In this third week of Ordinary Time, the readings continue to reflect the themes of encouragement to faith communities and challenges to embrace what is new so that we may maintain what is sacred. Please consider writing your own responses to the readings or reflection questions below, or to reply to other peoples’ contributions. Also, if you know of a person, either religious or lay person, who has modeled the Xaverian way, and wish to share their story, please feel free to add to the comments section. (Painting below “Christ in Red” by El Greco)

Here are the readings for Tuesday, January 28 from the Letter to the Hebrews and from the Gospel of Mark.

Then read pages 12 and 13 of the Xaverian Charism Project.

(Above photo of the Xaverian Brothers in Congo celebrating the Feast of St. Cecilia)

1. Why is Jesus being so enigmatic to everyone, including the modern reader, when he is asked about his family’s concern for him?
2. How do Jesus’ words about what makes a family relate to the concept of the Pneumatic dimension to faith-based or spiritual communities found in the Xaverian Charism Project?