“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18: 19-20)

Memorial of Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr
Lectionary: 344







Reading 1 (Sir 5:1-8)

Rely not on your wealth;
say not: "I have the power."
Rely not on your strength
in following the desires of your heart.
Say not: "Who can prevail against me?"
or, "Who will subdue me for my deeds?"
for God will surely exact the punishment.
Say not: "I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?"
for the Most High bides his time.
Of forgiveness be not overconfident,
adding sin upon sin.
Say not: "Great is his mercy;
my many sins he will forgive."
For mercy and anger alike are with him;
upon the wicked alights his wrath.
Delay not your conversion to the LORD,
put it not off from day to day.
For suddenly his wrath flames forth;
at the time of vengeance you will be destroyed.
Rely not upon deceitful wealth,
for it will be no help on the day of wrath.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6)

R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Alleluia (1 Thes 2:13)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Receive the word of God, not as the word of men,
but as it truly is, the word of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Mk 9:41-50)

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink
because you belong to Christ,
amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,
it would be better for him if a great millstone
were put around his neck
and he were thrown into the sea.
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.
It is better for you to enter into life maimed
than with two hands to go into Gehenna,
into the unquenchable fire.
And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off.
It is better for you to enter into life crippled
than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.
And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.
Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye
than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,
where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

"Everyone will be salted with fire.
Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid,
with what will you restore its flavor?
Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another."



REFLECTION

Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another. The Gospel is a series of Jesus’ sayings and concludes with the metaphor of salt. Salt is an indispensable ingredient in cooking because it gives taste and preserves the food from being spoiled.

Two other metaphors are used: first is the cutting of hand, foot, and eye; the second is the throwing of a person, who leads simple believers astray, into the sea with a great millstone put around his neck. These, however, should not be taken literally.

These metaphors convey the need for radical giving up - even of important body parts and of the person himself-for the highest good: life in the Kingdom of God. Jesus uses hyperbole to emphasize the primacy of the Kingdom. Anything that hinders our entrance to the Kingdom of God should be radically eliminated. In this way, we are kept free from worldly corruption and attain the peace that the world cannot give.

Acts of kindness and forgiveness promote the Kingdom of God on earth.

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2016,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.) http://www.ssp.ph/

Meditation:

Who in their right mind would want to lose their reward and then be deprived of joy in the end? We have been given the greatest of rewards - God himself who is perfect love and source of abundant life and unending happiness. Paul the Apostle tells us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5). God's love purifies our hearts and compels us to express kindness and charity towards our neighbor who is created in the image and likeness of God. We were created in love for love. The charity we show to our neighbors in their need expresses the gratitude we have for the abundant goodness and kindness of God towards us. Jesus declared that any kindness shown and any help given to the people of Christ will not lose its reward. Jesus never refused to give to anyone in need who asked for his help. As his disciples we are called to be kind and generous as he is.

Gregory of Nyssa (330-395 AD), an early church father wrote:

"God never asks his servants to do what is impossible. The love and goodness of his Godhead is revealed as richly available. It is poured out like water upon all. God furnishes to each person according to his will the ability to do something good. None of those seeking to be saved will be lacking in this ability, given by the one who said: 'whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward'" (ON THE CHRISTIAN MODE OF LIFE 8.1)

Do you allow the love of Christ to transform your heart that you may treat your neighbor with loving kindness and mercy?

Avoiding evil and the near occasion of sin

Was Jesus' exaggerating when he urged his followers to use drastic measures to avoid evil and its harmful consequences (Mark 9:42-47? Jesus set before his disciples the one supreme goal in life that is worth any sacrifice, and that goal is God himself and his will for our lives which leads to everlasting peace and happiness. Just as a doctor might remove a limb or some part of the body in order to preserve the life of the whole body, so we must be ready to part with anything that causes us to sin and which leads to spiritual death. Jesus warns his disciples of the terrible responsibility that they must set no stumbling block in the way of another, that is, not give offense or bad example that might lead another to sin. The Greek word for temptation (scandalon) is exactly the same as the English word scandal. The original meaning of scandal is a trap or a stumbling block which causes one to trip and fall. The Jews held that it was an unforgivable sin to each another to sin. If we teach another to sin, he or she in turn may teach still another, until a train of sin is set in motion with no foreseeable end. The young in faith are especially vulnerable to the bad example of those who should be passing on the faith. Do you set a good example for others to follow, especially the young?

Salt and fire

What does Jesus mean when he says "have salt in yourselves" (Mark 9:50)? Salt served a very useful purpose in hot climates before the invention of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave food flavor, it also preserved meat from spoiling. Salt was used as a symbol of fellowship and the sharing of a common meal with one's friends. The near-Eastern expression to betray the salt meant to betray one's Lord or Master or one's friends. Leonardo da Vinci in his painting of the Last Supper depicts Judas in the act of tipping over the salt shaker, thus symbolically indentifying himself as the betrayer of his Master the Lord Jesus.

