During the sixth week in Ordinary Time, in the Book of Genesis, time and time again human beings turn inward to their selfish desires or act destructively out of fear, perpetuating a cycle of isolation from love and friendship. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus seems to be almost physically shaking his friends and would be disciples out of their slumber and to open their eyes to what they are missing right in front of them.

As this week in Ordinary Time comes to a close, we reflect on both the mercy of God and on the nature of deep sharing in our lived experiences of experiencing God. How does affirmation of others, free of guile or self-interest, help reveal the presence of God in our midst and in the ordinary moments of a day?

Here are the readings for Saturday, February 22 from the First Letter of Peter and from the Gospel of Matthew.

(Painting above of “St. Peter’s Rescue from the Lake of Galilee” by Herbert Bokls)

Read page 8 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the biography of Br. Bartholomew Varden, CFX.

(Above photo of Brother Bartholomew Varden, CFX-Xaverian Brothers)

1. How does the passage from 1 Peter apply to leaders who aim to model the Xaverian value of Trust?
2. Jesus showed considerable trust in Peter, even though Peter had let Jesus down before and would do so again, and under more serious circumstances. What does Jesus’ message to Peter reveal about the nature of God and God’s relationship with human beings?
3. What gave Brother Bartholomew the energy to accomplish what he did in his ministries? What did his fellow Xaverian Brothers say about his demeanor as well as his achievements?