Tagged: Daily Reflections

Jesus “gave the word, and with it the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine.” –Mark 5:13 Mass Readings: January 30 First: Hebrews 11:32-40; Resp: Psalm 31:20-24; Gospel: Mark 5:1-20 After Jesus drove the unclean spirits out of the demoniac and into the swine, the townfolk begged Jesus to go away (Mk 5:17). The people apparently preferred to live with a legion of demons rather than with the Lord, for at least they could eat pork chops, bacon, and ham. Jesus left the district, as the people requested. However, by declining the request of the former demoniac to accompany...

Jesus “began to teach them: ‘How blest…’ ” –Matthew 5:2-3 Mass Readings: January 29 First: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13; Resp: Psalm 146:6-10; Second: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12 The eight Beatitudes go together. For example, we will never be poor in spirit, that is, voluntarily live below our means, unless we have mourned for our sins, have the strength of meekness, and are seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness (see Mt 6:33). Yet if we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will certainly be persecuted (see 2 Tm 3:12). However, only those committed to the Lord and repentant of sin,...

“Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see.” –Hebrews 11:1 Mass Readings: January 28 First: Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19;Resp: Luke 1:69-75; Gospel: Mark 4:35-41 “Test yourselves to see whether you are living in faith” (2 Cor 13:5). You are living in faith if: You don’t let yourself be manipulated by fear (see Mk 4:40). Your relationship with the Lord is so deep and personal that you have confidence and assurance about what you hope for (Heb 11:1). You obey God’s call even if you don’t know where God is calling you (Heb 11:8)....

“We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and live.” –Hebrews 10:39 Mass Readings: January 27 First: Hebrews 10:32-39;Resp: Psalm 37:3-6,23-24,39-40;Gospel: Mark 4:26-34 We must live by faith to be pleasing to God (Heb 10:38; see also Heb 11:6). We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). “All depends on faith” (Rm 4:16). Faith in God is “confident assurance” (Heb 11:1) resulting from a good personal relationship with God. All relationships need to be constantly nourished. Therefore, faith needs to be fed. Faith is fed by the Word of God. “Not...