Saturday, February 04, 2012 {St. Joseph of Leonessa, Capuchin, Priest (Memorial)}

REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY
Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth.
-- Dei Filius

READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Kings 3:4-13
4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer on that altar.
5 In Gibeon Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, Ask what I shall give you.
6 Solomon said, You have shown to your servant David my father great loving kindness, according as he walked before you in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you; and you have kept for him this great loving kindness, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

7 Now, Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child; I don’t know how to go out or come in.
8 Your servant is in the midst of your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can’t be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9 Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this your great people?
10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11 God said to him, Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, neither have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice;
12 behold, I have done according to your word: behold, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there has been none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like you.
13 I have also given you that which you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings like you, all your days.
Psalms: Psalm 119:9-14
(Psalm 119:9-14)
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
10 With my whole heart, I have sought you. Don’t let me wander from your commandments.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, That I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes.
13 With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, As much as in all riches.
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34
30 The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught.
31 He said to them, “You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
32 They went away in the boat to a desert place by themselves.
33 They saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to him.
34 Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.