regan.ocd – Page 3 – SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

February 20, 2025February 21, 2025

21st FEBRUARY 2025

HD wallpaper: doumo, milan, hope, calm, quiet, serene, prayer, couple, church | Wallpaper Flare

FRIDAY, SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 11: 1-9 Ps 33: 10-15 Mk 8: 34–9: 1

SILENCE AND CONTEMPLATION

In his booklet Praying Today, Cardinal Angelo Comastri reflects on the overwhelming noise that characterizes our contemporary world. He observes that in the absence of silence, true contemplation has become increasingly rare, leading to a loss of the intrinsic value of things. This sentiment resonates deeply with the situation depicted in today’s first reading. As the population on earth grew, so too did the clamour of daily life. People gradually forgot their Creator and their complete dependence on Him. Recognizing the spiritual blindness that enveloped humanity, God deemed it necessary to separate and scatter them across the earth.

Cardinal Comastri reminds us that at times, we may find ourselves lacking a loving relationship with God. When this occurs, our lives can become chaotic and filled with confusion. We may feel threatened and lose sight of the true value of things. However, we need not succumb to fear or confusion, for we possess a powerful weapon – prayer. It is through prayer that we can address the noise and emptiness in our lives. As Jesus teaches in the Gospel, our lives can be saved through prayer. By embracing silence and contemplation – two essential components of a prayerful life – we can rescue ourselves from the turmoil that often surrounds us, unlike those at the Tower of Babel who succumbed to their own confusion. Let us dismantle the towers of distraction within our souls through the power of prayer. Let us commit ourselves to fostering silence over noise.

No matter how hard we strive to gather worldly pleasures, true fulfilment lies in the embrace of Jesus. When we turn our gaze toward Him in moments of silence and contemplation, we accumulate joy and happiness that far surpass any earthly pleasure. By doing so, we can begin to address our spiritual blindness and restore our relationship with God.

Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage.

February 19, 2025February 19, 2025

20th FEBRUARY 2025

The Faithfulness of God: Unchanging and Everlasting | Worship Leaders University

THURSDAY, SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 9: 1-13 Ps 102: 16-23, 29 Mk 8: 27-33

TRUSTING IN GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

After the floodwaters have receded and Noah and his family step onto dry land, God establishes a covenant with them. He tells Noah, “Be fruitful and multiply.” This command echoes God’s original creation plan for humanity. But it is paired with a promise: that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood, and as a sign, He places the rainbow in the sky. This act of divine grace shows us that God’s promises are enduring and trustworthy. The rainbow calls us to recognize the faithfulness of God even in the most difficult times.

In the Gospel, Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question is correct – “You are the Messiah.” But he didn’t know what it meant, for he could not accept the necessity of the Lord’s passion. Jesus reprimands him for his narrow vision – “The way you think is not God’s way but man’s.” This passage challenges us to reflect on how we approach our faith. Like Peter, we can sometimes recognize Jesus as the Saviour but fail to fully understand the depth of what it means to follow Him. Jesus’ path to glory is through the cross, and the same is true for us. Our Christian life is not exempt from suffering or hardship, but it is through these moments of difficulty that we truly encounter the depth of God’s love and presence. We are called to carry our cross daily and follow Him.

The readings thus remind us of the call to walk in trust with God, just as Noah did after the flood and just as the disciples were challenged to do after Peter’s initial confession of faith. The rainbow reminds us that God’s promises are not just abstract ideas; they are real and present in our lives. The cross reminds us that suffering is part of the Christian journey, but that God’s love is deeper and stronger than any hardship we may face. Let us reflect today therefore, on the ‘rainbows’ in our own lives; that is, those signs of God’s faithfulness, as well as on the crosses we find on our journey of discipleship.

Response: The Lord looked down from heaven to the earth.

