10 Feb
Sun
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Is. 58:7-10
Ps. 112:4-5,6-7,8,9
1 Cor. 2:1-5
Mt. 5:13-16
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The Bible frequently reminds us that our religious life is lived on three dimensions. We have a personal relationship with God, a vertical relationship as it is frequently called. We have a relationship with others, a relationship that demands justice. This is what is frequently called a horizontal relationship. These two aspects of our religious life are frequently spoken about. But then there is the interior dimension, the relationship with oneself. Perhaps we less frequently speak about this relationship, often subsuming it into the other two. We may, however, suggest that this relationship is also important in itself.

Isaiah touches upon the three relationships. "The Lord will answer, 'Here I am'." implies a healthy relationship with God, a relationship of intimacy. "Do not turn your back on your own" is a message about the social obligations arising from our religion. Our wound will be healed: true religion and fidelity will lead us to greater integrity. This integrity will frequently mean a greater integration of faith and life, a more intense life of faith, hope and love. It will mean a deep inner harmony.



Lord, as we worship You and care for others, lead us to a deeper inner harmony and integrity.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That Catholic hospitals may be outstanding examples in the struggle against suffering and may play a leading role in proclaiming the Gospel of life and respect for the human person.
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : That Catholic hospitals may be outstanding examples in the struggle against suffering and may play a leading role in proclaiming the Gospel of life and respect for the human person.

Suffering in any form has a supernatural value. It becomes an efficacious moment for our own and other people's sanctification. This has been the teaching of the Church throughout history bearing in mind the grace of Redemption obtained for us by the Lord on the Cross in Calvary. The Lord's missionary mandate to preach the gospel includes the dual concept "evangelisation and care for the sick".

Convinced of this missionary goal and called on to be visible signs of the mercy and charity of Jesus, Catholic Hospitals are urged to give special evangelical witness by loving works and actions, the Church's solicitude for those who suffer. Hence, Catholic Hospitals are to promote initiatives and actions in favour of life and that the entire hospital health care system be imbued with the culture of enhancing life through generous love and dedicated service.

An essential characteristic of Catholic Hospitals is that its treatment of physical suffering must reflect the mark of the Holy Spirit which is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, understanding of others, fidelity, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5:22).




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