be attentive to the ideas which we have when we look at Jesus! If the colour of the eyes is green, everything seems to be green. If they are blue, everything will be blue! If the idea with which we look at Jesus were mistaken, everything which I think about Jesus will be threatened of being an error. If I think that the Messiah has to be a glorious King, I will understand nothing of what the Lord teaches and I will see that everything is mistaken.
• Parable: a new way of teaching and of speaking of Jesus. Jesus used parables, above all, to teach: this was his way. He had an enormous capacity to find very simple images to compare the things of God with the things of the life which people knew and experienced in the daily struggle to survive. This presupposes two things: to be inside, involved in the things of life, and to be inside, involved in the things of the Kingdom of God.
• The teaching of Jesus was diverse from the teaching of the Scribes. It was a Good News for the poor, because Jesus revealed a new face of God, in which people could recognize themselves and rejoice. “I bless you, Father, Lord of Heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to little children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do!” (Mt 11, 25-28).
4) Personal questions
• The Word of God, a lamp which gives light. What place does the Bible have in my life? What light do I receive?
• Which is the image of Jesus that I have within me? Who is Jesus for me and who am I for Jesus?
• The Word of God, a lamp which gives light. What place does the Bible have in my life? What light do I receive?
• Which is the image of Jesus that I have within me? Who is Jesus for me and who am I for Jesus?
5) Concluding prayer
Taste and see that Yahweh is good.
How blessed are those who take refuge in him. (Ps 34,8)
Taste and see that Yahweh is good.
How blessed are those who take refuge in him. (Ps 34,8)
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