Reading I
Is 6:1-2a, 3-8
In the year King Uzziah died,
I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne,
with the train of his garment filling the temple.
Seraphim were stationed above.
They cried one to the other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!
All the earth is filled with his glory!”
At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shook
and the house was filled with smoke.
Then I said, “Woe is me, I am doomed!
For I am a man of unclean lips,
living among a people of unclean lips;
yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me,
holding an ember that he had taken with tongs from the altar.
He touched my mouth with it, and said,
“See, now that this has touched your lips,
your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
“Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”
“Here I am,” I said; “send me!”
Reading II
1 Cor 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11
I am reminding you, brothers and sisters,
of the gospel I preached to you,
which you indeed received and in which you also stand.
Through it you are also being saved,
if you hold fast to the word I preached to you,
unless you believed in vain.
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received:
that Christ died for our sins
in accordance with the Scriptures;
that he was buried;
that he was raised on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures;
that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.
After that, Christ appeared to more
than five hundred brothers at once,
most of whom are still living,
though some have fallen asleep.
After that he appeared to James,
then to all the apostles.
Last of all, as to one born abnormally,
he appeared to me.
For I am the least of the apostles,
not fit to be called an apostle,
because I persecuted the church of God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am,
and his grace to me has not been ineffective.
Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them;
not I, however, but the grace of God that is with me.
Therefore, whether it be I or they,
so we preach and so you believed.
or
Brothers and sisters,
I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received:
that Christ died for our sins
in accordance with the Scriptures;
that he was buried;
that he was raised on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures;
that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.
After that, he appeared to more
than five hundred brothers at once,
most of whom are still living,
though some have fallen asleep.
After that he appeared to James,
then to all the apostles.
Last of all, as to one abnormally born,
he appeared to me.
Therefore, whether it be I or they,
so we preach and so you believed.
Gospel
Lk 5:1-11
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening
to the word of God,
he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.
He saw two boats there alongside the lake;
the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.
Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,
he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.
Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”
Simon said in reply,
“Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,
but at your command I will lower the nets.”
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish
and their nets were tearing.
They signaled to their partners in the other boat
to come to help them.
They came and filled both boats
so that the boats were in danger of sinking.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”
For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him
and all those with him,
and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
who were partners of Simon.
Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid;
from now on you will be catching men.”
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.
Meditation: Luke 5:1-11
When was the last time God got your attention?
Think back to the last time you found yourself almost speechless because you had come face-to-face with some manifestation of his love, his power, or his majesty. How did it happen? Did a passage from Scripture leap out at you and pierce your heart? Was it through the beauty of a spectacular sunrise? Was it in the birth of a baby?
In today’s readings, we see three different ways God spoke to his people and changed them. In the Gospel, we see Jesus blowing Peter away through a large catch of fish (Luke 5:5-8). The first reading tells how Isaiah was cut to the heart by a vision of God’s heavenly throne (Isaiah 6:1-4). And in the second reading, we hear how Paul received the gospel both through personal revelation and through the testimony of the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). God speaks in so many different ways, but one thing is always the same: He wants to reveal himself to us.
On one level, the Bible is one big story of God revealing himself again and again to his people. It begins with Adam and Eve, and progresses through Noah and his family, to Abraham and Sarah, then on to David, the shepherd who became king, to Isaiah and the other prophets, then to a young woman named Mary. And it didn’t stop when Jesus came into the world. The New Testament is filled with stories like Peter’s and Paul’s, Lydia’s and John’s, and so many others. And every one of them had a personal encounter with God that radically changed their lives.
With all this evidence, how can we doubt that Jesus wants to reveal himself to us? Even more importantly, how can we doubt that he wants to reveal himself to us today? At Mass today, or as you go through the day, keep your eyes and ears open. Jesus is everywhere. There is no place we cannot find him.
“Lord Jesus, what do you want to say to me today? How do you want to show yourself? Come, Lord, and open my heart that I may know your presence within me.”
07 February 2010
06 February 2010
06 Feb 2010 Saturday, Memorial of Saint Paul Miki, martyr, and his companions, martyrs
Reading I
1 Kgs 3:4-13
Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there,
because that was the most renowned high place.
Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings.
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night.
God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”
Solomon answered:
“You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David,
because he behaved faithfully toward you,
with justice and an upright heart;
and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today,
seating a son of his on his throne.
O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant,
king to succeed my father David;
but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.
I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen,
a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.
Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart
to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.
For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”
The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request.
So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this–
not for a long life for yourself,
nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies,
but for understanding so that you may know what is right–
I do as you requested.
I give you a heart so wise and understanding
that there has never been anyone like you up to now,
and after you there will come no one to equal you.
In addition, I give you what you have not asked for,
such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.”
Gospel
Mk 6:30-34
The Apostles gathered together with Jesus
and reported all they had done and taught.
He said to them,
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
People were coming and going in great numbers,
and they had no opportunity even to eat.
So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.
People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.
They hastened there on foot from all the towns
and arrived at the place before them.
When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them,
for they were like sheep without a shepherd;
and he began to teach them many things.
Meditation: 1 Kings 3:4-13
Picture someone who has just become the leader of a great nation. What’s the first thing that person will do upon taking office?
Usually, they will consult with their close advisers and with the heads of various government agencies. Together they will decide what can be done to make their nation more prosperous and to solve the problems that the people are facing. With enough planning, foresight, and brain power, they hope they’ll be able to turn things around for the better.