Jesus used the image of salt to describe how his disciples are to live in the world. As salt purifies, preserves, and produces rich flavor for food, so the disciple of Christ must be salt in the world of human society to purify, preserve, and bring the flavor of God's kingdom of righteousness, peace, joy, and mercy. What did Jesus mean by the expression "salted with fire" and "salt losing its saltiness"? Salt in the ancient world was often put in ovens to intensify the heat. When the salt was burned off and no longer useful it was thrown out on the foot path where it would easily get trodden upon (Matthew 5:13). Perhaps Jesus wanted to contrast useful salt and salt which lost its ability to prevent corruption to encourage his disciples to bring the rich flavor of Christ's love, holiness, and righteousness to a world dominated by greed, selfish ambition, and neglect for the weak, poor, and defenseless.

Paul the Apostle reminds us that we are called to be "the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16 ). The Lord Jesus wants the fragrance of his love and righteousness to permeate our lives, thoughts, speech, and actions. Do you allow the fragrance of Christ's love and truth to permeate your relationships and circle of influence, especially among your family, friends, and neighbors? "Lord Jesus, fill me with the fragrance of your love and truth that I may radiate the joy and peace of the Gospel wherever I go and with whomever I meet."

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Why not skip over such passages, by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)

"This is no trivial subject of inquiry that we propose, but rather it concerns things most urgent, and about which many inquire: namely, whether hell fire has any end. For that it has no end Christ indeed declared when he said, 'Their fire shall not be quenched, and their worm shall not die' (Isaiah 66:24). Yes, I know a chill comes over you on hearing these things. But what am I to do? For this is God’s own command... Ordained as we have been to the ministry of the word, we must cause our hearers discomfort when it is necessary for them to hear. We do this not arbitrarily but under command." (excerpt from the HOMILIES ON FIRST CORINTHIANS 9.1)

copyright and original source at … http://www.dailyscripture.net…

This post has been edited by khool: Feb 23 2017, 01:41 PM

Lent begins in one week!

I'm reminded (and inspired) by St. Francis of Assisi, who told his fellow friars near the end of his life: "Let us begin again, for until now we have done nothing..." May our Lord give us the grace of such humble and holy zeal.

Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 345



Reading 1 (Sir 6:5-17)

A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies,
and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings.
Let your acquaintances be many,
but one in a thousand your confidant.
When you gain a friend, first test him,
and be not too ready to trust him.
For one sort is a friend when it suits him,
but he will not be with you in time of distress.
Another is a friend who becomes an enemy,
and tells of the quarrel to your shame.
Another is a friend, a boon companion,
who will not be with you when sorrow comes.
When things go well, he is your other self,
and lords it over your servants;
But if you are brought low, he turns against you
and avoids meeting you.
Keep away from your enemies;
be on your guard with your friends.
A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure.
A faithful friend is beyond price,
no sum can balance his worth.
A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy,
such as he who fears God finds;
For he who fears God behaves accordingly,
and his friend will be like himself.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34, 35)

R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

In your statutes I will delight;
I will not forget your words.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Open my eyes, that I may consider
the wonders of your law.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Give me discernment, that I may observe your law
and keep it with all my heart.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Lead me in the path of your commands,
for in it I delight.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Alleluia (Jn 17:17b, 17a)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Your word, O Lord, is truth;
consecrate us in the truth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Mk 10:1-12)

Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan.
Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom,
he again taught them.
The Pharisees approached him and asked,
"Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?"
They were testing him.
He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?"
They replied,
"Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce
and dismiss her."
But Jesus told them,
"Because of the hardness of your hearts
he wrote you this commandment.
But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
So they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together,
no human being must separate."
In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this.
He said to them,
"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another
commits adultery against her;
and if she divorces her husband and marries another,
she commits adultery."



Meditation:

What is God's intention for our state in life, whether married or single? Jesus deals with the issue of divorce by taking his hearers back to the beginning of creation and to God's plan for the human race. In Genesis 2:23-24 we see God's intention and ideal that two people who marry should become so indissolubly one that they are one flesh. That ideal is found in the unbreakable union of Adam and Eve. They were created for each other and for no one else. They are the pattern and symbol for all who were to come.

We belong to God and not to ourselves

Jesus explains that Moses permitted divorce as a concession in view of a lost ideal. Jesus sets the high ideal of the married state before those who are willing to accept his commands. Jesus, likewise sets the high ideal for those who freely renounce marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:11-12). Both marriage and celibacy are calls from God to live a consecrated life, that is to live as married couples or as singles who belong not to themselves but to God. Our lives are not our own - they belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19b,20; Romans 14:7-8).

The Lord Jesus through the gift of the Holy Spirit gives the grace and the power to those who seek to follow his way of holiness in their state of life. His grace and power bring freedom, discipline, and strength to live a life of love, joy, and holiness. Do you seek the Lord and his grace (his strength and power) in your state of life?

"Lord Jesus Christ, your call to holiness extends to all in every state of life. Sanctify our lives - as married couples and as singles - that we may live as men and women who are consecrated to you. Make us leaven in a society that disdains life-long marriage fidelity, chastity, and living single for the Lord".

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Mutual servants, equally serving, by Tertullian, 160-225 A.D.

