Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary
Time
Lectionary: 335
Lectionary: 335
The man had relations with his wife Eve,
and she conceived and bore Cain, saying,
“I have produced a man with the help of the LORD.”
Next she bore his brother Abel.
Abel became a keeper of flocks, and Cain a tiller of the soil.
In the course of time Cain brought an offering to the LORD
from the fruit of the soil,
while Abel, for his part,
brought one of the best firstlings of his flock.
The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,
but on Cain and his offering he did not.
Cain greatly resented this and was crestfallen.
So the LORD said to Cain:
“Why are you so resentful and crestfallen.
If you do well, you can hold up your head;
but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door:
his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master.”
Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out in the field.”
When they were in the field,
Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Then the LORD asked Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”
He answered, “I do not know.
Am I my brother’s keeper?”
The LORD then said: “What have you done!
Listen: your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil!
Therefore you shall be banned from the soil
that opened its mouth to receive
your brother’s blood from your hand.
If you till the soil, it shall no longer give you its produce.
You shall become a restless wanderer on the earth.”
Cain said to the LORD: “My punishment is too great to bear.
Since you have now banished me from the soil,
and I must avoid your presence
and become a restless wanderer on the earth,
anyone may kill me at sight.”
“Not so!” the LORD said to him.
“If anyone kills Cain, Cain shall be avenged sevenfold.”
So the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest anyone should kill him at sight.
Adam again had relations with his wife,
and she gave birth to a son whom she called Seth.
“God has granted me more offspring in place of Abel,” she said,
“because Cain slew him.”
and she conceived and bore Cain, saying,
“I have produced a man with the help of the LORD.”
Next she bore his brother Abel.
Abel became a keeper of flocks, and Cain a tiller of the soil.
In the course of time Cain brought an offering to the LORD
from the fruit of the soil,
while Abel, for his part,
brought one of the best firstlings of his flock.
The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,
but on Cain and his offering he did not.
Cain greatly resented this and was crestfallen.
So the LORD said to Cain:
“Why are you so resentful and crestfallen.
If you do well, you can hold up your head;
but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door:
his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master.”
Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out in the field.”
When they were in the field,
Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Then the LORD asked Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”
He answered, “I do not know.
Am I my brother’s keeper?”
The LORD then said: “What have you done!
Listen: your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil!
Therefore you shall be banned from the soil
that opened its mouth to receive
your brother’s blood from your hand.
If you till the soil, it shall no longer give you its produce.
You shall become a restless wanderer on the earth.”
Cain said to the LORD: “My punishment is too great to bear.
Since you have now banished me from the soil,
and I must avoid your presence
and become a restless wanderer on the earth,
anyone may kill me at sight.”
“Not so!” the LORD said to him.
“If anyone kills Cain, Cain shall be avenged sevenfold.”
So the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest anyone should kill him at sight.
Adam again had relations with his wife,
and she gave birth to a son whom she called Seth.
“God has granted me more offspring in place of Abel,” she said,
“because Cain slew him.”
Responsorial
Psalm PS 50:1 AND 8, 16BC-17,
20-21
R. (14a) Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
God the LORD has spoken and summoned the earth,
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.”
R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
“Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?”
R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
“You sit speaking against your brother;
against your mother’s son you spread rumors.
When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.”
R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
God the LORD has spoken and summoned the earth,
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.”
R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
“Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?”
R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
“You sit speaking against your brother;
against your mother’s son you spread rumors.
When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.”
R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
AlleluiaJN 14:6
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMK 8:11-13
The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus,
seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
“Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
Then he left them, got into the boat again,
and went off to the other shore.
seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
“Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
Then he left them, got into the boat again,
and went off to the other shore.
Meditation:
"No sign shall be given to this generation"
Are
you good at reading signs? Signs tell us what is coming ahead. The people of
Jesus' time expected that the coming of the Messiah would be accompanied by
extraordinary signs and wonders. The religious leaders tested Jesus to see if
he had a genuine sign from heaven to back his claim to be the Messiah. False
messiahs in the past had made extraordinary claims to attract their followers,
such as claiming that they could cleave the Jordan River in two or cause the
walls of Jerusalem to fall.
