Readings for Friday January 29, 2010
First Reading: 2 Samuel 11:1-4, 5-10, 13-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51
Gospel: Mark 4:26-34
At the turn of the year, when kings go out on campaign, David sent out Joab along with his officers and the army of Israel, and they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. David, however, remained in Jerusalem. One evening David rose from his siesta and strolled about on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing, who was very beautiful. David had inquiries made about the woman and was told, “She is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam, and wife of Joab’s armor bearer Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers and took her. When she came to him, he had relations with her. She then returned to her house. But the woman had conceived, and sent the information to David, “I am with child." (2 Sam 1-5)
In today's first reading, we read about David's sin. Now, we all know that David was a man after God's own heart, and that David was certainly a great king and a great man of faith, but even he was not without fault. David's sin against God involving Bathsheba and Uriah is certainly something that makes us cringe at the mere reading of, but as we look at this situation, let us ask how did David even get himself into this situation? The obvious answer is that he gave in to lust, but David's problem actually begins even before he sees Bathsheba. David's first problem is straying away from his routine. At the beginning of chapter 11 of 2 Samuel, we read, "at the turn of the year, when kings go out on campaign ... David, however, remained in Jerusalem." So David first mistake was to stray from his normal course of action and from his typical responsibilities. If David would have been out doing his normal duties, then he would have never even been in the situation to give in to his lust in the first place.
We too have a tendency to sin whenever we stray from our typical routine or normal responsibilities. It is when we are in unfamiliar territory that we often get the most distracted and the most likely to stray away from God. We each have a typical routine in our day, especially in regards to our faith (prayer, scripture, mass, etc); and we each have responsibilities as men and women of God. As soon as we move away from these things then we are more open to the temptation and pressure to give in to something else, just as David was. Perhaps it is going to a place you wouldn't normally go, watching a movie that you wouldn't normally watch, visiting a website that you wouldn't normally visit, etc. It is in these times when we stray that we are most likely to sin.
It is important to stay on the path that God has laid down for us. His path and His ways are perfect, and it is good for us to realize that He truly does have our best interests in mind. He is not calling us to a certain way of life or giving us rules in order to make our lives miserable, but in fact He is giving us a path in order that our lives will be full of peace and joy.
May God bless you in your day as you strive to do His will!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you so much for all that you have given and blessed us with. You are so loving and merciful, much more than we deserve, but you still choose to give us the very best of you. Lord, help us to give the best of ourselves, and to hold nothing back. Help to keep us on the path that you have chosen for us, and help us to desire nothing else. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
1.29.2010
1.28.2010
This little light of mine
Readings for Thursday January 28, 2010
Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 132
Gospel: Mark 4:21-24
Jesus said to his disciples, “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.” (Mk 4:21-23)
Most of us are familiar with the above song, "this little light of mine." While it is predominantly a children's song, I think that its message holds great meaning for both kids and adults alike. We are all called to let the light of Christ shine through us. In the gospel today, Jesus tells the parable of the lamp, and asks if would it make sense to place a lamp underneath a basket. The answer is of course not, and it is this message that we ought to hear. It is obvious that the writer of "this little light of mine" was inspired by this scripture passage. The writer realized that it makes no sense to hide the light of Christ that is in each of us, we must place it in the open and "let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"
Today we remember one of the great doctors of the Church, Thomas Aquinas. This is a man who never failed to let his love of God shine forth to all. In fact, Thomas realized the gift of his own mind and wrote many things about God that helped to illuminate people's understanding of the Lord. We could all do well to take a lesson from Saint Thomas Aquinas and to use the gifts and abilities that God has given each of us to spread the hope of Christ in this world.
Today, reflect on what ways you can spread the light of Christ into a world that has many dark spots and so desperately needs it. May God bless you as you let your light shine!
Saint Thomas Aquinas, pray for us!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we thank you for all that you give and bless us with. Lord, help increase our faith, so that we can go and spread the faith in this world. Lord, we pray that we always have the courage to let our lights shine in this world and to never hold back from serving you. Lord, we pray for all of those in need of conversion, all of those in the dark. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 132
Gospel: Mark 4:21-24
Jesus said to his disciples, “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.” (Mk 4:21-23)
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.