"Where are we to find language adequately to express the happiness of that marriage which the church cements, the oblation confirms, the benediction signs and seals, the angels celebrate, and the Father holds as approved? For all around the earth young people do not rightly and lawfully wed without their parents' consent. What kind of yoke is that of two believers who share one hope, one desire, one discipline, one service? (Ephesians 4:4) They enjoy kinship in spirit and in flesh. They are mutual servants with no discrepancy of interests. Truly they are 'two in one flesh' (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31). Where the flesh is one, the spirit is one as well. Together they pray, together bow down, together perform their fasts, mutually teaching, mutually entreating, mutually upholding. In the church of God they hold an equal place. (Romans 12:15; 15:6; Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12:12) They stand equally at the banquet of God, equally in crises, equally facing persecutions, and equally in refreshments. Neither hides anything from the other. Neither neglects the other. Neither is troublesome to the other (Philippians 1:27)." (excerpt from TO HIS WIFE 2.8)

copyright and original source at … http://www.dailyscripture.net …

Malaysian Bishops call for a National Day of Prayer
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia has called for all parishes in Malaysia to organise a prayer vigil from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on February 24 to pray for greater Hope, Unity and Mercy.



KUALA LUMPUR (Herald Malaysia): The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia has called for all parishes in Malaysia to organise a prayer vigil from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on February 24 to pray for greater Hope, Unity and Mercy.

The Bishops’ acknowledge the rapidly changing world that we live in and the challenges we face livng as Christians in Malaysia. We need to respond to these challenges by standing up for our faith. Let us also be aware of what is happening in our surroundings and our country at large.

Let us reach out to those who are marginalised, let us lift the oppressed, let us find justice for the persecuted, let us be a voice for the voiceless and let us bring hope to those in despair.

Parish priests are to announce at the Mass the importance of this gathering and night of prayer and intercession for our nation. This also inlcudes all religious houses.

Source: http://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/malaysi...-prayer/34748/1

No, Pope Francis Did NOT Say It’s Better to Be an Atheist Than a Bad Catholic

Don’t believe the headlines!

Have you heard the news that Pope Francis preached it was better to be an atheist than a hypocritical Catholic? It’s in the headlines from Reuters, CNN, The Guardian, and many others.

There’s only one problem: that is not what he said. They’re all wrong.

From Vatican Radio itself, here is what Pope Francis actually said, in context:



You see that he is not saying that it’s better to be an atheist than a hypocritical Catholic. Rather, he is saying that this is something other people say when confronted with hypocritical Catholics.

In Catholic theology, “scandal” is any sin that hurts another person spiritually. The pontiff is saying that when Catholics are hypocrites, it causes scandal, and makes people think they shouldn’t be Catholic (which is bad for them spiritually).

This is of course true and is a completely uncontroversial thing to point out.

Source: https://churchpop.com/2017/02/23/no-pope-fr...a-bad-catholic/

Pope: Don't put off conversion, give up a double life

(Vatican Radio) Don’t scandalize “the little ones” with a double life, because scandal destroys. That was the message of Pope Francis in his homily at the morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta. And so, the Pope said, we should not put off conversion.

“Cut off your hand,” “Pluck out your eye,” but “don’t scandalize the little ones,” that is, the just, those who confide in the Lord, who believe simply in the Lord. That was the Pope’s exhortation in the homily, based on the day’s Gospel. For the Lord, he said, scandal is destruction:



The Pope gave the example of a company that was on the brink of failure. The leaders wanted to avoid a just strike, but the company had not done well, and they wanted to talk with the authorities of the company. The people didn’t have money for their daily needs because they had not received their wages. And the head of the company, a Catholic, was taking his winter vacation on a beach in the Middle East, and the people knew it, even if it hadn’t made the papers. “These are scandals,” Pope Francis said:



“The double life comes from following the passions of the heart, the capital sins that are the wounds of original sin,” hiding the passions, but following them, the Pope explained. The first Reading, in fact, tells us that they do not satisfy, and not to trust in riches, to not say, “There’s enough for myself.” And so Pope Francis calls us to not put off conversion:



Source: http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/02/23...le_life/1294470

Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 346



Reading 1 (Sir 17:1-15)

God from the earth created man,
and in his own image he made him.
He makes man return to earth again,
and endows him with a strength of his own.
Limited days of life he gives him,
with power over all things else on earth.
He puts the fear of him in all flesh,
and gives him rule over beasts and birds.
He created for them counsel, and a tongue and eyes and ears,
and an inventive heart,
and filled them with the discipline of understanding.
He created in them knowledge of the spirit;
With wisdom he fills their heart;
good and evil he shows them.
He put the fear of himself upon their hearts,
and showed them his mighty works,
That they might glory in the wonder of his deeds
and praise his holy name.
He has set before them knowledge,
a law of life as their inheritance;
An everlasting covenant he has made with them,
his justice and his judgments he has revealed to them.
His majestic glory their eyes beheld,
his glorious voice their ears heard.
He says to them, "Avoid all evil";
each of them he gives precepts about his fellow men.
Their ways are ever known to him,
they cannot be hidden from his eyes.
Over every nation he places a ruler,
but God's own portion is Israel.
All their actions are clear as the sun to him,
his eyes are ever upon their ways.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18)

R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him,
For he knows how we are formed;
he remembers that we are dust.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

Man's days are like those of grass;
like a flower of the field he blooms;
The wind sweeps over him and he is gone,
and his place knows him no more.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward children's children
among those who keep his covenant.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

Alleluia (Mt 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Mk 10:13-16)

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them,
but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,
"Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Amen, I say to you,
whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it."
Then he embraced the children and blessed them,
placing his hands on them.



