Ever-present God, in your compassion overshadow me with your forgiveness and your love. Let your thoughts be my thoughts, your words my words. Let your Holy Spirit guide me in all that I do and say today and always. Amen.
Monday 1 Febuary
2 Samuel 15: 13-14. 30; 16: 5-13.
Ps. 3, 2-8; Mark: 5, 1-20
Come out, unclean spirit.
What unclean spirits do I find within myself? Is there one bad habit, one sin, that crops up regularly in my examination of conscience, at Reconciliation times? I ask Jesus in his goodness to cleanse me, to cast out my unclean spirit. But I am also aware that Jesus expects me to do my part. Do penance; avoid occasions of sin; practise a good habit; enlist my guardian angel’s support; pray to Mary, my spiritual mother, refuge of sinners; be steadfast in love of Jesus, thankful for his mercy to me.
Tuesday 2 February
The Presentation of the Lord - Malachi 3: 1-4; Ps. 24; Heb 2: 14-18; Luke 2: 22-40
Forty days after Jesus was born, his parents Mary and Joseph brought him to the Jerusalem Temple. They fulfilled faithfully the law of Moses which required an offering to the Lord who saved the Israelites when the first-born sons of the Egyptians died at the time of the Passover. With Simeon the prophet and Anna the prophetess waiting for this moment in the Temple, I say: Jesus, you are the Saviour of the world, you are the light of the nations, you are the glory of God’s people. My parents brought me to St Mary’s church a month after I was born to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. It was from Fr Wilf. Ainsworth‘s hands that I was given the saving grace of fellowship with Jesus, the light and warmth of his Holy Spirit, a chance to live with him in glory.
Wednesday 3 February
St Blaise, Bishop and Martyr - 2 Sam 24:2,9-17 Ps. 32,Mark 6: 1-6
St Blaise was first a physician and then a Bishop in Armenia, a Caucasus mountain territory bounded by Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan. He was one of the most popular saints in Western and Eastern Churches. Once he saved a child from choking on a fish bone. He was tortured by the Roman general Agricola because he would not renounce his faith in Jesus, eventually beheaded in 316 AD.
St Blaise rejoiced in sharing the sufferings of Christ in the hope of sharing the glory of God. God’s love has been poured into my heart through Christ and the prayers of his saints. It is an ancient custom on this day to bless the throats of the faithful with two candles tied together by a red ribbon to form a cross, asking for the intercession of St Blaise.
Thursday 4 February
1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12; Cant. 1
Chronicles 29: 10-12; Mark 6: 7-13
Jesus sent the Twelve out in pairs.
The Greek word for apostle means ‘sent out’, ‘commissioned.’ Jesus had called the Twelve Apostles personally, shown them how to spread the Gospel, how to be ‘on mission’. Jesus impressed on them the need to move about quickly and to be dependent on God’s care. As I make my Morning Offering at the beginning of the day I remember my baptismal duty to spread the Good News of Jesus, my Saviour, with those whom I live and work with and meet. I scout the possibilities in the hours ahead. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
Friday 5 February
St Agatha, Virgin, Martyr (died 251 AD) - Ecclesiasticus 47: 2-11; Ps. 18,
Mark 6: 14-29
Truthful, transparent.
St John the Baptist was imprisoned and eventually beheaded by King Herod because he spoke the truth about the sinfulness of Herod’s marriage to his brother’s wife. I pray that, with the grace of God, I am a person of integrity, that I am honest, truthful, transparent in my dealings with others, no matter what the cost. Truth is my friend. It is the reality of a situation. If I have missed out, made a mistake, I am humble enough to admit my failure and am prepared to make amends. I am honoured when people place their trust in me because they know that I am true to my word, transparent.
St John the Baptist, help me be transparent.
Saturday 6 February
1 Kings 3: 4-13; Ps. 119B,
Mark 6: 30-34
Waitangi Day
King Solomon prayed to God for the gift of wisdom, His prayer was answered in full measure. The late Sir James Henare would say that the Treaty of Waitangi is both for Maori and for Pakeha. Maori agreed to Pakeha settlement. Since 1840 there has been a great lack of wisdom and justice in dealing with Treaty issues. We are trying to redress grievances now. Today, I entreat my God for the gift of wisdom for my government, for myself, for the first people of this land, and for my fellow citizens.
Sunday 7 February
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Isaiah 6: 1-8; Ps. 138;
1 Corinthians 15: 1-11; Luke 5: 1-11
As chaplain to a Whanganui charismatic prayer group I was asked to give some reflections for its Life in the Spirit seminar. I was very conscious of my unworthiness in the sight of God, absolutely humbled when these Spirit-filled people placed their hands on my shoulders, prayed over me, directing the words used of the prophet Isaiah to me, ‘Lord, let your holy angel purify his lips with a burning coal so that he may speak what you wish us to hear.’ God graced us in many ways during that seminar. Although I ask the Lord to place his words in my mouth, on my lips, when I speak on such occasions, I am encouraged to seek the prayerful help of others around me to pray for me, with me, before I begin any work that I do in God’s name.