February 18, 2025February 18, 2025

19th FEBRUARY 2025

WEDNESDAY, SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 8: 6-13, 20-22 Ps 116: 12-15, 18-19 Mk 8: 22-26

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS

Try attempting to navigate your surroundings with your eyes closed. You would find yourself disoriented and lost. In today’s Gospel, we encounter a blind man brought before Jesus who employs a dramatic method to restore his sight, illustrating not just a physical transformation but also a deeper, gradual healing process. This act serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual awakening and enlightenment. The blind man’s journey to sight symbolizes the gradual unfolding of understanding and faith. Just as his vision is restored step by step, so too can our own spiritual insights deepen over time. We may not suffer from physical blindness, but our sinfulness corrupts our spiritual vision; it obscures our ability to perceive truth, goodness, and the presence of the divine in our lives.

In the first reading, we witness Noah and his family enduring forty days and nights in the Ark, protected from the devastating floods that symbolize God’s wrath against the spiritual blindness of humanity. During this time, Noah demonstrates patience and faith. He sends out a raven and then a dove, each serving as a sign of hope and renewal. As Noah observes the waters gradually subside, he recognizes the moment has come for him and his family to emerge from the Ark. In an act of profound gratitude, he offers a sacrifice to the Lord, acknowledging God’s mercy and faithfulness. In response, God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy humanity in such a manner. This exchange highlights God’s unwavering love and concern for humanity paired with our call to express gratefulness and faithfulness. Just as Noah’s journey out of the Ark symbolizes a transition from despair to hope, we too must emerge from our own spiritual blindness. We too must undergo this process of gradual healing from darkness to light, from blindness to sight, by approaching our Lord and ‘begging him to touch’ us with the power of His love.

Response: A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025

18th FEBRUARY 2025

When Mercy Meets Justice | Our Daily Bread Ministries

TUESDAY, SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Kuriakose Chavara

Gn 6: 5-8; 7: 1-5, 10 Ps 29: 1-4, 9-10 Mk 8: 14-21

JUSTICE AND MERCY WALK HAND IN HAND

In the first reading we witness God’s lament over the pervasive evil that had taken root in humanity. This lament underscores the gravity of sin and its consequences. Yet amidst this despair, Noah emerges as a beacon of hope. He finds favour in God’s eyes, illustrating that righteousness is possible even in a world steeped in corruption. God commands Noah to enter the ark with his family, in order to keep them safe from the flood of punishment. The flood serves as a divine reset, cleansing the earth of its corruption while preserving Noah and his family, who symbolise renewal and hope. This act of judgement is balanced by God’s mercy, as He provides a means for humanity to start anew. The flood narrative thus presents the duality of God’s justice and mercy, reminding us that while sin has dire consequences, God’s grace offers a path to redemption.

In the gospel, Jesus warns His disciples about the “leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod;” that is, the corrupting influence of sin and disbelief. Just as God sought to cleanse the earth in Noah’s time, Jesus calls His followers to be vigilant against spiritual corruption. However, the disciples didn’t understand Him, reflecting humanity’s struggle to recognise divine truths amidst worldly distractions. Their failure to grasp the significance of the words and works of the Lord serves as a caution for us today, urging us to set aside time daily for silent prayer away from the distractions of life, to ponder on ‘the marvels the Lord works for us’ in imitation of Mary. Like Noah, we are called to live righteously and remain faithful amidst a world that often prioritises self-interest over divine principles. The warning of the Lord to his disciples exhorts us to examine their hearts and resist influences that divert them from God’s truth. However, the readings of the day also carry a message of hope – hope in the Divine mercy; for, while humanity may falter, His mercy endures forever.

Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.

