29 Jan
Mon
4th Week in Ordinary Time
Heb. 11:32-40
Ps. 31:19-23
Mk. 5:1-20
(Ps Wk IV)
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In the last thirty years or so, Scripture scholars have rediscovered the narrative power of stories. God has more frequently chosen to reveal salvific truth to us though stories, factual or fictional, rather than through doctrinal discourse. Hence, the Old Testament is full of great stories. Similarly, Jesus spoke in parables, to make the great mystery of the Kingdom of God more accessible to us. Most stories centre on a hero or heroine. Little wonder, then, that the Letter to the Hebrews today speaks of the heroes of the Old Testament, just as elsewhere he speaks of the example of the great heroines. The more we know of these Old Testament heroes and heroines, the more easily we will understand the writer's intention.

While today's reading focuses on the faith of the heroes who are mentioned, the stories of other saints may inspire us with a greater understanding of our Christian hope, or a greater awareness of the demands of love in charitable work. In all these stories, God is always there, sometimes more obviously in the foreground, but frequently more in the background.



Lord, grant us an attentive heart to discover your gracious presence in the lives of the Saints, so that we may come to a greater appreciation of the faith, hope and love to which we are called.

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 in our time, unfortunately marked by many episodes of violence, the pastors of the Church may continue to indicate the way of peace and understanding among peoples.
Elaboration

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