THE MARKS OF JESUS…

THE FEAST OF St FRANCIS OF ASSISI

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Sirach 50:1,3-4,6-7

1 The leader of his brethren and the pride of his people was Simon the high priest, son of Onias, who in his life repaired the house, and in his time fortified the temple.3 In his days a cistern for water was quarried out, a reservoir like the sea in circumference.4 He considered how to save his people from ruin, and fortified the city to withstand a seige.
6 Like the morning star among the clouds, like the moon when it is full;
7 like the sun shining upon the temple of the Most High, and like the rainbow gleaming in glorious clouds;

Galatians 6:14-18

14 But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.16 Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.17 Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Matthew 11:25-30

25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes;26 yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.27 All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  

MEDITATION

BEN SIRACH the scribe records the actions of Simon a former high priest who restored and secured the temple. He was also responsible for installing an aqueduct that transported the water to the mikvahs for the purification rituals in the temple, moving it arround the altars of sacrifice where blood of the sacrificial animals mixed with the water that finally exited into the river Jordan where  Christ was baptized, inaugurating His saving work of mercy for the people.

St PAUL REFLECT upon his life and concludes that his thinking and desires about life has changed upon his encounter with Christ Jesus. He writes that he found victory in the cross of Christ and that the matter of whether a person must be circumcised or not is of no avail, because it does not compare to the pain and suffering that Jesus endured upon the cross to save God’s children. Paul offers up his pain and suffering at the hands of his enemies for all God’s people and especially his fellow brothers and sisters in the faith.

 
St MATTHEW records Jesus’ prayer of intercession for the stubborn people who refused to humble themselves and repent and fast in reparation for their sins. Jesus furthermore speaks of His relationship with the Father and the power that is vested in Him to bring healing and lighten the heavy sum burdens to restore peace in the people.

Our restoration and the saving grace offered by God began the day when the sacrament of baptism initiated our walk with Christ Jesus. Those of us who are weighed down with heavy burdens, pain and suffering are called to continue our journey of faith and to humble ourselves by submitting to Christ and seek His divine intervention in our lives.Moreover, we are invited to fast and reflect upon Christ suffering and death by offering up our pain and injuries; marks of Christs suffering, for our healing and those who suffer with and for us.

LET US PRAY:Psalms 16:1-2,3,5,7-8,11
Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge.2 I say to the LORD, “Thou art my Lord; I have no good apart from thee.”
5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; thou holdest my lot.
7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.11 Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fulness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Author. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days