1 Samuel 16:1-13; Mark 2:23-28

Today's readings present two of my favorite Biblical accounts.  The first is the choosing of David as king.  The Gospel account is that of Jesus being confronted by a Pharisee because His disciples were violating the Sabbath by picking grain.

At first glance the two readings might seem to have nothing to do with each other, but in fact I believe that they are closely related.  The key passage in the first reading is one that has always been a little frightening to me.  God says to Samuel:  "Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance, but the LORD looks into the heart."  I find this a bit unsettling, because — as with, I believe, all humans — there is plenty in my heart that I don't want anybody to see.  There lie all of my weaknesses, temptations, unfulfilled desires and unholy thoughts.

Mark 2:18-22

In today's gospel reading, Mark 2:18-22, Christ talks about two integrated concepts: the old verses the new and joyfulness. He refers to himself as a bridegroom and calls us to celebrate with him when he says, "As long as they (the disciples) have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast." In The Church of Mercy, our beloved Pope Francis also intentionally calls us to be JOYFUL. "And here the first word that I wish to say to you: joy! Do not be men and women of sadness: a Christian can never be sad! Never give way to discouragement! Ours is not a joy born of having many possessions, but of having encountered a Person: Jesus, in our midst."

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34

1. John “Saw Jesus Coming Toward Him.” -  Jesus is always coming toward us, too. Why? Because he loves us. He never imposes himself. He doesn’t burst through the door and force us to accept him or even acknowledge him. But he does remain close, hoping we will catch a glimpse of his love and, in that instant, recognize that he is everything our hearts long for. What will happen if we open the door of our life, of our heart, to Christ? He will call us to abandon the tight confines of our egotism, greed, lust, envy, and selfishness. He will open undreamed-of horizons and give a rich, new dimension to our poor, fleeting days on this earth. He will bestow on us a transcendent mission: to testify to him not only with our words, but with everything that we are.

Mark 2:13-17

Jesus has just healed (physically and spiritually) the paralytic man. Now, Jesus takes time out of his teaching to say to Levi, a tax collector who is working at the time, “follow me.” Mark then presents the scene of Jesus at Levi’s house at table with him and many other “tax collectors and sinners.” As usual, the sight of Jesus in this situation upsets the Pharisees, which leads to Jesus saying, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

December 2019

Rome

▪ The Christmas Night liturgy in St Peter’s Basilica was attended by many pilgrims from all over the world. While presiding at the Holy Eucharist, Pope Francis in his homily gave an encouraging message focused on the theme of God’s grace: bringing salvation to all and shining on our world. The Pope described this grace as divine love, the love that changes lives, renews history, liberates from evil, it fills hearts with peace and joy. Furthermore, “Christmas reminds us that God continues to love us all, even the worst of us because we are precious in His eyes. His love is unconditional and does not change; it does not depend on us. His love it is not fickle, it is faithful. It is patient. In the beauty of God’s love, we also discover our own beauty, for we are the beloved of God. In His eyes we are beautiful, not for what we do, but for what we are”.

“Awake, encounter Christ and be witness of Joy to the world”

The members of Mary, Mother of Divine Love Province in India had their General Visitation from 28th October to 15th December 2019 made by Sr. Josephina D’Souza, the Vice - General and Sr. Liberata Niyongira, the General Councilor.

On 28 December 2019, the day of the Holy Innocents, the two Pallottine Sisters´ Communities joyfully celebrated the Mystery of Christmas in the Generalate of the Roman Pallottine Sisters and shared the joy of the Nativity of Jesus. The singing of Christmas carols in different languages, prayers at the manger and games for this season marked this community gathering. We all felt the beautiful Christmas atmosphere and close presence of the Infant Jesus among us, the beauty of communion and unity. At the end, we shared and enjoyed our Agape. For both Pallottine Sisters` Congregations this gathering was another trail stone of bridge-building among us and of family relationship with one another. We experienced the word: “Rejoice in the Lord and again I say rejoice”!

Mark 2:1-12

The reading from the Gospel of Saint Mark reminds me of what often happens in our Church:

1. As Jesus’ followers gathered around him, we are regularly coming together to listen to his word in our religious services, to having communion with him, and to be strengthened by the fellowship of believers. 
2. As Jesus’ followers focused on Christ, we too are attentive to his word.
3. As Jesus’ followers did not see the paralytic men who wanted to be close to Jesus, we often also overlook the human suffering around us, which is in need of Christ’s healing touch.