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Sandstone Pattern

Daily Reflection

1 Samuel 15:16-23 Psalm 50 Mark 2: 18-22 In a rather confusing way in today’s gospel, Jesus begins to make it clear that things are about to change significantly. In our gospel today, the Pharisees are absolutely aghast that the disciples of Jesus were not fasting. Pharisees would generally fast two days a week as a way to seek forgiveness and out of piety. Jesus, though, was preparing to help everyone understand that it is not fasting in and of itself that will lead to the forgiveness of sins but rather, it was Jesus who would be the source of forgiveness. Jesus was replacing the old Mosaic Law of fasting with Himself. Jesus would show them that He is the way, the truth and the life. Fasting is important in building piety still today, but it is not an end unto itself when seeking forgiveness. Jesus wanted the Pharisees and the disciples of John to understand that the Law was being fulfilled through Him. Jesus does not say that fasting is bad, but keep it in perspective that it is through Him that true forgiveness of sin is achieved. We can get caught up in “doing” Catholic by completing rituals that are very important but completing rituals can’t be viewed as success in achieving our salvation. We are called to use our rituals to grow closer to Jesus. Getting to Confession is a big part of that. The humility that comes from seeking the forgiveness of the goofy stuff we did brings grace that enlivens our relationships with God and each other. When is the last time you went to Confession? It is a great day! Go smile at God today!

January 19

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January 20

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January 21

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1 Samuel 18: 6-9; 19:1-7 Psalm 56 Mark 3:7-12 Need help? Just ask! In our gospel reading today, Jesus is well underway with His ministry and the people are beginning to see Him for who He really is – someone who can be counted on to help us whenever we need His help. The healing Jesus gave people was not random. Each miracle was intended to grow that soul closer to God in a loving relationship where people understand that God cares for them on a very personal basis. Today we celebrate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. The greatest miracle we experience in this world is the miracle of life. Each and every baby that is conceived is a miracle and clear reflection of God’s great love for us. And yet, today we consider the demonic stuff done to destroy God’s children as something to be treasured as special and brave. That is just plain sad. The perverse way we value the unborn has crept its way into every aspect of life. Violence, shooting and killing people has become acceptable as a means of forcing one’s will on another. In her speech accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, Mother Teresa said “…the greatest destroyer of peace today is the cry of the innocent unborn child. For if a mother can murder her own child in her own womb, what is left for you and for me to kill each other?” We are called to treasure each life as a genuine gift from God, not something we get to choose to destroy. We have to treasure that unborn child and we can’t stop there – we need to care for the mother, father and the child after that baby is born. Are you someone who claims a woman has the right to choose? Spend time considering what you are really thinking. It is wrong. Simply wrong. Give God your prayer today with a great big smile!

January 22

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January 23

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January 24

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