Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Beginning of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch RB 4:1-21 The Tools for Good Works
Mass: Heb 4:1-5, 11; Resp Ps 78; Mk 2:1-12

Do not forget the works of the Lord.

There are several topics that could be addressed today: the perseverance and faithfulness of the four men who carried their paralyzed friend through the roof so as to get near Jesus; the beginning of the very practical chapter in the Holy Rule, 'The Tools for Good Works'; and the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

First, this Rita Simmonds poem about the Gospel, today's Magnificat 'Meditation of the Day' (January 18, 2019, pp. 275-276). I found it thought as well as heart provoking: 

Name four friends who would carry your bed

where paralyzed from sole to head

you lie with pangs and scars outstretched.

Name four friends who would plan and plot

to land you near the sacred spot:

the Healer's Hands, the feet of God.

Name four friends who would brave the crowd

that surrounds the space when the Word is out,

to raise your ruins above the house.

Name four friends who would crack the thatch

then ease your limbs into the gap

and slow the lift, your lowered mat.

Name four friends who would hold the line

from the opened roof to the Master's side

where you lie and wait for a healing sign.

Name four friends who would fix their gaze

on the Man who cures and the man who's saved.

While the crowds disperse, the friendship stays.

Name four friends who are still amazed. 

Second, some cures for the ills we find close to home, and not so close are some of my favorite, and some of the most challenging, tools for good works: 'Your way of acting should be different than the world's way; the love of Christ must come before all else' (RB 4:20-21). 

Lastly, regarding Christian Unity, Pope Francis had this to say at the conclusion of Wednesday's General Audience:

With the celebration of Vespers today in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls, ‘the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins, with the theme: “Justice and only justice you shall pursue”. This year too we are called to pray, that all Christians may return to being one family, consistent with the divine will that “they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). Ecumenism is not an optional thing. The intention will be that of maturing a common and universal witness in the affirmation of true justice and in support of the weakest, through concrete, appropriate and effective responses.’

Almighty ever-living God, who gather what is scattered and keep together what you have gathered, look kindly on the flock of your Son, that those whom one Baptism has consecrated may be joined together by integrity of faith and united in the bond of charity.

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.

(Collect, Mass)