Meditation:

Do you seek to help others draw near to the Lord Jesus? The parents who brought their children to Jesus wanted Jesus to lay his hands upon them. They knew of the healing power, both physical and spiritual, which came from Jesus' touch. Jesus, in turn, rebuked his disciples for hindering the children from coming. No doubt the disciples wanted to shield Jesus from the nuisance of noisy children. But Jesus delighted in the children and demonstrated that God's love has ample room for everyone.

Pray for the young to grow strong in faith

No one is unimportant to God. He comes to each person individually that he might touch them with his healing love and power. Do you show kindness, interest, and care for the youth you encounter in your neighborhood, home, and church? And do you pray for young people that they may come to know the love of Jesus Christ and grow in wisdom and maturity as his disciples?

Why does Jesus say that we must receive the kingdom of God like a child (Mark 10:15)? In the ancient world children were at the bottom of the social ladder. They had no rights or privileges of their own and they had no means or resources to care for themselves. They were totally dependent on their parents for everything they needed. Scripture teaches us that we are totally dependent on God as our eternal Father and Provider. We owe our very existence to him because he is the Creator, Author, and Sustainer of life. We could not find our way to God if he did not first seek us out and draw us to himself. That is why the Father in heaven sent his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus, to show us the way to the Father.

The Lord Jesus came to set us free from slavery to sin, Satan, and death, and to adopt us as children of God - his beloved sons and daughters. Jesus taught his disciples to not only honor and respect God as our eternal Father, but to trust in him with great confidence for everything we need - just as children naturally trust in their parents for all that they need. God gives generously to those who put their trust in him, who approach him with child-like simplicity and humility, and with expectant faith that he will treat them as a loving and merciful Father rather than a cold and stern judge or tyrant. Do you trust your heavenly Father to give you what you need to live as his son or daughter?

Do you seek to help others draw near to the Lord?

Our great privilege and responsibility is to live as true and faithful sons and daughters of God and as loyal citizens and ambassadors of his heavenly kingdom. And our chief responsibility is to pass on the faith, wisdom, and gifts which we have received from God to our young people and to those who do not yet know God that they may find true joy and everlasting life in the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you ready and eager to pass on your faith and experience of God's action in your life to others, especially to the young who need guidance, encouragement, and the godly example and witness of those who have discovered the true source of happiness in knowing, loving, and serving God?

"Lord Jesus, may we never hinder our youth from coming to you to receive your blessing, help, and abundant life. Make our youth strong in faith, hope, and love that they may find true joy and fulfillment in following you as their Lord and Savior. And as we grow with age, may we never lose that child-like simplicity and humility which draws us ever deeper into your loving presence."

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: When the reception of grace begins, by Basil the Great, 329-379 A.D.

"The apostle praised one [Timothy] who had known the holy Scripture from infancy (2 Timothy 3:15). He also instructed that children be reared 'in the discipline and correction of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4). So we consider every time of life, even the very earliest, suitable for receiving persons into the community of faith." (excerpt from THE LONG RULES 15)

copyright and original source at … http://www.dailyscripture.net …

God and Mammon?
Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D.



In the ancient world, most peoples believed in a universe populated by many gods. However, even without the help of biblical revelation, Greek philosophers figured something out. There could only be one Supreme Being, only one almighty and omnipotent Ruler of all, only one God.

In the twelfth chapter of Luke, Jesus asks a question. Whom do you serve? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, or that god called “mammon?” You can only have one God.

We all know mammon has something to do with money. But the word he uses here is not the common word for money. Mammon means unjust gain, greed, or money made an end in itself, an ultimate value, a controlling force. Some people use money to provide for their family. Others sell out their family, their country, their integrity . . . for money. This is where money becomes mammon, a relentless god that demands that all bow before it and offer sacrifice.

If you review all the Old and New Testament texts that deal with wealth, you find a recurring theme. Woe is the man who trusts in his great wealth. Riches are not a reliable foundation to build on when it comes to eternal or even present security. America was once wise enough to put “in God we trust” on its money. Only the fool puts his trust in his money.

When Jesus points to the lilies of the field who neither toil nor spin, don’t get him wrong. He is not encouraging us to quit toiling and spinning. St. Paul berates those in Thessalonica who used trust in God as an excuse for laziness, idleness and irresponsibility. In contrast, he offers an example to the faithful by his work day and night to support himself so he is not a burden on anyone else. Those who do not work should not eat he says (2 Thes. 3:10).

So Jesus is not trying to get us to stop working. He is telling us to stop worrying. Worry is a kind of recurring fear. And the most frequent command of Jesus in the four gospels is “Do not be afraid!” more literally translated “Stop fearing!”

We are more precious to God than the lilies of the field. If he will provide for them, how much more will he provide for us! There are times that he will provide manna. Other times, he will provide work. We should gratefully accept whatever he provides and work hard. But we must labor in confidence, not in anxiety. For the love of God, not the love of money. For His glory, not for our own.