February 16, 2025February 14, 2025

17th FEBRUARY 2025

We Are All Looking for a Sign (Mark 8:11-13) – Grace Evangelical Society

MONDAY, SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 4: 1-15, 25 Ps 50: 1, 8, 16-17, 20-21 Mk 8: 11-13

SEEK THE EXTRAORDINARY WITHIN

Jesus will not provide a sign to an unworthy generation because, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah” (Dt 6:16). When Satan took Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple and asked him to jump off so that the angels may catch him, thus proving to the world that He is the son of God. Despite this, the religious leaders of the gospel pester the Son of God for a sign. They failed to understand that the miracles performed by Him were intended to show the power of God in the context of mercy, not to mesmerize unbelievers into conversion. For this reason, we often find him exhorting to silence the one blessed with a miracle. Though the many marvels of God surround us – the countless special events, life incidents, miracles – we still lose sight of them, and seek more from God. Yet, He alone possesses the wisdom to determine what to do and when to act; His timing is perfect for revealing His existence to the world. However, in our human tendency to seek immediate proof, we might find ourselves asking Him to validate His presence. To truly encounter God, we must seek Him through the lens of our souls. He resides within us; hence, if we desire to know Him, we must embark on a journey inward, exploring our own essence to understand who we are and who has created us.

The attitude of the religious leaders in the gospel, of demanding miracles from Jesus, reflects a conditional approach to faith – one that seeks validation through extraordinary acts rather than genuine belief. Let us not follow in their footsteps, and rather embrace a complete and unconditional belief in God. True faith does not place demands on the divine; it recognizes His sovereignty and trusts in His perfect plan. By cultivating this deeper understanding, we can foster a more profound relationship with God, one rooted in love and reverence rather than mere spectacle.

Response: Give your praise as a sacrifice to God.

February 15, 2025February 14, 2025

16th FEBRUARY 2025

Hebrews 6 19 Decal - Etsy

SUNDAY, SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Jer 17:5-8 Ps 1:1-4, 6 1 Cor 15:12, 16-20 Lk 6:17, 20-26

ANCHORED IN CHRISTIAN HOPE

A big difference can be drawn between Peter and Judas Iscariot, as we see them in the Gospels. Judas felt that he could not be liberated from the depths of his sin – that of betraying his master. He lost all hope of any future course of action, took refuge in a piece of rope, and hung himself. Peter, on the other hand, though he denied and rejected his beloved master, knew that he could still approach Him and seek His forgiveness. He cried bitterly, repented of his mistake, and returned to the Master! Unlike Judas, Peter is projected to us as a man of hope.

The readings today speak to us about hope. Hope is a virtue that can drag humanity out even from the most depressive pits of human existence. Hope offers human beings something to believe in, someone to trust, and such a sure expectation brings them to redemption and liberation. In his letter to the Romans, Paul exhorts us to be joyful in hope, to be patient in affliction, and to be faithful in prayer! This implies that hope is to be seen as a virtue that guides and sustains us amidst trials and suffering. Hope as a theological virtue is not about avoiding hardships; rather, it is founded on the trust placed in God’s promises and a sure faith in their fulfilment. The words of St. Thomas Aquinas offer much clarity concerning the virtue: “Hope is a movement of the soul, directed toward the future good that is difficult but possible to obtain!” As believers in the divine promises of God, the good that we long for is the beatific vision. An eager expectation of the same keeps us moving forward despite life’s challenges.

We are also presented with a striking contrast between those who trust in the Lord and those who trust in men. In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah compares the latter to a barren bush in the desert, which is symbolic of the emptiness of the trust placed in human beings. Contrary to this, a person who trusts in the Lord is described as a tree planted near flowing water – a symbol of continuous growth and fruitfulness!

The Gospel draws a clear line of demarcation between those considered blessed according to heaven’s standards and as per the world’s standards! The Beatitudes of Jesus, as Luke presents them, inspire hope. Jesus calls ‘blessed’ the poor, those who mourn, and those who suffer. His message projects a value contrary to the world’s standards. We are invited to look beyond the trials and challenges of human existence and to consider them as mere hinderances along the way to holiness! Raising our sight from these troubles of life, we are called to march forward towards the promises of God. Challenging as it can be, the beatitudes shed light on the ultimate goal of human living: attaining heaven. That is the hope that should motivate us in our walk of virtuous living!

