Deuteronomy 20:15-20; Psalm 1; Luke 9: 22-25.

How much can I give?

Jesus asks that I deny myself if I wish to follow him, so, I put myself aside and place him first in my life. I take up my cross, hoping to endure anything so that I may be true to my Lord. I have been given life not to hoard it for myself but to spend it for Jesus and for others. Someone said rightly, “If we are true to Jesus in time, he will be true to us in eternity.” All of these things require much prayer and reflection. Dear God, I need courage now!!

Marist Messenger - A Catholic Monthly Magazine

22 February

Ash Wednesday

Joel 2: 12-18; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6;2;
Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18.

Now is the acceptable time.

Many people will receive ashes on their foreheads today, greet each other prayerfully as companions on the journey of continued and deepening conversion. Public proclamation of personal failure and admittance of faults is not easily done. Yet, here we are again, acknowledging that we have sinned, fallen short of the mark, and wearing a mark to show everyone. Lord, you are merciful to all: it is your mercy that brings me here, mercy available to everyone. Now is the day of salvation.

Marist Messenger - A Catholic Monthly Magazine

James 4: 1-10; Psalm 55; Mark 9: 30-37.

Arguing about who was the greatest?

Jesus tells his apostles about his future suffering, death and resurrection. Among the apostles there is an argument about who was the greatest, and when Jesus inquired about the subject of their discussion they were too ashamed to say. I should consider everything in the light of....“Could I do this if Jesus was watching me?” “Could I go on talking about this if Jesus was listening?” Better, do I place myself last instead of first? Am I wanting to be the master instead of the servant? I want to serve you, Lord, not myself.

Marist Messenger - A Catholic Monthly Magazine

James 3: 13-18; Psalm 19B; Mark 9: 24-29.

Teach me your, ways, O Lord.

Lord, your word gives life to my soul. I trust you. I pray for your gift of wisdom each morning. My heart beats with joy for you. You give light to my world. All your directions are true and just, more precious to me than gold, sweeter to me than honey. Please keep me from sin. May my thoughts and my words find favour in your sight, always.

Marist Messenger - A Catholic Monthly Magazine

Seventh Sunday of the Year

Isaiah 43: 18-19, 21-22. 24-25; Psalm 41;
2 Corinthians 1: 18-22; Mark 2: 1-12.

I marvel at the extraordinary faith and enterprise shown by the paralytics’ friends as they lowered him through the roof in front of Jesus. Faith is the pre-requisite for Jesus. What was more important? The man’s spiritual health came first. Jesus forgave his sins. Then Jesus demonstrated his divine power by curing the paralytic. Jesus, Forgiver-Healer, is in our midst today. There was need for forgiveness and healing in Jesus’ time, just as much as it is needed in our time, for you and for me.

Marist Messenger - A Catholic Monthly Magazine

James 3: 1-10; Psalm 12; Mark 9: 2-13.

A wise, controlled, charitable speech.

I reflect on my sins of the tongue with sorrow. Jesus said that I would have to account for every careless word I uttered. (Matthew 12:36) Once I have spoken, my words have gone from my control. The tongue is a small part of my body, but it can shape the course of my life and the lives of others. It is little, but powerful. I remember the wise words found in the Book of Proverbs (15, 1-4) “A soft answer turns away wrath: but a harsh word stirs up anger....A gentle tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

Marist Messenger - A Catholic Monthly Magazine

James 2: 14-26; Psalm 112; Mark 8: 34-9: 1

Not just words, Lord, deeds!

I thank my God for gifting me with faith, hope and love when I was baptized. St Paul often talks about just people living by faith. And St James carries on! The just must now show they are made holy, sanctified, by the works they produce with the grace of God. “Every branch that bears fruit”, Jesus said, “my Father prunes to make it bear more fruit.” (John 15, 2) Dear Lord, help me put my faith in you into action as Abraham did. Help me bear fruit, Lord, when I add deeds to my words.

Marist Messenger - A Catholic Monthly Magazine

James 2: 1-9; Psalm 34; Mark 8: 27-33.

A suffering Saviour.

St Peter’s vision of a Messiah was that of a powerful deliverer of God. But Jesus is the Son of Man who must suffer greatly, be rejected, killed and rise again. Humanly speaking, it would have been tempting for Jesus to have taken an easier path. Later he would sweat blood thinking about his suffering and death. But his love for his heavenly Father was paramount...his will be done on earth as in heaven. May I also say in my trials: “Your will be done, Lord.”

Marist Messenger - A Catholic Monthly Magazine

James 1: 19-27; Psalm 15; Mark 8: 22-26

An examination of conscience.

The Old Testament priest allowed only those who could answer these questions honestly to enter the Temple and worship God. How truthfully can I answer the same questions? Am I living blamelessly, trying to do what is right? Do I speak the truth from my heart? Is there any slander in my gossiping conversation? I may do no evil to my friends. Do I honour those who have due reverence for God? This is not a matter of outward show. My heartfelt commitment is required.

Marist Messenger - A Catholic Monthly Magazine

Saints Cyril (monk) & Methodius (Bishop).

James 1: 12-18; Psalm 94; Mark 8: 14-21.

The crown of glory.

Dear Lord, help me to meet my trials in the right way. In your mercy, grace me with the strength to tackle my temptations and follow your directions. Help me to overcome my weaknesses. May I win the victory, have the joy of living for you. The struggle is the way to glory. May I win the crown of everlasting life.

Marist Messenger - A Catholic Monthly Magazine