1 Peter 4:7-13, Psalm 96:10-13, Mark 11:11-26

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

1 Peter 4:7-13, Psalm 96:10-13, Mark 11:11-26

1 Peter 4:7-13

My soul’s beloved, St. Peter urges us to live holy and upright lives for we are living at the end of the age. God is slowly but surely reconciling all things to Himself through You. The Apostles faithfully handed down all that You said and taught them. They understood very little of what You said during the time You were with them but after they were baptized in the Holy Spirit everything became clear. They understood Scripture and all its references to You. 

We the faithful who believe, are called to live according to the Law of Love as given to us in the two great commandments. If we follow these then all that St. Peter urges us to do will be possible because we love. We will be generous, openhearted, welcoming strangers and sharing the gifts that we have received to build up and strengthen the Kingdom of God. If these bring us trials and persecutions then we ought not to be surprised for through suffering we are made perfect.

Psalm 96:10-13

My soul’s beloved, it is good for us to always remember that, “We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song.”  We have an unquenchable hope because we have placed all our trust in You who are worthy. You reign in glory and splendor over the heavens and the earth and every man, woman and child will be judged in righteousness. The heavens and the earth rejoice because we belong to You we sing with joy as we glorify You with songs of praise, worship, thanksgiving and adoration. We exult in Your love and care for us as we wait in joyful hope for that day when You will receive us at the hour of death to live with You forever.

 Mark 11:11-26

My soul’s beloved, we are told here that You were hungry, You saw a fig tree in the distance which was covered with healthy leaves – a tree which one could expect to be laden with fruit. However, when You drew close You found it barren. Without fruit it was useless for it did not fulfill the purpose for which it was planted. But the Gospel writer also tells it was not the season for figs yet You condemned it saying that no one would eat its fruit. The disciples would have thought it strange that You expected to find figs on the tree even though it was not the season for it.

The next scene shifts to the Temple where people were buying and selling and we know the famous scene well where You overturned tables and chased everyone who was defiling the place out of it. You then began to teach the people who had gathered around You. The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were furious at what You had done. You acted as if You and not they were in charge.  They were filled with impotent rage because the people were captivated by all that You said and taught and they could do nothing.

It is now early morning of the third day. You and disciples are on the road and they notice that the fig tree  You had cursed is withered to its roots and they are astonished that what You said has occurred. When they commented on it You assured them that if they had faith they could do the impossible. If we believed all that we asked for in prayer would be given to us. However, there was a condition attached to this promise. We are to forgive whatever we hold in our hearts against anyone only then will we be forgiven. When we stand before God to pray forgiveness is key to receiving all that we ask for.

The thing to remember is this – we are called to bear fruit in season and out of season. We are to ensure that the temple of God which is our body, is never desecrated and finally we must forgive from the heart any offenses and grudges we may have against anyone. If we do then we can be certain that Your peace which surpasses human understanding will be ours always.

1Peter 2:2-5, 9-12, Psalm 100:2-5, Mark 10:46-52

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

St. Philip Neri

1Peter 2:2-5, 9-12, Psalm 100:2-5, Mark 10:46-52

1Peter 2:2-5, 9-12

My soul’s beloved, St. Peter urges us who have tasted Your goodness, to choose to remain close to You walking always in integrity, truth and love. We who are baptized into Your Body are living stones with You for Your life flows into us as its members. We are precious in the sight of God for we have been redeemed and purchased by the Life of the Son of the Most High. We are a chosen race, a community of priests-kings, a consecrated nation, a people God has made his own for a purpose, to proclaim His wonders in a world that is increasingly being darkened by sin. We are called to shed Your light so that others too may walk in it.

To live a blameless life in a world that seems hell bent requires courage. We are battling against diabolical evil that is being cleverly hidden – lies are called truth and those who refuse to give in are being persecuted. However the darkness cannot put out the Light of the resurrection. We have courage because You have overcome the world.

Psalm 100:2-5

My soul’s beloved, all who serve You are blessed for they recognize that it is a privilege to labor in Your vineyard. There is no sweeter reward than the inner joy one experiences because one knows that no matter how small the work is, it is a necessary task, undertaken for Your sake.  Not all of us are called to do great things like the Apostles and St. Paul and other great Saints whose lives illumine the Church with their brilliance; but as Blessed Mother Teresa said, we can do the little things with great love and they will be just as pleasing in Your sight. Thank You for the privilege of beginning the day by participating in the celebration of the one, holy and perfect Sacrifice of the Holy Mass.  Thank You for enabling us join the courts of the Cherubim and Seraphim along with the communion of Saints as we praise, adore and worship the Triune God. Thank You for Your everlasting goodness and kindness shown to us always.

Mark 10:46-52

My soul’s beloved, Bartimaeus had courage. It is a courage I often lack and this is why in Your word to me today You have asked me to exercise courage. So many things were working against him that day when he chose to sit beside the road going to Jericho knowing that You would be passing by that day. He was a beggar, he was blind, all he had in the world he was carrying with him. He was truly one who seemed to have fallen between the cracks and  was forgotten by the world; yet his faith, hope and courage had not dimmed. He was not beaten into cowardice by his circumstances. He saw his chance and he boldly took it.

There is so much I can learn from him. I too am a spiritual beggar and if my attitude is like his then I will  always ensure that I stay on the path where I know I will encounter You. I will raise my voice in praise, worship and thanksgiving to You even though a world absorbed in itself might try to shut me up. You will always hear me and call me and grace granted so benevolently to me will permit me to come into Your Presence. I will take heart and be filled with courage as I approach You and make all my desires known to You and You will say to me as you said to him, “Go your way, your faith has made you well.” I will regain clarity of vision and I will follow You with renewed joy.