Many of today’s leaders take that kind of approach to running their countries, but it wasn’t Solomon’s approach. The first thing he did was to pray for an “understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:9)—not an understanding head! Like other Old Testament figures, Solomon believed that the heart, not the mind, is the center of our personality. It is the place where we hear God speak to us and where we can discern right from wrong. As the king of God’s chosen people, Solomon knew he needed God to speak to his heart so that he could rule his people in wisdom and justice.
We need wisdom no less than Solomon did. Our lives are often complicated and stressful. We have countless decisions to make that affect not only our lives but the lives of other people as well. And we can’t always make good decisions by thinking really hard about them! Sometimes we need God’s counsel to help us sort things out. And if we want to know God’s guidance, we need to know him. After all, divine wisdom really isn’t something—it’s someone. And that someone is Jesus.
However, saying one prayer like Solomon’s won’t give us a lifetime of wisdom. We can find wisdom only as we seek the Lord every day. So when things just aren’t flowing smoothly, don’t make another to-do list! Go to your favorite quiet place, or if you’re in a busy environment, quiet your heart. Tell Jesus that you need him, and listen for his words of encouragement and guidance. It’s his nature to give everything generously, including wisdom (James 1:5). Who knows? The answer may be just a prayer away!
“Lord, I admit I don’t have all the answers! Help me to hear your voice, and lead me into your perfect will for my life.”
1 Kgs 3:4-13
Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there,
because that was the most renowned high place.
Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings.
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night.
God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”
Solomon answered:
“You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David,
because he behaved faithfully toward you,
with justice and an upright heart;
and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today,
seating a son of his on his throne.
O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant,
king to succeed my father David;
but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.
I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen,
a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.
Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart
to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.
For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”
The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request.
So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this–
not for a long life for yourself,
nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies,
but for understanding so that you may know what is right–
I do as you requested.
I give you a heart so wise and understanding
that there has never been anyone like you up to now,
and after you there will come no one to equal you.
In addition, I give you what you have not asked for,
such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.”
Gospel
Mk 6:30-34
The Apostles gathered together with Jesus
and reported all they had done and taught.
He said to them,
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
People were coming and going in great numbers,
and they had no opportunity even to eat.
So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.
People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.
They hastened there on foot from all the towns
and arrived at the place before them.
When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them,
for they were like sheep without a shepherd;
and he began to teach them many things.
Meditation: 1 Kings 3:4-13
Picture someone who has just become the leader of a great nation. What’s the first thing that person will do upon taking office?
Usually, they will consult with their close advisers and with the heads of various government agencies. Together they will decide what can be done to make their nation more prosperous and to solve the problems that the people are facing. With enough planning, foresight, and brain power, they hope they’ll be able to turn things around for the better.
Many of today’s leaders take that kind of approach to running their countries, but it wasn’t Solomon’s approach. The first thing he did was to pray for an “understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:9)—not an understanding head! Like other Old Testament figures, Solomon believed that the heart, not the mind, is the center of our personality. It is the place where we hear God speak to us and where we can discern right from wrong. As the king of God’s chosen people, Solomon knew he needed God to speak to his heart so that he could rule his people in wisdom and justice.
We need wisdom no less than Solomon did. Our lives are often complicated and stressful. We have countless decisions to make that affect not only our lives but the lives of other people as well. And we can’t always make good decisions by thinking really hard about them! Sometimes we need God’s counsel to help us sort things out. And if we want to know God’s guidance, we need to know him. After all, divine wisdom really isn’t something—it’s someone. And that someone is Jesus.
However, saying one prayer like Solomon’s won’t give us a lifetime of wisdom. We can find wisdom only as we seek the Lord every day. So when things just aren’t flowing smoothly, don’t make another to-do list! Go to your favorite quiet place, or if you’re in a busy environment, quiet your heart. Tell Jesus that you need him, and listen for his words of encouragement and guidance. It’s his nature to give everything generously, including wisdom (James 1:5). Who knows? The answer may be just a prayer away!
“Lord, I admit I don’t have all the answers! Help me to hear your voice, and lead me into your perfect will for my life.”
05 February 2010
05 Feb 2010 Friday, Memorial of Saint Agatha, virgin and martyr
Reading I
Sir 47:2-11
Like the choice fat of the sacred offerings,
so was David in Israel.
He made sport of lions as though they were kids,
and of bears, like lambs of the flock.
As a youth he slew the giant
and wiped out the people’s disgrace,
When his hand let fly the slingstone
that crushed the pride of Goliath.
Since he called upon the Most High God,
who gave strength to his right arm
To defeat the skilled warrior
and raise up the might of his people,
Therefore the women sang his praises,
and ascribed to him tens of thousands
and praised him when they blessed the Lord.
When he assumed the royal crown, he battled
and subdued the enemy on every side.
He destroyed the hostile Philistines
and shattered their power till our own day.
With his every deed he offered thanks
to God Most High, in words of praise.
With his whole being he loved his Maker
and daily had his praises sung;
He set singers before the altar and by their voices
he made sweet melodies,
He added beauty to the feasts
and solemnized the seasons of each year
So that when the Holy Name was praised,
before daybreak the sanctuary would resound.
The Lord forgave him his sins
and exalted his strength forever;
He conferred on him the rights of royalty
and established his throne in Israel.
Gospel
Mk 6:14-29
King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread,
and people were saying,
“John the Baptist has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”
Others were saying, “He is Elijah”;
still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.”
But when Herod learned of it, he said,
“It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.”
Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison
on account of Herodias,
the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.
John had said to Herod,
“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Herodias harbored a grudge against him
and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.
Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,
and kept him in custody.
When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,
yet he liked to listen to him.
Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,
gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers,
and the leading men of Galilee.
His own daughter came in and performed a dance
that delighted Herod and his guests.
The king said to the girl,
“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”
He even swore many things to her,
“I will grant you whatever you ask of me,
even to half of my kingdom.”
She went out and said to her mother,
“What shall I ask for?”
Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”
The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,
“I want you to give me at once on a platter
the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was deeply distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests
he did not wish to break his word to her.
So he promptly dispatched an executioner
with orders to bring back his head.
He went off and beheaded him in the prison.
He brought in the head on a platter
and gave it to the girl.
The girl in turn gave it to her mother.
When his disciples heard about it,
they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Meditation: Sirach 47:2-11
What a rousing description the Book of Sirach gives us of David, the greatest of Israel’s kings!
As a youth, he boldly slew the giant Goliath to defend the Israelite people against the Philistines. Later he subdued Israel’s enemies and transformed a weak coalition of tribes into a unified, powerful nation. What a hero! David also composed many psalms, added to the beauty of Israel’s worship of God, and even assured that his son Solomon would build a glorious Temple for the Lord. In all these wonderful deeds, King David seems larger than life.
But there was another side to David as well—a dark side, stained by sin, flawed by weaknesses. Overcome by lust, he took Bathsheba in adultery and then conspired to murder her husband, Uriah, to cover up his sin. Nor were David’s parenting skills very good: Several of his children turned from the Lord, and his own son, Absalom, led an armed rebellion against him.
It’s almost as if there were two Davids. On the one hand, he was full of faith, a “man after God’s heart” (Acts 13:22), who “with his whole being … loved his Maker” (Sirach 47:8). But on the other hand, his sins and failings had devastating consequences for himself, his family, and his nation. Yet David was repentant, and “the Lord forgave him his sins” (47:11). God kept his covenant with David and promised never to forsake him. Ultimately, God’s Son, Jesus—a descendant of King David—brought redemption and healing to fallen humankind.
Our lives may not hold such extremes as David’s did, but each of us has our bright and dark spots, our strong areas and our Achilles’ heels. So ask yourself in prayer today: “How can I overcome my weaknesses and reinforce my strengths?” Write down whatever answer you think the Lord gives you, and develop a plan that will help you make progress. Jesus, son of David and Messiah, is eager to help you, so yield to him and let him refashion you into his own image!
“Lord, you know my strengths and my weaknesses, my virtues and my failings, my good deeds and my sinful ways. Show me your mercy, Lord, and transform me. ‘Know my heart … and lead me in the way everlasting’ (Psalm 139:23-24).”
Sir 47:2-11
Like the choice fat of the sacred offerings,
so was David in Israel.
He made sport of lions as though they were kids,
and of bears, like lambs of the flock.
As a youth he slew the giant
and wiped out the people’s disgrace,
When his hand let fly the slingstone
that crushed the pride of Goliath.
Since he called upon the Most High God,
who gave strength to his right arm
To defeat the skilled warrior
and raise up the might of his people,
Therefore the women sang his praises,
and ascribed to him tens of thousands
and praised him when they blessed the Lord.
When he assumed the royal crown, he battled
and subdued the enemy on every side.
He destroyed the hostile Philistines
and shattered their power till our own day.
With his every deed he offered thanks
to God Most High, in words of praise.
With his whole being he loved his Maker
and daily had his praises sung;
He set singers before the altar and by their voices
he made sweet melodies,
He added beauty to the feasts
and solemnized the seasons of each year
So that when the Holy Name was praised,
before daybreak the sanctuary would resound.
The Lord forgave him his sins
and exalted his strength forever;
He conferred on him the rights of royalty
and established his throne in Israel.
Gospel
Mk 6:14-29
King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread,
and people were saying,
“John the Baptist has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”
Others were saying, “He is Elijah”;
still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.”
But when Herod learned of it, he said,
“It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.”
Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison
on account of Herodias,
the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.
John had said to Herod,
“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Herodias harbored a grudge against him
and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.
Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,
and kept him in custody.
When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,
yet he liked to listen to him.
Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,
gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers,
and the leading men of Galilee.
His own daughter came in and performed a dance
that delighted Herod and his guests.
The king said to the girl,
“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”
He even swore many things to her,
“I will grant you whatever you ask of me,
even to half of my kingdom.”
She went out and said to her mother,
“What shall I ask for?”
Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”
The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,
“I want you to give me at once on a platter
the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was deeply distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests
he did not wish to break his word to her.
So he promptly dispatched an executioner
with orders to bring back his head.
He went off and beheaded him in the prison.
He brought in the head on a platter
and gave it to the girl.
The girl in turn gave it to her mother.
When his disciples heard about it,
they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Meditation: Sirach 47:2-11
What a rousing description the Book of Sirach gives us of David, the greatest of Israel’s kings!
As a youth, he boldly slew the giant Goliath to defend the Israelite people against the Philistines. Later he subdued Israel’s enemies and transformed a weak coalition of tribes into a unified, powerful nation. What a hero! David also composed many psalms, added to the beauty of Israel’s worship of God, and even assured that his son Solomon would build a glorious Temple for the Lord. In all these wonderful deeds, King David seems larger than life.
But there was another side to David as well—a dark side, stained by sin, flawed by weaknesses. Overcome by lust, he took Bathsheba in adultery and then conspired to murder her husband, Uriah, to cover up his sin. Nor were David’s parenting skills very good: Several of his children turned from the Lord, and his own son, Absalom, led an armed rebellion against him.
