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Friday, February 14, 2014

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Sts. Cyril & Methodius


1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19
Psalm 81:10-15
Mark 7:31-37

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"Jesus took him off by himself away from the crowd." —Mark 7:33

Jesus sometimes healed people impersonally. For instance, sometimes He may have healed hundreds at one time. When Jesus healed a woman who was hemorrhaging for twelve years, He didn't even know she was healed until after the fact (Mk 5:30). However, Jesus' healing of the deaf man with a speech impediment was one of His most personal healings. Jesus took this man "off by himself away from the crowd" (Mk 7:33). He gave him One-on-one attention. Jesus "put His fingers into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue" (Mk 7:33).

Do you need Jesus' very personal touch for healing? If so, step out of the crowded conditions of your life. Lock yourself in a prayer closet with Jesus (see Mt 6:6). Have a heart-to-heart talk with Jesus. Meet Jesus in solitude and silence. Intimately receive the body and blood of Jesus into your body at Mass (see Jn 6:56).

People may laugh at you and call you stupid or ugly, but Jesus treasures you. You are beautiful in Him and to Him. Come away to be alone with Jesus. He loves you so much He died for you. Be alone with Jesus; be alone with Love Himself (see 1 Jn 4:16).

Prayer:  Father, open me and free me so that I will speak freely and plainly of Your love (see Mk 7:34-35).

Promise:  "If only My people would hear Me, and Israel walk in My ways, quickly would I humble their enemies."—Ps 81:14-15

Praise:  St. Methodius endured great opposition during his mission to Moravia. He was imprisoned for several years but nonetheless translated the entire Bible into Slavonic before he died.

Reference:  (To come closer to Jesus as you are alone with Him, consider ordering our book, Conversion-Conversations. This book contains forty weeks of brief daily prayer conversations that will bring you deeply into His heart.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 8, 2013

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