Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 7:62-70

Mass: 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19; Resp. Psalm 81; Mark 7:31-37

Sr Veronique on her daily walk

Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one;

but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.

Here we have the people’s reaction to Jesus opening the ears and releasing the tongue of a deaf man with a speech impediment. With the touch of the Lord’s fingers and the spittle from his tongue, the man spoke plainly. How could the people not be astounded beyond measure exclaiming: ‘He has done everything well; He even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak!’ Still, Jesus has worked to do. He will undergo great suffering, be rejected, killed, and rise again. If we want to be Jesus’ disciples, we must follow him with our own suffering, with our own crosses—daily aches and pains, physical and emotional infirmities, irritations, and moods. At the same time, though, we reflect on the Mirabilia Dei, the marvelous things God has done for us and through us. Herein lies the paradox of our faith. With Jesus, we have work to do. Together, let us sing God’s praises.

O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples.

Sing to him, sing praise to him;

tell of all his wonderful works.

Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

Seek the Lord and his strength;

seek his presence continually.

Remember the wonderful works he has done,

his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.

(Psalm 105:1-5)

Christians are called to keep alive the memory of how much God has done through them.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, Feb. 9, 2018)