It’s almost as if there were two Davids. On the one hand, he was full of faith, a “man after God’s heart” (Acts 13:22), who “with his whole being … loved his Maker” (Sirach 47:8). But on the other hand, his sins and failings had devastating consequences for himself, his family, and his nation. Yet David was repentant, and “the Lord forgave him his sins” (47:11). God kept his covenant with David and promised never to forsake him. Ultimately, God’s Son, Jesus—a descendant of King David—brought redemption and healing to fallen humankind.
Our lives may not hold such extremes as David’s did, but each of us has our bright and dark spots, our strong areas and our Achilles’ heels. So ask yourself in prayer today: “How can I overcome my weaknesses and reinforce my strengths?” Write down whatever answer you think the Lord gives you, and develop a plan that will help you make progress. Jesus, son of David and Messiah, is eager to help you, so yield to him and let him refashion you into his own image!
“Lord, you know my strengths and my weaknesses, my virtues and my failings, my good deeds and my sinful ways. Show me your mercy, Lord, and transform me. ‘Know my heart … and lead me in the way everlasting’ (Psalm 139:23-24).”
04 February 2010
04 Feb 2010, Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading I
Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12
I am going the way of all flesh.
Take courage and be a man.
A reading from the first Book of
When the time of David’s death drew near,
he gave these instructions to his son Solomon:
“I am going the way of all flesh.
Take courage and be a man.
Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God, following his ways
and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees
as they are written in the law of Moses,
that you may succeed in whatever you do,
wherever you turn, and the Lord may fulfill
the promise he made on my behalf when he said,
‘If your sons so conduct themselves
that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart
and with their whole soul,
you shall always have someone of your line
on the throne of Israel.’”
David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David.
The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years:
he reigned seven years in Hebron
and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
Solomon was seated on the throne of his father David,
with his sovereignty firmly established.
Gospel
Mk 6:7-13
Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick
–no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Meditation: Mark 6:7-13
Jesus has just experienced rejection and lack of faith in his hometown (Mark 6:1-6).
Because these people have grown up with him and his relatives, they can’t believe there is anything special about him. Their skepticism makes it impossible for him to perform dramatic miracles. All he can do is heal a few individuals.
His followers observe Jesus closely. They see his surprise and sadness, but he doesn’t rail against the Nazarenes. He doesn’t spitefully turn his back on them or make their unbelief an object lesson by complaining to others about it. He simply moves on to people ready to welcome him.
Just after his own experience of rejection, Jesus sends his followers out to preach and heal. He knows some people will also reject his disciples. Some will make fun of these men who haven’t even equipped themselves for their journey. Some will turn aside, content with the way things have always been. Some will reach out for healing.
To prepare them, Jesus carefully spells out what they are to do when they experience their own rejection. Shake it off. Don’t let the dust of resentment, bitterness, guilt, regret, or blame cling to your feet, but move on unencumbered to the next task.
Even when we are sure we are saying what Jesus gives us to say and doing what he has called us to do, there is no guarantee that everyone will welcome our words and actions. Some will be touched, while others will not. God has blessed every human being with the freedom to choose wisely or poorly, and the life experiences of some make it difficult for them to open up to his love. We can count on God’s love for them, knowing that he will continue to call them and work with them long after we have moved on.
Jesus is also concerned about us as his messengers. He wants us to find our joy in him. He doesn’t want us to hang on to resentment or complain about how we’ve been treated. He doesn’t want rejection to wound and cripple us. Instead, he wants to encourage us and excite us every time we step out in faith—no matter what kind of response we receive.
“Lord, I want to be faithful in proclaiming your word and reaching out to people in healing love. Help me to let go of my concern about how they may react.”
Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12
I am going the way of all flesh.
Take courage and be a man.
A reading from the first Book of
When the time of David’s death drew near,
he gave these instructions to his son Solomon:
“I am going the way of all flesh.
Take courage and be a man.
Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God, following his ways
and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees
as they are written in the law of Moses,
that you may succeed in whatever you do,
wherever you turn, and the Lord may fulfill
the promise he made on my behalf when he said,
‘If your sons so conduct themselves
that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart
and with their whole soul,
you shall always have someone of your line
on the throne of Israel.’”
David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David.
The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years:
he reigned seven years in Hebron
and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
Solomon was seated on the throne of his father David,
with his sovereignty firmly established.
Gospel
Mk 6:7-13
Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick
–no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Meditation: Mark 6:7-13
Jesus has just experienced rejection and lack of faith in his hometown (Mark 6:1-6).
Because these people have grown up with him and his relatives, they can’t believe there is anything special about him. Their skepticism makes it impossible for him to perform dramatic miracles. All he can do is heal a few individuals.
His followers observe Jesus closely. They see his surprise and sadness, but he doesn’t rail against the Nazarenes. He doesn’t spitefully turn his back on them or make their unbelief an object lesson by complaining to others about it. He simply moves on to people ready to welcome him.
Just after his own experience of rejection, Jesus sends his followers out to preach and heal. He knows some people will also reject his disciples. Some will make fun of these men who haven’t even equipped themselves for their journey. Some will turn aside, content with the way things have always been. Some will reach out for healing.
To prepare them, Jesus carefully spells out what they are to do when they experience their own rejection. Shake it off. Don’t let the dust of resentment, bitterness, guilt, regret, or blame cling to your feet, but move on unencumbered to the next task.
Even when we are sure we are saying what Jesus gives us to say and doing what he has called us to do, there is no guarantee that everyone will welcome our words and actions. Some will be touched, while others will not. God has blessed every human being with the freedom to choose wisely or poorly, and the life experiences of some make it difficult for them to open up to his love. We can count on God’s love for them, knowing that he will continue to call them and work with them long after we have moved on.
