6 th. of Year.
Prayerful thoughts from the Banks of the
Texas Trinidad
by Rev. Jack Vessels, SJ
"Read: Listen in Silence & Chew on His Word, then
share some simple thought with others."
Lev 13.1-2,44-46; 1Cor 10.31-11.1; MK 1.40-45
THE ONE WHO BEARS THE SORE SHALL KEEP HIS GARMENTS RENT &
HIS HEAD BARE, MUFFLE HIS BEARD & CRY OUT 'UNCLEAN, UNCLEAN!'
'A leper came to Jesus. 'If you wish, you can make me clean.'
Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him & said
'I do will it. Be made clean."
During the day: Be more concerned about the health of the spirit than of the body--uncleanliness of heart is far more destructive than a skin-deep disease. Physical ills & handicaps are challenges the spirit either succumbs to or utilizes; brought to its knees, the human will adjusts sensibly to its own limitations, lovingly to absolute dependence on a Providence with infinite power, wisdom & love: 'Thy will be done.'
ABOUT PRAYER: There's something human about God & it's name is Jesus. Solidarity with the suffering demands compassion; fidelity to mission exacts patience. Redeemer's love seeks the good of the person, not of its conditions; the latter he assumes with the former, guaranty of an inner strength found only in prayer.
Reading Old Testament: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "If someone has on his skin a scab or pustule or blotch which appears to be the sore of leprosy, he shall be brought to Aaron, the priest, or to one of the priests among his descendants. If the man is leprous and unclean, the priest shall declare him unclean by reason of the sore on his head. "The one who bears the sore of leprosy shall keep his garments rent and his head bare, and shall muffle his beard; he shall cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as the sore is on him he shall declare himself unclean, since he is in fact unclean. He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp."
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 32: 1-2, 5, 11
I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation. Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, "I confess my faults to the LORD," and you took away the guilt of my sin. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart.
Reading 1 Corinthians 10:32 - 11:1
Brothers and sisters, Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Gospel: Mark 1: 40-45
A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, "If you wish, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, "I do will it. Be made clean." The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning the him sternly, he dismissed him at once. He said to him, "See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them." The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.
The Old Testament prepares for the New and the New fulfills the Old; the two shed light on each other; both are the true Word of God. I like to put it this way, the New Testament lies hidden in the OLD and the Old Testament is unveiled in the new.
Answered Prayers: There have been many, but not verbally expressed to our list.
Prayer Request - LORD HEAR OUR PRAYERS:
The request from Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7 UPs group
We reject poverty and accept Your abundance
We reject sin and accept Your forgiveness
Matt Dewhurst and his recovery
Stan Price and his recovery
Our families and loved ones
Our government and political leaders, our troops and those who serve to protect us
Our clergy and our businesses
Our members of 7 UPs and their families and loved ones.
Continued growth of the newly formed 7 UPs group in PA. (Shenango Valley 7Ups )
We would like to know your thoughts on the lesson. Please let us know how 7 UPS could expand your faith and fellowship journey by emailing us at our7ups@hotmail.com or les7ups@aol.com
For 7 UPs meeting locations and information visit: http://www.7upsinc.org
For Liturgical Calendar visit: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
For Protestant Liturgical Calendar visit: http://www.io.com/~kellywp
For Stories: http://www.somebodycares4u.com/stories_index.htm
For Daily Internet Inspiration visit: http://www.sacredspace.ie
For online Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com
For Reflection: http://www.elpasojesuit.org
If you have an idea for or a group interested in starting a 7 UPs group in an area, please call Les Washington for more details on how to get started.
7 UPS (Since September 1995) We Never Not Meet
Beginning with Fellowship, We facilitate discussions
searching for the Truth.