What
makes us blind-sighted to God's presence and power in our lives?
Jesus knew the hearts of those who came to test him. They were more interested in seeking signs to prove that they were right and Jesus was wrong. Jesus revealed the true intention of their heart - they came to argue with him and to test him (Mark 8:11) because they did not believe that he spoke in the name of his Father in heaven. They wanted to discredit his claim to be the true Messiah and Savior. They unfortunately were blind-sighted to the truth of Jesus' message that the Father had sent him, the only begotten Son, to set them free from sin, Satan, and death. No miracle of Jesus would convince them because their hearts were full of self-seeking pride and glory for themselves.
Jesus knew the hearts of those who came to test him. They were more interested in seeking signs to prove that they were right and Jesus was wrong. Jesus revealed the true intention of their heart - they came to argue with him and to test him (Mark 8:11) because they did not believe that he spoke in the name of his Father in heaven. They wanted to discredit his claim to be the true Messiah and Savior. They unfortunately were blind-sighted to the truth of Jesus' message that the Father had sent him, the only begotten Son, to set them free from sin, Satan, and death. No miracle of Jesus would convince them because their hearts were full of self-seeking pride and glory for themselves.
Simeon
had prophesied at Jesus' birth that he was "destined for the
falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so
that inner thoughts of many will be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35).
Jesus gave the Pharisees no sign except himself and the ultimate proof of his
divinity when he overcame death and rose victorious from the tomb on the third
day.We also need no further proof than the witness of Jesus who fulfilled what
Moses and the prophets had foretold would take place when the Messiah came to
redeem his people.
Jesus
is the only begotten Son of God who came from the Father in heaven to set us
free from the power of sin, Satan, and death. His death on the cross atones for
all of our sins and opens for us the floodgates of God's merciful love and
healing forgiveness. He alone can set us free from guilt, condemnation, pride,
and fear. He alone can give us abundant life, peace, and joy through the gift of
the Holy Spirit.
Jesus
gives us "listening ears" and "eyes of faith" to recognize
his presence in our lives
The Lord reveals himself and makes his presence known to us in many ways - in his "word" (the good news he came to give us) and in the "breaking of the bread" in the Eucharist (he is theBread of Life), in his church - the Body of Christ, and in his creation (he is the Word who created all things). And even in the daily circumstances of our lives the Lord Jesus continues to speak to us and guide us. If we seek the Lord Jesus, we will surely find him. And we can be confident that he will give us whatever we need to carry out his will for our lives. Most of all the Lord Jesus assures us of his daily presence with us and the promise that he will never leave us. Theresa of Avila's prayer book contained a bookmark which she wrote: Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you; All things pass: God never changes. Patience achieves all it strives for. Whoever has God lacks nothing, God alone suffices. Is God enough for you?
The Lord reveals himself and makes his presence known to us in many ways - in his "word" (the good news he came to give us) and in the "breaking of the bread" in the Eucharist (he is theBread of Life), in his church - the Body of Christ, and in his creation (he is the Word who created all things). And even in the daily circumstances of our lives the Lord Jesus continues to speak to us and guide us. If we seek the Lord Jesus, we will surely find him. And we can be confident that he will give us whatever we need to carry out his will for our lives. Most of all the Lord Jesus assures us of his daily presence with us and the promise that he will never leave us. Theresa of Avila's prayer book contained a bookmark which she wrote: Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you; All things pass: God never changes. Patience achieves all it strives for. Whoever has God lacks nothing, God alone suffices. Is God enough for you?
"Lord
Jesus, may I always recognize your saving presence in my life and never forget
your promises when I encounter trials and difficulties. Give me a faith that
never wavers, a hope that never fades, and a love that never grows cold."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: Why does this generation seek a sign,
by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)
"But
for what sign from heaven were they asking? Maybe that he should hold back the
sun, or curb the moon, or bring down thunderbolts, or change the direction of
the wind, or something like that?... In Pharaoh's time there was an enemy from
whom deliverance was needed (Exodus 3-15). But for one who comes among friends,
there should be no need of such signs." (excerpt from GOSPEL
OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 53.3)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, MARK 8:11-13
Weekday
(Genesis 4:1-15, 25; Psalm 50)
Weekday
(Genesis 4:1-15, 25; Psalm 50)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation" (v 12).
