In times of trouble

Amidst the troubles of nations, the troubles of a world, and even the troubles of our daily lives, the message of today's Responsorial Psalm (62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9) gives clear words of comfort and guidance:

With God is my safety and my glory,
he is the rock of my strength;
my refuge is in God.

Trust in him at all times, O my people!

Pour out your hearts before him.

For successful revolutions, politics and lives

“You shall not
bear hatred for your brother or sister in your heart.

"Though you may have to reprove your fellow citizen,
do not incur sin because of him.

"Take no revenge
and cherish no grudge against any of your people.

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
I am the LORD.”

(from today's first reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18)

What to do with freedom

If you choose you can keep the commandments,
they will save you;

if you trust in God,
you too shall live;

he has set before you fire and water
to whichever you choose,
stretch forth your hand.

Before man are life and death, good and evil,
whichever he chooses shall be given him.

Immense is the wisdom of the Lord;
he is mighty in power, and all-seeing.

The eyes of God are on those who fear him;
he understands man’s every deed.

No one does he command to act unjustly,
to none does he give license to sin.

(today's first reading - Sirach 15:15-20)

Lift the gloom

Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless;
clothe the naked when you see them,
and do not turn your back on your own.

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help,
and he will say: Here I am!

If you remove from your midst
oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;
if you bestow your bread on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday.

(Today's first reading - Isaiah 58:7-10)

What shall we pray for this month?

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for February is for the Family.

"That all may respect the family and recognize its unmatched contribution to the advancement of society."

His mission intention is for those Suffering from Disease.

"That the Christian communities may witness to the presence of Christ in serving those who suffer from disease in those mission territories where the fight against disease is most urgent."