We begin the final and short Eighth Week of Ordinary Time prior to the season of Lent. The readings suggest wisdom and happiness occur when we place ourselves and our hearts in service of God and those we meet on our mundane day to day encounters. Giving oneself away is indeed a gift.

Here are the readings for Sunday, March 2 from the Book of Sirach, the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, and the Gospel of Luke.

(painting above “The Mulberry Tree” by Vincent Van Gogh)

Read page 23 of the Xaverian Charism Project of the Xaverian Brothers.

Read the appreciation of Brother Charles Cully, CFX.

(Above photo of Brother Charles Cully, CFX-Xaverian Brothers)

1. What did Ryken mean by finding “ordinary ground”? Is that something we can try to achieve or should we be asking a different question about this experience.
2. Brother Charles Cully was a remarkable human being. He was also one of the happiest men I’ve ever met. You could always tell when Br. Charles was approaching because you could hear his cheerful whistling as he made his way across campus. What was his secret? How can we share that secret with our loved ones and with strangers, as Br. Charles did?
3. Both the Old Testament and Gospel readings speak about authenticity in relationships. When is it most difficult to be your authentic self-with loved ones, at work, or when you find yourself alone with your thoughts?