7th Sunday of the Year (a)
This Week’s Liturgy Calendar.
Sunday 23rd February: 7th Sunday of the Year. (a)
In the first reading from the Book of Leviticus, we are reminded that we imitate the holiness of God when we refuse to exact vengeance or bear a grudge against another.
St. Paul, writing in his first letter to the Corinthians, points out to them that God is present in the community of believers gathered together rather than in a particular building, in this case the Temple. The people become the living Temple of God.
In the Gospel passage we are told that what should differentiate the disciples of Jesus from others is their willingness to love others as God loves them. Nobody should be excluded from Christian love. To be perfect like Jesus is the example that we must show in our own communities.
Monday 24th February: Monday in the seventh week of the year.
We continue this week with the readings from the Letter of St. James. He contrasts, in this section, the harmony that wisdom and the lack of harmony from jealousy.
The Gospel passages come from St. Mark. Today we read of Jesus healing a man who is possessed. He demands faith and trusting prayer, otherwise we are closed to God’s action and grace.
Tuesday 25th February: Tuesday in the seventh week of the year.
James reminds us that Christians are not perfect but must strive for perfection.
Jesus foretells his passion, death and resurrection for the second time but the disciples still do not understand. Do we? Do we understand the cross when it is placed on our shoulders?
Wednesday 26th February: Wednesday in the seventh week of the year.
James reminds us we need to make a total conversion to God and his ways. It is to be a conversion of the whole of our being.
It can be very easy to ridicule the good done by others if they do not belong. Jesus appreciated whatever good done by anyone whether one of his followers or not.
Thursday 27th February: Thursday in the seventh week of the year.
A strong warning is ut before us in today’s reading from James. It is aimed particularly at those who gained their wealth and riches by exploiting and defrauding others. Their wealth will not serve them and will disappear.
In a series of not too well connected words of the Lord to his disciples, we notice for example, his great concern for the ‘little ones’ – the ordinary follower who is not an expert or well versed in doctrine and theology.
Friday 28th February: Friday in the seventh week of the year.
We are warned by James in this section to leave judging to God. We are also encouraged to use proper speech.
For Christ, marriage is meant by the Father to be indissoluble since it mirrors God’s love for each one of us. His love is faithful and permanent. Married love is to be the same.
Saturday 1st March: Saturday in the seventh week of the year.
Today is the final extract from the Letter of St. James. He urges to keep on praying and he highlights those for whom we should pray especially the sick.
Jesus gives us a good practical example of how we are to be – like little children. Otherwise, we shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
