Faith Sharing – January 19

Mark 3: 1-6

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come forward.’ Then he said to them, ‘Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?’ But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

“Be glad when you meet each other. Help one another carry the burdens and worries. For love of Jesus, patiently bear each other’s faults, weaknesses and peculiarities. Be a light to all people, by your living faith in God, and your active charity. No matter which part of the world we are in, let us remain sincerely and firmly united. The Holy Spirit and the Sacred Heart of Jesus can direct hearts like running streams”(Bl. Helena Stollenwerk).

Silent Reflection

1. What feelings are in your heart as you start this day?

2. Bl. Helena encouraged the sisters to great love and acceptance of each other’s faults, weaknesses and peculiarities. Jesus was grieved at the hardness of heart in the Pharisees. Is there any hardness or lack of acceptance in your heart? Can you bring this to Jesus to be healed?

3. What grace do you wish to pray for today?