Only children of the light can see the beauty and wonder of the creator in His creations. They too can see the good in others and draw it out. They have witnessed the great and abundant love of God in their lives and in the lives of others and are able to testify boldly without reservation. They who have fallen deeply in love with Jesus are disciplined in His ways and bear willingly the cross of His love to all.
Jesus Son of the living God have mercy on us. Heal us and open our eyes so that we may always see the truth. Let us never blaspheme against You by our words, thoughts and deeds darkened by our attachments to sin. Free us the snares of all evil so that we may live faithfully according to Your Word. Amen
St Timothy pray for us.
St Titus pray for us.
Amen
(Memorial – Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops)
First reading
2 Timothy 1:1-8
From Paul, appointed by God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus in his design to promise life in Christ Jesus; to Timothy, dear child of mine, wishing you grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.
Night and day I thank God, keeping my conscience clear and remembering my duty to him as my ancestors did, and always I remember you in my prayers; I remember your tears and long to see you again to complete my happiness. Then I am reminded of the sincere faith which you have; it came first to live in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I have no doubt that it is the same faith in you as well.
That is why I am reminding you now to fan into a flame the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control. So you are never to be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord, or ashamed of me for being his prisoner; but with me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God who has saved us and called us to be holy.
Gospel
Mark 3:22-30
The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, ‘Beelzebul is in him’ and, ‘It is through the prince of devils that he casts devils out.’ So he called them to him and spoke to them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot last. And if a household is divided against itself, that household can never stand. Now if Satan has rebelled against himself and is divided, he cannot stand either – it is the end of him. But no one can make his way into a strong man’s house and burgle his property unless he has tied up the strong man first. Only then can he burgle his house. ‘I tell you solemnly, all men’s sins will be forgiven, and all their blasphemies; but let anyone blaspheme against the Holy Spirit and he will never have forgiveness: he is guilty of an eternal sin.’ This was because they were saying, ‘An unclean spirit is in him.’
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