18 May
Wed
7th Week in Ordinary Time (I)
St John I, pope & matryr
Sir. 4:11-19
Ps. 119:165,168,171-172, 174-175
Mk. 9:38-40
(Ps Wk III)
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John displays a disappointing intolerance. He was probably still a very young man when this incident occurred. He would have been motivated by the relationship which he and the other disciples enjoyed with Jesus. While perfectly good in itself, it is easy to see how that relationship could, in a spiritually immature person, give rise to undesirable emotions: lack of a full awareness of the mission and person of Jesus leading to jealousy, and jealousy leading to intolerance.

Psalm 119:165 is almost a commentary on John's attitude: "Those who love your law have great peace, and for them there is no stumbling block". John undoubtedly loved Jesus, but obviously his love as yet lacked a certain depth and maturity. Immature love can often degenerate into possessiveness, as it appears to have done in John. Hence, the fact that someone outside their circle was using Jesus' name to expel demons became a stumbling block for him. Love that is fully mature will generate a great freedom, and so will bring great peace. The Psalmist found this peace and freedom in the Law of God. We shall find it in the Word of God made flesh, Jesus Christ.



Father in heaven, by Your Holy Spirit nourish our love for You and for each other, that we may find great freedom and peace in Your Son Jesus Christ.

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
That those persecuted for the sake of faith and justice may experience the consolation and strength of the Holy Spirit.
Elaboration

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