Monday 8 February
1 Kings 8: 1-7, 9-13; Ps.132;
Mark 6: 53-56
The Holy of Holies
Jesus, resident in the Tabernacle or exposed in the monstrance on the Altar for our adoration, is infinitely more precious than the Old Testament Ark of the Covenant. He is our Holy of Holies, the Lord dwelling with us. Our 2005 ‘Praise Be’ TV session recorded at Sacred Heart Basilica in Timaru included this hymn whose first verse I cherish when I pray (Moses-like) before God and sing along to myself:
“Be still for the presence of the Lord,
the Holy One is here,
Come, bow before Him now,
with reverence and fear,
In Him no sin is found,
we stand on holy ground.
Be still for the presence of the Lord,
the holy one is here.”
Tuesday 9 February
1 Kings 8: 22-23, 27-30; Ps. 84;
Mark 7: 1-13
How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord.
My God, I long for you, I yearn to be with you now and forever. I am filled with joy. I sing your praise when I turn my eyes to you. Look kindly on me who has been washed in the waters of Baptism, anointed with your Holy Spirit, fed with the heavenly bread which is Jesus. One day with you is better than a thousand elsewhere. In your love, please satisfy these heartfelt desires of mine. May I dwell with you forever.
Wednesday 10 February
St Scholastica, Virgin (died 542 AD) - 1 Kings: 10: 1-10; Ps.37; Mark 7: 14-23
St Benedict and St Scholastica were twins, born in 480 AD of wealthy parents. They sacrificed their worldly opportunities to give themselves in religious life to Christ. They founded religious communities at Monte Cassino, and nearby, in Italy. Growing the mystical body of Christ through prayer, penance, study and good works was their aim.
In my parish life the parishioners and I have been blessed by dedicated religious sisters who have spent themselves for the Lord and for us. I have found them wise, happy and fulfilled women. Their knowledge of ‘who’ and ‘what’ was invaluable. I admired their love and care for students, for the elderly and the sick, those in any trouble. I cannot thank them enough. I pray that they may have a very high place in heaven.
Thursday 11 February
Our Lady of Lourdes (Feast) - Isaiah 66: 10-14; Ps.106; John 2: 1-11;
It is commonplace in Catholic church grounds to find a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and, kneeling before her, an image of a young French girl, Bernadette Soubirous, to whom Mary appeared first on February 11, 1858. “I am the Immaculate Conception,” she told Bernadette...a wonderful affirmation of Pope Pius IX’s declaration in 1854 that, “the most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.” In the Blessed Virgin’s hands was a Rosary. She calls us to do penance for our sins. Lourdes is renowned for its spirit of prayer and charity, particularly in helping the poor and the sick. I am but one of this generation whose delight it is to call Mary ‘Blessed.’
Friday 12 February
1 Kings 11:29-32, 12: 19 ;
Ps. 81; Mark 7: 31-37
Jesus makes the deaf hear, the dumb speak.
This morning I baptized five-year old Rosalie at Mass. She held on to her lit baptismal candle carefully, enlightened by Christ. Then I touched her ear asking Jesus to help her listen to and take to heart what He has to say to her, touched her mouth so that by word and deed she may proclaim Jesus to the world by how she prays and lives. I thought of the deaf man who had an impediment of speech brought to Jesus in the Decapolis region east of Galilee Sea. Jesus opened the man’s ears to hear, removed his impediment of speech. And the man could not stop proclaiming Jesus’ saving work.
Saturday 13 February
1 Kings 12: 26-32, 13:33-34; Ps. 106;
Mark 8: 1-10
Thousands ate and were filled.
Today’s Gospel foreshadows the Eucharist. ‘A great crowd gathered.’ We gather around the altar in our church for Mass. Some of us might have come a great distance (spiritually) to do this. Whether we are close to Jesus or far from Him Jesus sits us down, welcomes us, is merciful to us. Jesus knows too well that this diverse crowd is hungry... not a bodily hunger, but a deeply spiritual hunger which only He can satisfy. Jesus gives us the Heavenly Bread and Drink which satisfies our hunger and thirst, Himself, a sacred banquet in which Christ is received, His suffering and death are recalled, we are filled with grace, and a pledge of our future glory is given. (St Thomas Aquinas)
Sunday 14 February
Sixth Week in Ordinary Time - Jeremiah 17: 5-8; Ps. 1; 1 Corinthians 15: 12, 16-20; Luke 6: 17, 20-26
I believe that Christ rose from the dead.
