Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 7:59
Mass: Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Resp Ps 48; Mk 6:7-13

O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.

Jesus gave the Twelve authority over unclean spirits and sent them out two by two. They were to keep things simple and practical: take a walking stick but no food, no sack, no money. Wear sandals. Don't bother with a second tunic. If welcomed and listened to, stay a while. Otherwise, be on your way. Off they went, then, preaching repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons; they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. We all have our part to play.

We all need to be healed, and we can all heal others if we are humble and meek: with a good word, with patience, with a glance.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, February 7, 2018)

The Holy Father's February Prayer Intention
Although we try to ignore it, slavery is not something from other times.

Faced with this tragic reality, no one can wash their hands of it without being, in

some way, an accomplice to this crime against humanity.

We cannot ignore the fact that there is as much slavery in the world today as

there was before, or perhaps more.

Let us pray for a generous welcome of the victims of human trafficking, of

enforced prostitution, and of violence.

Lord, hear our prayer.