Shalom

27 Feb Wed	2nd Week of Lent
	Jer. 18:18-20 Ps. 30:5-6,14-16 Mt. 20:17-28

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The disciples were clearly shocked when they first heard Jesus foretell what was going to happen to Him. By the second time, however, (today's Gospel) they were beginning to wonder if there might be some future after His 'rising again'. The mother of James and John tries to steal a march on the others by 'booking' special places in Jesus' 'Kingdom'. Jesus replies that they do not know what they are asking. First, they can only have such places if they go the way of Jesus: there are no short cuts. Second, they can only have the places with Jesus which they deserve. Not surprisingly, their companions are angry not at the cheekiness of James and John but because they got in first. In this, they were all the same. They need now to hear where real greatness lies. Not, as in the world, where greatness equals authority and power. In Jesus' kingdom, greatness lies in how much we put our lives at the service of others. It is not what we get that makes us great but what we give.

Teach me, O Lord, to have a true spirit of service especially towards those who have the least.

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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