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February 14, 2012
Memorial of St. Cyril, Monk, and St. Methodius, Bishop
Link to Readings
Today, we salute two brothers – St. Cyril and St. Methodius – who served the Slavic people as missionaries in the 9th century. They even created an alphabet, still used today, to make the Bible and the liturgy more accessible. After their deaths, other missionaries continued the brothers’ work in Eastern Europe. For their faithful efforts, these two brothers are considered co-patrons of Europe. Today is also called St. Valentine’s Day in honor of a priest martyred in Rome in the 3rd century. Possibly because St. Valentine married Christian couples when such a practice was outlawed, the day is associated with love.
In the Gospel, Jesus questions His disciples’ insight into who He is. “Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?” (Mark 8:17-18). Though they have witnessed miracle after miracle and listened to the Good News, they still misunderstand Jesus. But it takes time for them – and often for us – to truly live in faith, sharing His message and love with others.
February 19, 2012
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Link to Readings
In the Gospel reading today we find Jesus preaching to a large crowd. When several men try to carry a paralyzed man to Him, they cannot get close until they break through the roof! Touched by their faith, Christ surprises everyone by forgiving the man’s sins rather than healing his body. The scribes instantly believe that Jesus is guilty of blasphemy. Actually, the scribes are right that only God has the power to forgive sins. They just don’t have the open hearts and minds that allow them to see Jesus Christ as the true Messiah. “‘But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth’– He said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home’” (Mark 2:10-11).
Our Lord cares for us completely – this means the soul, the body and the mind. And He offers us the healing we need. His gift of salvation transcends our sin and suffering if we just trust Him. Let us thank God for His mercy by being faithful witnesses to His love here at home and by supporting all who carry His word around our world.
February 20, 2012
Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time (President's Day)
Link to Readings
One of the Gospel’s most memorable exclamations of faith appears in today’s reading. The father of an epileptic asks Jesus to heal his son, admitting that he needs Christ’s help to truly believe in Him. The man says, “‘If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘If You can! Everything is possible to one who has faith.’ Then the boy’s father cried out, ‘I do believe, help my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:22-24). Our merciful Lord cured the boy, proving how vital and essential faith is to our lives. Only by entrusting ourselves to God’s loving will can we ever be the good, compassionate people He wants us to be.
On this national holiday we commemorate George Washington’s great contribution to the founding of the United States. We also traditionally honor the legacy of another great president, Abraham Lincoln. They knew the importance of believing in a cause greater than themselves. Let us turn to God for the faith to spend our lives serving Him and all His people.
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