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February 16, 2025

6th Sunday
Ordinary Time

FOCUS:   God lifts us up to greater things.

 

Our readings today emphasize that our eyes should not be fixed on things of this world. We will not find true fulfillment on earth, where things pass away. Rather, our focus is to be on the Lord and following his ways. He lifts us up, no matter what hardship we are facing.

What's in Your Heart

Today’s readings have a special message for preachers because they show the positive effects of deeply hearing the word of God. Nehemiah proclaims and interprets the law with such power that the people respond with tears. Paul says that when we are in the spirit, we recognize we are one body­—the Body of Christ. And Luke shows that from early on, Jesus was moved by the power of the Spirit and therefore clearly knew and proclaimed his mission.

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  • Can I think of times where my proclamation and preaching were inspired by the spirit? What made it so?

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  • Do I give myself enough time and openness with scripture to let their power fill me, so that it is no longer I who am preaching but the Spirit in me?

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  • Do I give enough attention and honor to all the members of the community, particularly those who may seem to be weaker?

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  • Do I keep my own mission clearly in focus in the course of my ministry?

Homily Stories

It was my sixth or seventh surgical treatment, I lost count, one every three or four months. It always ends with an ultrasound assuring everything is working before being sent home. I was lying there looking at the nurse administering it to me. She had a very prominent baby bump. Always the comedian, I remarked that she must have had similar tests the past few months. She responded affirmatively and then added it wasn’t in the same place I was having mine. We both laughed. She checked the results with the doctor and secured my release. 

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When she returned to dismiss me, I told her I was a Catholic priest and that if she would allow me to, I would like to bless the baby she was carrying. She started to cry. She was Catholic and welcomed the blessing. Four months passed and I was there again. The nurse performing the ultrasound was wearing a mask. I told her about what happened at my last surgery. She stopped and took off her mask. She was that nurse, now the proud mother of a three-month-old son. This time it was my turn to shed a tear. We all have our role in the Body of Christ. I shared mine and she in turn shared hers. In a simple way we had graced each other. I had shared my priesthood and when I returned, she shared her joy.

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Father Dominic Grassi

Bar Mitzvah Boy
Holy Bible

First Reading

Reading 1. 6th Sunday Ord Time
00:00 / 01:00

Second Reading

Reading 2. 6th Sunday Ord Time
00:00 / 00:56

Gospel

Gospel
00:00 / 01:34

Quotes

The Body of Christ was never meant to be lived alone.
—Matthew West, Christian musician       

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