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Am I following the crowd or Jesus?

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  Saturday of week 4 in Ordinary Time 1 Kings 3:4-13 Psalm 118(119):9-14 Mark 6:30-34 In today’s gospel, Jesus seeks a quiet place for His disciples; however, an increasing number of people arrive, leaving little time even for sustenance. Previously, Jesus dispatched His disciples to cast out demons, anoint the sick, and provide healing. Upon their return, they report their successful endeavors, and Mark describes their ministry as rapidly expanding, with the disciples gaining direct experience of God’s Spirit. As they return, more individuals follow. Jesus and the disciples attempt to find respite by traveling by boat to another location, but the crowd arrives first, assembling in anticipation. Jesus, moved by compassion, regarded them as sheep without a shepherd, and His concern for their needs intensifies. The atmosphere builds with anticipation of a significant event. Reflecting on Mark chapter 6, it is evident that those present perceived something uniquely profound about Jesu...
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  Like my Master, I shall die upon the cross—St. Paul Miki. Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, Martyrs  Ecclesiasticus 47:2-13 Psalm 17(18):31,47,50-51 Mark 6:14-29 What is a fulfilled life? Is it being alone, enjoying oneself, or living for others? Is happiness without rest or peace? The lives of St. Paul Miki and Companions show they died for Christ.Today’s Gospel from St. Mark tells of St. John the Baptist’s martyrdom at King Herod’s hands—an example of religious dedication and human weakness. JOHN’S MISSION John the Baptist was focused on Jesus, aiming to point others to Him. They gave themselves sacrificially in love.  Sadly, John’s life ended foolishly, betrayed by Herod’s weakness and Herodias’ daughter. Herod, captivated by her dance, promised her anything, leading to John’s beheading after Herod’s rash vow. His life ended as a victim of human weakness. As 21st-century disciples amid pandemics, politics, and injustice, we are called to witness Jesus daily—throug...
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  Saint Agatha, Virgin, Martyr  1 Kings 2:1-4,​10-12 1 Chronicles 29:10-12 Mark 6:7-13 THE SINGLE-HEARTEDNESS OF A DISCIPLE  Agatha was certainly one who looked into the eyes of Jesus and feasted on his words. From her very early years, Agatha dedicated her life to God as a consecrated virgin. She desired to give herself totally to Jesus and the Church in a life of prayer and service.  A proposals escalated to harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and hideous torture to death. Through all of it, Agatha continued her simple prayer of single-heartedness to Christ. THE COMMISSION The gospel of today highlights Jesus' call for his followers to partner with him, empowering them to stand against evil. This serves as a reminder of our call to discipleship, encouraging confidence that Jesus has overcome evil and is with us. The commission advises taking only essentials and staying humble, though modern mission involves different methods, focusing on not being distracted by mate...
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FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTEMPT

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  Wednesday of week 4 in Ordinary Time 2 Samuel 24:2,​8-17 Psalm 31(32):1-2,5-7 Mark 6:1-6 The people were astonished upon hearing Jesus’s teachings and witnessing his miracles. They posed numerous questions, unable to accept Jesus as the Messiah. Their preconceived notions about Jesus prevented them from recognizing his true identity. How often do we question the Church or others when a teaching or action does not align with our understanding? Are we capable of perceiving beyond human limitations to recognize God’s Providence in all circumstances? Do we serve the Lord based on tribe or self centeredness?  Let us pray to the Lord to address any internal resistance to the divine, whether it manifests as rejection of Church teachings, anger toward individuals or the Church, or envy of others’ spiritual blessings. Jesus is always listening. 
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GOD HEALS US IN THE MIDST OF OUR SUFFERING.

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  Tuesday of week 4 in Ordinary Time  2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30-19:3 Psalm 85(86):1-6 Mark 5:21-43 DAVID GRIEFS   In 2 Samuel, we see David’s grief over his son Absalom’s death in battle. Absalom, David’s third son, was estranged, fighting for his enemies. His long hair caught in a tree allowed soldiers to kill him. When told of Absalom’s death, David grieves intensely, lamenting: “My son Absalom! My son…” JAIRUS GRIEFS  A synagogue official, Jairus, begs Jesus to heal his dying 12-year-old daughter. Jesus immediately goes with him.  A WOMAN’S GRIEF  On the way, a woman with chronic hemorrhage for twelve years touches Jesus’ cloak, hoping for relief. She feels healed instantly. Jesus senses power leaving him and asks, “Who touched my clothes?”The woman, trembling, kneels; Jesus affirms her faith: “Daughter, your faith has saved you.” Jairus’ daughter is dead, but Jesus says she is sleeping. He takes her hand and says, “Arise.” She wakes and walks. The...
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  The Presentation of the Lord  - Feast   Malachi 3:1-4 Psalm 23(24):7-10 Luke 2:22-40 Today marks the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, 40 days after his birth, when Mary and Joseph presented him, symbolized by turtle doves, as prescribed by law. This act echoes Leviticus 12:8, where turtle doves replace a lamb sacrifice. Love and faithfulness, attainable in any vocation through obedience to God, bring wisdom of heart. Simeon, who had been promised he would see the Messiah, recognized Jesus as salvation and proclaimed him a light to the nations (Luke 2:21-32). This is often said at compline to entrust our lives to God before we sleep.  The feast also celebrates Mary’s purification, a Jewish ritual of reverence for birth. All need spiritual cleansing from sin, which only Jesus can provide. The Gospel concludes with Jesus growing in wisdom and God's favor (Luke 2:40). In 1997, Pope John Paul II established a day of prayer for those in consecrat...
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  4th Sunday in Ordinary Time  Zephaniah 2:3,​3:12-13 Psalm 145(146):6-10 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Matthew 5:1-12a Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.   Today's gospel consists of a short but very concentrated passage of teaching by our Lord, coming in Matthew's gospel almost at the beginning of His public ministry. Indeed, it was just in the previous chapter that we had Christ's temptations in the desert, the start of His teaching, and the call of the first of His disciples. But already, great crowds are following Him, attracted by His message, by His authority, and, of course, by His ability to cure the sick. The work He was doing closely matched what the Old Testament prophesies said were signs of the Messiah, and so many were attracted to that possibility.   The first verse of our gospel reading today tells us that Jesus went up on the mountain. I am sure that you remember that in the book of Exodus, God's law was revealed to Moses on Mount...
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