Source: http://catholicexchange.com/god-and-mammon..._eid=6396f20ec0

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 82





Reading 1 (Is 49:14-15)

Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me;
my LORD has forgotten me."
Can a mother forget her infant,
be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget,
I will never forget you.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9)

R. Rest in God alone, my soul.

Only in God is my soul at rest;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all.
R. Rest in God alone, my soul.

Only in God be at rest, my soul,
for from him comes my hope.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed.
R. Rest in God alone, my soul.

With God is my safety and my glory,
he is the rock of my strength; my refuge is in God.
Trust in him at all times, O my people!
Pour out your hearts before him.
R. Rest in God alone, my soul.

Reading 2 (1 Cor 4:1-5)

Brothers and sisters:
Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ
and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Now it is of course required of stewards
that they be found trustworthy.
It does not concern me in the least
that I be judged by you or any human tribunal;
I do not even pass judgment on myself;
I am not conscious of anything against me,
but I do not thereby stand acquitted;
the one who judges me is the Lord.
Therefore do not make any judgment before the appointed time,
until the Lord comes,
for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness
and will manifest the motives of our hearts,
and then everyone will receive praise from God.

Alleluia (Hb 4:12)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The word of God is living and effective;
discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Mt 6:24-34)

Jesus said to his disciples:
"No one can serve two masters.
He will either hate one and love the other,
or be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink,
or about your body, what you will wear.
Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds in the sky;
they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns,
yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are not you more important than they?
Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?
Why are you anxious about clothes?
Learn from the way the wild flowers grow.
They do not work or spin.
But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor
was clothed like one of them.
If God so clothes the grass of the field,
which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow,
will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?'
or 'What are we to drink?'or 'What are we to wear?'
All these things the pagans seek.
Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given you besides.
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.
Sufficient for a day is its own evil."





REFLECTION

Renewing faith in god as “mother-father almighty”. When I go home and see my aging and sickly parents, I wonder how they have managed so well… at least as I feel it. And I worry for them, for myself, for life, for what tomorrow may bring. Life has changed; above all, I have changed. I am no longer a little child before whose eyes father and mother are two big and loving super persons.

God’s Word makes us realize that the challenge is more than simply letting go of our anxieties over our human needs. In the Gospel, Jesus does not deny the reality of human needs. We have to eat, drink, and clothe ourselves. However, if we are believers in the Christian God, we have to practice the art of going through everything with the eyes, the heart, and the mind of children. We must see ourselves as small and look at God as the “Big One,” who takes care of everything in a manner far better than we can imagine. Like little children, we should let God do the worrying. We should trust that with God, life is well.

The Gospel, from the heart of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, stresses that for the wise King Solomon, considered the golden king of Israel, for the tiny and unnamed birds, and for the ephemeral wild flowers easily trampled underfoot, God is more than just the mighty universal Maker. More importantly for Jesus, God is the “heavenly Father.” God is “heavenly” not only because God dwells in the heavens, but because God as Father surpasses any earthly father in his power to provide and in his compassion. Imagine the best traits a human father may have, and extend such good attributes to the maximum, and know that God the “heavenly Father” is far more than such… without comparison.

The prophet Isaiah (First Reading) underscores that God is not just the “heavenly Father,” but that the Lord is also the mother who bears the child in her womb! The nine-month period that the mother carries the baby in her womb produces a bond that is intimate and lasting, for in those months mother and child are truly one. The mother’s breath is the child’s own; the mother’s food is the baby’s nourishment, too.

God is the “Big One” — who is at the same time the heavenly Father and the ever-thoughtful Mother. Ours is the need to relearn how to be the little ones. This relearning may be made difficult by all that we have been through. But we must thank our own earthly fathers and human mothers. Their unselfish and “magical” ways enable us to say: “All can be well… because once upon a time, this was so. Life was worry-free since we believed that Papa and Mama were bigger than any concerns there were.”

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2016,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.) http://www.ssp.ph/

Meditation:

What does the expression "serving two masters" and "being anxious" have in common? They both have the same root problem - being divided within oneself. The root word for "anxiety" literally means "being of two minds." An anxious person is often "tossed to and fro" and paralyzed by fear, indecision, and insecurity. Fear of some bad outcome cripples those afflicted with anxiety. It's also the case with someone who wants to live in two opposing kingdoms - God's kingdom of light, truth, and goodness or Satan's kingdom of darkness, sin, and deception - following God's standards and way of happiness or following the world's standards of success and happiness.

Who is the master of your life?

Who is the master in charge of your life? Our "master" is whatever governs our thought-life, shapes our ideals, and controls the desires of our heart and the values we choose to live by. We can be ruled by many different things - the love of money and possessions, the power of position and prestige, the glamor of wealth and fame, and the driving force of unruly passions, harmful desires, and addictive cravings. Ultimately the choice of who is our master boils down to two: God or "mammon". What is mammon? "Mammon" stands for "material wealth" or "possessions" or whatever tends to control our appetites and desires.

