21 Jan
Thu
2nd Week in Ordinary Time
St Agnes, virgin & martyr
1 Sam. 18:6-9; 19:1-7
Ps. 56(55):2-3,9-10ab,10c-11,12-13
Mk. 3:7-12
(Ps Wk II)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
 

Saul was upset and beside himself. Although the people sang his praises, they sang them quite a bit louder for David. Saul had killed thousands of the enemy (what a terrible thing to brag about!) but David had killed tens of thousands. There had always been bad blood and animosity between Saul and David, and now it increased. Our wounded egos and hurt feelings can be deadly things and cause a lot of damage. Pride is a form of fear - when we are content with who and what we are, we do not feel a need to 'defend' ourselves.

The crowds were desperate, for they suffered greatly from many afflictions: disease, demonic possession, deformities, and all manner of unhappiness. They pressed in on Jesus until they were in danger of overwhelming him. In addition to their pain, they felt great hope - Jesus had shown them the mercy and compassion of God. They dared to believe that there was a way out of their misery. Perhaps the greatest service that we can do for God and other people today is to give hope. Hope is very scarce - we live in a very uncertain and frightening world, and many people feel that they have no future. We turn to Jesus in our need, but we also share with others what he gives to us. Kindness, mercy, and compassion are the best way to proclaim the Gospel.




Lord, may I give hope to others.




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 sincere dialogue among men and women of different faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2016. All rights reserved.