1 Mar
Tue
8th Week in Ordinary Time
Sir. 35:1-15
Ps. 49(50):5-6,7-8,14,23
Mk. 10:28-31
(Ps Wk IV)
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What is true religion? What is true worship? The bible is clear - it is not so much about correct belief but correct action. Those who follow God's teachings are making an acceptable offering and pleasing act of devotion to the Lord. The pure expression of this is the practice of generosity and loving kindness. We are warned not to appear before God empty-handed but filled with these deeds. We are given so many opportunities each day to make an offering to God in ways that we might not recognize. Most of the time they come in the form of the people around us - when we are kind to others we have silently uttered a beautiful prayer to God.

Sometimes when we do good things a bit of selfishness in us is looking for a personal advantage. Even those who walk a spiritual path can be led astray by ego and self-seeking. Peter is a bit upset - he is concerned that he and his friends have left everything to follow Jesus. Shouldn't they be rewarded? He is a bit worried that all of his sacrifices are for nothing. But Jesus assures him that the more we give of self the greater the blessings in God's Kingdom. But there is also a warning that along with the blessings there will also be struggles, suffering, and sometimes persecutions.



Lord, give me a generous and loving heart.

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 the nations of Latin America may walk in fidelity to the Gospel and progress in justice and peace.
Elaboration

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