MONDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Celebration of the day: The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
Seven members of a Florentine confraternity founded the Order of Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Servites lead an austere life of prayer and mortification, meditating constantly on the Passion of the Lord and venerating the Blessed Virgin as Our Lady of Sorrows.
Table of the Word
RI. Genesis 4:1-15.25
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 50:1 and 8.16bc-17.20-21 (R. cf. 14a)
Gospel: Mark 8:11-13
Theme: I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life,...
Reflection:
Good morning dearest in Christ, on this day, Monday in the 6th week of Ordinary Time of the year I wish to reflect with you on the theme: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life,..." (John 14:6)- The text for the gospel acclamation. This is one of the most profound and iconic statements of our Lord. This bold claims of Christ who is our master has a dual dimensions. That is it is exclusive and inclusive in nature. Exclusive in the sense that it is only through Jesus that we can get in there and inclusive because it is open to all who come in. It's a call to faith, trust, and surrender.
By implication, as "The Way" He is the path to salvation and bridge between God and man. As "The Truth" He is the truth and ultimate reality which every other truth shares in its essence. As "The Life" He is the source of life and through Him vitality of our existence is granted.
However , taking cognizance of these attributes of Christ one could ask why then did the Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus as we can find in the gospel pericope (cf. Mark 8:11-13)? Their demand was to question the authenticity of His authority, which He bluntly refused to tell them.
In the light of this? beloved in Christ Jesus, we are being invited to reflect on the state of our faith in God through His Son, trust as well as signs we often seek in our spiritual lives. Considering the personality of our Lord, his works, teachings and our personal encounter with him at the table of the Word and the table of the Bread we don't need any sign to belive the authenticity of his power and authority.
Although sometimes like the Pharisees, we often seek only what we want to see, rather than opening ourselves to what God might be showing us in the ordinary things and moments of life. True faith involves openness, surrender, and trust in God's plan, rather than trying to control or dictate how He should act in our lives. Thus, trying to trying to remote God as "TV channel."
In conclusion, just like the Seven members of a Florentine confraternity whom we celebrate today who stood firm in faith and trust in God in their life time, we are challenged to trust in God without needing constant signs or confirmations, to believe in His presence in our lives, and to let go of doubts that can keep us from experiencing His grace. For indeed He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.
Let us pray
Impart to us, O Lord, in kindness the filial devotion with which the holy brothers venerated so devoutly the Mother of God and led your people to yourself. 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 17022025
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