In the second reading, Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, states that our virtue of ‘hope’ is founded not on mere fantasies but on the reality of Christ’s resurrection. He articulates it with conviction when he says that our faith is futile if Christ has not been raised from the dead. The reality of the resurrection points us to a life beyond the struggles of the present. Jesus’ resurrection is the centre and core belief of Catholicism, and our expectation of heaven is cemented on this belief. It gives us hope to believe in our own resurrection, and that hope fuels our pilgrimage on this earth. We, as his faithful followers, do not hope in fleeting things; rather, our hope remains anchored in Christ’s victory over death. Thus, our expectation of heaven becomes the ladder that helps us climb out of the void of despair, which might arise out of the trials and tribulations of our lives!

Thus, the liturgy of the day calls us to be rooted in the power of Jesus’ resurrection, which gives us hope of a new life after death. It teaches us that life’s journey is not only about looking forward with hope, but also consists in trusting God’s timing and His will! To know that He is on our boat and is completely in control of the storms is a great consolation!

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

February 14, 2025February 14, 2025

15th FEBRUARY 2025

What does Mark 8:19 mean? | Bible Art

SATURDAY, FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 3: 9-24 Ps 90: 2-6, 12-13 Mk 8: 1-10

BROKENNESS TO RESTORATION

The readings of the day invite us to reflect on human brokenness and Christ’s restorative mission. God’s question in the first reading, “Where are you?” echoes through human history. It is not a question of location but of relationship. Adam and Eve’s attempt to hide reveals the disordered relationship brought about by their transgression. Despite their disobedience, however, God does not abandon them. The Church teaches in Gaudium et Spes that even in humanity’s fallen state, “God did not abandon them to the power of death but continued to reach out to humanity through His covenant.” God’s judgement includes the consequences of disobedience: toil, pain, and mortality. Yet, His act of clothing Adam and Eve signifies His enduring care, a foreshadowing of the grace to be fully revealed in Christ. As Pope Francis explains, “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.”

In contrast, today’s gospel offers a vision of restoration. Jesus, moved with compassion for the crowd, multiplies bread and fish, satisfying both their physical and spiritual hunger. In Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict XVI teaches that “Jesus gave Himself as bread, which fulfils man’s deepest hunger, the hunger for God.” The feeding of the multitude not only demonstrates Christ’s concern for human needs but also prefigures the eternal banquet in heaven. Furthermore, the disciples’ participation in distributing the bread reminds us of the church’s mission. As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to bring Christ’s life-giving presence to a world still struggling with the effects of sin. Lumen Gentium reminds us that the Church is “the universal sacrament of salvation,” extending Christ’s compassion to all, healing what was broken in Eden. Pope Francis summarises this beautifully in Laudato Si: “The history of salvation is one of God’s constant love for His people, culminating in the self-giving of His Son.”

Response: O Lord, you have been our refuge,
from generation to generation.

February 13, 2025February 12, 2025

14th FEBRUARY 2025

Imaginative Contemplation - Mark 7:31-37 - Be Opened

FRIDAY, FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Gn 3: 1-8 Ps 32: 1-2, 5-7 Mk 7: 31-37

JESUS COMES TO HEAL OUR BROKENNESS

In the readings of the day, we encounter the deep human struggle with sin, the longing for deliverance, and the healing power of God. The first reading takes us to the very origin of sin. Adam and Eve, living in perfect harmony with God, are tempted by the serpent to disobey God’s command. The serpent’s clever questioning, “Did God really say?” sows doubt in Eve’s mind about God’s goodness and intentions. This doubt leads to disobedience. As a result, they experience shame, fear, and separation from God. Their once intimate relationship with their Creator is broken. The consequences of this original sin continue to affect all of humanity today, as we too often fall into temptation, hiding from God in shame and fear, severing the deep connection He desires to have with us.

In the gospel, Jesus performs a miracle that illustrates His power to restore what sin has broken. A deaf and mute man is brought to Jesus, and with a simple touch, Jesus heals him, restoring his ability to hear and speak. This miracle is not just an act of compassion but a powerful sign of the Kingdom of God breaking forth into the world. Jesus demonstrates His authority over both physical and spiritual brokenness. The man’s healing points to a deeper spiritual truth: just as this man was restored to wholeness, so too does Jesus come to heal the deeper wounds caused by sin in our lives.