Jesus is also concerned about us as his messengers. He wants us to find our joy in him. He doesn’t want us to hang on to resentment or complain about how we’ve been treated. He doesn’t want rejection to wound and cripple us. Instead, he wants to encourage us and excite us every time we step out in faith—no matter what kind of response we receive.
“Lord, I want to be faithful in proclaiming your word and reaching out to people in healing love. Help me to let go of my concern about how they may react.”
03 February 2010
03 Feb 2010, Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading I
2 Sm 24:2, 9-17
King David said to Joab and the leaders of the army who were with him,
“Tour all the tribes in Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba
and register the people, that I may know their number.”
Joab then reported to the king the number of people registered:
in Israel, eight hundred thousand men fit for military service;
in Judah, five hundred thousand.
Afterward, however, David regretted having numbered the people,
and said to the LORD:
“I have sinned grievously in what I have done.
But now, LORD, forgive the guilt of your servant,
for I have been very foolish.”
When David rose in the morning,
the LORD had spoken to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying:
“Go and say to David, ‘This is what the LORD says:
I offer you three alternatives;
choose one of them, and I will inflict it on you.’”
Gad then went to David to inform him.
He asked: “Do you want a three years’ famine to come upon your land,
or to flee from your enemy three months while he pursues you,
or to have a three days’ pestilence in your land?
Now consider and decide what I must reply to him who sent me.”
David answered Gad: “I am in very serious difficulty.
Let us fall by the hand of God, for he is most merciful;
but let me not fall by the hand of man.”
Thus David chose the pestilence.
Now it was the time of the wheat harvest
when the plague broke out among the people.
The LORD then sent a pestilence over Israel
from morning until the time appointed,
and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beer-sheba died.
But when the angel stretched forth his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it,
the LORD regretted the calamity
and said to the angel causing the destruction among the people,
“Enough now! Stay your hand.”
The angel of the LORD was then standing
at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
When David saw the angel who was striking the people,
he said to the LORD: “It is I who have sinned;
it is I, the shepherd, who have done wrong.
But these are sheep; what have they done?
Punish me and my kindred.”
Gospel
Mk 6:1-6
Jesus departed from there and came to his native place,
accompanied by his disciples.
When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,
and many who heard him were astonished.
They said, “Where did this man get all this?
What kind of wisdom has been given him?
What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!
Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary,
and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon?
And are not his sisters here with us?”
And they took offense at him.
Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and among his own kin and in his own house.”
So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there,
apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.
He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Meditation: Mark 6:1-6
Before returning to his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus had calmed a violent storm at sea, driven out demons, and raised a child from the dead (Mark 4:35–5:42).
The news had traveled. He clearly astonished his townsfolk with the wisdom and power he had displayed (6:2). But still, he was unable to perform mighty miracles there. The people simply could not believe that Jesus was anyone other than an ordinary carpenter. They could have approached him with their sickness, fears, and weakness, as others had. Instead, they closed their hearts to him. Jesus had come to them, but they didn’t come to him.
Jesus was always, in every situation, fully God. The people of Nazareth simply couldn’t imagine or believe that God was working through him so powerfully. His mighty deeds and insightful wisdom stirred up curiosity, but they still didn’t foster belief—the mental acceptance that something is true. God wants us to know him personally. He wants us to enjoy an intimate relationship with him—a relationship built on faith and trust, so that we can have total confidence in him.
Confidence! Not mere acceptance of Bible stories as true or even as lessons about what God but the assurance that enables you to base your words and actions on him. Not only mental agreement that certain things about God are [probably] true but a lively relationship of love that grows every day. Confidence that allows you to acknowledge and act on the truth even when you lose your job, your spouse is terminally ill, or you are facing a frightening medical diagnosis.
Seek the Lord. Turn your heart toward him. Give him the chance to demonstrate his power in your life so that you begin to discover the truth of it personally. Jesus came to the people of Nazareth, but they didn’t come to him. They stayed firmly rooted where they were. Don’t follow their example! Spend time with Jesus, listen to him, ponder his words, ask him questions, and then listen some more. You will definitely receive wisdom and see miracles in yourself and in those around you!
“Jesus, I turn my heart to you today. Deepen my belief that you are who you say you are, and that you can do what you say you can do.”
2 Sm 24:2, 9-17
King David said to Joab and the leaders of the army who were with him,
“Tour all the tribes in Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba
and register the people, that I may know their number.”
Joab then reported to the king the number of people registered:
in Israel, eight hundred thousand men fit for military service;
in Judah, five hundred thousand.
Afterward, however, David regretted having numbered the people,
and said to the LORD:
“I have sinned grievously in what I have done.
But now, LORD, forgive the guilt of your servant,
for I have been very foolish.”
When David rose in the morning,
the LORD had spoken to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying:
“Go and say to David, ‘This is what the LORD says:
I offer you three alternatives;
choose one of them, and I will inflict it on you.’”
Gad then went to David to inform him.
He asked: “Do you want a three years’ famine to come upon your land,
or to flee from your enemy three months while he pursues you,
or to have a three days’ pestilence in your land?
Now consider and decide what I must reply to him who sent me.”
David answered Gad: “I am in very serious difficulty.
Let us fall by the hand of God, for he is most merciful;
but let me not fall by the hand of man.”
Thus David chose the pestilence.
Now it was the time of the wheat harvest
when the plague broke out among the people.
