Author: thewrdnz

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2020/01/21/tuesday-21-january-2/Tuesday 21 January St Agnes (M) 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 89:20-22, 27-28; Mark 2:23-28 Rich in mercy Again a question: why do something on the Sabbath that is forbidden? Both travelling and gleaning – even plucking ears of corn to make a path – were considered ‘work’ and forbidden on the day of rest. Jesus regards the Sabbath positively, not as a series of rules. While both the Sabbath and the house of God are sacred, human beings, too, are holy and treasured in God’s sight. Jean Claude Colin, founder of the Society of Mary, encouraged Marists to be merciful in judging individuals and the law… Today I thank God for a time when I was judged with mercy. Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2020/01/20/monday-20-january-2/Monday 20 January 1 Samuel 15:16-23; Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23; Mark 2:18-22 Why? In today’s first reading the prophet Samuel asks King Saul why he did not obey the Lord, doing what displeased God. Then in the gospel Jesus is asked why his disciples do not fast like disciples of John or the Pharisees. Both readings have questions that demand an explanation. Saul qualifies his obedience and offers excuses. Jesus highlights appropriateness: there is a time for fasting and a time for rejoicing. His life shows how much he enjoys celebrations: banquets, wine… and also the role fasting has. Am I aware of my motives in speech and action? Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2020/01/19/sunday-19-january-2/Sunday 19 January SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10;1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34 I did not know him For John, as for us, God’s plan was not obvious from the beginning. It took time for him to reach the point of acknowledging Jesus as the Chosen One of God. He admits “I did not know him myself yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water…” John’s witness depended on what he saw for himself and what was revealed to him in his prayer and reflection. God has patience with us; are we able to have patience with God revealing His plan? Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2020/01/18/saturday-18-january-2/Saturday 18 January 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1; Psalm 21:2-7; Mark 2:13-17 Party time! In his enthusiasm at being called by Jesus to follow him, Matthew throws a party. The scribes were shocked at the company Jesus mixes with at this dinner. Jesus defends his friendly outreach to ‘sinners’. He even seeks them out. In the first reading the prophet Samuel invites Saul to eat with him before he anoints him as ruler of Israel. Meals, drinks, or barbecues with neighbours or work colleagues can be a way of building up God’s kingdom – and summer is a great time to do it! Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2020/01/17/friday-17-january-2/Friday 17 January St Anthony (M) 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22; Psalm 89:16-19; Mark 2:1-12 He’s back! This paralytic has really good friends who find a creative way to bring him to Jesus whom they believe is able to cure him. The man himself does not speak. When Jesus says: “My son, your sins are forgiven”, the scribes mentally accuse Jesus of blaspheming. Jesus again witnesses to his authority. Forgiveness – of others, of self – is often needed for healing of body, mind, spirit and relationships. Not to forgive blocks healing and growth. Good friends are a blessing. Today let us give thanks for them. Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2020/01/16/thursday-16-january-2/Thursday 16 January 1 Samuel 4:1-11; Psalm 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25; Mark 1:40-45 If… Only last Friday we heard of the leper in Luke’s gospel. Throughout the centuries lepers have had a tough life. They have lived apart, often ostracised. Being cured means a possible return to family and community. No wonder this man longs to be healed – yet he approaches Jesus tentatively with respect. “If you want to…” The response of Jesus is whole-hearted! “Of course I want to!” He comes to bring life. Do I really believe that Jesus wants only good for me? What needs to be made clean in me? Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2020/01/15/wednesday-15-january-2/Wednesday 15 January 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20; Psalm 40:2, 5, 7-10; Mark 1:29-39 Graced lying down In Eli’s time, God rarely spoke. However, when God calls Samuel in the night, the elderly priest realises who is calling and tells the boy to say: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” The message Samuel receives is one that he is reluctant to tell Eli in the morning. Sometimes it is difficult to get up to start the day when there is something hard ahead. In the Gospel, Jesus helps Peter’s mother-in-law up from her sick bed and she immediately begins to serve her guests. We pray with Psalm 139: Lord, you know my lying down and my rising… Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine