CATHOLIC FAITHLINK: “Benedict XVI: ‘I am on a pilgrimage Home’”
“In a new letter, the Pope Emeritus speaks of his declining strength but says he is surrounded by ‘love and goodness’ …”
Category: Faith Links
CATHOLIC MASS READINGS: Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time 2.7.18 – USCCB/NABRV
“… [Jesus] said …
‘… what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him.
From within the man, from his heart,
come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder,
adultery, greed, malice, deceit,
licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.
All these evils come from within and they defile.'”
CATHOLIC MASS READINGS: Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr 2.5.18 – USCCB/NABRV
“… people immediately recognized [Jesus]. They scurried about … to bring in the sick … to wherever … He was. … they … begged Him that they might touch only the tassel on His Cloak; and … were healed.”
CATHOLIC FAITHLINK: “National Marriage Week is February 7-14, 2018” – USCCB
“The upcoming observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 11) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. …”
CATHOLIC FAITHLINK: “When Troubles Rise – A Homily for the 5th Sunday of the Year” – Archdiocese of Washington/Msgr. Charles Pope
“In life we face many difficulties; they challenge us and our faith. … “
CATHOLIC FAITHLINK: “Raised to Serve: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time” – St. Paul Center
“… Simon’s mother-in-law is like Job’s toiling, hopeless humanity. She is laid low by affliction but too weak to save herself. But as God promised to take His chosen people by the hand (see Isaiah 42:6), Jesus grasps her by the hand and helps her up. The word translated “help” is actually Greek for raising up. The same verb is used when Jesus commands a dead girl to arise (see Mark 5:41–42). It’s used again to describe His own resurrection (see Mark 14:28; 16:7). …”
CATHOLIC MASS READINGS: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2.4.18 – USCCB/NABRV
“… Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. …. [Jesus] approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. … He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and He drove out many demons …. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. …”
CATHOLIC MASS READINGS: Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of Saint Blase, Bishop and Martyr 2.3.18 – USCCB/NABRV
“Lord, teach me Your Statutes. …”
CATHOLIC FAITHLINK: “Homily of His Holiness Benedict XVI, Holy Mass for Religious on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, World Day Of Consecrated Life 2.2.06”
“… Today’s Feast of Jesus’ Presentation at the temple 40 days after his birth places before our eyes a special moment in the life of the Holy Family: Mary and Joseph, in accordance with Mosaic law, took the tiny Jesus to the temple of Jerusalem to offer him to the Lord (cf. Lk 2: 22). Simeon and Anna, inspired by God, recognized that Child as the long-awaited Messiah and prophesied about him. We are in the presence of a mystery, both simple and solemn, in which Holy Church celebrates Christ, the Anointed One of the Father, the firstborn of the new humanity. …”
CATHOLIC FAITHLINK: “Sermon for the Feast of the Purification; PG 87c, 3291″ [‘I came into the world as Light, so that everyone who believes in Me might not remain in darkness’ (Jn 12:46)]” – Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem/ DailyGospel
“Let us go to meet Christ, all we who fervently honor and venerate His Mystery; let us make our way towards Him with all our hearts. Let everyone without exception take part in this encounter and let all bring their lights along with them. If our candles give off such brightness it is first of all to demonstrate the divine Radiance of He who comes, He who makes the whole world resplendent and bathes it in an everlasting light, scattering the darkness of evil. But it is also, and above all, to show with what brightness of soul we ourselves should go to meet Christ. Indeed, just as the Mother of God, the most pure Virgin, bore the True Light in her arms to meet ‘those who lay in darkness’ (cf Is 9:1; Lk 1:79), so let us, lit up by Their Rays and carrying in our hands a Light that all can see, make haste to encounter Christ. …”