24 Jan
Sat
2nd Week in Ordinary Time
St Francis de Sales, bishop & doctor
Heb. 9:2-3,11-14
Ps. 46:2-3,6-7,8-9
Mk. 3:20-21
(Ps Wk II)
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A very short reading from the Gospel and yet so full of meaning. We are told that Jesus "went home", yet we are told that Jesus had no home. In fact, anywhere can be the home of Jesus or home is where Jesus is. And that is just why so many people came looking for him, so many that he did not even have time to eat. One might expect his family to be excited at such popularity. On the contrary, they think he is mad; he is an embarrassment to them. No real rabbi would spend his time mixing with sinners, tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, outcasts or people possessed by evil powers. Moreover, he is in conflict with their religious leaders. It is clear that the members of Jesus' family are not on his wavelength, they are not with him. When we identify with Jesus we may also find that it brings us into conflict with people who are close to us by blood or some other relationship. We, too, if we base our lives on truth and unconditional love for everyone, can expect to find that we can be misunderstood and even face opposition or violence. As Archbishop Oscar Romero said: "The truth will always be persecuted." If they could not accept Jesus, we should not be surprised to meet a similar fate.



God in Christ is reconciling the world to Himself.

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 family may become more and more a place of training in charity, personal growth and transmission of the faith.
Elaboration

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