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Saturday 25 May 2024 Saturday of week 7 in Ordinary Time - Reading

Saint Gregory VII, Pope 
 or Saint Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi, Virgin 
 or Saint Bede the Venerable, Priest, Doctor 
 or Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass
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First reading
James 5:13-20

A good man's heartfelt prayer has great power

If any one of you is in trouble, he should pray; if anyone is feeling happy, he should sing a psalm. If one of you is ill, he should send for the elders of the church, and they must anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over him. The prayer of faith will save the sick man and the Lord will raise him up again; and if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. So confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, and this will cure you; the heartfelt prayer of a good man works very powerfully. Elijah was a human being like ourselves – he prayed hard for it not to rain, and no rain fell for three-and-a-half years; then he prayed again and the sky gave rain and the earth gave crops.
    My brothers, if one of you strays away from the truth, and another brings him back to it, he may be sure that anyone who can bring back a sinner from the wrong way that he has taken will be saving a soul from death and covering up a great number of sins.

Commentary:

  1. Prayer in All Circumstances: James encourages believers to pray whether they are facing trouble, sickness, or joy, emphasizing prayer as a universal response to life's situations.

  2. Community Involvement: The involvement of the church elders in praying for the sick highlights the importance of communal support and care within the Christian community.

  3. Confession and Healing: James connects confession of sins with healing, underscoring the importance of spiritual transparency and accountability in fostering personal and communal well-being.

  4. Power of Persistent Prayer: James illustrates the power of persistent prayer through the example of Elijah, demonstrating how the prayers of a righteous person can have a significant impact.

  5. Restoring the Strayed: James concludes by emphasizing the importance of actively seeking and restoring those who have strayed from the truth, highlighting the role of believers in facilitating spiritual reconciliation and growth.

These points underscore the practical wisdom and spiritual guidance offered by James, urging believers to engage in prayer, confession, and communal support for the holistic well-being of themselves and others within the Christian community.


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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 140(141):1-3,8

Let my prayer come before you like incense, O Lord.

I have called to you, Lord; hasten to help me!
    Hear my voice when I cry to you.
Let my prayer arise before you like incense,
    the raising of my hands like an evening oblation.

Let my prayer come before you like incense, O Lord.

Set, O Lord, a guard over my mouth;
    keep watch, O Lord, at the door of my lips!
To you, Lord God, my eyes are turned:
    in you I take refuge; spare my soul!

Let my prayer come before you like incense, O Lord.

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Gospel Acclamation
Mt11:25

Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are you, Father, 
Lord of heaven and earth,
for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom
to mere children.
Alleluia!
________

Gospel
Mark 10:13-16
It is to such as these little children that the kingdom of God belongs

People were bringing little children to Jesus, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ Then he put his arms round them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.

Commentary:

  1. Jesus' Countercultural Stance: Jesus challenges societal norms by welcoming children, who were often overlooked in first-century Judea, into his presence.

  2. Inclusive Ministry: Jesus' actions exemplify the inclusive nature of his ministry, where all are valued and welcomed regardless of social status.

  3. Childlike Faith: Jesus teaches that entry into the kingdom of God requires a childlike faith, emphasizing humility, dependence, and trust in God.

  4. Discipleship Lesson: The disciples' initial reaction serves as a lesson in discipleship, highlighting the importance of welcoming and valuing all individuals, especially the marginalized.

  5. Divine Care and Blessing: Jesus' intimate act of blessing the children demonstrates God's love and care for the marginalized, affirming their inherent worth and value.

Mark 10:13-16 showcases Jesus' countercultural compassion for children and teaches us about the importance of inclusivity, humility, and trust in God's kingdom. It challenges us to emulate Jesus' example by valuing and welcoming all individuals, fostering communities of love and acceptance.
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