1st READING: Isaiah 35:4-7A
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 146:6c-7.8-9a.9bc-10ab (R. 1b)
2ND READING: James 2:1-5
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Matthew 4:23
GOSPEL READING: Mark 7:31-37
Igbinazaka Angela
What do I do with the message of God I hear everyday from mass?
When I communicate with others what are my reactions when they speak to me?
Do I listen with empathy or am i in a rush to get away from them?
Am I too busy or not just concerned?
Todays reading admonishes me to pay close attention to those around me with an open heart and show empathy so that whatever comes out from my mouth will glorify God and proclaim the message of eternal life and bring forth salvation.
Even in my local community and church I must show no partiality and treat everyone equally that way the love of God is portrayed.
My reflection is from the Responsorial Psalm.
The psalmist is the prayer we need at this trying time in Nigeria - "Come Lord and Serve us."
A time comes in ones life when he has exhausted all options as a human the only ONE to call on that cannot disappoint is the Mosti High.
The psalmist is a call that we all need MERCY to thrive in all that we do. Without God saving us, we will just be like someone running so fast on a spot thinking he is making a head way.
As a nation, let us keep asking Him to save us because our country is far from human help what we need now is the Supreme Being.
May the mercy of Lord never continue to abide with us and may He never turn His back at us when we most need Him and cry for help. Amen
My Reflection from the Readings!!!
The Prophet Isaiah in the first reading proclaims the message of hope, admonition and comfort upon the returning Jews from the Babylonian exiles. He announces the dawn of a new era, which will greatly bring total healing to the people.
Jesus in the Gospel pericope sets the stage to bring fulfillment to this long awaited prophecy of Isaiah. Jesus shows that he has within himself, all the health and welfare that we need and he communicates this to the deaf and dumb man.
St. James in the second reading touches on the problem that had already crept into some Church communities, a problem that is even present in our Churches, discrimination between the rich and the poor, and the domination of the poor by the rich in the Church.
It is obvious that James is apparently chastising even the Church leaders for such behaviour. Hence, as Christians all of us are called to examine our conduct in this regard, and enforce the law of love.
May God us through the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Amen
Humility is not only how you act when you appear before people, it is also how you act when people appear before you
It is not just what people think of you, but what you truly are that confirms what people think of you.
People can call you humble because of how they see you act. But is that what you truly are, or is it just the "YOU", you want people to perceive you for?
When I send you a message on WhatsApp, you take 10 days to reply to me. But when someone with great influence sends you a message, you reply immediately. It shows that you regard me and anything that concerns me, less.
Dear friends, Christ gave himself to all, the rich and the poor, the saints and the sinners. He made himself accessible to all while he was here on earth and now while fully present in the blessed sacrament.
Why, then, should we discriminate? Why, then, should we act humble to some and act like self-enthroned kings before others?
Let us be like Christ to all.
My Reflection
The readings is admonishing us to be attentive to God's words, as we are now becoming so engrossed by the cares of the world system, especially with the happens around us.
We're choked by the pleasure of the world, that we don't have time for God's work anymore.
Like the man in the gospel reading, we are now deaf to the voice of Christ. Jesus Christ is calling us back by opening our ears to listen to His message and spread it around the world. Jesus is calling us back to the Church and Sacraments so as to become good evangelizers and bearer of his words to the world.
May God grant Us the graces we need to evangelize the world by our godly behaviours and characters, deeds, attitudes and make the world a better place. Amen
My Reflection
"In the first reading, we see the wonders of God's mercy, how He never leaves us to falter. No matter our circumstances, nothing is too big for Him. We just need to trust Him, call on Him, and He will save us.
The Psalmist affirms God's richness and power, crying out for salvation. If only we, as children of God, believe in His power and trust that He can heal everything and come through for us in our most difficult times, we won't be weighed down by the things of the world because God has conquered them all. We just need to believe, trust Him, and say, 'Come, Lord, and save us.' And He will hear and answer us.
The Acclamation proves God's love and mercy to humanity, as He preached and demonstrated His Love through His healing. We are called not only to hear His words but also to be doers, Remember we are Christian and we must act like Christ to extend this Love.
The Gospel reminds us that the Word of God has been preached; we need to heed His words. We should not look down on anyone, for God's love has been showered upon us, making us partakers of the Gospel and beneficiaries of His mercy. So, we should extend this mercy and love to all, without discrimination, just as God never counted us less."
