Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: That we will bring to this day of national change and reflection our own resolve to move our country forward in the realization of its ideals for a more perfect union of true freedom, true equality, and true opportunity for all.
Today’s Gospel | Mark 3:1-6
Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the Sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.
From the Eighth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Saint James says, If someone says that he has the faith and that he does not have the works, of what use to him is his faith; can it save him? What would it benefit you, then, to teach your disciples the truths of the faith if you do not teach them to practice good works? For faith that is not accompanied by works is dead.
It will not, then, be enough for you to have instructed your disciples about the mysteries and the truths of our holy religion if you have not helped them learn the chief Christian virtues and if you have not taken an altogether special care to help them put these virtues into practice, as well as all the good of which they are capable at their age. For no matter how much faith they may have or how lively it may be, if they do not commit themselves to practice good works, their faith will be of no use to them.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son brought to us the hope of new beginnings, of renewal and redemption in our lives. But for these gifts to be fulfilled, we first must be open to the change of heart to which they call us. May we turn away from sinfulness and turn ourselves back to you. Help us to trust in your ways as we journey toward a better world in you, one built on accepting and serving others, especially those who are most in need. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.