Most of us are familiar with the above song, "this little light of mine." While it is predominantly a children's song, I think that its message holds great meaning for both kids and adults alike. We are all called to let the light of Christ shine through us. In the gospel today, Jesus tells the parable of the lamp, and asks if would it make sense to place a lamp underneath a basket. The answer is of course not, and it is this message that we ought to hear. It is obvious that the writer of "this little light of mine" was inspired by this scripture passage. The writer realized that it makes no sense to hide the light of Christ that is in each of us, we must place it in the open and "let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"
Today we remember one of the great doctors of the Church, Thomas Aquinas. This is a man who never failed to let his love of God shine forth to all. In fact, Thomas realized the gift of his own mind and wrote many things about God that helped to illuminate people's understanding of the Lord. We could all do well to take a lesson from Saint Thomas Aquinas and to use the gifts and abilities that God has given each of us to spread the hope of Christ in this world.
Today, reflect on what ways you can spread the light of Christ into a world that has many dark spots and so desperately needs it. May God bless you as you let your light shine!
Saint Thomas Aquinas, pray for us!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we thank you for all that you give and bless us with. Lord, help increase our faith, so that we can go and spread the faith in this world. Lord, we pray that we always have the courage to let our lights shine in this world and to never hold back from serving you. Lord, we pray for all of those in need of conversion, all of those in the dark. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
1.27.2010
Today is a gift
Readings for Wednesday January 27, 2010
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89
Gospel: Mark 4:1-20
On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear." (Mk 4:1-8)
Today is a gift. Today is an opportunity for us to grow in faith, hope, and love. If we are willing to let God in there isn't anything that He cannot do. Each and every day is a gift from God, a chance to grow into the men and women that God created us to be. The Lord wants us to experience joy and happiness here on earth, and this can only be done by following Him; and if we are willing to follow Him in this life, we will be rewarded with eternal life in heaven ... what a gift.
In today's parable, we here about the fates of different kinds of seeds. God has given us the gift of our lives, and the gift of each and every day. Let us pray that we may be like the seed that fall on good soil, that our life might bear fruit and have great meaning. Let us pray that we will have a strong foundation of faith and that our roots might run deep. Let us depend on God for light and nourishment, so that we may grow by the things that we needs. May the Lord protect us from the evil one, and may we not be be distracted or give in to the anxieties and temptations of this world. May we always rest in good soil, depending on the Lord and being fruitful in this life.
Today is a gift, may we never waste a single day, and may each day in our lives always bear fruit for His glory!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you give us and for all that you do. Lord, we fall so short in our lives, help us to never give up and to never lose hope. With you anything is possible, help us to live courageously and never forgetting this fact. We pray for all of those in need of conversion and for all those who do not know you, may they be brought to your love and mercy. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89
Gospel: Mark 4:1-20
On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear." (Mk 4:1-8)
Today is a gift. Today is an opportunity for us to grow in faith, hope, and love. If we are willing to let God in there isn't anything that He cannot do. Each and every day is a gift from God, a chance to grow into the men and women that God created us to be. The Lord wants us to experience joy and happiness here on earth, and this can only be done by following Him; and if we are willing to follow Him in this life, we will be rewarded with eternal life in heaven ... what a gift.
In today's parable, we here about the fates of different kinds of seeds. God has given us the gift of our lives, and the gift of each and every day. Let us pray that we may be like the seed that fall on good soil, that our life might bear fruit and have great meaning. Let us pray that we will have a strong foundation of faith and that our roots might run deep. Let us depend on God for light and nourishment, so that we may grow by the things that we needs. May the Lord protect us from the evil one, and may we not be be distracted or give in to the anxieties and temptations of this world. May we always rest in good soil, depending on the Lord and being fruitful in this life.
Today is a gift, may we never waste a single day, and may each day in our lives always bear fruit for His glory!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you give us and for all that you do. Lord, we fall so short in our lives, help us to never give up and to never lose hope. With you anything is possible, help us to live courageously and never forgetting this fact. We pray for all of those in need of conversion and for all those who do not know you, may they be brought to your love and mercy. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
1.26.2010
Family Reunion
Readings for Tuesday January 26, 2010
Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops
First Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96
Gospel: Mark 3:31-35
The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." (Mk 3:31-35)
Family reunions, you either love them or you hate them. Regardless of how good a time you have or what interesting event may happen that day, we must admit that it is always good to see family which we haven't seen in a while. I know that there is one family reunion that I am just looking forward to so much ... and that is our family reunion in heaven.
