23 Feb
Wed
7th Week in Ordinary Time
St Polycarp, bishop & martyr
Sir. 4:12-22
Ps. 118(119): 165,168,171,172, 174,175
Mk. 9:38-40
(Ps Wk III)
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Sirach indirectly teaches us that the love and pursuit of wisdom will bring different benefits, some internal and personal for oneself and some external for others with whom one is connected.

Among the internal and personal gifts are a love of life, the inheritance of glory and the Lord's blessings. The cultivation of a life of wisdom is very close to religion: to serve wisdom, to be guided by wisdom in everything which we do, is the same as to serve the Holy One. Sirach expresses it even more clearly: to love wisdom means that one will experience the love of the Lord.

Among the external gifts, those that benefit others, the first one mentioned in this passage is "wherever he dwells, the Lord bestows blessings." Wherever we dwell there will be others, whether in the family, in society in general, or in the various communities to which we belong. Sirach implies that the wise man receives the blessings of the Lord for all those who dwell or associate with him. A wise man will pass his wisdom and also his blessings to the next generation, just as a wise ruler of nations will rule for the benefit of the people.



Lord, bless us with the gift of wisdom and transform our lives as we bring Your blessings to those we encounter.

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 all may respect the family and recognize it for its unmatched contribution to the advancement of society.
Elaboration

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