1-22-2016 Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Gospel Mk 3:13-19

Learn more about the Day of Prayer: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-01-22

 Link to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012216.cfm

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. 

Jesus, from the very beginning, planned to give His Apostles the authority to drive out demons and preach. And, when He chose them, He chose one He knew would betray Him. But He gave Judas every opportunity to repent of his ways and turn to the Lord. We too are given those same opportunities to repent. Do you take Him up on His invitation? Do not be like Judas, come home to the Lord. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for taking me back when I come to you in repentance. Your arms have always been open and you have never turned me away. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.