St Paul hands on to the Corinthians (and to me) the teaching of the Apostles that Christ died, was buried, rose from the dead, and appeared to many leaders of the Church and hundreds of other witnesses. This is the basis of my faith. It is also the basis of my hope that if I have died with Christ, I might also rise with him after my death. I believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. My Lord has conquered sin and death, the first fruits of His resurrection. Be merciful to me, Lord, a sinner. Grant me the grace to live with you forever. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me, now and at the hour of my death. Amen.
Monday 15 February
James 1: 1-11; Ps.119N;
Mark 8: 11-13
Trials a happy privilege.
As I age I am made more aware of my bodily and mental infirmities. My arthritic joints, my forgetfulness, they can be a real trial at times. I reflect on the more difficult moments in my working life. I suppose I saw them as challenges and did my best to secure a happy outcome. Each day, to place my teaching life, my parish life, my community (family) life, in God’s hands and ask our Blessed Lady’s support, was a good start. I was conscious of asking for God’s help when I had to confront someone or some issue. I thank God for happy outcomes when my faith was tested in this way. May I grow in patience, dear Lord, may I persevere in loving you.
Tuesday 16 February
James 1: 12-18; Ps.94; Mark 8: 14-21
Happy are those you teach, Lord.
I am blessed, Lord, when you train me by means of your law. You bring me peace even in troubled times. I know that you will never abandon me, because I am yours. You are just in all your ways. My heart is true when I uphold your judgements. When I am falling, you raise me up. When my cares increase, your grace consoles me, keeps me calm. Thank you, Lord.
Ash Wednesday, 17 February
Joel 2: 12-18; Ps. 51; 2 Corinthians 5: 20-6:2; Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18.
Come, let us return to the Lord.
Joel prophesied somewhere between 400-350 B.C.E. He called the community together for a period of fasting, weeping, mourning, a turning towards God, as there had been a terrible plague of locusts devastating the land. No harvests, no Temple sacrifices. “Sound the trumpet in Zion! Order a fast! Proclaim a solemn assembly! Let them say: ‘Spare your people, Lord.’” In the face of my own sins, the sins of the world, it is only right and just that I join the Church today in its cry to God for mercy, in its fasting, its search for justice, and other penances, ashes on forehead as a sign of my willingness to repent. I pray that this day will be a day of salvation for me, that this Lent will be a favourable time to recommit myself to the Lord.
Thursday 18 February
Deuteronomy 30: 15-20; Ps. 1;
Luke 9: 22-25
I set before you life or death.
Moses said to the people: “If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, if you love the Lord your God and follow His ways, his laws and customs, you will live. Your God will bless you. If your heart strays and you let yourself be drawn to worship and serve other Gods, you will most certainly perish.” It is time for me to examine my relationship with God. How unselfish or selfish is my love for God? When I do this, what are the areas of my life which disappoint me. Show me, Lord, my weaknesses. Help me with worthwhile resolutions. I pray for courage to take the right steps. I will seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the advice of those whose judgement I trust, and do penance for my sins. I will choose life with you.
Friday 19 February
Isaiah 58: 1-9; Ps.51; Matthew 9: 14-15
Truly pleasing to God is....
The prophet Isaiah reminds me of the essentials of true religion, loving God and neighbour for the sake of God. More acceptable than fasting is ‘ to break unjust fetters, let the oppressed go free, share your bread with the hungry, give shelter to the homeless poor, clothe the one who is naked.’ (Isaiah 58: 6-7) The latest in CARITAS’ impressive publications is September 2009 No 14, ‘A Justice that Reconciles’ which centres on our prison population...revenge or reconciliation. If I am wronged can I say with Jesus: ‘Father, forgive?’ Will I support a victim of crime as did the Good Samaritan? Will I help an ex-prisoner to adjust to living in my community? remembering the loving Dad welcoming home his errant, Prodigal son.
Saturday 20 February
Isaiah 58: 9-14; Ps. 86; Luke 5: 27-32
A saving grace.
There are two angles to the “Follow me” call which Jesus gave to Levi (Matthew) in today’s Gospel. Jesus saw goodness in this man, great possibilities, redemption from a way of life which made Levi hated and despised by the populace as a tax-gathering cheat and profiteer, ritually unclean, a great sinner. Incredibly, Levi left everything and followed Jesus, becoming one of his intimate followers, an apostle, one of the founding members of the Church, the writer of a Gospel. Levi had recognized the truth about himself, seized the moment of conversion. Lord, may I see goodness in those I meet. May I seize moments of conversion which Jesus presents to me.