The LORD then sent a pestilence over Israel
from morning until the time appointed,
and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beer-sheba died.
But when the angel stretched forth his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it,
the LORD regretted the calamity
and said to the angel causing the destruction among the people,
“Enough now! Stay your hand.”
The angel of the LORD was then standing
at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
When David saw the angel who was striking the people,
he said to the LORD: “It is I who have sinned;
it is I, the shepherd, who have done wrong.
But these are sheep; what have they done?
Punish me and my kindred.”
Gospel
Mk 6:1-6
Jesus departed from there and came to his native place,
accompanied by his disciples.
When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,
and many who heard him were astonished.
They said, “Where did this man get all this?
What kind of wisdom has been given him?
What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!
Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary,
and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon?
And are not his sisters here with us?”
And they took offense at him.
Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and among his own kin and in his own house.”
So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there,
apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.
He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Meditation: Mark 6:1-6
Before returning to his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus had calmed a violent storm at sea, driven out demons, and raised a child from the dead (Mark 4:35–5:42).
The news had traveled. He clearly astonished his townsfolk with the wisdom and power he had displayed (6:2). But still, he was unable to perform mighty miracles there. The people simply could not believe that Jesus was anyone other than an ordinary carpenter. They could have approached him with their sickness, fears, and weakness, as others had. Instead, they closed their hearts to him. Jesus had come to them, but they didn’t come to him.
Jesus was always, in every situation, fully God. The people of Nazareth simply couldn’t imagine or believe that God was working through him so powerfully. His mighty deeds and insightful wisdom stirred up curiosity, but they still didn’t foster belief—the mental acceptance that something is true. God wants us to know him personally. He wants us to enjoy an intimate relationship with him—a relationship built on faith and trust, so that we can have total confidence in him.
Confidence! Not mere acceptance of Bible stories as true or even as lessons about what God but the assurance that enables you to base your words and actions on him. Not only mental agreement that certain things about God are [probably] true but a lively relationship of love that grows every day. Confidence that allows you to acknowledge and act on the truth even when you lose your job, your spouse is terminally ill, or you are facing a frightening medical diagnosis.
Seek the Lord. Turn your heart toward him. Give him the chance to demonstrate his power in your life so that you begin to discover the truth of it personally. Jesus came to the people of Nazareth, but they didn’t come to him. They stayed firmly rooted where they were. Don’t follow their example! Spend time with Jesus, listen to him, ponder his words, ask him questions, and then listen some more. You will definitely receive wisdom and see miracles in yourself and in those around you!
“Jesus, I turn my heart to you today. Deepen my belief that you are who you say you are, and that you can do what you say you can do.”
02 February 2010
02 Feb 2010 Tuesday, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Reading I
Mal 3:1-4
Thus says the Lord God:
Lo, I am sending my messenger
to prepare the way before me;
And suddenly there will come to the temple
the Lord whom you seek,
And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.
Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.
But who will endure the day of his coming?
And who can stand when he appears?
For he is like the refiner’s fire,
or like the fuller’s lye.
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord.
Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem
will please the Lord,
as in the days of old, as in years gone by.
Reading II
Heb 2:14-18
Since the children share in blood and flesh,
Jesus likewise shared in them,
that through death he might destroy the one
who has the power of death, that is, the Devil,
and free those who through fear of death
had been subject to slavery all their life.
Surely he did not help angels
but rather the descendants of Abraham;
therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters
in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.
Gospel
Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
'and you yourself a sword will pierce'
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
or
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
Meditation: Luke 2:22-40
The Presentation of the Lord
Heavenly Father, thank you for raising up righteous and devout men and women like Simeon and Anna. Help us to be as faithful and prayerful as they were. Give us hearts like theirs—hearts that are steadfast and centered on you.
Father, you planted within Simeon and Anna the hope of Israel’s deliverance. Though they lived under the oppression of Roman rule, they never stopped believing that some day they would see your Messiah. Father, give us that heart of hope. We know that through Jesus, you have conquered the darkness of this world. Give us joyful hope as we wait for Jesus’ coming, when all oppression will cease, and every tear will be wiped away.
Holy Spirit, your anointing was upon Simeon and Anna. You told Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the Savior. And you graciously fulfilled that promise. We too need your anointing. Lead us to those places where we will meet you. Help us to walk with you each day. Give us a hunger for you.
Father, thank you for giving Simeon and Anna the eyes to see your Son in a vulnerable, newborn baby. Thank you for removing from them any preconceptions or assumptions that would have kept them from recognizing Jesus. We too want the eyes to see Jesus, even in the most unlikely people and situations. Help us to see him in our spouses, our children, the lonely, the poor. Help us to see him in the Eucharist. We want to encounter your Son. Open our eyes!
Lord, you gave a prophetic gift to Simeon and Anna. Anna “spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Simeon called Jesus “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” and the “glory for your people Israel” (2:32). Their words will be forever remembered. Give us a prophetic voice that tells others what you have done for us. We don’t want to remain silent when we know firsthand of your glory. Give us the courage to proclaim that Jesus is the light of the world.
“Jesus, even as a baby, your light shone into the world. Make us like Simeon and Anna. Give us the grace each day to let your light in us shine out into the world.”
Mal 3:1-4
Thus says the Lord God:
Lo, I am sending my messenger
to prepare the way before me;
And suddenly there will come to the temple
the Lord whom you seek,
And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.
Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.
But who will endure the day of his coming?
And who can stand when he appears?
For he is like the refiner’s fire,
or like the fuller’s lye.
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord.
Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem
will please the Lord,
as in the days of old, as in years gone by.
