Sunday, 12 February
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time First reading - Ecclesiasticus 15:16-21 Today’s first reading shows us the importance of choice in our life. “ …to behave faithfully is within your power”, says the Word of God. We make our choices in our life. It’s not about the circumstances or realities we find ourselves. But it’s about our attitude and reactions towards these circumstances and realities. It’s about our actions regarding these circumstances and actions. It’s like the hand placed over fire and water. “He has set fire and water before you; put out your hand to whichever you prefer”. So, our preferences or our choice make the difference. Challenging or difficult situations and realities do not mean that we must sin. “He never commanded anyone to be godless, he has given no one permission to sin”. But it’s enough to be close to God and He will watch over us. “For vast is the wisdom of the Lord; he is almighty and all-seeing. His eyes are on those who fear him, he notes every action of man”. So when we are close to the wisdom of the Lord who is almighty and all-seeing, we make the right choice irrespective of the circumstances and realities. Let’s reflect: am I close to the Wisdom of God to make the right choice in my freedom?
Because it’s always the person who is more important
Pervasive culture of efficiency often becomes our standard of judgement of others and of even ourselves. What is not efficient becomes worthless. This is a wrong vision of life. Because it’s always the person who is more important. Human frailty is part of our human life. We must see beyond the human frailty to the truth of the person. Only a true fraternity can go beyond the human frailty to achieve an authentic relationship between persons. Don Giorgio
Saturday 11 February
Our Lady of Lourdes XXXI World Day of the Sick First reading - Genesis 3:9-24 “The Lord God called to the man. ‘Where are you?’ he asked. ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden;’ he replied, ‘I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid”. God is searching for man. Lord God created man in his image and likeness. The He put him in the garden of Eden. He is not anymore there. And God is searching for man. The first thought is this: God puts us in places. When we go away from those places or responsibilities because we did not want to do what God wants, God is coming in search for you. You try to hide, and He comes in search of you. Another thought is about the answer of man. “I am afraid because I was naked”. Yes, once you are away from God, you are naked. You are not more covered by the Grace of God. And when we have no grace, naturally we are afraid. You find your emptiness without God. That emptiness is frightening. Let’s reflect: Am I running away from the place God has put me and losing the Grace of God?
