Friday February 18/22

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 I prayed for a simple understanding of today's readings, waiting on the Lord for clarity. “Love is the only way forward” finally crystallized in my mind. The first reading from the Letter of James tells us in the that we are to live by faith with works of love: “Faith without works is dead.” In today's psalm, David speaks of the blessing that comes from fear of the Lord, delighting in His commands and not taking advantage of one's neighbour in need:

“Blessed the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commands.

...Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved; the just man shall be in everlasting remembrance.” (Ps 112)

Jesus sums it all up in His teaching on the cross. Through the cross, Jesus won for us the gift of eternal life. This gift is worth preserving more than any other. To be His disciple is to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. Instead of gaining the world for ourselves, we are to lose ourselves for the sake of His cross and Gospel to save our lives.


Lord Jesus, may I never deny You and what You have done in love for me. Give me the wisdom to understand which crosses You are calling me to carry, which works are most important, and the courage to embrace them wholeheartedly in faith for love of You. Amen.

Link to Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021822.cfm



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