Just as the man’s hearing and speech were restored, we, too, need God to open our ears to hear His voice and our mouths to speak His truth. Through His sacrifice, Jesus has reconciled us with God, offering us the grace of healing and wholeness. The invitation is clear: in the face of our brokenness, we are to seek God’s mercy and healing, trusting that He can restore us. Like the healed man who proclaimed what Jesus had done, we are called to share the good news of God’s healing power. In Christ, we find not just physical healing, but spiritual restoration.

Response: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.

February 12, 2025February 11, 2025

13th FEBRUARY 2025

Intimacy With God: The Way to True Fulfillment - Focus on the Family

THURSDAY, FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 2: 18-25 Ps 128: 1-5 Mk 7: 24-30

THE GIFT OF RELATIONSHIP

Today we are reminded of the profound significance of relationships in our lives. In the readings, we see the beauty of companionship. From the very beginning, it is clear that we are created for relationships – first with God and then with one another. In the creation narrative, we find the profound truth that it is not good for us to be alone. God recognised the need for companionship, and so He created a partner, emphasising that our connections with others bring joy, support, and fulfilment. Whether it is with family, friends, or our community, relationships enrich our lives.

The psalmist echoes this sentiment, painting a picture of a blessed life built on loving relationships. Each relationship we cultivate reflects God’s love for us. When we invest in these connections, we experience the fullness of life that God desires for us. The gospel reading introduces a different kind of relationship, one that displays persistence and faith. A woman approaches Jesus with humility and determination, seeking healing for her daughter. Her perseverance is a powerful reminder that sometimes our relationships require us to be bold and unwavering. She does not let societal barriers stop her; instead, she presses on, showing us that love often demands courage.

In our own lives, we may encounter situations where we need to advocate for those we care about. This could mean standing up for a friend in need, offering support to a family member going through a tough time, or simply being present for someone who feels alone. Our willingness to engage in these relationships, to speak up, and to reach out reflects the heart of God’s love. Let us nurture them, seek them out, and be willing to act with faith and courage. May our hearts be open to the gift of relationships, and may we cherish the connections that enrich our lives.

Response: Blessed are all who fear the Lord.

February 11, 2025February 11, 2025

12th FEBRUARY 2025

matthew 5:8 Archives - I Live For JESUS !

WEDNESDAY, FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 2: 4-9, 15-17 Ps 104: 1-2, 27-30 Mk 7: 14-23

“BLESSED ARE THE PURE OF HEART”

When we think about ‘purity of heart’, we realise it is not just about doing good things on the outside. It is about what is inside our hearts – the love, the kindness, and the choices we make. In the gospel, Jesus teaches us that what truly defiles a person is not what we eat or what we do on the outside, but what comes from our hearts. This is a reminder that the heart is the centre of everything – our thoughts, our words, and our actions. The first reading reminds us that God created us with a purpose. Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, not just to live but also to take care of the world around him. God gave him moral responsibility – to love, protect, and care for creation. This responsibility was not just an external task; it was to start in the heart.

The same is true for us today. Our actions matter, but from where they come, i.e., our heart, matters even more. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Delexit Nos, shares a beautiful message about love. He says that God’s love is not just a feeling we experience but also something we are called to live out. God loves us deeply, and in return, we are called to love others. This love is what purifies our hearts. It changes the way we think, speak, and act. When our hearts are full of love, they overflow with kindness, patience, and compassion.

This is the most important lesson: purity of heart comes from love. It is not about being perfect; it is about loving others the way God loves us. Every day, we have a choice: Will we let our hearts be filled with love, or will we let anger, pride, and selfishness take over? Delexit Nos calls us to choose love, to let our hearts reflect God’s love for the world. Purity of heart is more than solely avoiding sin. It is about living with a heart that loves. It is about letting God’s love change us from within so that we can be a light to others and instrument of peace in the world.

Response: Bless the Lord, O my soul!