"He Calls, We come to Him" By Beth DeCristofaro
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| https://eucharisticvirtue.com/2017/11/01/daily-virtue-quote- st-francis-de-sales-74/d |
He has no need, as did the high priests, to offer sacrifice day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did that once for all when he offered himself. (Hebrews 7:27)
Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. (Mark 3:7-8)
PIETY
We thank you, God, for the many colours, cultures, and customs that we share in this world. In our differences, unite us by your love.
Enable us to act together to uphold life and to make this world a just and peaceful household for all humanity. Today we ask you: O God, hear our prayer and grant us your peace[i]
Enable us to act together to uphold life and to make this world a just and peaceful household for all humanity. Today we ask you: O God, hear our prayer and grant us your peace[i]
STUDY
Jesus’ presence, his “signs” of healing in Mark’s Gospel brought people from all over. A flock gathers round the Shepherd. They come for so many reasons: curiosity, poverty and oppression, illness, isolation, and of course to catch him up breaking the law in order to stop him. What brings us to God?
St Francis de Sales was an astute theologian, known widely for his gentleness and complete trust in the goodness of God in his life. He spoke to the real presence of God in everyday life and encouraged the laity to be aware of doing God’s business and seeking holiness in mundane tasks. He wrote: “[true piety] shone its light everywhere and gained entrance to the thrones of kings, the tents of generals, the courts of judges, custom houses, workshops, and even the huts of herdsmen” (cf. Brief, Dives in Misericordia, 16 November 1877).[ii] Jesus’ flock then and now are welcomed by the Shepherd to a life of God at home, within their lives every day.
ACTION
Cursillo as lay-led is uniquely able to work for unity and model the welcome, the succor of our Shepherd. In this week of Prayer for Christian unity, we might spend time, as did Francis, in prayer for unity first within our own divided hearts. Ask for the breath of the Holy Spirit to enliven us to follow Jesus, trusting in his desire for our goodness. Pray to end divisions within our own Catholic Church and divisions with Christian Churches and people of faith across the world.
[i] (from) -ECUMENICAL WORSHIP SERVICE, WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2019; January 18-25, 2019
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