TO KNOW: After miraculously feeding 4,000 people in the Gentile territory, Jesus went to Dalmanutha (Mk 8:10, place unknown). Some Pharisees demanded Jesus to display some mighty work of God as a sign that God's reign had arrived. They refused to accept the miracles that Jesus had accomplished, missing the significance of these works as a manifestation of God's presence. Similarly, during the Exodus, when Israel was in the wilderness, God told Moses that the people refused to believe or heed his voice "despite all the signs" that were performed in their midst (Nm 14:11, 22). Jesus left this faithless place, without satisfying their desire for any “sign from heaven.” Because of their blind lack of faith, they did not recognize Jesus as the “heavenly sign.”
TO LOVE: Do I identify with Jesus’ frustration with unbelieving people in my own day?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, open my eyes your healing presence in my life.
PRESIDENTS' DAY, USA
George Washington's Birthday was originally implemented by the federal government in 1880 in the District of Columbia. The holiday was celebrated on Washington's actual birthday, February 22. Abraham Lincoln, another revered president, was born on the 12th of February. The first formal observance of his birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address. While Lincoln's Birthday did not become a federal holiday like George Washington's, it did become a legal holiday in several states. In 1968, legislation shifted the observance of Washington's Birthday to the third Monday in February. After the act took effect in 1971, Presidents’ Day became the commonly accepted date as a celebration of the birthdays of all U.S. presidents.
Monday 18 February 2019
Genesis 4:1-15, 25. Psalm 49(50):1-8, 16-17, 20-21. Mark
8:11-13.
Offer to God a sacrifice of praise – Psalm 49(50):1-8, 16-17,
20-21.
‘The Pharisees asked him for a sign from heaven.’
Where were they when Jesus fed the huge crowd in the desert?
Crowds had followed Jesus wherever he went. They were hungry for his word and
he nourished them.
But the
Pharisees wanted Jesus to put on a show – to do something spectacular. The good
works he had done, the healing, the embracing and welcoming of everyone who
came to him with an open heart and mind – none of this touched or moved the
Pharisees. Imagine how Jesus must have felt. In his profound sigh you can sense
his disappointment. May I be open to your word Jesus, to your call to love and
care for those in my life and for those in most need in our world.
Blessed John of Fiesole
Saint of the Day for February 18
(1387 – February 18, 1455)
Blessed John of Fiesole’s Story
The patron of Christian artists was born around 1400 in a
village overlooking Florence. He took up painting as a young boy and studied
under the watchful eye of a local painting master. He joined the Dominicans at
about age 20, taking the name Fra Giovanni. He eventually came to be known as
Fra Angelico, perhaps a tribute to his own angelic qualities or maybe the
devotional tone of his works.
He continued to study painting and perfect his own techniques,
which included broad-brush strokes, vivid colors and generous, lifelike
figures. Michelangelo once said of Fra Angelico: “One has to believe that this
good monk has visited paradise and been allowed to choose his models there.”
Whatever his subject matter, Fra Angelico sought to generate feelings of
religious devotion in response to his paintings. Among his most famous works
are the Annunciation and Descent from the Cross as well as frescoes in the
monastery of San Marco in Florence.
He also served in leadership positions within the Dominican
Order. At one point, Pope Eugenius approached him about serving as archbishop
of Florence. Fra Angelico declined, preferring a simpler life. He died in 1455.
Reflection
The work of artists adds a wonderful dimension to life. Without
art our lives would be much depleted. Let us pray for artists today, especially
those who can lift our hearts and minds to God.
Blessed John of Fiesole is the Patron Saint of:
Christian Artists
LECTIO DIVINA: MARK 8:11-13
Lectio Divina:
Monday, February 18, 2019
1) OPENING PRAYER
Lord God,
forgive us that in our weak faith
we ask sometimes for signs and wonders.
We know that You are our Father,
but it is not always easy for us
to recognize Your loving presence.
