For your assistance in praying with the Church community this week, the liturgical Sunday readings read at all the masses are provided below, with some suggestions of activities that you and your family might do during the week to help sustain the messages of the Sunday gospel.
Please let us know if these suggestions are helpful for you or your family.
February 19, 2012, 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
"Se, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth ... In the desert I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers. It is I who wipe out your offenses; your sins I remember no more."
READINGS:
1. Isaiah 43: 18-19, 21-22, 24, 25
2. 2 Corinthians 1:18-22
3. Mark 2: 1-12 (Click Here for Readings)
REFLECTION: Notice that the scribes did not object to the physical cure of the man. What upset them was the claim that he made to forgive sins. We have our doubts about the forgiveness of sins. We all need spiritual healing. What keeps us from believing that forgiveness is possible? What stands in our way?
PRAYER: Lord, we pray for the gift of faith. Help us to believe in your power to forgive. Help us to welcome your Transforming Presence into our hearts and lives.
FAMILY DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY:
Monday: Jesus pronounces the paralytic forgiven, not upon his great faith but that of his friends. Pray the Joyful Mysteries (click here for video) of the rosary today in thanksgiving for friends.
Tuesday: Prepare a special meal of reconciliation today. When the family gathers, let them know that the meal is to celebrate forgiveness of one another. Pray the Eucharistic Prayer III. Father, hear the prayers of the family you have gathered here before you.
Wednesday: Sometimes we lack knowledge about the ways of forgiveness that the Church provides. Forgiveness is offered over and over again through the Eucharist. Be attentive at Mass for these times of forgiveness.
Thursday: The Gospel tells us what Jesus is like—rich in mercy and full of compassion. Spend time today reflecting on your own mercy and compassion at home and at work.
Friday: Ways of forgiveness include prayer, good works, and almsgiving. In this spirit give to an organization that assists the poor.
Saturday: The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one means the Church has to forgive sins. Plan to participate in this sacrament before Lent begins.
PRAYER: The words of the institution of the Eucharist: Take this, all of you, and drink from it. This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and all so that sins may be forgiven.
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