Reading II
Heb 2:14-18
Since the children share in blood and flesh,
Jesus likewise shared in them,
that through death he might destroy the one
who has the power of death, that is, the Devil,
and free those who through fear of death
had been subject to slavery all their life.
Surely he did not help angels
but rather the descendants of Abraham;
therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters
in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.
Gospel
Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
'and you yourself a sword will pierce'
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
or
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
Meditation: Luke 2:22-40
The Presentation of the Lord
Heavenly Father, thank you for raising up righteous and devout men and women like Simeon and Anna. Help us to be as faithful and prayerful as they were. Give us hearts like theirs—hearts that are steadfast and centered on you.
Father, you planted within Simeon and Anna the hope of Israel’s deliverance. Though they lived under the oppression of Roman rule, they never stopped believing that some day they would see your Messiah. Father, give us that heart of hope. We know that through Jesus, you have conquered the darkness of this world. Give us joyful hope as we wait for Jesus’ coming, when all oppression will cease, and every tear will be wiped away.
Holy Spirit, your anointing was upon Simeon and Anna. You told Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the Savior. And you graciously fulfilled that promise. We too need your anointing. Lead us to those places where we will meet you. Help us to walk with you each day. Give us a hunger for you.
Father, thank you for giving Simeon and Anna the eyes to see your Son in a vulnerable, newborn baby. Thank you for removing from them any preconceptions or assumptions that would have kept them from recognizing Jesus. We too want the eyes to see Jesus, even in the most unlikely people and situations. Help us to see him in our spouses, our children, the lonely, the poor. Help us to see him in the Eucharist. We want to encounter your Son. Open our eyes!
Lord, you gave a prophetic gift to Simeon and Anna. Anna “spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Simeon called Jesus “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” and the “glory for your people Israel” (2:32). Their words will be forever remembered. Give us a prophetic voice that tells others what you have done for us. We don’t want to remain silent when we know firsthand of your glory. Give us the courage to proclaim that Jesus is the light of the world.
“Jesus, even as a baby, your light shone into the world. Make us like Simeon and Anna. Give us the grace each day to let your light in us shine out into the world.”
01 February 2010
01 Feb 2010, Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading I
2 Sm 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13
An informant came to David with the report,
“The children of Israel have transferred their loyalty to Absalom.”
At this, David said to all his servants
who were with him in Jerusalem:
“Up! Let us take flight, or none of us will escape from Absalom.
Leave quickly, lest he hurry and overtake us,
then visit disaster upon us and put the city to the sword.”
As David went up the Mount of Olives, he wept without ceasing.
His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot.
All those who were with him also had their heads covered
and were weeping as they went.
As David was approaching Bahurim,
a man named Shimei, the son of Gera
of the same clan as Saul’s family,
was coming out of the place, cursing as he came.
He threw stones at David and at all the king’s officers,
even though all the soldiers, including the royal guard,
were on David’s right and on his left.
Shimei was saying as he cursed:
“Away, away, you murderous and wicked man!
The LORD has requited you for all the bloodshed in the family of Saul,
in whose stead you became king,
and the LORD has given over the kingdom to your son Absalom.
And now you suffer ruin because you are a murderer.”
Abishai, son of Zeruiah, said to the king:
“Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?
Let me go over, please, and lop off his head.”
But the king replied: “What business is it of mine or of yours,
sons of Zeruiah, that he curses?
Suppose the LORD has told him to curse David;
who then will dare to say, ‘Why are you doing this?’”
Then the king said to Abishai and to all his servants:
“If my own son, who came forth from my loins, is seeking my life,
how much more might this Benjaminite do so?
Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to.
Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction
and make it up to me with benefits
for the curses he is uttering this day.”
David and his men continued on the road,
while Shimei kept abreast of them on the hillside,
all the while cursing and throwing stones and dirt as he went.
Gospel
Mk 5:1-20
Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea,
to the territory of the Gerasenes.
When he got out of the boat,
at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him.
The man had been dwelling among the tombs,
and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain.
In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains,
but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed,
and no one was strong enough to subdue him.
Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides
he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones.
Catching sight of Jesus from a distance,
he ran up and prostrated himself before him,
crying out in a loud voice,
“What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?
I adjure you by God, do not torment me!”
(He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”)
He asked him, “What is your name?”
He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.”
And he pleaded earnestly with him
not to drive them away from that territory.
Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside.
And they pleaded with him,
“Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.”
And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine.
The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea,
where they were drowned.
The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town
and throughout the countryside.
And people came out to see what had happened.
As they approached Jesus,
they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion,
sitting there clothed and in his right mind.
And they were seized with fear.
Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened
to the possessed man and to the swine.
Then they began to beg him to leave their district.
As he was getting into the boat,
the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him.
But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead,
“Go home to your family and announce to them
all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.”
Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis
what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.
Meditation: 2 Samuel 15:13-14,30; 16:5-13
All of us have sinned some time in our lives. Maybe our faults are not as grave as adultery, murder, or the other transgressions of David? (2 Samuel 11:2-5,14-16, 27).
Still, each of us has our own list of offenses against God in thought, word, or deed. Like David, we too know these offenses. But how often do we face them in the same way that David did? He acknowledged his sin, turned from it, and earnestly sought forgiveness and a restoration of his relationship with God.
David remained faithful to God—not through never sinning but through repentance and accepting the consequences of his actions. Shimei cursed David and threw stones at him, even though David was the king. And when David’s loyal nephew, Abishai, offered to “lop off” Shimei’s head, David rebuked him, adding, “Perhaps the Lord will look upon my affliction and make it up to me with benefits for the curses [Shimei] is uttering this day” (2 Samuel 16:9,12). How faithful David was! And how much God loved him, despite his very serious offenses!