Jesus tells us today that "whoever does the will of God is His brother and sister and mother." And we also know that one day, is we are good faithful servants while here on this earth, then we are rewarded with eternal life in heaven. So that means that one day all of us in God's family is going to get together for one of the best family gatherings that we could ever imagine! There is one catch to this though, in order to be invited to this family reunion, we must be in the family. And thanks to God's grace, this is not a family that goes strictly by heredity, but it is a family that accepts all. All it takes to get in good with this family is a surrendering of one's life and their own will, and a openness and willingness to do God's will.
Today we remember two of God's faithful servants who bravely helped build the early church and lead the people towards Christ. May we follow their example, and may we each seek to do God's will in our own life. Saints Timothy and Titus, pray for us!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you so much for giving us a way to you and for making each of us your adopted children. May we go out and spread the good news and your love with the rest of the world, as your servants Timothy and Titus did. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops
First Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96
Gospel: Mark 3:31-35
The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." (Mk 3:31-35)
Family reunions, you either love them or you hate them. Regardless of how good a time you have or what interesting event may happen that day, we must admit that it is always good to see family which we haven't seen in a while. I know that there is one family reunion that I am just looking forward to so much ... and that is our family reunion in heaven.
Jesus tells us today that "whoever does the will of God is His brother and sister and mother." And we also know that one day, is we are good faithful servants while here on this earth, then we are rewarded with eternal life in heaven. So that means that one day all of us in God's family is going to get together for one of the best family gatherings that we could ever imagine! There is one catch to this though, in order to be invited to this family reunion, we must be in the family. And thanks to God's grace, this is not a family that goes strictly by heredity, but it is a family that accepts all. All it takes to get in good with this family is a surrendering of one's life and their own will, and a openness and willingness to do God's will.
Today we remember two of God's faithful servants who bravely helped build the early church and lead the people towards Christ. May we follow their example, and may we each seek to do God's will in our own life. Saints Timothy and Titus, pray for us!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you so much for giving us a way to you and for making each of us your adopted children. May we go out and spread the good news and your love with the rest of the world, as your servants Timothy and Titus did. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
1.25.2010
Conversion of Saint Paul
Readings for Monday January 25, 2010
Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
First Reading: Acts 22:3-16 or 9:1-22
Responsorial Psalm: Mark 16:15
Gospel: Mark 16:15-18
Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:1-9)
Today we celebrate the feast of the conversion of Saint Paul, and I have no doubts that the early church is extremely grateful that this event came about. Saul (Paul) was a vicious persecutor of the church, and it was his mission to reprimand the early Christians because he felt that they were doing injustice to the Lord by worshiping Christ. Unfortunately, as much passion and zeal as Paul had for the Lord, his passion and energy were misguided. It was because of this zeal for the Lord, that God redirected Saul for His purposes, the purpose of spreading the good news into the world. But in order to do this, Saul had to fist be humbled, and it was at this low point in his life that God was able to lift him back up and begin using him for the great mission that the Lord has in store for him.
We must realize that God has a mission in life for each of us. And while He gives each of us great gifts and talents, those don't really mean much if we are not using them according to the purpose that we are meant to. If you have ever used a butter knife for a screwdriver, you know that while it works, that is not what that knife was meant for, it is not its purpose. We too must ask God to show us our gifts and talents, and pray that we can use those for the mission to which He calls each of us in life as He did for Saint Paul.
Saint Paul, pray for us.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to glorify you in all that we say and do. Help us to mindful of you each and every moment, and that we only seek to do your will. Lord, we pray for guidance in life so that we can go about the mission to which you call each of us, spreading the good news and proclaiming your name in this world. WE pray for all of our priests and religious, that they may be strengthened in their vows and in their ministries. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
First Reading: Acts 22:3-16 or 9:1-22
Responsorial Psalm: Mark 16:15
Gospel: Mark 16:15-18
Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:1-9)
Today we celebrate the feast of the conversion of Saint Paul, and I have no doubts that the early church is extremely grateful that this event came about. Saul (Paul) was a vicious persecutor of the church, and it was his mission to reprimand the early Christians because he felt that they were doing injustice to the Lord by worshiping Christ. Unfortunately, as much passion and zeal as Paul had for the Lord, his passion and energy were misguided. It was because of this zeal for the Lord, that God redirected Saul for His purposes, the purpose of spreading the good news into the world. But in order to do this, Saul had to fist be humbled, and it was at this low point in his life that God was able to lift him back up and begin using him for the great mission that the Lord has in store for him.
