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TODAY’S WORD…

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When Bartimaeus [a blind beggar] heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby,

he began to shout,

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

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“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.

But he only shouted louder,

“Son of David, have mercy on me!”

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“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“My rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.”

Instantly the man could see,

and he followed Jesus on the way.

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– Mark 10:47-48;51-52 (NLT)

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QUOTE…

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“’Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’

Don’t you feel the same urge to cry out?

You who are also waiting at the side of the way,

of this highway of life that is so very short?

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You who need more light,

you who need more grace to make up your mind to seek holiness?

Don’t you feel an urgent need to cry out,

‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’

What a beautiful aspiration for you to repeat again and again! […]

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Our Lord, who had heard [the blind man] right from the beginning,

let him persevere in his prayer.

He does the same with you.

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Jesus hears our cries from the very first, but He waits.

He wants us to be convinced that we need Him.

He wants us to beseech Him,

to persist,

like the blind man…”

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– St. Josemaria Escriva

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PRAYER…

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Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!

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Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!

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Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

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YEAR OF FAITH 2012-2013

FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH…

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A particular gift of the Holy Spirit. The first grace of this sacrament [the Anointing of the Sick] is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age.

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This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death.

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This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God’s will. Furthermore, “if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

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[CCC 1520]

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