It’s easy to think that sin means the transgressor doesn’t love God, has a permanently hardened heart, or has completely turned against God. Not so! David is the perfect example. God even chose to have Jesus born through the line of David. David pleased God, even though he committed some very serious sins. His acceptance of the consequences of his misdeeds pleased God. His repentance pleased God. His continual pursuit of an intimate, loving relationship with God pleased him. He pleased God, warts and all. And do you know what? You please God, too.
Even when David was miserable, suffering the consequences of his faults, he trusted that God is fundamentally good and that he does good. No matter what we do, God is ready to sweep away our sin and help us overcome our weaknesses. We need to have these truths firmly fixed in our heads. That way, when we do sin and our feelings tell us God doesn’t love us anymore or that we can’t be forgiven, we have truth to support us.
“Father, I repent for how I have offended you. Today, remind me of your unshakable love for me, so that I may find my joy in you alone.”
2 Sm 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13
An informant came to David with the report,
“The children of Israel have transferred their loyalty to Absalom.”
At this, David said to all his servants
who were with him in Jerusalem:
“Up! Let us take flight, or none of us will escape from Absalom.
Leave quickly, lest he hurry and overtake us,
then visit disaster upon us and put the city to the sword.”
As David went up the Mount of Olives, he wept without ceasing.
His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot.
All those who were with him also had their heads covered
and were weeping as they went.
As David was approaching Bahurim,
a man named Shimei, the son of Gera
of the same clan as Saul’s family,
was coming out of the place, cursing as he came.
He threw stones at David and at all the king’s officers,
even though all the soldiers, including the royal guard,
were on David’s right and on his left.
Shimei was saying as he cursed:
“Away, away, you murderous and wicked man!
The LORD has requited you for all the bloodshed in the family of Saul,
in whose stead you became king,
and the LORD has given over the kingdom to your son Absalom.
And now you suffer ruin because you are a murderer.”
Abishai, son of Zeruiah, said to the king:
“Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?
Let me go over, please, and lop off his head.”
But the king replied: “What business is it of mine or of yours,
sons of Zeruiah, that he curses?
Suppose the LORD has told him to curse David;
who then will dare to say, ‘Why are you doing this?’”
Then the king said to Abishai and to all his servants:
“If my own son, who came forth from my loins, is seeking my life,
how much more might this Benjaminite do so?
Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to.
Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction
and make it up to me with benefits
for the curses he is uttering this day.”
David and his men continued on the road,
while Shimei kept abreast of them on the hillside,
all the while cursing and throwing stones and dirt as he went.
Gospel
Mk 5:1-20
Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea,
to the territory of the Gerasenes.
When he got out of the boat,
at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him.
The man had been dwelling among the tombs,
and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain.
In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains,
but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed,
and no one was strong enough to subdue him.
Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides
he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones.
Catching sight of Jesus from a distance,
he ran up and prostrated himself before him,
crying out in a loud voice,
“What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?
I adjure you by God, do not torment me!”
(He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”)
He asked him, “What is your name?”
He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.”
And he pleaded earnestly with him
not to drive them away from that territory.
Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside.
And they pleaded with him,
“Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.”
And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine.
The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea,
where they were drowned.
The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town
and throughout the countryside.
And people came out to see what had happened.
As they approached Jesus,
they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion,
sitting there clothed and in his right mind.
And they were seized with fear.
Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened
to the possessed man and to the swine.
Then they began to beg him to leave their district.
As he was getting into the boat,
the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him.
But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead,
“Go home to your family and announce to them
all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.”
Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis
what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.
Meditation: 2 Samuel 15:13-14,30; 16:5-13
All of us have sinned some time in our lives. Maybe our faults are not as grave as adultery, murder, or the other transgressions of David? (2 Samuel 11:2-5,14-16, 27).
Still, each of us has our own list of offenses against God in thought, word, or deed. Like David, we too know these offenses. But how often do we face them in the same way that David did? He acknowledged his sin, turned from it, and earnestly sought forgiveness and a restoration of his relationship with God.
David remained faithful to God—not through never sinning but through repentance and accepting the consequences of his actions. Shimei cursed David and threw stones at him, even though David was the king. And when David’s loyal nephew, Abishai, offered to “lop off” Shimei’s head, David rebuked him, adding, “Perhaps the Lord will look upon my affliction and make it up to me with benefits for the curses [Shimei] is uttering this day” (2 Samuel 16:9,12). How faithful David was! And how much God loved him, despite his very serious offenses!
It’s easy to think that sin means the transgressor doesn’t love God, has a permanently hardened heart, or has completely turned against God. Not so! David is the perfect example. God even chose to have Jesus born through the line of David. David pleased God, even though he committed some very serious sins. His acceptance of the consequences of his misdeeds pleased God. His repentance pleased God. His continual pursuit of an intimate, loving relationship with God pleased him. He pleased God, warts and all. And do you know what? You please God, too.
Even when David was miserable, suffering the consequences of his faults, he trusted that God is fundamentally good and that he does good. No matter what we do, God is ready to sweep away our sin and help us overcome our weaknesses. We need to have these truths firmly fixed in our heads. That way, when we do sin and our feelings tell us God doesn’t love us anymore or that we can’t be forgiven, we have truth to support us.
“Father, I repent for how I have offended you. Today, remind me of your unshakable love for me, so that I may find my joy in you alone.”
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