1-18-2018 Gospel MK 2:1-12

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011819.cfm

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way?  He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Do your friends love you enough to take you to Jesus? Do you love your friends enough to bring them to Jesus? He alone can heal and save us and He wants us to be willing to bring friends to Him, to be open and willing to move obstacles for Him. Are you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I bring my friends to you for healing and you help them so much. I am surrounded by friends who take me to you always and I am so grateful they love me enough. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

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1-17-2019 Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot Gospel MK 1:40-45

Learn more about St. Anthony, Abbot: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=23

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011719.cfm

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

See what happens when you tell your story! Jesus becomes so alive and popular that people are flocking to Him. If we would all tell our story, people will believe and come to Him. Your story cannot be denied, the truth of what happens to you cannot be changed. Ask and you will receive – either what you ask for or even greater things. We have a duty to Our Lord. Are you willing to share yours? Telling your story gives glory to God!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I tell my story to all who will listen. You have brought me to life and given me joy beyond belief. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

1-16-2019 Gospel MK 1:29-39

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011619.cfm

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Jesus always had time to spend with those who were sick or possessed by demons. He gave them what they needed in healing but He also gave of Himself. His love and care for them. Then He always went and prayed alone so He could spend time with His Father. He still has time for us, He still wants to heal us and spend time with us. Do you make room in your heart and soul for Him? Ask and He will come to you also.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for all the times you have come to me, helped me and healed me. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

The Lord remembers his covenant forever, Alleluia.

1-15-2019 Gospel MK 1:21-28

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011519.cfm

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet!  Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”

Demons know and fear Him. Many today deny His existence. But demons know what we refuse to believe. Jesus is real and alive and speaking to us today. Who listens? Do you? Do you know Jesus and hear Him? Recognize His work in the world? Wake up before it is too late, your eternal life will depend on your answer. His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I see you all around me and I marvel at the miracles you still do today. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen!

You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

1-14-2019 Gospel MK 1:14-20

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011419.cfm

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

When Jesus calls, He wants us to be willing to leave all we have, including our family, if He asks. Has He called you to become a fisher of men? Have you hesitated or said yes as they did?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the times you have called me. My yes has provided me with much joy, love and fulfillment. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Let all his angels worship him.

1-13-2019 The Baptism of the Lord Reading 1 IS 42:1-4, 6-7

Learn more about The Baptism of the Lord: https://www.thoughtco.com/the-baptism-of-the-lord-542465

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011319.cfm

Thus says the LORD: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. a bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

The Lord sent Jesus to set the captives free – that is us! Isaiah is telling the world what to expect, but when Jesus came, they did not see it. Do you? Do you know that Jesus came to free you? He battled against the unjust and He won. Can you see that? Have you allowed Him to free you from the darkness of your sin?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you set me free, you opened my eyes and my heart and carried me into your light. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen!

The Lord will bless his people with peace.

1-12-2019 Gospel JN 3:22-30

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011219.cfm

Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned. Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings. So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice.  So this joy of mine has been made complete.  He must increase; I must decrease.”

It must have seen strange for them to see Jesus baptizing when so many had gone to John. But John does not hesitate to tell them that Jesus is the true baptizer and that He was the true way to heaven. That has not changed. John knew that his ministry must come to an end because Jesus was teaching. Do you go to Jesus? Do you let His word take precedence over what you do? Is He the most important part of your life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are the way, the truth and the only way to heaven. In the name of your Son Jesus, I give you honor, praise and glory, Amen.

The Lord takes delight in his people, Alleluia.