We must realize that God has a mission in life for each of us. And while He gives each of us great gifts and talents, those don't really mean much if we are not using them according to the purpose that we are meant to. If you have ever used a butter knife for a screwdriver, you know that while it works, that is not what that knife was meant for, it is not its purpose. We too must ask God to show us our gifts and talents, and pray that we can use those for the mission to which He calls each of us in life as He did for Saint Paul.
Saint Paul, pray for us.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to glorify you in all that we say and do. Help us to mindful of you each and every moment, and that we only seek to do your will. Lord, we pray for guidance in life so that we can go about the mission to which you call each of us, spreading the good news and proclaiming your name in this world. WE pray for all of our priests and religious, that they may be strengthened in their vows and in their ministries. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
1.22.2010
One prayer at a time
Readings for Friday January 22, 2010
First Reading: 1 Samuel 24:3-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 57
Gospel: Mark 3:13-19
Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. (Mk 3:13-19)
Today is the anniversary of the landmark US Supreme Court Case Roe versus Wade. This case allowed women to seek an abortion for any reason, instead of just cases of rape and incest. The US Bishops have declared today as a National Day of Penance, a day in which we should make sacrifices and offer up prayers for those contemplating abortion and for an end to abortion in our world.
In today's first gospel we read of the calling of the twelve disciples. We see that Jesus chose each of these twelve men for a specific purpose, to build up the church and to spread the gospel message. These twelve men were chose to bring Christ to others who did not have hope, and to share the love of God with all those in this world. There is certainly no doubt that these twelve men chose by God made an impact in this world, and to think it is all because they were given the gift of life and the chance to live out their purpose.
Since the decision of Roe v. Wade, there have been about 1.3 million abortions each year. This is over a million each year who will not be able to live out the purpose that God has for them, to live the life that He wants them to have. On this day and all days, it is so important that we offer prayers and sacrifices for an end to abortion, for our political leaders to respect the dignity of the human person at all stages of life, and for those who are contemplating abortion, that they may come to know and recognize the beautiful life inside them that God knows and has a specific purpose for. We must also pray hard for our youth, that they may come to recognize and value their own dignity, so that they are not ever in a position to begin thinking about abortion.
There is no doubt that our world needs help, and each of us can make a significant contribution ... on prayer at a time.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you so much for the many gifts in our life that you give to us. Lord, thank you for the gift of life, and for all that you bless us with. Lord, we ask for your help in ending abortion, this sin that hurts you so much. Lord, help us all to come to know and value life more in our world, please be with our political leaders and help guide them in their decisions to protect the health and dignity of the human person. Lord, please be with our youth, help them to realize the great gifts that they are and to make good decisions that respect their dignity and their bodies and to make choices that are pleasing to you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: 1 Samuel 24:3-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 57
Gospel: Mark 3:13-19
Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. (Mk 3:13-19)
Today is the anniversary of the landmark US Supreme Court Case Roe versus Wade. This case allowed women to seek an abortion for any reason, instead of just cases of rape and incest. The US Bishops have declared today as a National Day of Penance, a day in which we should make sacrifices and offer up prayers for those contemplating abortion and for an end to abortion in our world.
In today's first gospel we read of the calling of the twelve disciples. We see that Jesus chose each of these twelve men for a specific purpose, to build up the church and to spread the gospel message. These twelve men were chose to bring Christ to others who did not have hope, and to share the love of God with all those in this world. There is certainly no doubt that these twelve men chose by God made an impact in this world, and to think it is all because they were given the gift of life and the chance to live out their purpose.
Since the decision of Roe v. Wade, there have been about 1.3 million abortions each year. This is over a million each year who will not be able to live out the purpose that God has for them, to live the life that He wants them to have. On this day and all days, it is so important that we offer prayers and sacrifices for an end to abortion, for our political leaders to respect the dignity of the human person at all stages of life, and for those who are contemplating abortion, that they may come to know and recognize the beautiful life inside them that God knows and has a specific purpose for. We must also pray hard for our youth, that they may come to recognize and value their own dignity, so that they are not ever in a position to begin thinking about abortion.
