Saturday | February 19, 2022
Mark 9:2-13:
Peter, James and John get a glimpse of Jesus in his glory. He is joined by Moses and Elijah representing the law and the prophets. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that has been promised in the law and through the prophets. There is great hope in this, and Peter wants to stay in that moment, but the Father speaks as he did at Jesus’ baptism. They must follow him through suffering and death before the glory.
I thank you for the faith you have given me and for the desire to come to know you more. It is in knowing you that I grow in faith and in hope of what is to come.
Friday | February 18, 2022
Mark 8:34—9:1:
These statements about discipleship are radical and must have been very difficult for the listeners to swallow. Disciples must be willing to give themselves totally to Jesus and by doing so know that this could involve suffering, even death. The Gospel concludes with the fact that favorable judgment by God depends on their selfless commitment.
I know that I can be very selfish with my time, talent and treasure. I work on this sinful tendency constantly and pray for the courage to move forward in faith.
Thursday | February 17, 2022
Mark 8:27-33:
Jesus’s questions posed to the disciples are the concrete beginning of his revealing himself directly to his followers. The teachings and healings have led to this moment when he asks them who they think he is. It is Peter who responds on behalf of all with a profession of faith. This exchange is followed by Jesus’ first prediction of what is ahead.
I am incapable of thinking or acting in any way other than human but for your grace constantly pulling me away from sin.
Wednesday | February 16, 2022
Mark 8:22-26:
The healing of the blind man is as remarkable as any other miracle however there is a difference in that Jesus heals this man in stages. Could it be that this special detail in Mark’s Gospel carries an underlying message about being a disciple? Spiritual transformation does not necessarily happen all at once. It is gradual with steps forward and steps backward. It takes a lifetime.
There are times I see clearly and times that I do not. I pray to change and grow, moving always toward you.
Tuesday | February 15, 2022
Mark 8:14-21:
The disciples confuse Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees with their concern about not having enough bread for their journey. We know the Pharisees do not understand who Jesus is but neither do his closest friends. The disciples just witnessed Jesus miraculously feed a crowd of four thousand.
Often, I imagine you head in hand, wondering why after all this time I still don’t get it. Thank you for your patience with me and for guiding me toward understanding.
Monday | February 14, 2022
Mark 8:11-13:
Jesus’ relationship with the Pharisees is so strained at this point that there is absolutely nothing he can do or say that will open their hearts to him. Their arguing causes him to react in a very human way, by sighing “from the depths of his spirit.”
Is this generation any different? Even the most committed believers experience times of doubt. Lead me through my doubts to belief. Sts. Cyril and Methodius, pray for us.
Sunday | February 13, 2022
Luke 6:17, 20-26:
Luke offers a different approach to the beatitudes then Matthew, but this has more to do with the reader. They both emphasize dependence on God alone. Jesus stands before his disciples and a crowd of both Jewish and non-Jewish people. He blesses those who trust in God alone and warns those who turn away from God by caring only for themselves.
It is easy to be lured by human values even though time and again they prove untrustworthy. Help me to hear, to understand and to live my life dependent upon you and you alone, my God.
Saturday | February 12, 2022
Mark 8:1-10:
There is no doubt that Mark wants his community to know that the Eucharist is at the heart of the Christian life. Twice he tells of the compassionate Jesus feeding the hungry crowds. His disciples, though not as enthusiastic as their Master, follow Jesus’ orders and the crowds are fed, physically and spiritually.
Loving God, I praise you for it is by your Word and Sacrament that I live with and in you and you in me.
Friday | February 11, 2022
Mark 7:31-37:
Like the Syrophoenician woman, the man in the Gospel is also not Jewish. Jesus willingly crosses that boundary and heals the man. The man’s ability to hear and to speak makes him not only a hearer but also a bearer of the Good News.
I am blessed with the ability to see, to hear and to speak but what good is it if my heart is closed. Open my heart, Lord.
Thursday | February 10, 2022
Mark 7:24-30:
This is the first of two miracle stories concerning non-Jewish people. Jesus’ initial response to the woman’s request on behalf of her daughter seems a bit disconcerting. It is her faith driven persistence that turns the tide for the woman and for Jesus’ ministry.
You are the creator of all. Your love and compassion have not boundaries. May your ways become our ways.
