Greetings on this the Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a; PS 89:16-17, 18-19; Mk 2:1-12
Summary
When asked when is a good time to plant a tree? The Arborist replied, ten years ago, or today.
We make choices all the time. In today’s readings there is a stark contrast between the the first reading and the gospel portion. In the first reading the people reject the Lord in favor of a King. A King in whom they can control and manipulate and, at the least, be just like them. In the gospel portion the friends of the paralytic make a choice. The choice is to believe in and seek the merciful intervention of the Lord to help their friend.
We make choices. Choose Jesus.
Reflection
Today was a day of volunteerism. Just normal volunteering in the community. Planted 25 trees over a two day period. Man, I am tired.
Personal Reflection
Today I chose. I chose to put the community’s future ahead of my own interests. For as long as I live here I can watch these beauties grow. One day someone will sit under these trees and enjoy them. That hope is my joy. I will never see that day. But isn’t that the hallmark of charity?
Chose the Lord.
Photos
First Reading
Appoint a king over us, as other nations have, to judge us.
Samuel was displeased when they asked for a king to judge them. He prayed to the LORD, however, who said in answer: “Grant the people’s every request. It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me as their king.”
When Samuel had listened to all the people had to say, he repeated it to the LORD, who then said to him, “Grant their request and appoint a king to rule them.”
Responsorial
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.
Gospel
They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.”
Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry