WEDNESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Mystery of the day: Glorious
Celebration of the day: St Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
(+ 251). She was martyred in (Sicily) probably during the time of Decius. Her name appears in the Roman Canon.
Table of the Word
RI. Hebrews 12:4-7.11-15
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2.13-14.17-18a (R. see 17ab)
Gospel: Mark 6:1-6
Theme: The Divine Discipline.
Reflection
May the name of the Lord be praised both now and forevermore. Amen.
From the Table of the Word, today's first reading revolves around spiritual discipline, perseverance, and the Christian life. At the first instance, we have seen what could be referred to as: "The Divine discipline" which is motivated by God's unfathomable love (cf. Hebrews 12:4-7). Here the author emphasizes that God's discipline is not punitive, but rather a sign of His love and concern for our spiritual well-being. And he further highlighted the purpose of the discipline.
On the other hand, the Psalmist reminded us that those who keep the detect and ordinances of the Lord will experience God's everlasting mercy (cf. Psalm 103:17ab). While the gospel pericope presents before us the wonders of God through His Son in the course of His public ministry.
However, dearest friends in Christ Jesus through these readings, the outstanding feature is our call to embrace perseverance in the face of hardship, while trusting in God’s love and mercy.
We are also invited to share in God's holiness. An act which was outstanding in the life and times of St. Agatha - a virgin and martyr whom we celebrate today.
We are to make effort to be spiritually disciplined, by being focused in our prayer life, sustained the tempo with God's word and then living out the gospel values. It is not a one-way effort, it is the combination of different facets keeping in mind that we will certainly be blessed with His mercy if we keep His commands close to our hearts.
Finally, let us ask God to help us become more like Him, and seek to cultivate a deeper sense of holiness and righteousness in our lives.
Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.
Let us pray
May the Virgin Martyr Saint Agatha implore your compassion for us, O Lord, we pray, for she found favour with you by the courage of her martyrdom and the merit of her chastity. 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 05022025
No comments:
Post a Comment