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.

Today we hear hopeful reminders about the innate goodness of humans and God’s very essence as self-giving, connected together by a covenant promise. In the Gospel of Mark, Peter fails to connect the notion that we most authentically share our goodness through openness to others’ needs and through acts of self-sacrifice. Poor Peter, he had the best of intentions, like all of us. At the same time, one cannot blame Jesus for losing his temper, much like a beleaguered teacher who has explained the same concept over and over again to a class that will not internalize the message because they are too distracted.

Here are the readings for Thursday, February 20 from the Book of Genesis and from the Gospel of Mark.

(Image above from Little Life Designs)

Read page 19 in the Xaverian Charism Project.

Read the biography of Br. Charles Moran, CFX on pages 478-479 in the Xaverian Menology.

(Above photo of Brother Charles (Timon) Moran, CFX, Xaverian Brothers)

1. Think of time in which you thought you were being helpful to someone and you said the wrong comment or did the wrong action instead. When did you recognize your error? Did it change you at all?
2. Brother Charlie created an extraordinary opportunity for young people to experience the Xaverian Charism beyond the classroom which has since produced generations of Xaverian partners in mission. How did he witness to the power of the “ordinary” that is shared in the Xaverian Charism Project?
3. As you read the text in the Xaverian Charism Project, reflect on Ruusbroec’s thoughts on the “common good” and on humanity’s chance to “come back home.” How can those phrases have meaning for us in our highly structured and often repetitive days?