Sunday 21 February
1st Sunday in Lent - Deuteronomy 26: 4-10; Ps. 91
Romans 10: 8-13; Luke 4: 1-13
Spirit-filled leadership.
Before Jesus steps out on his momentous messianic ministry he does the groundwork...a lengthy spiritual preparation in the desert, away from the crowds. He is tested by Satan. Is this man the Son of God or not? A fasting Jesus will not use his power for his own ends by turning stones into bread. Do not live by bread alone, but by the word of God. He will remain obedient to His Father’s will and give allegiance to no one else. I wonder whether I am sufficiently far-sighted to make a definite spirit-filled preparation before I embark on a new and important enterprise? What temptations might the devil put in my path? I resolve to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. Come, Holy Spirit, kindle within me the fire of your love.
Monday 22 February
1 Peter 5: 1-4; Ps. 22;
Matthew 16: 13-19
Chair of Peter, Apostle
My Marist confrere and I wore red vestments in honour of St Peter, leader of the Apostles, Martyr, as we were led across the nave of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome by two young altar boys, down two floors to the Chapel above St Peter’s archeologically identified tomb. People hurried from all over the Basilica to celebrate the Eucharist with us. It was a graced, unforgettable moment. We greeted them all in English, French and phrase-book Italian and proceeded to offer the sacrifice of Christ to His heavenly Father. We acknowledged St Peter the fisherman, the Rock on which Christ built his Church, Vicar of Christ, keeper of the keys of the kingdom of heaven, the first Bishop of Rome, life’s blood given for the Lord. We prayed for Pope John Paul 2nd, 263rd successor of St Peter’s.
Tuesday 23rd February
Isaiah 55: 10-11; Ps. 34;
Matthew 6: 7-15
St Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr (d. 156 AD)
I cherish this saint for being part of New Zealand’s ‘French connection’ to the Apostle, St John. St Polycarp was a disciple of St John and Bishop of Smyrna in Asia Minor. St Irenaeus was sent by St Polycarp to Lyon to be the second Bishop there. Our Bishop Pompallier was ordained priest by a Bishop of Lyon. Polycarp was led into a crowded stadium in Smyrna, bound and burned alive. The flames did not harm him and he was stabbed to death. “I have been a servant of Christ for eighty-six years and no evil has come near me; how can I now speak against my King who has saved me?” Through his intercession may we, like him, drink from that cup which Christ drank, and so rise to eternal life.
Wednesday 24 February
Jonah 3: 1-10; Ps. 51; Luke 11: 29-32
A contrite heart you will not spurn.
Jesus, the Son of Man, is His generation’s sign of God with us, just as Jonah was a sign to the people of Nineveh of the need to repent of their sins. In your kindness, Lord, be merciful to me. Be compassionate and forgive my sins. Create a pure heart in me, a courageous and persevering spirit. Do not cast me away from your presence. Do not deprive me of your Holy Spirit. Do not spurn my humbled, contrite heart.
Thursday 25 February
Esther 4: 17ff; Ps. 138; Matthew 7: 7-12
My Lord, I have no helper but you.
“Ask, and it will be given to you,” Jesus told his disciples. Queen Esther, in Old Testament times, was already aware of the power of prayer. Risking her life she would plead with King Ahasuerus to spare her Jewish people. But first, she prayed: “My Lord, come to my help. I am alone and have no helper but you. Reveal yourself in time of distress. Give me courage. Put persuasive words into my mouth. Save us by your hand.” Esther prayed for three days, took off her penitential garments, arrayed herself in royal attire. God changed the king’s anger to gentleness. He answered her prayer.
Saturday 27 February
Deuteronomy 26: 16-19; Ps. 119A;
Matthew 5: 43-48.
Love your enemies.
Why should I give enemies and those who misjudge me the normal signs of friendship? It is easy to love those who love me, my family, my friends. My instinct is to recoil at the prospect of loving enemies, doing good to those who hate me, praying for them. Jesus points me to God who makes the sun rise on good and bad alike. God’s love and care for those whom he has created is the standard set for the disciple of Jesus, for me. I acknowledge in love my Creator and my Last End. May God’s will for me be my will.
Sunday 28 February
2nd Sunday in Lent - Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18; Ps. 27;
Philippians 3:17–4:1; Luke 9:28-36
My parents blessed me with a good home and loving care. I joined a large boarding school community and learned to live with new friends, to advance spiritually, academically, to grow through teenage years. A University year from a Catholic Hostel; seven years of living a Marist seminary life, another blessed home; communities of Marist priests and brothers in various homes while teaching, then in parishes...but my true homeland is in heaven. This I long for. I dearly wish to meet my Lord and Saviour, to see His face. I pray that my body may be transformed into a copy of his glorious body. But first, I must be a faithful servant of Jesus here on earth. I need your grace, Lord.
