February 19, 2012
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus "saw" their faith. Faith is more than an interior disposition of the heart, mind and will. It must be lived, put into practice. Faith works. We can identify with the paralytic. Because of circumstances (sickness, loss, unemployment, divorce, discouragement, bad choices/sin) we find ourselves incapable of turning to Jesus, of entering into church for comfort, support and forgiveness. We need assistance of faith-friends. We can identify with the stretcher-bearers and brother keepers who managed to carry the paralytic to Jesus for forgiveness and healing. We bring others to Christ by making sure the church building is accessible and by assisting disabled persons to attend. We bring our families and children to Mass and instill/share the Catholic faith at home. Catechists instruct those drawn to our faith community. In a special way we bring people to Jesus in our prayers. How many at Mass today carry the name of a loved one in their heart and commend that person to Jesus? Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb 22). Extend an invitation to someone in your circle of concern to join us in prayer, fasting, almsgiving and good works in preparation for Easter -- life in Christ.
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6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Ash Wednesday
