January 27, 2011
Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25
Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lamp stand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Mark 4:21-22
Piety
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a mulitude.
Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.
St. Patrick
Study
Jesus did not go it alone until the very end as he hung on the cross. He needed his Holy Family to protect and nurture him. Then, Jesus needed the apostles and disciples to learn and carry on His work. Even near the very end of his life, Jesus needed Simon the Cyrene to help carry his cross, Joseph of Aramithea and Nicodemus to bury him, and the women and men visiting his tomb to announce that he is risen.
St. Paul understands that need for community and support. His message to the Hebrews makes sure people are active participants in the church. When we get lazy, he encourages us to rouse one another to participate.
Action
When our family joined St. Mary of Sorrows, there was a banner hanging in the back which read: “Christianity is not a spectator sport.”
When we are called and the message is revealed to us, we are required to share that message.
How will you spread today’s Gospel in how you live out this challenging mission to help Jesus carry his cross in the modern world?
