February 21, 2023

Mardi Gras

February 21, 2023:  [Fat] Tuesday, 7th week, Ordinary Time

Thank you, Adrianne Lerma-Corcoran
Guest dresser
See 22 connections with today?
Legend below

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1st reading-inspired
Read
  • Sir 2:1-11  When you come to serve the Lord, stand in justice and fear, prepare for trials.  Be sincere, steadfast, patient; listen.  Cling to God and so be wise.  Accept what befalls you.  Trust God and God will help you; hope for good things, joy and mercy.  Love the Lord; you'll be enlightened.  The Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives and saves, protecting all who seek him.
  • Ps 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40  "Commit your life to the Lord, and he will help you."  Trust in the Lord and do good.  Salvation is from the Lord; he delivers the just who take refuge in him.
  • Mk 9:30-37  They didn't understand “The Son of Man is to be handed over, be killed, and rise.”  As they discussed who was the greatest, Jesus told the Twelve, “To be first, be the last and servant of all....  Whoever receives a child in my name, receives me and the One who sent me.”
    This post is dedicated to the memory of Bishop David O'Connell.
    Thanks to Angelus News for the above articles.
    Reflect
    • Creighton:  "GOAT?"  Why do we need to name the"Greatest Of All Time"?  In today's gospel, twelve disciples of Jesus talk among themselves about who's "the greatest."  Jesus kindly gives a simple lesson:  if we open ourselves to a child, we do to God.  We become "first" through humility and service.  May we be steadfast, patient, sincere of heart and stand in justice, choosing to be the least.   
    • One Bread, One Body:  "Great expectations":  To prepare ourselves for trials, we must expect them. To live a godly life in Christ, expect persecution.  “Christ suffered in the flesh; arm yourselves with the same attitude.”  "I could bear an enemy reviling me, hide from a foe viewing me with contempt; but it was you, my other self, my comrade and friend."  We don't expect those close to us to hurt us, so it's hardest to take sufferings they inflict.  Jesus knew and expected his disciples would abandon him.  Peter denied him, Judas betrayed him, and he expects we'll share in crucifying him through our sins; he prepared for the greatest of trials.  In love for him, may we expect suffering and rejoice in it.
      Jesus and the little child/ Tissot
    • Passionist:  "Mardi Gras":  Today has been called "fat," "shrove," or "pancake" Tuesday.  Before Lent and abstinence from meat people ate unused meat so it wouldn't go bad.  May this Lent be time of spiritual rejuvenation for us.  Today's first reading provides us an examination of conscience:  How just, sincere, steadfast, trusting in God, patient, and accepting am I?  How do I need to grow this Lent?  Lord, help me center my life on you more fully.... 
    • DailyScripture.net:  "Who's the greatest?"  There's no share in God's glory without the cross.  Jesus' disciples didn't understand his prophecy of his betrayal and crucifixion because it's not how they understood the Messiah, but they were afraid to ask.  We too can reject what we don't want to see.  Do I mold my life according to God's word?  We can also want greatness and praise.  Jesus embraced a child to show who's really greatest. Children had no rights, position, or privileges.  Jesus placed the child in a position of honor.  The greatest in God's kingdom are the humble, who empty themselves of self-seeking glory by taking the position of a servant.  Jesus, our model, came to serve, not be served; he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, taking on our nature that he might raise us up.  God gives grace to the humble.  God wants empty vessels to fill with his glory, power, and love.
    Dress legend
    • 'Helm' tie pin:  Trust in God, and he'll direct your way; don't turn away lest you fall (1st reading)
    • 'Boundless mercy' pin:  Wait and hope for the Lord's mercy (1st reading)
    • 'Prize' pin:  Trust the Lord, and your reward won't be lost (1st reading)
    • 'Musical notes with "joy"' pin:  Hope for lasting joy (1st reading)
    • "LOVE" suspenders sticker:  Love the Lord (1st reading)
    • 'Phone' tie bar:  Has anyone 'called' on the Lord and been rebuffed? (1st reading)
    • 'Heart' pin:  Take delight in the Lord, and he'll grant you your heart's requests; he watches over the wholehearted (psalm); be sincere of heart; love the Lord and your hearts... (1st reading)
    • 'Street light' tie bar:  ...will be enlightened (1st reading)
    • NEW "?" pin:  "Has anyone hoped in the Lord and been disappointed, persevered in his commandments and been forsaken, called on him and been rebuffed?" (1st reading); "What were you arguing about?" (gospel)
      • 'Clock' tie bar:   After three days the Son of Man will rise (gospel); wait on God, with patience;... (1st reading);
      • 'Owl' tie pin:  ...thus you'll be wise (1st reading)
      • Gold- and silver-colored accessories:  In fire gold and silver are tested... (1st reading)
      • 'Scales' brooch:  When you come to serve the Lord, stand in justice (1st reading); the salvation of the just is from the Lord (psalm)
      • 'Apple' pin:  Trust in the Lord and do good, that you may be fed in security (psalm)
      • 'Celebrate teaching' pin:  Jesus was teaching his disciples,... (gospel)
      • 'Hand' tie pin:  ..."The Son of Man is to be 'handed' over" (gospel)
      • 'Children' tie:  "Whoever receives a child in my name, receives me and the One who sent me" (gospel)
      • Green shirt:  Ordinary Time season
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