Jesus came to his native place

February 6, 2019 4:38 pm

“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.” (MK 6: 1-2)

Our Lord had His native place, like we do. He lives in Heaven with His Father and the Holy Spirit; He lives also with us. He knows how important it is to have a place you can call “native place”; it is connected with traditions, language, family members, neighbors and friends. We are not alone; we are connected with others, and we live for others. This is important for our places, and this is important for Heaven.

“My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.” (Gospel Acclamation)

The Leader and Perfecter of faith

February 5, 2019 4:07 pm

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.” (HBR 12: 1-2)

When we “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus,” we can learn from Him how to love more and better because He is our “Leader and Perfecter of faith.” He leads us to be more gentle, more respectful, more givers than demanders , etc. Our Lord, “the perfecter of faith,” helps us to grow in our relationship with God and in our relationships with our spouses and relatives.

“Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.” (Gospel Acclamation)

And all were amazed

February 4, 2019 6:00 am

“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.” (MK 5: 19-20)

We meet Our Lord in our lives in different ways and in different moments, through the sacrament of penance or touched by God’s Word, during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament or after Holy Communion. Whatever Our Lord does for us is not only for us: “go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.”

“A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you

February 3, 2019 6:00 am

“The word of the LORD came to me, saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” (JER 1: 4-5)

How amazing are these words, and what a huge relief they bring: “BEFORE I formed you in the womb I knew you.” We were loved and planned even before our parents had any idea about our existence. We were created by God, and we are so important to Him because He gave us a mission. Everyone has a purpose in life.

“The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives.” (Gospel Acclamation)

able to help those who are being tested

February 2, 2019 6:00 am

“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.”

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. And God’s word reminds us Who Our Lord is for us: “He had to become like his (Abraham) brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God.” He knows everything about our nature, our weaknesses, our temptations and our limits. Therefore, “He is able to help those who are being tested.”

“A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” (Gospel Acclamation)

the smallest of all the seeds on the earth

February 1, 2019 6:00 am

“To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” (MK 4: 30-32)

We can compare this “mustard seed” to our daily rituals. At the beginning they are just small rituals: a hug during the day, a 60 second kiss to say hello when we were away for several hours, coffee or tea together—just to stay for a moment united, and many small others. But when our rituals became our habit, “it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches”: weekly, monthly and yearly rituals, “so that the birds of the sky (like kids or friends) can dwell in its shade.”

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” (Gospel Acclamation)