FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration of the day: St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
(1567-1622).
Born in (France). With apostolic zeal, St. Francis de Sales fought Calvinism. He was Bishop of Geneva. With St. Francis Fremyot de Chantal, he founded the Order of the Visitation. He wrote Introduction to the Devout Life, a classic of spiritual direction. He died in Lyons and was canonized in 1655. In 1877, Pius IX proclaimed him Doctor of the Church. Pius XI declared him as Patron Saint of Journalists and Other Writers.
Table of the Word
RI. Hebrews 8:6-13
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 85:8 and 10.11-12.13-14 (R. 11a)
Gospel: Mark 3:13-19
Theme: ... and I will establish a new covenant.
Reflection
Today's reflection highlights the superiority of the new covenant established by Jesus Christ.
The author of the letters to the Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus has obtained a superior ministry, and therefore, He is the mediator of a better covenant. While the old covenant, established through Moses, was imperfect and temporary. The Israelites failed to keep the covenant, and it was unable to bring them to spiritual maturity.
However, in contrast, the new covenant established by Jesus is eternal and perfect as it is characterized by: God's laws written in our hearts; establishing a personal relationship with God, and provides forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice of Jesus. In Christ, old things have passed away and everything becomes new in Him.
The new covenant is not just a set of rules or regulations, but a relationship with God. It's a covenant of: love, intimacy and transformation.
By implication, we are being invited to a personal relationship with God, by being attentive to His words and allowing Him to transform us. When we allow this to take place, then we can rightly say we are of the new covenant, for the old way of life has been put fo death. As the old covenant speaks of the law, the new covenant emphasizes righteousness, which is the hallmark of every true Christian.
This attribute is exemplified in the life of St. Francis de Sales whose memorial we celebrate today. He left the old way for a new relationship with Christ. We earnestly pray through his intercession, we may find the right path to follow Jesus our master.
Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.
Let us pray
O God, who for the salvation of souls willed that the Bishop Saint Francis de Sales become all things to all, graciously grant that, following his example, we may always display the gentleness of your charity in the service of our neighbour. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 24012025
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