There is no doubt that our world needs help, and each of us can make a significant contribution ... on prayer at a time.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you so much for the many gifts in our life that you give to us. Lord, thank you for the gift of life, and for all that you bless us with. Lord, we ask for your help in ending abortion, this sin that hurts you so much. Lord, help us all to come to know and value life more in our world, please be with our political leaders and help guide them in their decisions to protect the health and dignity of the human person. Lord, please be with our youth, help them to realize the great gifts that they are and to make good decisions that respect their dignity and their bodies and to make choices that are pleasing to you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
1.21.2010
Healthy Jealousy
Readings for Thursday January 21, 2010
First Reading: 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 56
Gospel: Mark 3:7-12
When David and Saul approached (on David’s return after slaying the Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. The women played and sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: “They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.” And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. (1 Sam 18:6-9)
In today's first reading we see that due to his trust and faith in God, David has been having some great success. It seems as though he is gaining a lot of fans and admirers ... except for one person. King Saul has become very jealous of David, and in fact his jealously has become very unhealthy, so much so that Saul is now trying to kill David.
Saul does not realize that David's accomplishments and success is not due to him, but rather it is all because of God, the same God that gave Saul his kingship and kingdom. If Saul should be jealous about anything, he should be jealous of David's faith and trust, and he should be trying to model David in this area, that would then be a healthier form of jealously. I think that it is okay to be jealous of something good in that it motivates you to want to strive for that good thing. But if we let ourselves become jealous over things, people, or success; then that is unhealthy because we are then obsessing over worldly things, rather than things of God. I think that this is something that we should all examine in our lives, are we jealous of something that is good or something that is worldly?
If we are suffering from an unhealthy jealousy, then there is one remedy ... Jesus. We see in the gospels today that it is by Jesus that we can be cured of all the illnesses and sins that seem to plague our lives. If we truly want to be rid of any sin or vice in our lives, then we must turn to the master physician. If we are one of those people who tend to get jealous very quickly, then we must ask for the Lord's help in turning our unhealthy jealousy into a healthy one.
I once heard a priest say one time that if we are going to be jealous of someone, be jealous of the saints, because of their faith and holiness. Jealousy is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as we keep it in check and only allow ourselves to be jealous over the things that come from God and things that will get us to heaven. As long as we can do this, then we will have a healthy jealousy.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord thank you for the gifts in our lives and help us to live this life for you. Lord, help us to not give in to jealousy which can lead to envy, but rather help us to seek out the things that are of you and that will lead us closer to you. We pray for all the victims of the earthquake and for the souls of those who have passed away. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 56
Gospel: Mark 3:7-12
When David and Saul approached (on David’s return after slaying the Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. The women played and sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: “They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.” And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. (1 Sam 18:6-9)
In today's first reading we see that due to his trust and faith in God, David has been having some great success. It seems as though he is gaining a lot of fans and admirers ... except for one person. King Saul has become very jealous of David, and in fact his jealously has become very unhealthy, so much so that Saul is now trying to kill David.
Saul does not realize that David's accomplishments and success is not due to him, but rather it is all because of God, the same God that gave Saul his kingship and kingdom. If Saul should be jealous about anything, he should be jealous of David's faith and trust, and he should be trying to model David in this area, that would then be a healthier form of jealously. I think that it is okay to be jealous of something good in that it motivates you to want to strive for that good thing. But if we let ourselves become jealous over things, people, or success; then that is unhealthy because we are then obsessing over worldly things, rather than things of God. I think that this is something that we should all examine in our lives, are we jealous of something that is good or something that is worldly?
If we are suffering from an unhealthy jealousy, then there is one remedy ... Jesus. We see in the gospels today that it is by Jesus that we can be cured of all the illnesses and sins that seem to plague our lives. If we truly want to be rid of any sin or vice in our lives, then we must turn to the master physician. If we are one of those people who tend to get jealous very quickly, then we must ask for the Lord's help in turning our unhealthy jealousy into a healthy one.
I once heard a priest say one time that if we are going to be jealous of someone, be jealous of the saints, because of their faith and holiness. Jealousy is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as we keep it in check and only allow ourselves to be jealous over the things that come from God and things that will get us to heaven. As long as we can do this, then we will have a healthy jealousy.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord thank you for the gifts in our lives and help us to live this life for you. Lord, help us to not give in to jealousy which can lead to envy, but rather help us to seek out the things that are of you and that will lead us closer to you. We pray for all the victims of the earthquake and for the souls of those who have passed away. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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