The antidote to fear, pride, and greed

There is one master alone who has the power to set us free from slavery to sin, fear, pride, and greed, and a host of other hurtful desires. That master is the Lord Jesus Christ who alone can save us from all that would keep us bound up in fear and anxiety. Jesus used an illustration from nature - the birds and the flowers - to show how God provides for his creatures in the natural order of his creation. God provides ample food, water, light, and heat to sustain all that lives and breathes. How much more can we, who are created in the very image and likeness of God, expect our heavenly Father and creator to sustain not only our physical bodies, but our mind, heart, and soul as well? God our Father is utterly reliable because it is his nature to love, heal, forgive, and make whole again.

Jesus - our daily bread

Jesus taught his disciples to pray with confidence to their heavenly Father: Give us this day our daily bread. What is bread, but the very staple of life and symbol of all that we need to live and grow. Anxiety is neither helpful nor necessary. It robs us of faith and confidence in God’s help and it saps our energy for doing good. Jesus admonishes his followers to put away anxiety and preoccupation with material things and instead to seek first the things of God - his kingdom and righteousness. Anxiety robs the heart of trust in the mercy and goodness of God and in his loving care for us. God knows our needs even before we ask and he gives generously to those who trust in him. Who is your master - God or mammon?

"Lord Jesus, free me from needless worries and help me to put my trust in you. May my first and only concern be for your glory and your kingdom of peace and righteousness. Help me to live each day and moment with trust and gratitude for your providential care for me."

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The value of life, by John Chrysostom, 547-407 A.D.

(excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 22.1)

copyright and original source at … http://www.dailyscripture.net …

This post has been edited by khool: Feb 26 2017, 12:27 PM

“Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5)
- Blessed Virgin Mary



Hail, Queen of heaven, the ocean star,
Guide of the wanderer here below,
Thrown on life's surge, we claim thy care,
Save us from peril and from woe.
Mother of Christ, O Star of the sea
Pray for the wanderer, pray for me.

O gentle, chaste, and spotless Maid,
We sinners make our prayers through thee;
Remind thy Son that He has paid
The price of our iniquity.
Virgin most pure, O star of the sea,
Pray for the sinner, pray for me.

Sojourners in this vale of tears,
To thee, blest advocate, we cry;
Pity our sorrows, calm our fears,
And sooth with hope our misery.
Refuge in grief, star of the sea,
Pray for the mourner, pray for me.

And while to Him Who reigns above
In Godhead one, in Persons three,
The Source of life, of grace, of love,
Homage we pay on bended knee:
Do thou, bright Queen, O star of the sea,
Pray for thy children, pray for me.

The mystery of Christianity is a love story between a perfect spouse and a sinful yet comely bride. “Draw me: we will run after thee to the odour of thy ointments. ( The odour of sanctity from the tree of life given to the elect) The king hath brought me (The bride) into his storerooms (The sacraments) we will be glad and rejoice in thee, remembering thy breasts (Nourishes) more than wine: the righteous love thee. 5I am black but beautiful, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, ( You have come to the New Jerusalem) as the tents of Cedar, as the curtains of Solomon.” Song of Solomon 1:4. I am black in my 2000 years of humanity, sins, and beautiful in my martyrs, and righteous saints and Gods truths. “That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church.” “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. “ “I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you. 19Yet a little while: and the world seeth me no more. But you see me: because I live, and you shall live. 20In that day you shall know, that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them; he it is that loveth me. And he that loveth me, shall be loved of my Father: and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” John 14:18-21

“Therefore, behold I will allure her, and will lead her into the wilderness: and I will speak to her heart. “15And I will give her vinedressers out of the same place, and the valley of Achor for an opening of hope: and she shall sing there according to the days of her youth, and according to the days of her coming up out of the land of Egypt. (Sin and adultery) “I was born in iniquities in my mother’s womb Psalms 50. Who can make unclean seed clean? Job 14) 16And it shall be in that day, saith the Lord, That she shall call me : My husband, and she shall call me no more Baali. 17And I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and she shall no more remember their name. 18And in that day I will make a covenant with them, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of the air, and with the creeping things of the earth: and I will destroy the bow, and the sword, and war out of the land: and I will make them sleep secure. 19And I will espouse thee to me for ever: and I will espouse thee to me in justice, and judgment, and in mercy, and in commiserations. 20And I will espouse thee to me in faith: and thou shalt know that I am the Lord. 21And it shall come to pass in that day: I will hear, saith the Lord, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth. 22And the earth shall hear the core, and the wine, and the oil, and these shall hear Jezrahel. 23And I will sow her unto me in the earth, and I will have mercy on her that was without mercy. And I will say to that which was not my people: Thou art my people: and they shall say: Thou art my God.” Hosea 2:15-23

The bride will no longer be the Samaritan lady at the well of betrothal but will be purified through life giving waters leaving her five husbands of pagan Gods of Gentiles and uniting to the true spouse in a covenant of pure blood of eternal essence which flows through the vine on earth and in heaven uniting the church militant on earth with the church triumphant in heaven in the veil the flesh of christ.“ The life’s force is in the blood”. God allowed the Jews to divorce due to the hardness of their hearts, but in the beginning it was not so. He will never leave his spouse even in her flesh (I will espouse thee to me in justice, and judgment, and in mercy, and in commiserations forever) When she falls he will give her loving correction in order that in this brief moment of time compared to eternity in pain and adversity she can be refined and purified; she can earn her eternal reward) At Pentecost the Holy Spirit came into the world creating a new spiritual earth and heavens and through baptism into the universal church, lions laid downs with lamb and swords of Gentiles and Jews were beaten into plow shears. Churches filled the earth and as those filled with the Eucharistic heart of Christ exited those churches, streams of light began to cover the earth and Satan and his demons were blinded and suppressed. The strong man was put in chains.

