February 4, 2015

Feb. 4

February 4, 2015:  Wednesday, 4th week, Ordinary Time

  • 'Blood drop' pin:  You haven't struggled to the point of shedding blood (1st reading)
  • 'Girl with heart' pin:  Don't lose heart when reproved (1st reading)
  • 'School' tie:  Jesus taught in the synagogue (gospel)
  • 'Owl' tie pin:  "What kind of wisdom has been given him?" (gospel)
  • 'Hammer' and 'nail' tie pins:  "Isn't he the carpenter?"  (gospel)
  • 'Hand' tie pin:  He cured a few sick people by laying hands on them. (gospel)
  • Green shirt (and socks):  Ordinary Time season
Listen

Pope Francis audience
Proverbs speaks of the joy and pride fathers feel as they see their children mature; that sums up fathers' demanding but indispensable role in the family and society.  Good fathers must discipline their hearts to deal patiently with their children; they teach them by giving a daily example of love and integrity.  Fathers must be present and engaged in family life; it's sad they're often absent.
Jesus points to God our Father as model of fatherhood.  Like the prodigal son's father, God waits patiently for his children to return and is there to welcome them with mercy and forgiveness.  Fathers, strive like St. Joseph to protect your children and teach them wisdom, faith, and integrity.
Read
    Wordle: Readings 2-4-15
  • Heb 12:4-7, 11-15  You've forgotten the exhortation:  Son, don't disdain the Lord's discipline or lose heart when he reproves you; he disciplines the ones he loves.  Endure your trials.  What father doesn't discipline his children?  Discipline seems a cause for pain but brings righteousness.  Strengthen your hands and knees.  Make straight paths, so what's lame may be healed.  Strive for peace and holiness, and let no one be deprived of God's grace.
  • Ps 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a  "The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him."  Bless the Lord!  Don't forget his compassion, kindness, and justice....
  • Mk 6:1-6  Jesus came to his native place and taught in the synagogue.  They said, “Where did he get all this wisdom?  What mighty deeds he works!  Isn't he Mary's son, the carpenter?  They took offense.  Jesus:  “A prophet has no honor in his native place or among his kin.”  He couldn't perform mighty deeds there, except for curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them....
Reflect
    • Creighton:  After we endure suffering, we're changed:  God is nearer and compassion is more real; good can arise.  Suffering is evil but inseparable from existence; we must try to relieve it.  Without faith, our vision narrows, but as we open to love, isolation ebbs and we become real.
    • Passionist:  "Change and growth":  The people of Jesus' time were astonished at Jesus' teaching with authority; lacking faith in him and how he'd grown, they took offense.  We can respond to people that way too, blind to growth.  We can also be blind to our own challenges and God's blessings, fearing failure or change.  Change happens; our growth is optional.  Open your heart...
    • DailyScripture.net:  Familiarity bred contempt:  the people of Nazareth took offense at Jesus, mere worker with neither scholarly training nor distinguished lineage; he couldn't do much among them because of their closed minds and unbelief.  When we're closed, we can't love or accept others... 

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