Give us eyes of faith to see the sign
that You are with us in Jesus and His message.
We say so reluctantly, for it is painful.
Purify our trust in You and in Jesus
that we may become more mature Christians,
who love You through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2) GOSPEL READING - MARK 8:11-13
The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus,
seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of
his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to
you, no sign will be given to this generation." Then he left them, got
into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.
3) REFLECTION
Mark 8: 11-13: The Pharisees ask for a sign from Heaven. Today’s
Gospel narrates a discussion of the Pharisees with Jesus. Jesus also, as it
happened with Moses in the Old Testament, had fed hungry people in the desert,
by multiplying the bread (Mk 8: 1-10). This is a sign that He presented himself
before the people as a new Moses. But the Pharisees were not capable of
perceiving the meaning of the multiplication of the loaves. They continued to
discuss with Jesus and ask for a sign from Heaven . They had understood
nothing of all that Jesus had done. Jesus sighed profoundly, probably feeling
disgust and sadness before so much blindness. He concludes by saying, “No sign
will be given to this generation.” He left them and went toward the other side
of the lake. It is useless to show a beautiful picture to one who does not want
to open his eyes. People who close their eyes cannot see!
The danger of dominating ideology. Here we can clearly perceive
how the yeast of Herod and the Pharisees (Mk 8: 15), the dominating ideology of
the time, made people lose their capacity to analyze events objectively. This
yeast came from afar and had sunk profound roots in the life of the people. It
went so far as to contaminate the disciples’ mentality and manifested itself in
many ways. With the formation which Jesus gave them, He tried to uproot this
yeast.
The following are some examples of this fraternal help which
Jesus gave to His disciples:
a) The mentality of a closed group. On a certain day a person
not belonging to the community used the name of Jesus to drive out devils. John
saw this and forbade it: “We tried to stop him because he was not one of ours”
(Mk 9: 38). John thought he had the monopoly on Jesus and wanted to prevent
others from using the name of Jesus to do good. John wanted a community closed
in upon itself. It was the yeast of the Elected People, the separated People!
Jesus responds, “Do not stop him! Anyone who is not against us is for us!” (Mk
9: 39-40).
b) The mentality of a group which considers itself superior to
others. At times, the Samaritans did not want to offer hospitality to Jesus.
The reaction of some of the disciples was immediate: “May fire descend from
heaven and burn them up!” (Lk 9:54). They thought that because they were with
Jesus, everyone had to welcome Him, to accept Him. They thought they had God on
their side to defend Him. It was the yeast of the Chosen People, the Privileged
People! Jesus reproaches them: “Jesus turned and rebuked them” (Lk 9: 55).
c) The mentality of competition and prestige. The disciples
discussed among themselves about the first place (Mk 9: 33-34). It was the
yeast of class and of competitiveness, which characterized the official
religion and the society of the Roman Empire. It was already getting into the
small community around Jesus. Jesus reacts and orders them to have a contrary
mentality: “If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last” (Mk 9: 35).
d) The mentality of those who marginalize the little ones. The
disciples scolded little children. It was the yeast of the mentality of that
time, according to which children did not count and should be disciplined by
adults. Jesus rebukes the disciples: “Let the little children come to me!”(Mk
10:14). The children become the teachers of the adults: Anyone who does not
welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it . (Lk
18:17).
As it happened in the time of Jesus, today also the
dominating ideology arises once again and appears even in the life of the
community and of the family. The prayerful reading of the Gospel, done in
community, can help to change our view of things and to deepen in us conversion
and the fidelity which Jesus asks from us.
4) FOR PERSONAL CONFRONTATION
Faced with the alternative either to have faith in Jesus or to
ask for a sign from heaven, the Pharisees want a sign from heaven. They were
not able to believe in Jesus. The same thing happens to me. What have I chosen?
The yeast of the Pharisees prevented the disciples from
perceiving the presence of the Kingdom in Jesus. Has some residue of this yeast
of the Pharisees remained in me?
5) CONCLUDING PRAYER
Lord, You are generous and act generously;
teach me Your will. (Ps 119:68)
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