19 Feb
Thu
6th Week in Ordinary Time
Jas. 2:1-9
Ps. 34:1-6
Mk. 8:27-33
(Ps Wk II)
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Jesus was walking with His disciples towards the inhabited districts of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, He put a question to those who were accompanying Him. "Who do people say that I am?" In all simplicity the Apostles tell Him what people have been saying about Him. Some say He is John the Baptist; others say Elijah, and others again one of the prophets. There were differing opinions about Jesus.

In a frank and affectionate way He then asks His disciples: "But you, who do you say that I am?" He does not ask them for a more or less favourable opinion. He asks them for the firmness of faith. After they have spent so much time with Him, they must know who He is, unhesitatingly, with certainty. Peter immediately replies "You are the Christ".

Jesus has the right to ask also of us a clear confession of faith with words and deeds, in a world in which confusion, ignorance and error seem to be the normal thing. We are closely united to Jesus by Baptism and this bond grows stronger day by day. In this sacrament a deep, intimate union with Christ was established. In it we received His Spirit and were raised to the dignity of children of God. It is a communion of life much deeper than could possibly exist between any two human beings. This closeness to Jesus Christ should fill us with joy. We are a living part of the mystical Body of Christ Jesus: we share in everything that Christ does.



Lord, it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
For peaceful co-existence among Christians, Jews and Muslims in the Holy Land.
Elaboration

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