“Behold I send my angel, and he shall prepare the way before my face. And presently the Lord, whom you seek, and the angel of the testament, whom you desire, shall come to his temple. Behold he cometh, saith the Lord of hosts. 2And who shall be able to think of the day of his coming? and who shall stand to see him? for he is like a refining fire, and like the fuller's herb: 3And he shall sit refining and cleansing the silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and shall refine them as gold, and as silver,( The bride is washed and sanctified, regenerated in the laver of the word of life) and they shall offer sacrifices to the Lord in justice. ( This IS my body) 4And the sacrifice of Juda and of Jerusalem shall please the Lord, as in the days of old, and in the ancient years.” Malachi 3:1-4 You have been made heirs to the promise of Abraham because you have been baptized in Christ Jesus.
“For from the rising of the sun even to the going down, my name is great among the Gentiles, and in every place there is sacrifice, and there is offered to my name a clean oblation: for my name is great among the Gentiles, saith the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 1:11

Do this in remembrance of me. Offer the memorial covenant sacrifice of my marriage bed on the cross as my priesthood until I return. My flesh is real food my blood is real drink, he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him and I will raise him on the last day…what if you were to see the son of man ascend to where he was before, then would you believe? “But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth.9And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight.” Acts 1:8-9. How can one preach unless he be sent?

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, and that preacheth peace: of him that sheweth forth good, that preacheth salvation, that saith to Sion: Thy God shall reign! 8The voice of thy watchmen: they have lifted up their voice, they shah praise together: for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall convert Sion 9Rejoice, and give praise together, O ye deserts of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people: he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 10The Lord hath prepared his holy arm in the sight of all the Gentiles: and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. 11Depart, depart, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing: go out of the midst of her, be ye clean, you that carry the vessels of the Lord. 12For you shall not go out in a tumult, neither shall you make haste by flight: For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will gather you together. 13Behold my servant shall understand, he shall be exalted, and extolled, and shall be exceeding high. 14As many have been astonished at thee, so shall his visage be inglorious among men, and his form among the sons of men. 15He shall sprinkle many nations, kings shall shut their mouth at him: for they to whom it was not told of him, have seen: and they that heard not, have beheld.” Isaiah 52:7
“And many people shall go, and say: Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall come forth from Sion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”

Our entrance into the Mystical Body of Christ is not through our works of justice that we abide in but through the laver of regeneration, Baptism in which the bride is washed and sanctified, preparation for the groom. “15He shall sprinkle many nations, kings shall shut their mouth at him: for they to whom it was not told of him, have seen.” A sprinkling of blood which speaketh better than that of Abel.

“For we ourselves also were some time unwise, incredulous, erring, slaves to divers desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior appeared: 5Not by the works of justice, which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and renovation of the Holy Ghost; 6Whom he hath poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Savior: 7That, being justified by his grace, we may be heirs, according to hope of life everlasting. 8It is a faithful saying: and these things I will have thee affirm constantly: that they, who believe in God, may be careful to excel in good works.” Titus 3:7-7

The jars of washing at the wedding are filled with the most glorious blood of the grape and the true groom has saved the best wine for last, This is the blood of the new and eternal covenant… “how be it one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there came out blood and water.” John 19:34. “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 6This is he that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit which testifieth, that Christ is the truth. 7And there are three who give testimony in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one. 8And there are three that give testimony on earth: the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three are one.

“12Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to every man according to his works. 13I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14Blessed are they that wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb: that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. 15Without are dogs, and sorcerers, and unchaste, and murderers, and servers of idols, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie. 16I Jesus have sent my angel, to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the root and stock of David, the bright and morning star. 17And the spirit and the bride say: Come. And he that heareth, let him say: Come. And he that thirsteth, let him come: and he that will, let him take the water of life, freely.

9If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony of God, which is greater, because he hath testified of his Son. 10He that believeth in the Son of God, hath the testimony of God in himself. He that believeth not the Son, maketh him a liar: because he believeth not in the testimony which God hath testified of his Son. 11And this is the testimony, that God hath given to us eternal life. And this life is in his Son. 12He that hath the Son, hath life. He that hath not the Son, hath not life.” 1 John 5:9-12

The word became flesh AND DWELLS AMONG US, believe in the entire word.

MAN DOES NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD

Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 348



Mark your calendar ....... This Wednesday is ASH WEDNESDAY ...
"Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return." - Genesis 3:19
"Memento, homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris" - Genesis 3:19

Reading 1 (Sir 35:1-12)

To keep the law is a great oblation,
and he who observes the
commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
In works of charity one offers fine flour,
and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise.
To refrain from evil pleases the LORD,
and to avoid injustice is an atonement.
Appear not before the LORD empty-handed,
for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.
The just one's offering enriches the altar
and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.
The just one's sacrifice is most pleasing,
nor will it ever be forgotten.
In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD,
be not sparing of freewill gifts.
With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,
and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.

