Pray

Greetings on this the Friday after Epiphany
Readings: 1 Jn 5:5-13; PS 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; Lk 5:12-16
Notes: I was at a convocation of priests with their Bishop (Bishop Barbarito) who said to them as follows (paraphrased):

• I do not care if you are a good administrator.
• I do not care if you are good at raising money.
• I do not care if you are learned and can speechify well.

I want you to pray. Pray always. Without ceasing.
This is the way of a priest.

First reading
Beloved:
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

I write these things to you so that you may know
that you have eternal life,
you who believe in the name of the Son of God.

Responsorial Psalm
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

Alleluia Verse
Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom
and cured every disease among the people.

Gospel Portion
But he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.

Hyper-activity is not the answer.
Program upon program is not the answer.

The answer is prayer.
Then act.

Don’t worry.
Like Jesus’ answer to the man full of leprosy.

“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,
“I do will it. Be made clean.”
And the leprosy left him immediately.

Pray.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry