We come to the end of the fifth week in Ordinary Time, in which the first readings from Scripture illuminate the creation stories in Genesis, while the Gospel readings continue to follow the actions, prayerful pauses, and corrections performed by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. These readings reflect on God’s love in action, specifically creation, and how these creative powers establish connections with us, made in God’s image. Conversely, the Scripture confirms our all too human tendency to disconnect from God and our truest selves. Yet God continues to reach out and be right in our midst, gently calling us to turn around and embrace what is real and holy. These readings have powerful connections to the words of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers, especially on the themes of trust and surrender when one’s plans may not go as expected.

Here are the readings for Saturday, February 15 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Replica of the “Tabgha Mosaic,” Tabgha in Galilee, Israel)

Read pages 3 and 4 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

(Above photo of Brother Kevin Kenney, CFX and novices-Xaverian Brothers-more on him tomorrow)

1. The “expulsion” passage from Genesis takes a harsh view of the human condition and consequences for selfish behavior. Where can we find glimmers of hope and trust in this sobering narrative?
2. In the Gospel, consider the miracles that have occurred. Yes, the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish, but what other miracle took place in terms of belief and unbelief? How do the words of the Fundamental Principles remind us to trust the presence of God enough to walk an uncertain path whose outcome is unclear or doubtful?
3. In the Fundamental Principles, the author uses the word “surrender” as a challenge and goal. We normally associate surrender with failure and weakness. How does the author flip this perception?