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SOCL, 6B24

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • Feb 9, 2024
  • 2 min read

ree

Sunday February 11, 2024


Moved with pity, Jesus said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!”



See


To us, leprosy or any serious skin condition is a medical and perhaps a cosmetic issue. In Jesus’ day, by contrast, such things entailed social exclusion and sufferer became literally untouchable. Hence the shock in the Gospel: he touched him. Before congratulating ourselves for not being so “primitive,” it might not be any harm to ask who are the marginalized and excluded in our own time and culture? The categories are wide: socio-economic groups, ethnicity, orientation, religion. Are there people I never encounter?



Listen



Psalm 32, I Turn To You, Lord




Reflect


(Mark 1:40-45)


-Jesus’ compassion for people’s suffering was an outstanding characteristic of his ministry. We see the healing power of God at work through him. Recall times when the compassion of others has had a healing effect on you. Remember also when your compassion towards someone in trouble brought them hope, healing or strength.


-“If you choose, you can make me clean”. Our choice is a key factor in how we affect others. We cannot choose to have no impact on the people in our lives. Even a choice to do nothing has an effect. When have you been particularly aware of the importance of your choice to be a positive influence on another?


-The leper was not just cured from a physical disease, he was also readmitted to contact with the community. Perhaps you recall people who were once ostracised being brought back into family or community. Who was the Jesus person who helped this healing to take place?


-The joy of the leper on being healed was such that he could not keep the good news to himself. Bring to mind occasions when you were so filled with good news that you could not keep it to yourself.



Pray


We come before you, O God, confident in Christ’s victory over sickness and death. Heal us again from sin, which divides us, and from prejudice, which isolates us. Bring us to wholeness of life through the pardon you grant your people. This prayer we make through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.



Act


-Show kindness and understanding: Consider the experiences of marginalized individuals and offer support to those facing discrimination or exclusion based on factors like socio-economic status, ethnicity, orientation, or religion.

-Diversify your social circles: Engage with people from diverse backgrounds to gain insight into their experiences and build meaningful connections that foster inclusivity and understanding.

-Challenge stereotypes: Reflect on your own biases and actively work to combat discrimination by questioning assumptions, educating yourself, and promoting respect and acceptance in your interactions with others.


References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024p, February 11). Sixth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021124.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/


 
 
 

The Word today, 5B24

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • Feb 2, 2024
  • 2 min read

ree

February 05 - February 10, 2024


St Agatha, virgin and martyr


1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 The setting of the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies completes the dedication of the Temple. As often, the imagery of cloud—revealing and concealing—conveys the presence of God. Notice the lack of any graven images.


Mark 6:53-56 The Gospel of Mark is told in an urgent, breathless style. Today we hear one of those compressed summaries, capturing the popularity of Jesus among the sick.


St Paul Miki and companions, martyrs


1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 Every religion has somehow to manage or negotiate the nearness of God (immanence) and the beyond of God (transcendence). Solomon gets it right, in this moving prayer.


Mark 7:1-13 Before we plunge into a condemnation of the shallowness of the Pharisees, it is worth remembering that the rules were designed to bring an experience of God’s presence into the everyday. Of course, they could become obsessive and pointless—features not unknown in the churches’ various devotions! Jesus is sharp in his response, but not any more sharp than any of the prophets of old.


St Mel, bishop


1 Kings 10:1-10 Finally, the famous queen of Sheba visits to sample the wisdom of Solomon— which she (rightly) attributes to God.


Mark 7:14-23 This Gospel reflects an important moment for early Christianity. Although tied to a historical context, the principles are timeless. It is what is on the inside which counts.


St Jerome Emilian or St Josephine Bakhita


1 Kings 11:4-13 Under the guise of a prophetic judgment, the reading offers a broader “reading” of Israelite history: idolatry has disastrous consequences.


Mark 7:24-30 This story has always appealed — perhaps even more today. Jesus learns — at the hands of a woman!



1 Kings 11:29-32,12:19 This rather mysterious reading illustrates something familiar: frequently the prophets demonstrate their teaching with an action or a gesture, as in this reading.


Mark 7:31-37 A phrase from this Gospel has found its way into our baptismal ceremony. The priest touches the ears and mouth of the baby and says “ephphatha”. Today we get the context. We too can pray that our ears may be opened to the Gospel and that our mouths may be opened to proclaim it.


St Scholastica, virgin


1 Kings 12:26-32,13:33-34 This story should sound familiar: it is a another version of the golden calf. The setting up of another sanctuary splits the people of Israel.


Mark 8:1-10 To hear this familiar story in a fresh way, it may help to notice that it is Jesus who identifies the needs of his followers. Sometimes, we fail to notice our own deeper needs — to be met in Christ.


References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024n, February 4). Fifth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020424.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/


 
 
 

SOCL, 5B24

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • Feb 2, 2024
  • 2 min read

ree

Sunday February 04, 2024


Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also



See


Which of us is not in need of some kind of healing? The healing touch of Jesus reaches out to all in need: the physically ill, the mentally disturbed, the addicts, the bereaved, the lonely, the distraught, the stressed, the sinners. He desires our well-being, that we might be fully alive and experience life in abundance.



Listen



Psalm 147, Praise the Lord, Who Heals the Brokenhearted




Reflect


(Mark 1:29-39)


-The first story (vv. 29-31) is one of healing. You might reflect on times when you were sick in body, mind or spirit and someone was a ‘Jesus person’ to you, someone who ‘took you by the hand and lifted you up’. Remember them with gratitude. Have there been times also when you did this for others?


-The second story (vv. 32-34) adds another dimension. People are freed from demons. Have you had the experience of being freed from demons that imprisoned you: fear, anxiety, guilt, low self-esteem, addictions, bitterness, etc.? What was it like for you to get that freedom? Who were the ‘Jesus people’ who helped to free you?


-The third story (vv. 35-39) has a number of different elements we can consider: a) Jesus goes off to a desert place to pray. After a hectic day he felt the need for quiet to ground himself once more. In the busyness of life how do you keep in touch with what is going on inside yourself ? How do you keep in touch with God? Where do you find your ‘deserted place’? What difference does it make for you when you do succeed in taking time out? b) Jesus shows himself as a person seeking to break new ground. The disciples want him to continue ministry where he is. He wants to move on. What has been your experience of breaking new ground, moving beyond your comfort zone, or trying something you had not tried before? When has this had a lifegiving effect for you?



Pray


Out of your power and compassion, O God, you sent your Son into our afflicted world to proclaim the day of salvation. Heal the broken-hearted; bind up our wounds, bring us health of body and spirit and raise to us to new life in your service. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen



Act


-Cultivate Compassion: Make a habit of showing compassion and empathy to those facing challenges, such as the physically ill, mentally disturbed, bereaved, or stressed. A listening ear can be a powerful form of healing.

-Prioritize Mental Well-being: Acknowledge the importance of mental and emotional health. Incorporate practices like mindfulness and meditation to manage stress, encourage open conversations about mental health, and support those facing challenges.

-Practice Selfless Service: Actively seek opportunities to help others in need through volunteering or offering assistance to those who are lonely or distraught. Acts of kindness not only benefit others but also contribute to your own sense of purpose and fulfillment.


References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024n, February 4). Fifth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020424.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/


 
 
 
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