Category: Memory Verse

“They began to gather in great numbers. There was no longer any room for them, even around the door.” —Mark 2:2 In the Gospels, especially in Mark’s Gospel, we read about Jesus being surrounded by such large crowds that it was almost impossible to approach Him. Consequently, some people thought up various ways to get through, around, or over the crowds. They stepped on one another (Lk 12:1), pushed each other (Mk 3:10), climbed a tree (Lk 19:4), and even made a hole in the roof of the house where Jesus was staying (Mk 2:4). There can often be major...

“There appeared in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit that shrieked.” —Mark 1:23 As we begin “ordinary” time, we are already reading about Jesus driving out demons (Mk 1:25-26). Throughout the year, we will hear reading after reading about the Lord’s victory over the evil one. We will meet St. Michael the archangel and several saints, who were each victorious over the evil one. At the Masses on Easter Sunday, in every Catholic church in the world, the Church will invite us to publicly renounce Satan, all his works, and all his empty promises. What are we to...

“…beginning in Galilee with the baptism…” —Acts 10:37 Jesus’ Baptism is narrated in all four Gospels, indicating how important it is (Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-22; Jn 1:29-34). Jesus voluntarily submitted Himself to St. John’s baptism of repentance, even though He had no need to repent of any sin. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Mt 3:15). This is why Jesus came to earth. Jesus submitted to Baptism for each one of us. His Baptism is a manifestation of His self-emptying (see Phil 2:7). Jesus’ entire ministry is one of giving Himself completely, to the last breath and...

“They were overjoyed at seeing the star.” —Matthew 2:10 One of the prayers of the faithful for today’s Epiphany Mass reads: “That the Church, like the Star of Bethlehem, will draw the world to worship Jesus Christ.” Epiphany is a great feast of unveiling. Christmas was a revelation to the few; Epiphany is a revelation to the nations. In an unveiling, the veil is lifted, for all to see clearly. First, the Magi saw clearly, then, through them, all nations can see. We are to be like those who lift the veil. In a wedding, the father traditionally lifts the...