3 Feb
Sun 		4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Zep. 2:3, 3:12-13
Ps. 146:6-10
1 Cor. 1:6-31
Mt. 5:1-12a
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"Are you kidding, Lord? You are overturning the whole set of values we are learning from the media!"

"Precisely! That is why I call it Metanoia, the Greek word for conversion, which literally means a 180 degree turn of mind, a U turn; have you made it?"

"Not yet, Lord, but, if this is the Kingdom, I start turning the wheel right now; I know I cannot make it in one day, but I will not give up. Will you help me?"

"Why, of course! As a matter of fact, it is me that turns the wheel; allow my hands to press smoothly upon yours, and make no resistance".

"Go ahead, Lord! But, how about my bank assets? Can they co-exist with the 'poor in spirit'?"

"These so-called 'poor in spirit' are the 'poor of Yahweh' of the Old Testament, those who put their trust and hope in my Father alone. Do your bank assets help you to be one of them?"

"What a difficult choice! Give me some time for discernment; meanwhile, I leave my assets in Your Hand for safekeeping, I mean, to guarantee my freedom of heart".

"Bravo!"


Help me, Lord, to understand that the true happiness I seek is to be found only in your Way.

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 Catholic hospitals may be outstanding examples in the struggle against suffering and may play a leading role in proclaiming the Gospel of life and respect for the human person.
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : That Catholic hospitals may be outstanding examples in the struggle against suffering and may play a leading role in proclaiming the Gospel of life and respect for the human person.

Suffering in any form has a supernatural value. It becomes an efficacious moment for our own and other people's sanctification. This has been the teaching of the Church throughout history bearing in mind the grace of Redemption obtained for us by the Lord on the Cross in Calvary. The Lord's missionary mandate to preach the gospel includes the dual concept "evangelisation and care for the sick".

Convinced of this missionary goal and called on to be visible signs of the mercy and charity of Jesus, Catholic Hospitals are urged to give special evangelical witness by loving works and actions, the Church's solicitude for those who suffer. Hence, Catholic Hospitals are to promote initiatives and actions in favour of life and that the entire hospital health care system be imbued with the culture of enhancing life through generous love and dedicated service.

An essential characteristic of Catholic Hospitals is that its treatment of physical suffering must reflect the mark of the Holy Spirit which is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, understanding of others, fidelity, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5:22).



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