For the LORD is one who always repays,
and he will give back to you sevenfold.
But offer no bribes, these he does not accept!
Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion.
For he is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23)

R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

"Gather my faithful ones before me,
those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
And the heavens proclaim his justice;
for God himself is the judge.
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

"Hear, my people, and I will speak;
Israel, I will testify against you;
God, your God, am I.
Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

"Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Alleluia (mt 11:25)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Mk 10:28-31)

Peter began to say to Jesus,
'We have given up everything and followed you."
Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first."



Meditation:

What's the best investment you can make with your life? The gospel presents us with a paradox: we lose what we keep, and we gain what we give away. When we lose our lives for Jesus Christ, we gain a priceless treasure and an inheritance which lasts forever. Whatever we give to God comes back a hundredfold. Generosity flows from a heart full of gratitude for the abundant mercy and grace which God grants. Do you give freely and generously? And why do you give, for reward or for love?

The Lord Jesus rewards those who follow him

Right after a wealthy young man refused to follow Jesus, Peter, somewhat crudely wanted to know what he and the other disciples would get out of it since they had freely accepted Jesus' offer to follow him unconditionally. Jesus spoke with utter honesty: Those who left all for him would receive a hundred times more now, even in this life, as well as unending life in the age to come. Jesus' disciples can expect opposition and persecution from those who are opposed to Jesus Christ and his Gospel.

The joy and treasure of God's everlasting kingdom

Should we be surprised if we lose favor and experience ridicule, intimidation, and injury when we take a stand for truth and righteousness? In place of material wealth, Jesus promised his disciples the blessing and joy of rich fellowship with the community of believers. No earthly good or possession can rival the joy and bliss of knowing God and the peace and unity he grants to his disciples. The Lord Jesus wants to fill our hearts with the vision of the heavenly kingdom - a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Do you know the joy of following the Lord Jesus and serving him? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the joy and peace of God which does not pass away and with the assurance of his personal love for you which never fails.

"Lord Jesus, I want to follow you as your disciple and to love you wholeheartedly with all that I have. Fill my heart with faith, hope, and love that I may always find peace and joy in your presence."

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The spiritual sense of leaving the family, by Clement of Alexandria, 150-215 A.D.

(excerpt from SALVATION OF THE RICH MAN 22.13)

copyright and original source at … http://www.dailyscripture.net …

ASH WEDNESDAY: WHY THE ASHES?



THE ASHES SYMBOLIZE REPENTANCE FROM OUR SINS:

"Then I turned to the Lord God, to seek an answer by prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments, we have sinned and done wrong, acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances (Daniel 9:3-5)."

LET US HEED GOD'S LOVING CALL TOWARDS CONVERSION AND REPENTANCE, first by going to the Sacrament of CONFESSION, and by dying unto ourselves and the old man within us to BE BORN AND LIVE WITH CHRIST!

SEE AS WELL: ASH WEDNESDAY (March 1, 2017. Fasting and Abstinence*). WHY THE IMPOSITION OF ASHES? WHAT IS LENT? In http://wp.me/p6k7Mv-23e

Mass times for Petaling District on Ash Wednesday, 01 March 2017

Ash Wednesday
Lectionary: 219





Reading 1 (JL 2:12-18)

Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the LORD, your God.
For gracious and merciful is he,
slow to anger, rich in kindness,
and relenting in punishment.
Perhaps he will again relent
and leave behind him a blessing,
Offerings and libations
for the LORD, your God.

Blow the trumpet in Zion!
proclaim a fast,
call an assembly;
Gather the people,
notify the congregation;
Assemble the elders,
gather the children
and the infants at the breast;
Let the bridegroom quit his room
and the bride her chamber.
Between the porch and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep,
And say, "Spare, O LORD, your people,
and make not your heritage a reproach,
with the nations ruling over them!
Why should they say among the peoples,
'Where is their God?'"

Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land
and took pity on his people.

Responsorial (Psalm PS 51:3-4, 5-6AB, 12-13, 14 AND 17)

R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
"Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight."
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Reading 2 (2 COR 5:20—6:2)

Brothers and sisters:
We are ambassadors for Christ,
as if God were appealing through us.
We implore you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.

Working together, then,
we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For he says:

In an acceptable time I heard you,
and on the day of salvation I helped you.

Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.

Verse Before The Gospel (PS 95:8)

If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.

Gospel (MT 6:1-6, 16-18)

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms,
do not blow a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

"When you pray,
do not be like the hypocrites,
who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners
so that others may see them.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go to your inner room,
close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

"When you fast,
do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.
They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast,
anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."



REFLECTION

Your father who sees in secret will repay you. This statement is like a refrain for every pillar of Jewish piety (almsgiving, v 4; prayer, v 6; fasting, v 18). Jesus corrects the attitude of practicing these acts just to give a good impression on people. He insists on the right motivation, that is, to please the heavenly Father alone.

Only the Father, in fact, can give the reward that lasts. To give alms, pray, and fast for show has its reward on earth, but not in heaven.

The Lenten season, which begins today, is an opportunity for us to purify our motives and intensify our desire to please the heavenly Father, not others or ourselves, in everything we do.

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2016,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.) http://www.ssp.ph/