My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline
or give up when you are corrected by him,
6 because the Lord disciplines whomever he loves,
and he punishes every son or daughter whom he accepts.[a]
7 Bear hardship for the sake of discipline. God is treating you like sons and daughters! What child isn’t disciplined by his or her father?[Footnotes:
Hebrews 12:6 Prov 3:11-12]
11 No discipline is fun while it lasts, but it seems painful at the time. Later, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those who have been trained by it.
12 So strengthen your drooping hands and weak knees! 13 Make straight paths for your feet so that if any part is lame, it will be healed rather than injured more seriously. 14 Pursue the goal of peace along with everyone—and holiness as well, because no one will see the Lord without it. 15 Make sure that no one misses out on God’s grace. Make sure that no root of bitterness grows up that might cause trouble and pollute many people.
In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood. (Hebrews 12:4)
Recent international events have reminded us that in our struggle against sin, some of our brothers and sisters surely have endured severe opposition. In the last year, hundreds of thousands have lost their homes and jobs, and many, refusing to renounce their faith, have shed their blood. Today, let’s honor these brothers and sisters—in Asia, in Africa, and in the Middle East—by praying especially for them.
“Father, we pray for the persecuted Church around the world. These brothers and sisters are your treasures of immense worth. With hearts united, we ask for a gracious outpouring on those facing violence for their faith. Lead them into a deeper union with you as they seek you in prayer. May this union equip them with the strength they need to stand fast in the face of persecution, and to care for their loved ones during hardship. As they abide in your presence, make them as strong as oak trees planted by streams of water.
“Jesus, come and show yourself strong in their weaknesses, hardships, and persecutions. May the light of your risen glory shine on their faces. Beholding you, may they be changed from glory to glory. Lord, you have triumphed over sin and evil. Now walk beside them, and show them the way to victory.
“Holy Spirit, in the wake of violence and injustice, we ask that you bear the fruits of healing and forgiveness in the hearts of the persecuted. May no bitter root grow up. Strengthen them against the temptation to deprive their tormentors of the grace of God. Use the witness of your faithful ones to turn the hearts of the oppressors back to you. Come, Spirit, and bring greater unity in every hostile, divisive situation. Make us all one!”
As we carry these brothers and sisters in our hearts today, let’s hold onto the words of Pope Francis: “In martyrdom … violence is overcome by love, death by life. The Church sees in the sacrifice of the martyrs their ‘birth’ into heaven… . Jesus turns the death of those who love him into the dawn of new life!”
“Lord, strengthen the hands and knees of your faithful ones who are persecuted.” Amen!
Psalm 103: Of David.
1 Let my whole being[a] bless the Lord!
Let everything inside me bless his holy name!
2 Let my whole being bless the Lord
and never forget all his good deeds:{Footnotes:
Psalm 103:1 Or soul; also in 103:2, 22]
13 Like a parent feels compassion for their children—
that’s how the Lord feels compassion for those who honor him.
14 Because God knows how we’re made,
God remembers we’re just dust.
17 But the Lord’s faithful love is from forever ago to forever from now
for those who honor him.
And God’s righteousness reaches to the grandchildren
18 of those who keep his covenant
and remember to keep his commands.
Mark 6: Jesus in his hometown
1 Jesus left that place and came to his hometown. His disciples followed him. 2 On the Sabbath, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were surprised. “Where did this man get all this? What’s this wisdom he’s been given? What about the powerful acts accomplished through him? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were repulsed by him and fell into sin.
4 Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometowns, among their relatives, and in their own households.” 5 He was unable to do any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 He was appalled by their disbelief.
Sending out the disciples
Then Jesus traveled through the surrounding villages teaching.
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