Memorial of Saint Cyril, monk, and Saint Methodius, bishop &
Saint Valentine (Optional)
Biographical Information about St. Cyril
Biographical Information about St. Methodius
Biographical Information about St. Valentine
Readings for Wednesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time[1]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Comments from 2006
Commentary:
Reading 1 Gn 8:6-13, 20-22
We are given the conclusion of the flood story today. Again Hebrew numerology plays a big part in the symbolism of the story. Forty days represents the fullness of the Flood, and the seven day periods waiting for the dove, the perfect number.
Noah completes the test by building an altar and offering a sacrifice to God that seems to appease his just anger at mankind.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 116:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
R. To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
The psalmist sings of salvation, as Noah must have done upon finding dry land. In accordance with the law sacrifice is offered “in the presence of the people”.
Gospel Mk 8:22-26
I like what the footnote on this section has to say: “Jesus' actions and the gradual cure of the blind man probably have the same purpose as in the case of the deaf man (Mark 7:31-37). Some commentators regard the cure as an intended symbol of the gradual enlightenment of the disciples concerning Jesus' messiahship.”
Reflection:
Perhaps because it is Valentine’s Day, or perhaps because of the Gospel reading, today we look at relationships. For those of us who are in long term personal relationships we see the benefits of those relationships. We also recognize that they are not static – they are dynamic. If we look back to the beginning of a relationship it is easy to see the changes that have occurred as we have gotten to know the other person better. Many times, the things that initially started the relationship have become secondary and other facets have become more important. In other cases the things learned become additive in their importance.
The important fact about relationships we remember here today is that relationships require work. Work because in even casual relationships, the other person’s needs and wants must be considered, frequently before our own. Work because in knowing a person, there must be changes in what we do and how we react. The better we know a person, the more we can anticipate the person’s needs or reactions in life circumstances.
This description has been purposely kept very aloof and detached – as if feelings were not a consideration. Of course, they are. Our feelings about others are key both in starting a relationship and maintaining one. It is generally the emotional component that breaks relationships. That brings us to the most important element of relationships – love. Love at many levels is foundational. Love, as described in scripture is self-sacrificing, outward focused. Love is the true celebration today.
In the same way our relationships and love of others is dynamic, so is our relationship with God. Like our human relationships, our very personal relationship with God in Christ is dynamic. When we were young, we saw the Lord as a child sees – “Jesus loves me, this I know…”. As teenagers, with everything seen in absolutes, that relationship is frequently at risk – free will not understood. As adults our mature faith grows and changes, we see God and our response to God differently. Along with that gradual personal revelation, our love for God grows and changes.
Today, as we celebrate our love for one another, let us remember our love of God and his love of us.
Pax
Saint Valentine (Optional)
Biographical Information about St. Cyril
Biographical Information about St. Methodius
Biographical Information about St. Valentine
Readings for Wednesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time[1]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Comments from 2006
Commentary:
Reading 1 Gn 8:6-13, 20-22
We are given the conclusion of the flood story today. Again Hebrew numerology plays a big part in the symbolism of the story. Forty days represents the fullness of the Flood, and the seven day periods waiting for the dove, the perfect number.
Noah completes the test by building an altar and offering a sacrifice to God that seems to appease his just anger at mankind.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 116:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
R. To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
The psalmist sings of salvation, as Noah must have done upon finding dry land. In accordance with the law sacrifice is offered “in the presence of the people”.
Gospel Mk 8:22-26
I like what the footnote on this section has to say: “Jesus' actions and the gradual cure of the blind man probably have the same purpose as in the case of the deaf man (Mark 7:31-37). Some commentators regard the cure as an intended symbol of the gradual enlightenment of the disciples concerning Jesus' messiahship.”
Reflection:
Perhaps because it is Valentine’s Day, or perhaps because of the Gospel reading, today we look at relationships. For those of us who are in long term personal relationships we see the benefits of those relationships. We also recognize that they are not static – they are dynamic. If we look back to the beginning of a relationship it is easy to see the changes that have occurred as we have gotten to know the other person better. Many times, the things that initially started the relationship have become secondary and other facets have become more important. In other cases the things learned become additive in their importance.
The important fact about relationships we remember here today is that relationships require work. Work because in even casual relationships, the other person’s needs and wants must be considered, frequently before our own. Work because in knowing a person, there must be changes in what we do and how we react. The better we know a person, the more we can anticipate the person’s needs or reactions in life circumstances.
This description has been purposely kept very aloof and detached – as if feelings were not a consideration. Of course, they are. Our feelings about others are key both in starting a relationship and maintaining one. It is generally the emotional component that breaks relationships. That brings us to the most important element of relationships – love. Love at many levels is foundational. Love, as described in scripture is self-sacrificing, outward focused. Love is the true celebration today.
In the same way our relationships and love of others is dynamic, so is our relationship with God. Like our human relationships, our very personal relationship with God in Christ is dynamic. When we were young, we saw the Lord as a child sees – “Jesus loves me, this I know…”. As teenagers, with everything seen in absolutes, that relationship is frequently at risk – free will not understood. As adults our mature faith grows and changes, we see God and our response to God differently. Along with that gradual personal revelation, our love for God grows and changes.
Today, as we celebrate our love for one another, let us remember our love of God and his love of us.
Pax
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